Businesses planning a new website are often presented with two broad options: a custom website or a template-based website.

Both approaches can produce professional websites.

The main differences usually involve the amount of customisation, development work, flexibility, cost and time required.

A template website generally starts with an existing design framework that is then adapted for the business.

A custom website involves creating more of the website specifically around the project’s individual requirements.

Neither approach is automatically better for every business.

The right choice depends on your goals, budget, functionality, branding, content and how much flexibility the website requires.

If you are currently comparing providers, you can also explore our Web Design Services page.

What Is A Template Website?

A template website starts with a pre-designed website layout or theme.

The provider then adapts that template using the business’s:

• Logo
• Colours
• Fonts
• Images
• Content
• Services
• Products
• Contact information
• Calls to action

Templates may be available through platforms such as:

• WordPress
• Shopify
• Squarespace
• Wix
• Webflow
• Other website builders

Some templates provide relatively fixed layouts.

Others can be extensively modified using page builders or development tools.

This means the term “template website” can cover a very wide range of projects.

What Is A Custom Website?

A custom website is designed and developed more specifically around the needs of an individual business.

Instead of relying primarily on an existing layout, the website may be planned around:

• The business
• Target customers
• Branding
• Content
• User journeys
• Services
• Products
• Required functionality
• Integrations
• Conversion goals

Custom development can range from creating unique page layouts within an existing CMS to developing specialised website functionality from scratch.

For that reason, not every custom website involves completely original code.

The amount of custom work should be clarified when comparing providers.

What Is The Main Difference Between A Custom Website And A Template Website?

The main difference is the starting point.

A template website begins with an existing design or framework.

A custom website begins more directly with the individual requirements of the project.

With a template website, the business is often adapting its content to an existing structure.

With a custom approach, the structure and design can be created around the content and requirements of the business.

However, the distinction is not always absolute.

A provider may take a template and customise it heavily.

Another may create custom page designs while still using an established CMS or development framework.

The important question is therefore not simply whether the website is called “custom”.

Ask what is actually being designed and developed specifically for your project.

Template Website Advantages

Template websites can offer several practical advantages.

Lower Initial Cost

Using an existing design framework can reduce the amount of design and development work required.

This can make template websites more affordable for businesses with limited budgets.

Faster Development

Because the basic structure already exists, development may be completed more quickly.

This can be useful for businesses that need a straightforward website within a relatively short timeframe.

Established Layouts

Popular templates often use common website structures visitors already understand.

This may include:

• Familiar navigation
• Standard page layouts
• Contact sections
• Service grids
• Calls to action
• Mobile menus

A proven layout can provide a practical starting point.

Suitable For Straightforward Websites

Businesses requiring a relatively simple website may not need extensive custom development.

A template may work well for:

• Small service businesses
• Consultants
• Trades
• Local businesses
• Basic portfolios
• Informational websites

The important consideration is whether the template meets the actual requirements.

Template Website Disadvantages

Templates can also create limitations.

Less Design Flexibility

The website may need to work within the structure of the chosen template.

Although colours, fonts and images may be changed, deeper layout modifications can require additional development.

Similarity To Other Websites

Popular templates may be used by many businesses.

Without sufficient customisation, different websites can therefore look similar.

Unnecessary Features

Some templates include large amounts of functionality that the business does not require.

This can result in:

• Extra code
• Additional plugins
• More settings
• Increased maintenance
• Potential performance issues

Future Limitations

A template that works for the business today may become restrictive if requirements change substantially later.

Before choosing one, consider whether it can support likely future changes.

Custom Website Advantages

A custom approach can provide greater flexibility.

Design Around The Business

The website can be structured around:

• Brand identity
• Services
• Products
• Audience
• Content
• Customer journey
• Business goals

The business does not necessarily need to fit its information into a predetermined layout.

Greater Design Flexibility

Custom design can allow greater control over:

• Page layouts
• Navigation
• Typography
• Spacing
• Visual hierarchy
• Calls to action
• Interactive elements
• Mobile layouts

This can be particularly useful for businesses with distinctive branding or unusual content requirements.

Custom Functionality

Some websites require features that standard templates do not easily provide.

These might include:

• Custom booking systems
• Calculators
• Member areas
• Customer portals
• Advanced forms
• Databases
• Product configurators
• Custom search
• API integrations
• Specialised ecommerce functionality

Custom development may be appropriate when the website has important technical requirements.

Scalability

A well-planned custom website may provide greater flexibility as the business grows.

Additional functionality, content or integrations can potentially be incorporated without being constrained by an unsuitable template.

However, scalability still depends on how the website has been built.

“Custom” alone does not guarantee that a website will be easy to expand.

