Custom or template? We break down the pros and cons of each to help businesses choose the right web design strategy.
Custom design, on the other hand, starts with a blank canvas. It gives you full control over how your site looks, feels, and functions. This approach is ideal for businesses with specific requirements, multiple service offerings, or a brand story that deserves more than just a basic layout. A custom website is built around your business goals, user behavior, and long-term growth strategy. It allows for more meaningful UX design, better performance optimization, and stronger SEO structure from the start.
At Cobalt, we work with clients on both types of builds. For businesses with a limited budget or short timeline, we offer what we call the Easy Way. It’s a template-based solution tailored to fit your brand without compromising core functionality or credibility. It’s not about just slapping your logo on a pre-built theme. We still apply strategic thinking to the content, layout, and user flow so your site feels polished and purposeful.
For clients with bigger ambitions, we offer custom. This is a fully bespoke website designed from the ground up to reflect your brand, support specific workflows, and scale alongside your business. This approach is often the best fit for companies investing in their digital presence as a core part of their growth.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your goals, audience, and how your website fits into your broader business strategy. What matters is that the design approach aligns with what you actually need—not just today, but in the months and years ahead.
If you’re unsure which path is right for you, that’s exactly what we’re here to help with. We don’t just build websites. We guide you through the strategy behind them so your business can move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether we start with a template or from scratch, the outcome is the same: a site designed to perform. A site that works. A site that grows with you.