This Is Why Your Custom Website Costs More Than a Template
This Is Why Your Custom Website Costs More Than a Template
So you found a $200 website template on Etsy and thought, “Why would I pay thousands for a designer when I can just do this myself?”
I get it. But here’s the thing: that $200 template? Cute. Functional. Basic. I even offer some! Don’t get me wrong, I like them too.. but a custom website?
Whole. Different. Game.Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you’re paying for and why it’s worth every penny.
You’re Not Just Paying for Pretty, You’re Paying for Brains
Designers aren’t just moving text boxes around. We’re blending branding, psychology, user experience, and strategy into one site that works while you sleep.
It’s the difference between hiring an architect to build your dream house vs. buying a floor plan and hoping for the best.
Some Templates Aren’t Built for Your Business
Typically templates are designed to work for everyone which means they’re actually made for no one in particular.
A custom site? Every section, every word, every button is designed to lead your dream client straight to the “Book Now” button. No wondering if you have the right buttons or call to actions to attract YOUR clients.
Strategy Comes Before Sexy
Anyone can make a site look pretty. But does it convert? Does it lead your clients where you want them to go?
When you hire a pro, we start with your goals, your offers, and your client’s behavior. Then we design around that. Pretty comes last, because strategy is what sells.
Features Don’t Magically Appear
Online booking, automated forms, members-only portals, email sequences… these don’t just happen when you install a template. They take time, tech know-how, and troubleshooting so they actually work.
And if you’ve ever screamed at your laptop trying to fix “that one thing that looks nothing like the demo
… you know the pain.You’re Buying a Long-Term Asset
A template might work for now, but as soon as your business grows, you’ll outgrow it. Then you’re right back at square one, redoing your entire site.
A custom build? It’s designed to grow with you, last for years, and actually make you money.
Done-for-You = You Get Your Life Back
You could spend weeks Googling, YouTubing, and fighting with your template… or you could have it done right, the first time, while you focus on running your business.
The Bottom Line
A custom website isn’t expensive because we’re “charging for pretty.” It’s an investment in your brand, your client experience, and your sanity.
Templates have their place, but if you want a site that works for you without the tech overwhelm and risk of crashing out and starting over AGAIN?
Babe, hire the pro.hi there, i'mOdalys Ogma
I’m a strategic Squarespace web designer for service-based founders who are ready to trade algorithm anxiety for a website that books clients on autopilot. I blend timeless design with conversion-focused strategy so you can show up online with clarity and ease.
