WordPress is an open-source content management system allowing users to build websites, create blogs, etc. WordPress allows its users to create websites using both premium themes as well as custom themes. Users have a long list of choices from which they can choose. One key factor determining whether the client will be selecting a custom or premium theme is the budget and amount of time they can designate for building a website. For agencies that need a reliable white-label WordPress development partner, understanding the difference between template and custom themes is essential to scoping projects accurately.
Custom design and premium designed templates both have their benefits and drawbacks. What determines which option the client will be going with is expenditure and the features they want to include in their website. In this blog post, we will look at various other core features and factors that can help you clarify which theme is most desirable for your work: custom or premium. So let’s get started!
WordPress Template Themes: When They Work Best
Often businesses purchase premium themes available on WordPress. These themes can range from $30-$100 with multiple plugins and other core features that will assist you in creating a user-friendly website. Templates are extremely important when you begin your journey of building a website. So let’s look at the benefits and a few complications you might face with your template.
For a deeper look at how theme selection affects SEO and user trust, read how this simple theme choice shapes SEO, UX, and your client’s trust.
Template Themes – The Plus Points
- Quick and Easy:
Template-based themes make the job of building a website much faster. This is only possible once your content for the website is ready. - Code:
Some templates feature clean code, which means the HTML and CSS are up to date and compatible. However, it is dependent on the theme you select. Avoid using free themes. If your team is working with page builders alongside themes, our guide on how to use WordPress page builders breaks down the best options. - Budget-Friendly:
If you know what you’re doing and are confident enough to comprehend some basic needs, you can often get a theme installed for free. You can also hire a professional to install and configure the website for a few hundred dollars (add your logo, change colors, set up the widgets). - Clean, Modern Designs:
There are currently some extremely attractive themes available. It’s not the same as it used to be. I recall the days of bloated code and excessive visuals in HTML themes. There are some truly fantastic themes available today. - Additional Support:
The developer will provide additional assistance if something goes wrong with a template theme. - Updates:
If the theme isn’t heavily customized after installation, the developer can supply updates that are simple to deploy.
Themes that have been well designed have great support and provide their users with helpful options. For themes that are designed well, have great support, and have some nice options, reputable theme providers like WP Engine’s Genesis framework (formerly StudioPress), Elegant Themes, and developer-focused theme shops on ThemeForest are worth exploring.
Template Themes – The Negative Points
- Locked-In:
A template often locks you into a design and setup. When selecting a theme, ensure that it includes page options like sidebars, full-page width, and header variations for your logo and tagline. - Code:
To make a template work, as shown in the sample, it can be bloated with code and hefty plugins. Your website must be lightweight and load quickly. - Support:
Themes’ support may be restricted. Your theme developer may be able to assist you if a theme conflicts with a plugin. Choose premium themes with solid support to avoid problems in the future. Send a question to see how quickly they respond, then check their help forums for activity. - Security Risk:
Some themes, particularly free themes, have ‘dirty’ code, which means the template includes harmful or malicious software (security vulnerabilities) placed there by the author or a hacker. Hidden or missing code can cause chaos on your WordPress site, and if a hacker gains access, you’re in huge trouble. Make certain to choose a premium theme from a reliable supplier. Read is your WordPress website secure? for a checklist your team can use during development.
When Your Client Needs a Custom WordPress Theme
Every company has its brand and graphics standards. That being said, you cannot let your brand be generalized like every other brand out there by letting it be displayed with the use of pre-designed themes with no uniqueness. Don’t waste your time with a design that is simply a redesigned version of an existing premium WordPress theme. Yet keep your eye out for a custom WordPress theme that can be coded specifically for your company and its one-of-a-kind personality. However, remember that custom designs have certain drawbacks.
Custom Themes: The Plus Points
- Branding:
A custom design can be coded to cater to your brand specifically. It takes the uniqueness of your branding— its colors, audiences, purpose statements— into consideration. This is where custom website development delivers the most value for agencies with design-driven clients. - Versatility:
Building your framework from scratch allows you to program it according to your needs. Custom WordPress themes allow for greater flexibility and creativeness. This can be done by wireframing, followed by Photoshop tweaks to tailor the design you are looking for. Your imagination only limits designs, and the scope is endless. - Specific Needs:
One can also be in control of arranging the widgets within the theme. This allows for greater ease of functionality and a unique layout and format. - Uniqueness:
As discussed earlier, a custom design is not a generalized pre-designed format. Custom branding for your company will help set you apart from the rest and stand out from your competitors. A pre-designed theme can only increase your chances of looking like everyone else.
Custom Themes: The Negative Points
- Investment:
A custom WordPress theme, while starting, can often be cost-prohibitive. We suggest that clients lay out their budget to try and understand whether they can afford to make changes. That is, a few changes are usually made once the site is up and running and that would then include the expense of updating the theme. Can a client afford the time and money? However, remember that a custom web design is always cost-effective and a worthy investment in the long run. - Time:
It takes time and effort to build a custom theme that works best with the needs of a company. It can take about 4 to 10 weeks, depending on how many features the site requires. However, the fruit of such hard work can always lead to an efficiently designed unique site. An ongoing WordPress maintenance plan takes this burden off the agency and ensures themes stay secure and up to date. - Bugs and Maintenance:
The final downside of a custom theme is that it makes it difficult to keep up with new features that WordPress comes out with. These custom templates tend to have developers that routinely come out with bug or security fixes. You will need to ensure that you are in constant contact with your developer to fix any new bugs.
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Whether your clients need a polished template setup or a fully custom WordPress build, White Label IQ handles the development so your agency can focus on strategy and client relationships. Talk to our WordPress team →
Template vs. Custom: Making the Right Call for Your Client
So there you have it, your choice of a WordPress theme largely depends on many factors like budget considerations, time available, branding requirements, support required and many more. There are no right or wrong answers while designing one’s custom WordPress theme. However, it is important to consider whether your website plays a strategic role in your marketing efforts and strategy plans. In either case, WordPress is a solid and reliable platform from a reputable WordPress development core team. They offer great support, updatability, community, etc. You can also avail the custom elements that seem important to you. Agencies that want to offer both options without building an in-house team can explore white-label web development services to scale their WordPress delivery.