There are a lot of companies that offer design services. Some do custom and others do semi-custom (or even templates). With so many options available how do you choose? In my Branding for Church Planters Manifesto I discuss in-depth the pros and cons of each but here are the basics.
- Custom Design: Made from scratch, unique, built just for you. Design companies that offer custom services create your logo, website, or materials specifically for you. Custom design usually requires more of a financial investment and turn-around time. This is a great option if you want to stand out of the crowd.
- Semi-Custom Design: Not completely original, created from a base or “pre” design, modified for your use. There are now a ton of companies that will take a base design and change it up for your organization. Semi-custom costs less than custom and can be designed more quickly. The downfall is that you could look like someone else.
- Templates: Not original, mass produced, drop in your info and go. There are millions of template designs available for you to use. Templates are cheap and most of the time easy to use. There is a greater chance that someone else will choose the same design and look just like you.
*There is another drawback about many of the pre-designed or template companies I have seen. Their designs just suck! Unfortunately, garbage in is garbage out.
So which one will be for you? What it all comes down to is what do you really need or want; what is it’s purpose; and what is your budget? You will have to ask yourself these questions to determine what will be the best option for you.
If you just need a blog site than maybe a template or pre-design will work. People are probably coming to read your information and not looking at your design (obviously I chose a WP theme for this blog and it works for what it is). If you are going to start a business or a church, then I will always recommend a CUSTOM identity or brand. In this case you should invest in having an original image and not look like someone else. Your marketing materials (website, brochures, postcards) could then be based off of a semi-custom design which will allow you to modify it but save some time and money. If you’re operating with a minimal budget then templates are probably going to be the only option.
Ultimately you will have to choose what fits your worldview but whatever you choose, please make sure to list all the pros and cons and then make a solid decision based off of your wants, needs, purpose, and budget. If you would like to open up some discussion here, I welcome any questions and thoughts that you have!
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