If you have chosen to create a website on the WordPress platform, you definitely focus on design and functionality. One of the first steps is to decide if you would prefer a pre-existing theme with small tweaks or if you need a completely custom theme created especially for you. There are pros and cons to both options: pre-built WordPress themes versus custom WordPress design.
A
CUSTOM WEBSITE
Developing a custom WordPress website involves the integration of front-end, back-end and design elements adapted to specific branding and functionality.
B
WEBSITE WITH PURCHASED THEME
On the other hand, pre-made WordPress themes offer a quick solution with preset functionalities and visual styles; just adjust the color, text and images.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.
BENEFITS
CUSTOM WEBSITE
- Initially, you will stand out as the only individual or company online using that particular theme. Given the large number of WordPress-based blogs, this will set you apart.
- By opting for a custom theme, you can ask developers to create all the necessary components specific to your domain and business, developments that can improve the user experience on the site.
- Various custom connection integrations with accounting programs or ERPs, CRMs that a company might have can be included much more easily in custom themes.
- Custom themes will usually only have the necessary code to implement the concept and for this reason they are more flexible and can be more easily optimized for a very high loading speed.
- As a rule, several specialists are involved in the development of such a project: Graphic designers, front-end and back-end developers, marketing specialists, project managers, testers, etc.
WEBSITE WITH PURCHASED THEME
- The first aspect is profitability. Although some themes might be more expensive than others, depending on the level of customization and added modules they still remain within a reasonable budget.
- Another significant advantage of purchased WordPress themes is their ability to be durable over time. It is important to note that not all pre-made WordPress themes are created equal. However, the higher quality ones consistently provide regular updates and reliable support.
- The implementation time for these themes can be 1-3 weeks until a live website.
- A thorough training as a graphic designer, programmer, etc. is not necessary. because the theme comes with a certain set of options that anyone with a little PC skill can handle. Also, many of these topics offer the possibility of intervention by some specialists, but usually with many limitations.
disadvantage
CUSTOM WEBSITE
- The biggest downside for someone considering a custom WordPress theme is the expense. It won’t cost you hundreds of dollars (or local currency equivalent) but certainly a few thousand, but in today’s landscape, online image has the power to shape your success. Therefore, any investment in improving the attractiveness and effectiveness of your website is a wise financial decision for your business.
- Another aspect to consider before deciding on a custom WordPress website design is whether the developer will handle future updates, bugs, etc. that is, to provide support. A good indicator would be the longevity of the company (a young company is more likely to abandon you down the road, while one with more than 10-15 years of experience in the field might be more reliable from this point of view).
- The development time is longer and can vary between 1-3 months. For this type of projects in the initial phase a concept is drawn which is presented to the client and which undergoes several declines until it reaches the implementation stage. As a rule, several specialties in the field intervene until the project goes live.
WEBSITE WITH PURCHASED THEME
- The downsides of opting for a pre-made theme largely depend on the source you choose. Does it follow established WordPress development standards, such as distinguishing core features from theme design? Is their code well organized? How is their customer support? How often do they release updates? Do they maintain an engaged community forum for solving day-to-day problems? And so on.
- Every pre-built theme you choose comes with a lingering downside: limited customization flexibility. This is more obvious when you opt for a theme because you don’t have the knowledge to create or customize it yourself.
- Most of the purchased themes have a more consistent package of functionalities so that they can attract as many customers as possible. However, many of these features remain active even when not in use. They act as an impediment to the project, this makes it very difficult to optimize them in terms of loading speed.
When it comes to choosing between a ready-made WordPress theme and custom website development, there is no clear answer. So whether you opt for a prefab or custom option, it’s essential to weigh as many factors as possible before making a decision.
What are your thoughts on custom vs. purchased/premade WordPress themes?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
