A template-based website uses pre-designed layouts that can be quickly customised with your text, images, and branding. They’re faster and cheaper to set up, making them appealing for small trade businesses with a limited budget. The downside is that you may end up with a site that looks similar to others using the same template, and you might not get all the unique features or design tweaks you’d like.
A custom website, on the other hand, is built from the ground up. That means you have complete control over how every element looks and functions, from bespoke quote calculators to interactive project galleries. Custom sites tend to be more expensive and take longer to develop, but they allow for tailor-made solutions that perfectly fit your business needs. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, timeline, and how unique you need your site to be. For many tradesmen, a well-chosen template can be more than enough to showcase services effectively. But if you have very specific requirements or want to really stand out, a custom build might be worth the investment.