Is it Better to Use a Custom WordPress Website Design or Template?

WordPress runs about half the websites on the internet — yeah, it’s that big. If you’re a business owner wanting to get online, you’ve basically got two main paths: build a custom WordPress site or grab a pre-made template. Both have their good points and their drawbacks. Really, it comes down to what you need your website to do.

Let’s break it down so you can see which option suits your business best.

What’s a Custom WordPress Website Design?

Think of a custom WordPress site like a bespoke suit. Everything is measured and tailored just for you. You’re working with designers and developers who build your website from the ground up—layouts, colours, features, the lot. It’s made to fit your brand and business goals exactly.

You get to call all the shots—from how it looks, to what it does, to how it performs. It’s not cookie-cutter; it’s unique.

Here’s why you might go custom:

• Unique branding: Your colours, fonts, style—everything matches your business identity perfectly.

• Tailored features: Need a special booking system or a custom e-commerce setup? No problem.

• Better speed & SEO: Because it’s built cleanly, with only what you need, it loads faster and plays nicer with search engines.

• Room to grow: As your business evolves, your site can adapt—add features, redesign sections, whatever you need.

But yep, it’s not all sunshine.

• Custom sites cost more. You’re paying for the skill and time to make it just right.

• Takes longer to build. Weeks, sometimes months—depends on complexity.

• You’ll want ongoing support. Bugs and security patches need looking after, usually by the same experts who built it.

Back in 2021, I worked with a client called Greenfield Landscapes. We built a custom booking and client portal that fit their exact workflow—and it took about 3 months to get it perfect. They knew it was worth it though, because their old template site just wasn’t cutting it.

 

What About WordPress Templates?

Templates (or themes) are like buying off-the-rack clothes. Someone else designed the style, and you just tweak it to fit your business. There are thousands out there—free, paid, simple, complex—you name it.

Templates get you up and running fast. Install, swap out colours and images, and you’re mostly done. Perfect if you want something quick and don’t have the budget for custom.

The pros here:

• Cheap and cheerful: Many templates are free or low cost, great if funds are tight.

• Fast setup: Days, maybe a week max, and you’re live.

• Loads of choices: Tons of designs to pick from, lots have drag-and-drop builders for easy edits.

• No tech needed: Even if you’re not a web wizard, you can get a decent site going.

But, here’s the catch:

• Limited in how much you can tweak. The design is set in stone to an extent.

• Your site might look like hundreds of others using the same template.

• Some templates pack in features you don’t need, slowing things down.

• If the template isn’t updated regularly, you risk compatibility and security issues.

I remember a retail client, Jess, who launched on a free template last year. It looked great at first but she hit a wall when she wanted to add specific product filters and integrations. We had to rebuild a custom site to fix that.

 

What Should You Consider When Choosing?

Here are the main things to think about:

• Budget: Templates are easier on the wallet. Custom sites cost more upfront but may save money long-term.

• Time: Need a site now? Templates win hands down. Custom needs patience.

• Branding: Want something that truly screams you? Custom all the way.

• Functionality: Check if the template covers your needs or if custom features are essential.

• Growth: If you plan to scale or add complex stuff later, custom gives you more flexibility.

 

So, Custom or Template?

Honestly, it depends. If you’re tight on budget or timeline, templates are a smart start. They get you online fast with a professional look. But if you want a site that’s built around your unique business and can grow with you, custom is the better bet.

Look—this stuff works because I’ve seen it both ways. For smaller projects or quick launches, templates do the job. For bigger brands, or businesses serious about growth, investing in custom design pays off.

 

Need a Hand Building Your Site?

Thinking about custom WordPress but not sure where to start? That’s where an experienced agency can make a world of difference.

We’ve been crafting custom WordPress sites for businesses like yours at Chromatix for over ten years now. If you’re after a site that’s speedy, flexible, and totally yours, just give us a shout.