Custom Website Disadvantages

Custom websites can also involve trade-offs.

Higher Initial Cost

Additional planning, design and development usually require more time.

This generally makes custom websites more expensive than straightforward template-based projects.

Longer Development Time

The provider may need to complete:

• Discovery
• Planning
• Wireframes
• Design concepts
• Revisions
• Development
• Testing

This can increase the project timeframe.

Greater Project Complexity

Custom projects may involve more decisions and require greater input from the client.

Clear project management becomes increasingly important as complexity increases.

Ongoing Specialist Support

Highly customised websites may require developers familiar with the system when significant changes are needed.

Before commissioning custom functionality, consider how the website will be maintained after launch.

How Much Can A Template Website Be Customised?

The answer depends heavily on the template and platform.

Possible customisations may include:

• Logo
• Colours
• Fonts
• Images
• Navigation
• Page sections
• Buttons
• Forms
• Headers
• Footers
• Page layouts
• Blog layouts
• Product layouts
• Mobile presentation

Some modern page builders allow extensive modification.

At that point, a heavily customised template can begin to look and function very differently from its original design.

Ask the provider to explain which parts of the website will be customised and which parts will remain based on the original template.

Does A Custom Website Mean Everything Is Coded From Scratch?

Not necessarily.

Most modern websites rely on existing technologies, frameworks, libraries or content management systems.

A custom WordPress website, for example, may still use WordPress as the CMS.

Customisation could involve:

• Custom page layouts
• Custom styling
• Custom theme development
• Custom functionality
• Custom integrations
• Custom plugins

Using established technology is not necessarily a disadvantage.

What matters is whether the resulting website suits the project’s requirements.

Custom Website vs Template Website Design

Design flexibility is one of the clearest differences between the two approaches.

A template may already determine:

• General layout
• Navigation style
• Header
• Footer
• Page widths
• Content sections
• Blog layouts

Custom design can allow these elements to be planned around the business.

However, businesses should also avoid customising simply for the sake of being different.

Visitors generally benefit from familiar website conventions.

Navigation should still be easy to understand.

Contact information should still be easy to find.

Calls to action should still be obvious.

Good custom design should improve usability rather than create unnecessary complexity.

Custom Website vs Template Website Cost

Template websites will often have a lower initial price because some of the design and development work has already been completed.

Custom websites generally require more professional time.

Cost can depend on:

• Number of pages
• Design requirements
• Content
• Functionality
• Ecommerce
• Integrations
• Custom coding
• SEO
• Photography
• Copywriting
• Testing
• Training

A simple custom website may still cost less than a highly complicated template-based project.

Likewise, a heavily customised premium template may require significant development work.

Compare the actual project scope rather than assuming the label determines the price.

Custom Website vs Template Website Development Time

Template websites can often be created faster.

The provider may already have:

• Page structures
• Components
• Navigation
• Responsive layouts
• Design systems

Custom websites require more work before development is complete.

This may involve:

1. Discovery
2. Website planning
3. Sitemap
4. Wireframes
5. Design
6. Client review
7. Revisions
8. Development
9. Content entry
10. Testing
11. Launch

If the project has a strict deadline, timeframe should be discussed early.

Which Option Is Better For Small Businesses?

Small businesses do not automatically require one particular approach.

A straightforward service business may be perfectly suited to a customised template.

For example, the business may simply need:

• Home page
• About page
• Service pages
• Contact page
• Quote form
• Blog
• Basic SEO setup

Building extensive custom functionality may provide little additional value.

However, another small business may have specialised requirements that justify a custom website.

The decision should therefore be based on requirements rather than business size alone.

For more detail about common website inclusions, see our Small Business Website Package guide.

Which Option Is Better For Established Businesses?

Established businesses may have more complex requirements, but that does not automatically mean they require a completely custom website.

Consider:

• Number of services
• Number of locations
• Existing branding
• Marketing campaigns
• Website traffic
• Integrations
• Internal systems
• Content volume
• Ecommerce
• Lead generation
• Reporting requirements

A customised template may still be suitable.

The question is whether the platform and design provide enough flexibility for current and future requirements.

Which Is Better For Branding?

Custom design can provide more flexibility when a business has a distinctive visual identity.

Designers can work around:

• Brand colours
• Typography
• Photography
• Graphic elements
• Illustration
• Tone
• Layout
• Visual hierarchy

However, a quality template can also be customised to reflect a brand effectively.

Branding depends on more than whether a template has been used.

Poorly executed custom design can still create an inconsistent brand.

Well-executed template customisation can still create a highly professional result.

Which Is Better For SEO?

Neither custom websites nor template websites automatically rank better in search engines.

