Every business needs a website. The real question is what makes sense for where you are right now. Your stage, your goals, and your budget.
Some clients are ready to invest in a full, custom-built site that grows with their brand.
Others just want to get something going fast, look professional, and stay within a smaller budget.
That’s where template websites come in.
What a Template Website Really Is
A template website uses a ready-made layout that I personalise for your brand. You’ll get to choose from over 300 professionally designed templates. Once you pick a few you like, I’ll guide you to the best fit for your business.
After that, you send me your text and images, I adjust the colours, replace the wording, and your site is ready to launch.
You still get a proper domain, your own content, and a clean design — just built much faster and at a lower cost.
A one-pager usually costs R3k – R7k (about $200 – $400) depending on the pages and work involved.
Why Template Websites Are Temporary
Imagine you bought a house that’s already built and furnished. You can paint the walls, move the couch, even replace the photos in the picture frames to make it your own.
But if you start adding new rooms or changing the layout completely, it’s easier (and cheaper) to bulldoze and rebuild.
Template websites work the same way. They’re great for getting started, but once your business grows and you need extra features, more flexibility, or stronger Google rankings, you’ll eventually outgrow the structure.
When that time comes, I will rebuild it properly based on your new goals, rather than forcing the old framework to do things it wasn’t designed for.
Can Template Websites Be Found on Google?
Yes, they can. People can find you if they search for your brand or company name.
But ranking for broad keywords like “best electrician in Pretoria” is harder because the layout isn’t built for advanced SEO.
Still, if most of your clients come through Facebook, Instagram, or referrals, a template site is perfect. It gives you a professional home base to send people to, and you can always upgrade later when SEO becomes a priority.
When a Custom Site Makes Sense
A custom-built website starts from scratch. Your wording shapes the design, not the other way around. Every page is planned around your goals, user flow, and long-term growth.
If you want to:
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rank well on Google
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design specific layouts or features
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build a strong, lasting brand identity
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or scale your site as your business expands
then a custom site is the smarter investment.
Custom websites start at R8k + (about $420 +), depending on pages and complexity.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Template Website | Custom Website |
|---|---|---|
| Setup speed | 1 – 3 days | 3 – 5 weeks |
| Design | Ready-made layout | Built from scratch around your goals and message |
| Flexibility | Remove or reorder sections easily | Add, change, or redesign anything freely |
| SEO | Basic setup, good for name searches | Full optimisation for search growth |
| Scalability | Limited, best for smaller sites | Designed to expand as your business grows |
| Best fit | Start-ups, small budgets, quick launches | Growing or established brands with long-term plans |
The Bottom Line
Both options are professional.
The difference is how much flexibility, growth, and visibility you need right now.
- If your goal is to get online quickly and look credible, a template site is the best starting point.
- If you’re ready to build something lasting that works harder for your brand, a custom site is the right move.
Either way, I’ll help you choose the best option for your stage, your goals, and your budget.
