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Elan Creative Co.

whimsical graphic design

Premade theme vs. custom blog design

February 25, 2015

Premade theme vs. custom design

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?

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About Cristina Silvia

Hey there! I’m Cristina, and I’m a self-taught graphic designer and illustrator. With an everlasting love of all creative endeavors, I found joy in sharing with others what I’ve learned over the years and helping bloggers and entrepreneurs bring their dreams to life through beautiful designs.

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