SEO depends on many factors, including:

• Website structure
• Content
• Search intent
• Technical configuration
• Page performance
• Internal linking
• Mobile usability
• Authority
• Competition
• Ongoing optimisation

Both approaches can be built with strong SEO foundations.

Likewise, both can be built poorly.

When comparing providers, ask how SEO considerations will be incorporated into the project.

Website Structure And SEO

Search engines need to be able to crawl and understand the website.

Important structural considerations can include:

• Logical navigation
• Clear page hierarchy
• Internal links
• Search-friendly URLs
• Appropriate headings
• XML sitemap
• Indexing configuration

These elements can be implemented on both custom and template websites.

Website Speed

Website performance can depend on:

• Hosting
• Images
• Code
• Scripts
• Plugins
• Fonts
• Third-party tools
• Caching
• Database configuration
• Theme quality

Some poorly optimised templates can contain unnecessary features or scripts.

However, a poorly developed custom website can also perform badly.

The implementation matters more than the label.

Ask providers how website performance will be tested.

Mobile Responsiveness

Both custom and template websites should work across common screen sizes.

This includes:

• Desktop
• Laptop
• Tablet
• Smartphone

Many modern templates are responsive by default.

Custom projects should include responsive design as part of the development process.

Always check whether mobile optimisation is included in the project scope.

Website Functionality

Functionality can be an important factor when deciding between approaches.

A standard template may already support common functionality such as:

• Contact forms
• Blogs
• Galleries
• Ecommerce
• Booking
• Maps
• Social links

Custom development may be required for more specialised features.

Before selecting an approach, create a list of everything the website actually needs to do.

Separate requirements into:

Essential functionality

and

Optional functionality

This can help avoid paying for features that provide little practical value.

Ecommerce Websites

Template-based ecommerce platforms can be suitable for many online stores.

Platforms may provide existing functionality for:

• Products
• Shopping cart
• Checkout
• Payments
• Shipping
• Discounts
• Customer accounts

Customisation may still be required for branding or specialised features.

More complex stores may require custom development when they involve:

• Special product configuration
• Complex pricing
• Unusual checkout processes
• Custom inventory systems
• Advanced integrations

The right approach depends on the ecommerce requirements.

Integrations

Businesses increasingly need websites to communicate with other systems.

These may include:

• CRM platforms
• Email marketing
• Accounting software
• Payment gateways
• Booking systems
• Marketing automation
• Inventory systems
• Customer portals
• Analytics platforms

Some integrations can be handled using existing plugins or applications.

Others require custom development.

Ask providers which integrations are standard and which require additional work.

Website Maintenance

Both template and custom websites require maintenance.

Template website maintenance may include:

• Platform updates
• Theme updates
• Plugin updates
• Backups
• Security
• Testing

Custom websites may also require:

• Custom-code maintenance
• Framework updates
• Integration maintenance
• Developer support

The maintenance arrangement should be discussed before the website launches.

Updates And Compatibility

Templates, plugins and website platforms can change over time.

Updates may improve:

• Security
• Performance
• Compatibility
• Features

However, updates can occasionally create conflicts.

Custom systems also require maintenance as technology evolves.

Ask who is responsible for maintaining the website and what ongoing costs apply.

Website Ownership

Ownership should be clear regardless of which approach is used.

Ask who owns or controls:

• Domain
• Hosting
• Content
• Images
• Website files
• Theme
• Custom code
• Plugins
• Analytics
• Search Console
• Third-party accounts

A template may also involve licensing conditions.

For example, premium themes or plugins may require ongoing licences.

Determine who is responsible for those licences and renewals.

Can You Move A Template Website To Another Provider?

This depends on the platform and how the website has been built.

Some websites can be transferred relatively easily.

Others may depend heavily on:

• Proprietary platforms
• Provider licences
• Custom plugins
• Hosting systems
• Page builders

Ask about portability before beginning the project.

Understanding this can help avoid unexpected complications if you later change providers.

Can A Template Website Be Redesigned Later?

Usually, yes.

However, the amount of work depends on:

• Platform
• Theme
• Existing content
• Website structure
• Plugins
• Customisations
• New design requirements

Sometimes modifying an existing template is practical.

In other situations, creating a new design may be more efficient.

If your existing website is becoming difficult to update or no longer meets your needs, see our Website Redesign Checklist.

Can A Custom Website Use A Content Management System?

Yes.

Custom websites can still use content management systems such as WordPress.

This can allow businesses to manage:

• Text
• Images
• Blog posts
• Services
• Products
• Team members
• Other content

Custom design and a usable CMS are not mutually exclusive.

Ask providers what content you will be able to edit after launch.

Is A Template Website Unprofessional?

No.

Using a template does not automatically make a website unprofessional.

