Okay, I know, that title feels a little spicy. Especially coming from someone who has built a whole creative studio around custom website and brand design (before I became a template queen). So let me say this upfront: I think custom design is amazing. I’ve had the privilege of partnering with wedding creatives whose visions grew into rich, soul-filled websites that truly became their creative home. Those projects, those people… they’ll always have a special place in my heart.
But sometimes (especially as creative business owners), we turn “do I need a custom site?” into a much more complicated question than it really is. We chase brand FOMO, we settle on panic decisions, or we don’t fully understand our offerings, our audience, or our real stage of business. So here I am, in this safe corner of my blog, offering you the unfiltered truth on when a custom website is actually worth it—and when it might be worth hitting pause and choosing something different.
So… Should YOU Go Custom?
Before you reply with a hard yes or no, let me ask two questions:
- Have you given yourself space to really learn what you want in your buiness?
Building a business is a slow unfold. If you’re still in the early stages — figuring out your style, refining your services, experimenting with pricing — a custom site might be a few steps ahead of where you are. Not because you don’t deserve it, but because you’re still gathering the data that will help a custom build actually work for you. - Do you actually need what custom solves?
Sometimes we chase custom for the sparkle. But often, what we actually need is a clear message, a polished place to show our work, and a process that supports our current season. And those things? They don’t have to come from a custom project.
Signs That Custom Might Not Be the Move (And That’s Okay)
1. You’re in year one of business.
I say this with so much love — if you’re still getting to know yourself, your business, your style, your clients… you probably don’t have the data or direction to make the most out of a custom design process. That doesn’t mean your business isn’t beautiful and full of potential. It just means you’re in a season of discovery — and you don’t need to invest big on something you might pivot away from in six months.
2. You don’t have the budget.
Even if you’re charging well, that doesn’t mean you have space for a $6k+ project right now. And that’s okay. There are plenty of ways to elevate your online presence without blowing the budget. Templates can still be an investment — but they don’t come with the same timeline, price point, or energetic ask that custom requires.
3. You’re happy with what you’re doing.
Sometimes the clearest reason not to go custom is simply… you don’t need to. If inquiries are steady, bookings are aligned, and your brand is doing its job — there might be no need for a full reimagining. Custom design is often most helpful during a big shift — when you’re pivoting, stepping into a new market, or ready to completely up-level your brand experience. But if what you have is working, a refresh might be all you need.
4. You don’t need the problem-solving part.
This is a big one. A huge part of custom design is strategy, creative direction, positioning, offer clarity, and more. If all of that is already working well for you, you may not need that deep-dive experience. You might just need a beautiful place to showcase what’s already working. Some business owners come ready for custom projects—namely, they’ve done their own research, filled out strategy questionnaires, and crystallized their offerings and brand voice. They’ve tried it all and are in true need of heavy lifting, and they can’t do it alone. But if that’s not where you are, a template can serve you just as beautifully.
So What Is the Right Fit?
If you’re nodding along to any of the above, I have good news: you don’t need custom to have a beautiful, booked-out brand.
You might just need the right template.
One that was thoughtfully created for your industry, your aesthetic, and your dream client journey. One that’s easy to launch, easy to update, and still gives you that high-touch feel.
It’s why I created Palmer — a dreamy, editorial-style Showit template for photographers, videographers, designers, and creatives who want to feel proud of their digital home. She’s minimal but editorial. Stylish but timeless. The kind of website that truly helps your best work stand out, without you having to figure it all out alone. And she’s perfect for someone who doesn’t need the lift of a custom website, but wants the quality and beauty of one.
If you’ve been on the fence about going custom, let this be a gentle reminder that you can still have a beautiful website that works hard, without the major overhaul.
When Custom Is Worth the Leap
Now let’s talk about the flip side – because I fully believe that there are seasons where custom is exactly what your brand needs. Here’s when I’d say go for it:
- You’ve outgrown your current site and need something completely reimagined
- You’re pivoting into a new market and need deep strategy alongside the visuals
- You want a brand that can grow with you — not just work for now
If you’re in that space, I see you. And I’m cheering you on. Because when the clarity is there and the vision is calling? A thoughtful custom build can be magic.
Custom Isn’t Bad — It Just May Not Be Required
Let me be clear: I love custom. Always will. But custom should be rooted in alignment — not pressure. Not insecurity. Not because someone else has one and it looks dreamy.
If you’re in a season where you’re still figuring it out, still refining, still growing into your next version — a template might not be the “lesser” option. It might be the most powerful one.
So if custom feels a little too soon or a little too much, trust yourself. Your brand isn’t behind. Your growth isn’t on hold. You’re simply choosing the right solution for the season you’re in.
And that? That’s the smartest thing you can do.
Need help deciding? You can book a Brand Mentorship call with me and we’ll talk it through together. An honest look at where you are, where you’re headed, and what kind of support will help you get there.
