One of the most difficult things you have to do when starting a blog is finding the right design. You can try to do it yourself, buy a premade theme, or hire someone to help you out. I know a lot of people like to design their own blog, but what if you are not the DIY type? Do you know if you need a premade theme or a custom blog design?
For a very long time, I didn’t offer different services to new bloggers and small business owners. Professional bloggers and business owners need different design solutions than those who are new to blogging or only keep a blog to record the most important moments of their lives. I’ve only recently started to offer different services to personal and professional blogs, and sometimes I have to tell potential clients that a premade theme is the best fit for their needs.
I often receive emails from potential clients that want a unique design, but don’t want to spend that much on it. And then there are those who purchase a custom design only to decide it’s not what they want a couple of months later. This is a very complicated situation for both parties, though you can avoid it easily.
When do you need a custom design?
A custom design is usually expensive, even though the price varies from one designer to the next. The budget is very important when it comes to hiring a designer, but you should also have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish with your blog or business.
If you have a business or are starting one, then a custom design is the way to go. You really don’t want your competition to have the same design. A good website, built by a professional designer will make your potential clients trust you and will help your business grow.
Do you need a premade theme?
You should think about purchasing a premade theme if:
- you are new to blogging and unsure about your blogging niche and target audience
- you like to change the design very often
- your blog as a hobby and aren’t interested in growing your blog
- you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your blog
Premade themes are the perfect choice for those who want a beautiful blog on a small budget. You can find a great variety of themes at prices ranging from $20 to $60. There are also more expensive options, but I’m not sure if they are worth the money.
Most premade themes are not that easy to customize. That’s why a lot of designers offer premade theme customization at affordable prices. If they don’t have that listed, just send them an email. You should at least be able to add a custom logo and background.
Of course, if you are on a small budget, or just want a theme that represents you, you might want to design it yourself. That’s always a good option if you have experience or like to learn new things. Otherwise, it will take you a long time to do it. Buying a premade theme and customizing it might be another option. Just make sure to ask the designer what changes you are allowed to make.
A professional looking blog with great content will keep your readers coming back, but a custom design is not the only way to achieve that. Premade themes are a good solution for new and small bloggers.
What did you choose between a premade theme and a custom blog design?