The result depends on:

• Template quality
• Design customisation
• Branding
• Content
• Images
• Usability
• Performance
• Implementation

Many professional websites use established themes, frameworks and reusable components.

The issue is whether the finished website looks credible and meets the requirements of the business.

Is A Custom Website Automatically Better?

No.

A custom website can provide more flexibility, but additional customisation is only useful when it supports a genuine requirement.

A business may spend substantially more on custom development without receiving meaningful additional value if its needs are straightforward.

The objective should be to choose the level of customisation appropriate for the project.

Questions To Ask About A Template Website

Before choosing a template-based website, ask:

• Which template will be used?
• Can I see an example?
• How much will it be customised?
• Can layouts be changed?
• Is it mobile responsive?
• Is the template licence included?
• Are premium plugins required?
• Who pays renewal costs?
• Can functionality be added later?
• Can the website be moved?
• Will I receive administrator access?
• Who maintains the template?
• What happens if the template is discontinued?

These questions help clarify what you are actually purchasing.

Questions To Ask About A Custom Website

If a provider is proposing a custom website, ask:

• What exactly is being custom designed?
• What is being custom developed?
• Which platform will be used?
• Is an existing framework involved?
• Will I be able to edit the website?
• What functionality is included?
• Who owns the custom code?
• Will documentation be provided?
• Who maintains the website?
• What ongoing support is required?
• Can another developer work on it later?
• Are there ongoing licence costs?

The term “custom” should be supported by a clear explanation of what work will actually be completed.

How To Choose Between A Custom Website And A Template Website

Start with the requirements rather than the technology.

Ask:

1. What does the website need to achieve?
2. Who will use it?
3. What pages are required?
4. What functionality is required?
5. How important is distinctive design?
6. Are integrations required?
7. Will functionality expand later?
8. Who will manage the website?
9. What is the available budget?
10. What is the required timeframe?

Once those questions are answered, providers can recommend an appropriate approach.

Compare The Entire Website Proposal

Do not compare providers only on whether they offer “custom” or “template” websites.

Compare the complete proposal.

This may include:

• Planning
• Design
• Development
• Number of pages
• Content
• Mobile optimisation
• SEO setup
• Forms
• Integrations
• Ecommerce
• Analytics
• Hosting
• Security
• Training
• Support
• Maintenance
• Ownership
• Timeframe
• Price

A clearly defined template-based project may provide better value than a vaguely defined custom project.

Likewise, a custom solution may be appropriate where a template cannot meet important requirements.

Custom Website vs Template Website: Which Should You Choose?

There is no universal answer.

A template website may suit businesses that need:

• A straightforward website
• Standard functionality
• Faster development
• Lower initial costs

A custom website may suit businesses that require:

• Greater design flexibility
• Specialised functionality
• Complex integrations
• More control over layouts
• Unique user journeys

Many projects will sit somewhere between these two extremes.

A provider might begin with an established platform while creating customised layouts and functionality for the business.

Focus on what the finished website needs to accomplish rather than the label used to describe the development approach.

Compare Digital Services helps Australian businesses explore professional web design providers and request quotes based on their project requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Custom And Template Websites

What Is The Difference Between A Custom Website And A Template Website?

A template website begins with an existing design framework that is customised for the business. A custom website is designed and developed more specifically around the individual project’s requirements.

Is A Custom Website Better Than A Template Website?

Not automatically. Custom websites generally provide greater flexibility, while template websites can be faster and more affordable. The appropriate approach depends on the project’s requirements.

Are Template Websites Good For Small Businesses?

They can be. Businesses requiring straightforward pages and standard functionality may find a professionally customised template provides everything they need.

Is A Custom Website Better For SEO?

Not necessarily. Both custom and template websites can perform well in search when they have good structure, content, technical configuration and ongoing optimisation.

Are Template Websites Faster To Build?

They often can be because much of the underlying design structure already exists. Project time still depends on content, customisation, functionality and revisions.

Are Custom Websites More Expensive?

They commonly cost more because additional planning, design and development are required. The actual difference depends on the scope of each project.

Can A Template Website Be Customised?

Yes. The amount of customisation depends on the platform, template and development tools being used.

Can I Change From A Template Website To A Custom Website Later?

Yes, but the amount of work required depends on the existing platform, content, website structure and new requirements.

What Should I Ask A Web Designer Before Choosing?

Ask about the design approach, platform, customisation, functionality, content, SEO, ownership, hosting, ongoing costs, support and what is specifically included in the quoted price.

How Do I Compare Custom And Template Website Quotes?

Compare the actual scope, design work, functionality, pages, content, integrations, SEO, support, ownership and ongoing costs rather than comparing the words “custom” and “template” alone.