When building a website, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to go with a custom web design or a template web design. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and timeline. To decide, it also helps to know what a web design company does and how they can guide you through the process.
What is a Web Design Company?
A web design company is a team of professionals who design, create, and maintain websites for businesses. Their role goes beyond making a site look attractive. They focus on user experience, functionality, branding, and performance to ensure your website truly represents your business.
Typical services include:
- Custom Web Design – Unique layouts and features tailored to your brand.
- Template Web Design – Pre-built designs set up quickly with some customization.
- Website Maintenance – Keeping your site secure and updated.
- SEO and Digital Support – Helping your site rank higher and reach the right audience.
Whether you choose a custom or template web design, working with a professional website design company ensures you get the right guidance and support.
Is Web Design the same as UI/UX?
Not exactly. Website design covers the overall look and structure of a website, including layout, colors, and navigation. UI (User Interface) is the visual side: menus, buttons, and interactive elements. UX (User Experience) focuses on how users feel when navigating your site, making sure it’s smooth and functional.
In short:
- Web design = overall site creation
- UI = visual interface
- UX = user experience and usability
All three go hand in hand, but they’re not the same.
Pros of Template Web Design
- Affordable – Budget-friendly for startups and small businesses.
- Fast to Launch – Pre-made layouts mean you can go live quickly.
- User-Friendly – Many templates have drag-and-drop features.
- Wide Variety – Thousands of templates available across industries.
Cons of Template Web Design
- Limited Customization – You’re confined to the template’s structure.
- Less Unique – Other businesses may use the same design.
- Scalability Issues – Not always suited for advanced features.
- Performance Risks – Some templates slow down due to heavy code.
Pros of Custom Web Design
- Unique Branding – Your site is built to reflect your brand and identity.
- Flexibility – Full control over layout, features, and design.
- Scalable – Grows with your business needs.
- SEO-Friendly – Developers can optimize for search engines.
- Better Performance – Clean, efficient coding for speed and reliability.
Cons of Custom Web Design
- Higher Cost – Requires more investment than templates.
- Longer Development – May take weeks or months to complete.
- Needs Professional Support – Ongoing updates often require experts.
Custom vs Template: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between custom vs template website design depends on your current needs and long-term goals.
- Choose a Template Web Design if:
- You’re running a startup with a limited budget.
- You need to launch quickly.
- You don’t require advanced features.
- Choose a Custom Web Design if:
- You want a website that truly represents your brand and identity.
- You’re planning to scale your business.
- You need advanced functionality or integrations.
- SEO and performance are top priorities.
How Much Does a Web Designer Cost?
Costs vary depending on design type and provider. In the Philippines:
- Template Websites: can start at ₱20,000
- Custom Websites: ranges from ₱50,000 to ₱200,000
Freelancers may charge per project, while agencies like iManila offer complete packages including design, hosting, and maintenance. Investing in the right option prevents costly redesigns later.
Final Thoughts
Both custom and template website design have their strengths. The key is to align your choice with your goals and budget. A custom website gives you flexibility and uniqueness, while a template website offers speed and affordability.
At the end of the day, the most important step is to partner with the right experts.
At iManila, we design, build, and maintain websites that help your business grow whether custom made or template based. Our team of web designers, developers, and digital specialists are here to make your online presence stand out.
Partner with iManila
With 29 years of experience in the industry and an IT company at its core, iManila, having been one of the first Internet Service Providers in the Philippines and recognized as one of the best web developers in the Philippines, is committed to providing our clients with innovative information technology, web, and digital solutions.
iManila is a full-service business web development company in the Philippines ready to help you with WordPress website creation or building an ecommerce website for your business. From web design and development and website update and maintenance, to web hosting, email hosting, and technical, desktop and remote support, we are your team. Aside from this, we are also a website and mobile applications development company specializing in customized web
