Think back to the last time you landed on a website that felt slow, outdated or simply generic. Chances are you clicked away. In 2026, when attention spans are shorter than ever and competition online is fierce, your website is often the first – and sometimes only – chance you get to make a great impression.
At Koola Digital, we understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some businesses benefit from a quick templated build; others need a fully bespoke site that evolves with them. We get it. Because we’ve been there. In this post, we compare custom vs templated websites to help you choose the right path for your goals, budget and growth trajectory.
The pitfalls of DIY websites
As businesses try to save a buck, they often fall into the trap of trying to do their own websites. They quickly realise that their cost-cutting measures have backfired, costing them more time and money in the long run.
We've seen cautionary tales of those who opted for the DIY route or hired inexperienced developers, resulting in subpar websites that needed complete overhauls. It's vital to understand your current and future website needs to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of a second website overhaul. What’s more, when you work with the right web design and development agency, budget-friendly is still an option.
The custom vs templated comparison
You can get a clearer picture of what each can offer by understanding the fundamental differences between custom-designed websites and generic template-based ones (both of which are an option with Umbraco, our platform of choice).
Custom websites
Customised websites are designed and built from scratch. They offer a high degree of flexibility and can be tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences. Custom websites can have unique functionalities and a distinctive appearance that is wholly aligned with your brand identity, helping you stand out and deliver a more memorable customer experience. They can also be built around your SEO strategy and allow for endless scalability.
This level of customisation requires a skilled developer well-versed in the latest version of Umbraco, which means they take longer to build and cost more. Additionally, ongoing site maintenance and updates require more technical expertise.
Templated websites
For quicker and more cost-effective website deployment, uSkinned offers a collection of pre-designed themes and layouts for Umbraco. These templates come with user-friendly interfaces and various design options, making them a good choice for those with limited resources or tight deadlines.
While uSkinned themes offer ease of use and speed, they may lack the customisation depth that a fully bespoke Umbraco site offers. They are fully scalable but may have limitations in terms of functionality. And while uSkinned themes are SEO-friendly, a custom-built Umbraco site could gain an edge in more advanced SEO strategies.
At Koola Digital, we partner with you
We don’t push one solution over another. Whether you go for a templated build or a fully custom site, we’ll guide you through what makes sense for your business. If you start with a template and scale later – we’re here. If you invest in a custom build from the start, we’ll build something solid, scalable and true to your brand.
Because at the end of the day, your website isn’t just a place online. It’s your digital home base, your brand’s voice, and your customer’s first impression.
If you’re unsure which path makes sense for your next website, let’s talk.
