Designing a website for clients can be challenging because many people rely heavily on WordPress templates. They’re impressed by how the templates look and expect their website to match those exact designs. What they often don’t realise is that while they want a template-based site, they also expect extensive customisation—even changes to core layouts and structures. WordPress templates simply aren’t built for that level of flexibility. This is the part clients usually misunderstand: if you choose a template, you should expect it to work like a template, with limited room for major changes.
Lets put it in this analogy, WordPress vs Ground up Design
When you buy a house from a developer, you can renovate the interior, but only within limits. The main structure is fixed because the house is already built. You work with what you have. This is the part that most clietns fails to understand (WordPress Teamplate Web)
This is the standard WordPress Design Layout
But if you want a home completely designed to your vision, you would start with an empty piece of land. You’d hire an architect and a builder, and you’d have full freedom to create anything you want. You could even turn the entire plot into your own version of Disneyland if you wished. (Ground up Webdesign)
WordPress or Custom Ground Up Design
It ultimately depends on your budget and expectations. If you simply need an online presence and prefer minimal maintenance, WordPress is a solid option. But if you’re very particular about design and want complete control and perfection, a ground-up custom build is the better route. It costs more, but it offers far greater flexibility and scalability.
Final Verdict
If you’re asking whether you should use a WordPress template, it really depends on your budget and expectations. Personally, if I had a budget of RM20,000, I would absolutely choose a ground-up custom design. You get far more flexibility, better performance, and a website that truly matches your vision. The speed and scalability are on a different level.
However, if your budget is limited, then WordPress templates are a more practical choice. They still get the job done, but with less freedom for deep customisation.