Should you use a pre-made theme or work with a designer on your wellness website? I seriously get this question all the time. And, I completely understand why! There are so many gorgeous pre-made themes out there and talented website designers too.

Many of my clients are a little unsure if they need a custom website or if they should save some money and DIY it with a pre-made WordPress theme. It can also be a little confusing when every designer has a different process to make sure that you find the right fit for a custom build. I think it’s important to see what’s out there and choose a designer that specializes in your niche.

Although I can’t make this decision for you, I am hoping to make it a little easier on you. Please consider these four things when choosing between a pre-made theme or a custom website. Keep reading because you’ll have the answer to your question by the end of this post.

Your Budget

Let’s start by stating the obvious. Working 1-on-1 with a designer is going to be a larger investment in your business than a pre-made theme is. But, many designers (including me!) will post their starting at pricing so that you can get a better idea of what a custom website costs. That way you can budget appropriately and reach out when you’re ready.

With a custom website, the advantage is that you’re getting a design that no one else has. Plus, the designer brings in an experience that you won’t have if you choose to DIY. Things like strategy, user experience, and website development all come into play during a custom website design. More on that in a minute.

That being said, if you’re just starting out and don’t have the budget for a designer then there are tons of great pre-made themes out there. My advice for you is to choose a reputable theme shop with testimonials and to keep your ideal client in mind when selecting a theme. Your theme should be chosen based off of their preferences, not necessarily yours.

Your Availability + Tech Knowlege

This is actually the main reason that many of my clients choose to work with me. As business owners, we’re pulled in a million different directions and it can be hard to find the time to focus in on a website.

Many of my clients reach out after they’ve selected a theme and tried to build something themselves. And, they ultimately realize that they don’t have the time or knowledge to dedicate to their website.

Building a website, even a drag-and-drop one, is a time and knowledge investment. You’ll definitely be Googling how to do things with HTML/CSS, spending lots of time designing your website, creating content, and shopping around for stock photos.

If you don’t have much free time or an interest in learning website tech then working with a designer can be a big help! When we work together, I take you through my proven design process that’s tailor-made for health and wellness pros. By launch day you have a clear vision on how to sell your services using your website. That way you can earn more income, live the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of, and become a go-to wellness pro.

Interested in my website design process? Click here to learn more about the Wellness Website Method.

Don’t get me wrong, there is still a time investment with a custom site. but you’re outsourcing that design portion of the project so that you don’t have to worry about it. You simply give your feedback and then move on with your day.

Strategy + Design

My website creation process is SO much more than just simple website design. Right out of the box, it includes strategy, messaging help, marketing advice, and development too. And so many of my clients choose to add-on brand identity design, marketing collateral, or social media graphics. The project can really be customized to fit your business needs!

It can be hard when you’re so close to something to develop a working strategy and design. I totally understand this! Even as a designer, I find that my hardest design project is always for my own brand. A designer can get to know your businesses goals and then create a strategy and design that allows you to reach those big goals easily.

If you go with the pre-made theme you’ll have to do all of the strategy and design work yourself. And if you skip the strategy, your website may look pretty but won’t actually resonate and sell to your ideal client.

Custom

And, finally, I’ll leave you with this question. Does it bother you that someone else may be using the same website design as you? If so, then a custom design is the best option for you.

A little disclaimer: anyone can purchase that theme that you love and use it for their own website. Sure, the colors, photos, and content will be different but the overall layout will be the same.

That may not bother you at all. But it’s something to consider if it does bother you.

I’ve talked a lot about how important strategy is when building your website. If you’re not exactly sure who your ideal client is or your audience is too broad then it can be a challenge to stand out as a health + wellness pro. You may be struggling to book clients regularly and make a consistent income.

If this sounds like you, I created the Wellness Website Workbook to help you become a go-to expert. The workbook will help you find who you want to serve and how to attract them with your website.

Grab your copy to get started today!