Website template vs custom website. Which one is right for you?

website-templates-vs-investing-in-web-design

We’ve all been there, friend.

Toying with the idea on buying a website template and DIY-ing it or hiring a web designer to create a fully custom site.

Maybe you don’t even know if your business should have a website (spoiler alert: it definitely should).

So, what the heck is right move for you & your business?

SHOULD MY BUSINESS EVEN HAVE A WEBSITE?

Your website serves as digital home to display all your offers in one place. It’s also the one thing you own (along with a newsletter!)

Remember when Instagram completely shut down for days? It was like a freaking ghost town.

If your business is only on social media & that happened again, there’s no way for you customers to reach out to you!

The same goes with having an Etsy page for all your creative products.

Now, don’t get me wrong I loveee Etsy. But, just like Instagram, it can be gone in an instant.

I don’t want you losing sales because you’re solely relying on Etsy & social media to do the work for you.

Think of social media as an extension to displaying your offers & a place to give a ton of free value! Not the only place you show your offers.

SHOULD I DIY IT OR INVEST IN A WEB DESIGNER?

As creatives, we always wanna get our hands in something design relate. At least I know I do. 🙋‍♀️

But just because we could doesn’t mean we should.

If designing a whole dang website from scratch feels incredibly time consuming and overwhelming, you’ve got 3 options:

  • Grabbing a website template (keep reading to get 15% off my fav templates!)
  • Hiring a web designer
  • A mix of the two 👀

If you wanna go the template route, try my favorite website templates

First, let’s talk website templates. Now, I love a good template!

As far as investment goes, they’re going to be on the lower end compared to hiring a web designer. 

A few things to ask yourself before grabbing a template:

  • Does the template have everything I need for my website?
  • Does customizing it to your own branding feel like a daunting task?

If you want to go the template route, my go-to website templates are made by TONIC! They’re made for creatives like you in mind.

And because I love them so much I have an extra special code for you!

Use code “CAGNEY15” to save 15% off your TONIC template!

Lil’ side note for the TONIC templates, you must use Showit (get one month free! 😉) as your website platform to be able use the templates.

Want a fully custom website? I know just the person

Even though I love TONIC templates, it might not be right for your business.

The template may not have every web page you’re looking for (like a shop page!) Or maybe you just aren’t super tech savvy.

If you want something more custom & completely hands free investing in a web designer would be more up your alley!

When we work together, I’ll make your corner of the internet feel like your well decorated, cozy home that all your friends keep begging to come back to.

And you’ll get everything you could possibly need.

If this sounds more like your kinda thing, let’s create your rave-worthy website!

Can’t decide between a template or a custom site? Try this!

Maybe you loveeee one of the TONIC templates, but just want a professional to come on in and customize it for you.

That’s always an option! It’s like the best of both worlds.

You’re savin’ a bit of money but still get some expert eyes on your site!And because I know Showit & TONIC templates like the back of my hand, I’m your gal to help you along the way.

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I’ve helped countless other women founders (wedding planners, photographers, copywriters, food stylists and more!) get their confidence back by refreshing their brand & website to feel more like them + attract the type of people they actually want to work with.

Not to mention, feel excited bragging about their creative biz – because let’s be real, it’s worth bragging about.

Spoler Alert: You Don't

Because who said you have to have a “real” job to be successful? 

Meet your hype girl

Your ultimate hype girl who wants to help you feel confident that your “lil’ business” is gonna be hella successful.

Hey girl, I'm Cagney

With personality-packed branding and a stunning website, they’ll be wondering why they ever referred to it as your “little business”.

I'm happy to help

Ready to make your brand feel like the real deal?


Heck yeah I am