These days, having your own website is pretty easy. If you have any technical inclinations, you can most likely figure how to buy a domain, choose your host, and get started with a free WordPress theme in under 30 minutes. And that might be just what you need! It all depends on where you are at in your business.

In this post, I’m going to explore with you when it makes sense to buy a pre-made WordPress theme and when it’s beneficial to work with a website designer to create a custom theme for your business.

First a disclaimer: I am a web designer (that’s me ^). I absolutely love creating custom WordPress themes for my clients. But I understand that not everyone is at the journey in their business to invest in a strategically designed website created to generate leads and convert visitors into customers. This post will help you determine where you fall on that journey.

You Should Buy A Pre-Made Theme If

You just launched your business. Starting a new business is an unproven theory. Whether you’re solving a problem with a service or a product, no outcome is guaranteed. Costs are high and income is low. Purchasing a low-cost website might be your best option right now.

You want to go live immediately. Pre-made themes are a dime a dozen on the internet. You can find them all over the place!

You Should Work With A Web Designer If

You’ve been in business for a few years. Things are going well, your business is chugging along. Maybe you got by on a pre-made theme for a few years, but now that you have some experience under your belt you’re ready for a website that’s going to work just as hard as you. Your business is unique and your website needs to reflect that.

You need a website that doesn’t just exist but creates results. Your website is the only piece of real estate on the internet that you 100% own. There’s no algorithm hiding your content. You have control over how your business is presented and how you can guide potential customers through your brand. Investing in a strategically designed website that is completely unique and customized to your needs and goals will start producing the results you need (ie, book more clients, receive more inquiries, establish your brand as an expert in your industry, etc).

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that both of these options are 100% valid and have their place. It all depends on where you are in your business and where you want to go.