WordPress Themes versus Bespoke Design

 

When your WordPress website is being built, it will either be built from scratch with a design that is bespoke to you, or made using a pre-made theme.

 

Of course, when you have a bespoke website design, this means that it will be unique to you and not used by any other websites. Using a WordPress Theme means that there will be other websites with identical, or a very similar look and feel to your website.

 

Bespoke Design

 

Having a bespoke design does come with lots of benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the pros & cons below:

 

PROS

  • Complex functionality or integration between services
  • Better performance if your site is likely to be high in traffic.
  • The identity of your business will be consistent throughout the site and will ensure an overall positive user experience.
  • You will have total control of your online presence, from design to functionality
  • The developer will make sure your website works and looks good with different types of browsers, including mobile and tablet devices.
  • You should have support at your fingertips if urgent changes need to be made

 

CONS

  • It will take much longer to build
  • The cost will be significantly higher than a template theme design
  • May also require ongoing specialised maintenance from the developer

 

 

Template Themes

 

WordPress Themes are customisable to some degree but there are limitations, also, if you customise the theme significantly you can rack up costs quickly. Here are some of the pros & cons to consider:

 

PROS

  • The design is already built therefore the development time is greatly reduced
  • Generally cheaper a basic theme can start from as little as £50
  • Can be managed via a CMS system by you (reduced outsourcing costs)
  • Overall much lower development cost for the whole website

 

CONS

  • Limitations on how much the design can be altered making quick stylistic changes across the site more challenging.
  • The functionality of the layout and navigation may not be suited to the purpose of the site and need customisation.
  • You will need a good developer to customise the theme in the UK.

 

Ultimately, your budget and timeframe will dictate whether a bespoke website or customisable theme is best for you. Around 80% of all WordPress websites are built on themes.