Many think having a custom designed Website may not be beneficial when free templates are available for download on the Internet. Let's look at the advantages of hiring a web designer over using these free templates

Custom web design:

Unique Design: Your site should be unique from any other on the web, and a custom-built Website ensures other sites are not using the same site you are. Your site will be an extension of your image.

Expansion: There may be features you wish to have in your Website, such as login systems, as your site grows and gains popularity. Working with your web designer, you are able to map out future features for your web site.

Search Engine Optimization: The right web designer should be able to improve rankings in search engines (Sarah's Hallmark: Hallmark Greenwood Indiana Hallmark 46142)

Templates:

Free: The template is free for you - and the rest of the world. While true you can purchase an exclusive license to use the template, everyone who obtained the template before you is still legally able to use the template.

Graphics: The graphics available on templates may not be permissible to use on commercial Website, or may not even be cleared for any usage other than as a placeholder for the template. You also may not be able to use the graphics on items such as letterheads and business cards, losing your branding image. A good Website incorporate the company's brand.

Maintenance: Replacing the text already in existence sounds easy enough. If you don't know HTML and CSS, you are limited on your updates, and may spend time having to learn the basics or higher a person to maintain your site. Ask your web designer about Content Management Systems. Content Management Systems vary based on your Website needs and by web designer, and may include image uploading capabilities, text editing, and more.

Search Engine Optimization: Many templates are created to look great, and not necessarily for search engine optimization. Working with the right web developer, your site will perform better in search results.

Inspiration: Looking at templates, you are able to share with your web developer a color scheme, look, feel, and features you may like on your own unique site.

Cross-browser: Some templates may have not undergone testing across multiple browsers (Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, etc.) limiting your web audience.