Questions often arise regarding the options of template based web sites versus custom web sites. There are pros and cons to both solutions.
A template based web site is one that uses a wrapper (also called shell or skin) to contain the page content. There are two types of template sites. One allows web masters to reuse content that is already written and in use. The other provides a wrapper for the professional to insert their own content. Using content that has already been written and posted to the internet limits your search engine success. Peolpe are only going to read the #1 result of a duplicate and often search engines will only list the most credible source of the article. In some cases hundreds of people have already posted the exact same content. It's OK to use design templates and write your OWN content.
Templates are usually designed with code so that multiple pages can use the same wrapper without managing the same design on every page. The problem with having the same html on every page for the design becomes apparent when the web master wants to update the site design. They have to change the html on every page and that becomes very tedious and time consuming. Just to add a link to every page means opening each page up, pasting the link html into each page in the correct spot and testing each page individually to make sure the update was successful. A template has all of the design code in 1 or 2 files. Changing the code in those pages changes it for all pages.
Most template based sites also run on a database. This allows a developer to build a management page to easily add, update, and delete other pages. Often, when an professional pays for a site from some established company they are given easy to use features like these.
The down sides to using a template system is that an professional looses a little bit of flexibility in designing from page to page. If a page needs a link that shouldn't appear on every page then a work around must be found or the link is placed in the unique content section.
An professional must also know how to use a database and/or programming code other than html (html is technically not code but "markup language" similar to how MS Word formats its text) to build their own template site. In other words most professionals have to pay for a template system.
Many professionals are using blog tools or other online software to deploy their sites. These are great options for some depending on the solution needed.
A custom site is one where every page can be designed individually. The benefits to building a custom site include flexibility and a low learning curve.
A custom site is flexible because you can design each page any way you want. It's look and feel can change and the layout can be unique (I strongly recommend keeping a uniform site). Also, a unique set of navigation can be placed on each page.
The learning curve is small as well. Anyone can grab a copy of Front Page or Dream Weaver and start typing away. Professionals can design as they learn new techniques.
The major downside is scalability. As more pages are added more time is required to update the site. If you have 1 page and add another page it is easy to link from one to the other. Now imagine you have 50 pages. To add another page and link to it from all pages you have to open 50 files individually and add the links manually. There is nothing automatic about most custom professional sites. If an professional is going to have 5 or 6 pages then this is the cheapest way to develop. If the site may be larger then with each update the professional will lose precious time.
The best solution for most professionals is to have a highbred. Use a template site for all design so updating content is easy. Have a unique custom design for the wrapper to make the site stand out. Look for solutions that will save you time and money in the long run. Vauntium can put together a resource for you.
