Templates Are Fine. Until They Are Not.
Not every business needs custom development. But some definitely do. Here's how to know which camp you're in.
The real template vs custom decision
A Framework for Deciding
We've helped dozens of businesses make this decision. Here's the framework we use.
Document Your Limitations
What specifically can't you do with your current template? What workarounds are you using? What's the actual business impact?
Quantify the Cost
What are those limitations costing you? Lost sales? Manual labor? Competitive disadvantage? Put numbers to it if possible.
Project Your Needs
Where will you be in 2-3 years? Will your needs grow beyond what templates can handle? Plan for that trajectory.
Compare True Costs
Template cost + workaround costs + opportunity costs vs custom development. Often custom is cheaper when you count everything.
See It In Action
I expected a sales pitch for custom development. Instead, they walked me through exactly when it would and wouldn't make sense. That objectivity is rare.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know before moving forward.
What counts as a template website?+
Anything where you're working within pre-built structures: Squarespace, Wix, WordPress themes, Webflow templates, Shopify themes. The common thread is that you're customizing, not building from scratch.
How much more does custom cost?+
Typically 5-20x more upfront. A template site might be $2-5K; custom might be $15-100K depending on complexity. But monthly costs, workaround costs, and opportunity costs can close that gap significantly.
Can I start with a template and go custom later?+
Absolutely. That's often the smart path. Start with a template, validate your business, and invest in custom when you've outgrown it and have the revenue to justify it.
What if I'm not sure about my future needs?+
Start with a template. Custom development makes most sense when you have clarity on what you need. Uncertainty favors the cheaper, more flexible option.
Are there middle-ground options?+
Yes. Headless CMS with custom frontend. Template with custom functionality added. Webflow with custom code embeds. These can bridge the gap for some needs.
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