Custom Website Design vs Template Web sites

Image by matt.searles via Flickr

I like this topic because it helps you decide the pros and cons of two very powerful outlets for brand building.

This article assumes that you are undecided as to which (custom web site design or template website) would serve your needs best and which is better to use for your website.

I'm the perfect person to ask because I actually offer both to my clients at my firm. I'll start off by giving you the Pros and Cons of having a custom website (like a tailor made suit) or a template website (like blueberry muffins) design for your business.

Custom Website Design PROS:

• Graphics are unique to your personality
• One-of-a-kind Brand Ability
• Allow brands the most room for brand difference

Custom Website Design CONS:

• Longer production time
• Higher Cost
• More input required of company

Template Web Site Design PROS:

• Fastest production time
• DYI (Do it Yourself) normally the main reason for use
• Lowest production cost
• Stronger Search Engine Optimization Possibilities

Template Website Design CONS:

• Limited room for personalization
• Don't normally score to high on the uniqueness scale
• Limits branding possibilities
• Cookie cutter / clone development can limit search engine optimization

Now that you know the PROS and CONS you should also know that this is not true in every situation or for every website solution.

Winner template website design: If you need several websites at one time with limited graphics. Maybe a website where people go to to sign-up to vote. There's no need for these website to be so unique and different... No, you would probably want keep information simple without advertisements, bells or whistles. In this case the Template Website would be a perfect fit.

Winner custom website design: if you are Brownie Lee Whitmill (I made that name up) and you are running for the Governor's Seat in your state... Yes, you might want to be a bit unique, different, and certainly not ware the same suit as you competition. In this case the Custom website design would be best.

This is Gibron T. Williams, Head Honcho at Oevae Marketing Consultants and these are my opinions.

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How to add substance and meaning to your logo

I don't remember a client asking me design a logo that has no meaning or real substance. No, most clients who don't already have a logo, they want a logo that is memorable, unique, and meaningful. There are also a list of questions that I ask to help us move closer to our goals.

It's not mandatory that your logo look like a dog just because you have own a company by the name: Dog Houses Plus. No. You can use a bone or some other characteristic close to your product offerings.

You want to ask yourself what's unique or special about Dog Houses Plus. It could be that the basis for your logo could be hidden in a fine detail. Are your dog houses over sized? Are your dog houses round or made for cold weather locations?

As you brainstorm what you want your logo to stand for think about this really cool example of a logo with meaning.

Just do it.

That's right. You can search the Internet and find out who invented the Nike Swoosh. Before doing that; what is the Nike logo. Is it the imprint of the heel of a runner? Is it the curve you see when looking at the black oval track? The Nike logo really isn't anything you would use on a regular basis... unless.

Stay with me now.

Unless you are a The principal conductor of an orchestra or opera. If you don't already know... the beat of the music is typically indicated with the conductor's right hand, with or without a baton.

It gets better.

The conductors hand traces a shape in the air in every bar (measure) depending on the time signature, indicating each beat with a change from downward to upward motion. The image show is the most common beat pattern, as seen from the conductor's point of view the principal conductor while conducting a beat pattern for 2/4, 2/2, or fast 6/8 time. I've highlighted some keywords that best represent Nike.

Look now at the illustration at the beginning of this article and you can see the Nike logo plain as day, nearly a carbon copy. The number 1 is the starting point and 2 is the ending point or motion from the conductors hand.

There you go.

Now it's your turn to orchestra your thought with regard to your company and the logo you're currently using. Is it meaningful. Does it have a history or a depth? Will it provoke conversations that lead to recognition for your branding efforts and hopefully even more in sales?

History says that the Nike logo represents the wing in the famous statue of the Greek Goddess of victory, Nike, who was the source of inspiration for many great and courageous warriors. So this puts a damper on my opinion for the brands logo. If Nike hasn't figured out that they (Nike) would benefit more from using my description by now... Well.

This is another breaking-point whereby I've earned many clients. Some people (and it perfectly okay) just have other things to do with the brain and trying to design a logo is below the bottom of the list. But, you still want a great logo right? Then think about this article before contacting your logo designer so that you have template or bread crumb that leads you to the logo with substance.

This is Gibron T. Williams, Head Honcho at Oevae Marketing Consultants and these are my opinions.

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