Even if finding a theme for your WordPress site feels like trying to put together a jigsaw without having seen the final picture, the vast array of pre-made templates with custom solutions tools is more than sufficient.
Fret not, though, because we’re here to assist. It is in the course of this guide that we aim to give you a clearer understanding of what type of theme fits your unique needs and how you should choose accordingly.
Both custom and pre-made themes on WordPress have their pros and cons. Your choice should depend on factors like budget, time frame, level of expertise, and overall objective for your site. Let’s break these factors down and make things easy for you to decide.
Pre-made themes or off-the-shelf or ready-made themes are templates set in advance with the possible end user, the WordPress service user, in mind. You can find them in the WordPress theme directory. These themes offer simplicity in modification and user-friendliness, which is why they are quite popular among website owners.
Off-the-shelf themes are quite affordable and well-designed; most of them fall within reach. These themes are a popular choice among small businesses, personal bloggers, and anyone else working with a tight budget. This is all in contrast to custom website designs, which cost thousands.
Pre-made themes are a great solution as they help save time if you are running on a tight deadline. After purchase, installation and customization of these themes can be done in just a few hours. These are considered perfect for projects that have to be launched quickly.
Variety is not an issue when it comes to pre-built themes. There are specific themes for portfolios, e-commerce stores, blogs, and more. In addition, many of them come pre-loaded with demo content to facilitate replication.
One of the best qualities of ready-made themes is the availability of user-friendly features. Because of the inclusion of drag-and-drop builders, such as Elementor and WPBakery, in these themes, even novices can create stunning websites. Yes, without any coding skills.
Although it is possible to edit the colors, fonts, and templates to a certain degree, profundities like a fully developed unique theme or theme-oriented functionality remain elusive. You may reach a point where these themes scarcely resonate with your requirements.
Pre-made templates are used by many people. It implies that your site could resemble that of others, which is not ideal if you want to stand out.
Some ready-made themes might be bloated with features you would not need, and this can cause your page to load slower. Slow websites can be frustrating to users and negatively impact your SEO service performance.
You may need to hire a developer if any problems arise or advanced changes are required in your website. This could mean unforeseen costs which completely contradict the initial low price of the theme.
According to DigiCorns, WordPress pre-made themes are best for:
Anyone requiring a website up and running quickly.
Your website requires specific designs, which can only be fulfilled by a custom theme. Rather than modifying a pre-designed template, a custom theme is created from scratch by a professional developer or reputable agency like DigiCorns. This option is perfect for businesses or people who want to stand out and need higher-level features.
Custom themes offer the highest level of flexibility. They can be given a specific layout, interactive elements, and distinct features as required. Your developer can custom-build all such features and more to exactly match your vision.
A site that reflects your brand perfectly can only be achieved through a custom theme. Your logos, color schemes, and other design components will be set according to your vision, ensuring that your website stands out and is easy to remember.
As the design and functionalities are tailored for your website, there is no addition of redundant code or features that serve no purpose. This often leads to faster loading times and heightened efficiency.
Pre-made themes come with constraints, but custom themes enable your business to grow unrestricted. Your website can be modified and expanded according to your business goals and shifts in demand.
Having a competent and experienced developer means that you have someone who can be trusted for updates, troubleshooting, or adding new features. This support often proves to be invaluable over time.
Compared to ready-made websites, custom websites may look costly. However, they are like compound interest and prove to be fruitful in the long run. The high cost of these sites is a barrier for small businesses or individuals.
Developing a custom theme can take a lot of resources. Depending on the intricacies, it can take weeks or even months worth of time before your website can go live.
Any major updates or changes made to your custom themes virtually always require a developer’s assistance. Without ongoing maintenance, your website can become outdated and less secure.
Though anyone can go for a custom theme, they are commonly in demand by:
Here are a few practical steps to help you make the right decision:
Have you tried finding out how much you are willing to spend? You can certainly buy pre-made themes, but a custom-designed theme will always nurture in the long run in terms of scalability and brand value.
Ask yourself – what’s the purpose of your website? If you only need a professional space for your portfolio, the pre-made WordPress theme will get the job done, but if you are the owner of a business and want growth, then it is better to opt for the custom theme.
Try considering how and when you will need your website. Pre-made themes are a definite time saver. However, working with a developer to create something bespoke will require time.
Features and functionality are a must-consider debate. If your website is simple, ready-made WordPress themes are a definite choice. However, custom themes are best for websites that involve unique user experiences.
At DigiCorns, we focus on helping both individual clients and businesses to create stunning websites. If you are looking for a low-cost design option or a fully customized theme, we can guide you every step of the way. The right theme is waiting for you, and it is ready to be transformed into your idea.
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