I often get asked about the difference between a templated website (like WordPress or Wix) and a bespoke website. Each has its pros and cons, with the main advantage of a templated site being cost. They are generally cheaper and come with a range of plugins that offer great functionality, such as booking systems, calendars, memberships, and payment options.
I design both WordPress and bespoke sites so if you’re deciding between, or curious to know more about the differences betwen the two, here are a few key things to consider:
What is a bespoke website?
I like to compare websites to houses – a bespoke website is a bit like a self build – you can do anything with it. You can have the pages (rooms) where you want – in any layout you like, you can fill the pages with what you want (bathrooms, bedrooms, cinema rooms), you can have a unique look and feel (colours of the walls) and so on.
A WordPress website, on the other hand, has limitations – you can have as many pages as you like, but what is in it may not be possible and certainly you can’t have the layout any way you would want – certain things may be set like the logo being top left. It’s possible to change it but it will cost quite a lot to do (think of moving a path from the left to the right side of a house – possible but quite a lot of hassle!).
Look & feel & usability
If you use an off-the-shelf template, your content may have to fit into a fixed layout, limiting usability. While I customise templates when working with them, many designs are fairly rigid, meaning you may have to compromise on elements like logo size or positioning.
A bespoke website is built entirely around your business and, more importantly, your users’ needs, creating a seamless web experience. It will be completely unique, making your brand stand out from the crowd!
I recently designed a bespoke website for Cambridge Law Society, creating a fresh colour scheme and incorporating unique elements while working closely with them on their content. This level of customisation simply isn’t possible with a template.
Security
WordPress is generally secure, but it’s not as robust as a bespoke site. Regular plugin updates are essential, but even then, some plugins may become outdated or unsupported, which can cause parts of your site to break. Plugins can need patching as they can be vulnerable to being hacked. After all, if you were a hacker would you choose a platform used by millions, or one used by one business?
Since WordPress is widely used, hackers often target it, whereas a bespoke site, built with unique code, is far less likely to be compromised. That said, I’ve never had security issues with the WordPress sites I’ve built.
Ownership and scalability
Always make sure you own your website. Many people unknowingly have their sites controlled by developers or agencies, which can create issues later (more on this see my blog Are Free Websites Too Good To Be True?). WordPress sites can be expanded, if functionality and plug ins allow, but you may be tied into a monthly cost.
A bespoke site, however, allows for seamless upgrades and greater flexibility. Since you have full control over the code, you can work with a developer to add virtually any feature without limitations- the sky is (almost) the limit!
SEO (Search engine optimisation)
SEO helps search engines like Google find your website more easily.
Some template platforms don’t optimise well for SEO, while WordPress is better but still not as effective as a bespoke site.
A bespoke site allows for tailored, optimised code that improves visibility and ranking on search engines.
It’s worth noting that being ‘no 1 on Google’ is easier for certain phrases than others, and SEO is a different skill to design or development.
Speed
A WordPress site uses a lot of plug ins and code which can slow down page loading speeds. They also accept images of any size, meaning large files can be uploaded when smaller ones would do, further slowing the site down. A web designer shouldn’t fall foul to this but if you’ve created the website yourself, it’s easy to overlook.
A bespoke website, with streamlined code and no unnecessary plugins, runs much faster – this is especially important for people using their mobiles when out and about.
Cost
A WordPress site may come with ongoing costs for plugins, themes, and maintenance.
Bespoke websites require a larger initial investment, but often they have fewer ongoing expenses.
Timeframes
A templated site is a quick and efficient way to get online. I can have a simple one-page website live within a day or two, while a more comprehensive 5-6 page site typically takes a couple of weeks. This is provided the client has content like text and photography ready to go. Website creation is a collaborative process, so timelines also depend on how quickly you can provide feedback and how efficiently I can deliver designs.
A bespoke site takes longer as it involves a custom design phase that must be signed off before development begins. As a rough guide, the initial design can usually be approved within a week or two, with additional pages following shortly after. Web development is more time-intensive than design, so expect a longer timeframe for the site to go live. The exact timeline depends on factors like functionality and whether a content management system (CMS) is required. I often compare it to building a house – a simple 10-room layout is much quicker to build than one with multiple kitchens and bathrooms!
Conclusion
A bespoke sites is worth the extra investment if you a user-friendly, secure, unique and scalable site that stands out from the crowd. Its would also be quicker to load and more more adaptable in the future.
A WordPress site, on the other hand, is ideal if you’re on a budget, need something up and running quickly, and want an easy-to-use content management system (CMS).
If you’re considering a new website, whether bespoke or WordPress, get in touch!
I love designing both and can help you find the best option for your needs and budget
My credentials?
- A first-class Interactive Design degree
- 6 years at the BBC as an interactive TV designer
- 3 years at a Londonagency designing ecommerce sites and emails
- 18 months freelancing at Visit York which included graphic design, logo design and social media
- 15 years of freelance experience working with businesses of all sizes and industries
