Showit template or custom design – which is really the better fit for you?

As a web designer, I’m sure you think I’m about to bash website templates. 

But actually, I think they are the better choice for some entrepreneurs and where they’re at with their business.

Other times, a custom design from a designer is the best option.

So, which camp do you fall into? Let’s decide together!

What Is a Showit Template?

A Showit template (or, really, any website template) is a pre-designed website layout. Website templates are created by web designers and sold as digital products. Website hosting platforms like Showit and Squarespace also offer templates.

Most sellers include a bundle of website templates to help you build your website, including home, about, services, and contact pages. Sometimes, they will include other pages like blogs, legal pages, links page for social media, and freebie pages.

With a Showit template, you can customize its look and feel using drag-and-drop features. You can also easily add fonts, colors, and logos to reflect your brand. You don’t have to know any coding to do this!

Pros of Using a Showit Template

If you’re considering purchasing a Showit template, these pros might just convince you to pull out your credit card!

Visually Stunning Designs

Professional web designers create Showit templates. They understand the strategy behind an effective website layout while keeping aesthetics in mind.

It’s also easy to find templates that align with your niche. Designers will create templates for creatives like photographers, coaches, designers, bloggers, etc. They understand what’s important to you and include it in the template design.

Budget-Friendly Option

Purchasing a Showit template is significantly cheaper than a custom web design. Templates are great for newer businesses or side hustles. You simply need a digital storefront for your business and a template will work perfectly.

Quick Launch Timeline

You won’t have to wait for a web designer to start your project. Simply upload the Showit template and get to work customizing it. If you’re super motivated, your website could be live in just a few days!

Full Design Freedom

Unlike other platforms, Showit allows almost total control over layout and design, even within a template! You can make it feel custom without starting from scratch.

Mobile Design Control

The Showit template design applies to both the desktop and mobile versions, but you can edit each separately for a polished, responsive experience.

Cons of Using a Showit Template

It wouldn’t be fair to mention only the pros of a Showit template. Consider these downsides before purchasing a website template.

Can Still Look “Template-y”

Sometimes, website templates can still look very standard, especially if you don’t customize fonts, colors, or images. Your website could end up looking like others using the same template.

Learning Curve

While no code is needed, Showit’s flexibility can overwhelm beginners. There is a lot you can do within the platform, which is a double-edged sword. It takes some time to learn your way around Showit!

Customization Has Limits

Some layout changes may require help from a web designer. If you’re having a copywriter write your copy or writing your own copy it can be difficult to make it “fit” inside a template that wasn’t specifically built for it. Removing features included in the Showit template can be tricky. 

Website templates aren’t the best for businesses needing advanced functionality or e-commerce. These websites require a lot of customization, so you probably wouldn’t use very much of the template.

SEO Requires Manual Set-Up

I personally love the SEO features in Showit, but it’s not automatically added with a template. You still have to do keyword research, write SEO metadata, add alt text to images, and structure headings for every page on your website.

If you don’t understand SEO, it’s better to hire a website designer who does.

You Still Need Branding

A Showit template doesn’t give you strategy or brand positioning. A beautiful website won’t convert well if your brand messaging or identity isn’t solid. Unless you already have professional branding ready, you should start there before buying a website template.

When a Showit Template Makes Sense

Now, all that to say, I’m not against purchasing a Showit template! It definitely makes sense for some entrepreneurs and in certain scenarios. Here are a few examples.

1. You’re a solopreneur, creative, or service provider on a budget.

Purchasing a Showit template is a budget-friendly way to launch your website. It requires some work on your part, but you aren’t paying thousands of dollars for a custom design.

2. You have time to DIY or enjoy learning design tools.

People early in their business typically have more time to DIY their website and learn how to use Showit. A template is great if you want to learn the ins and outs of Showit but not start with a blank screen.

3. Your business doesn’t need complex site features.

If a Showit template has everything you need, go for it! You’ll only run into issues if you need custom or complex features or are an e-commerce website.

When You Might Want Custom Showit Design

On the other hand, there are scenarios in which hiring a Showit web designer is the better option.

1. You’re ready to elevate your brand and stand out from competitors.

I often work with entrepreneurs who started with a template or DIY’d their website from scratch but want something new. Sometimes, business owners are going through a rebrand or are ready for a new look and feel. 

A custom web design helps you differentiate your business from competitors and can better connect to your audience.

2. You want a site designed with your customer journey in mind.

Website designers understand how users navigate a website and the best ways to get them to convert. A template has a generic version of this, but as we all know, everyone’s business and audience are different! 

3. You don’t have time (or interest) in DIYing.

If web design is just not your thing, you probably need to hire a web designer. Recognize your weaknesses and outsource things you don’t have time to learn or don’t want to do. You don’t have to do it all by yourself!

4. You’re scaling and need a more strategic, SEO-optimized website.

SEO is so important from a web design perspective. If you don’t understand SEO but want a website optimized for search engines, hire a web designer with that knowledge.

5. You’re having a copywriter write your copy, or are using a copywriting template that doesn’t match the template.

If you want your website copy to really shine, it’s best to have a design custom built for it, instead of the other way around.

Showit Template or Web Designer?

Now it’s up to you to decide: Will you purchase a Showit template or hire a website designer? The choice is yours! There are definitely scenarios in which both are acceptable options, with a few things to consider before deciding. I hope this blog helps you decide which is best for you!

If you decide a custom website from a designer is the better option for you, I’d love to work with you! Explore my packages and book a free discovery call to chat through your vision for your new website. 

FAQs About Showit Templates

Are Showit templates free?

Showit offers free templates that you can access after you start a free trial. Again, understand that these are pretty generic templates. Web designers sell more unique template options.

Should I use Squarespace or Showit?

I prefer Showit and use it with all my web design clients. I like the functionality, customization options, and SEO features in Showit.

Is Showit hard to learn?

Understanding the platform takes time. Showit offers a lot of tutorials and help guides to answer your questions. Their live chat team is also amazing! 

Where should I purchase a Showit template from?

The Showit Design Marketplace is filled with quality templates to choose from. Additionally, some of my favorite designers are:

• Tonic Site Shop
• Northfolk
• Elizabeth McCravy