Ever feel like you’re drowning in decisions? Well, you’re not alone! According to Harvard Business Review, adults like us make a whopping 33,000–35,000 decisions every single day! Yep, that’s from what to eat to what to wear, and everything in between. Feeling the decision fatigue yet? I know I am!

If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re right in the middle of another decision-making whirlwind. Specifically, the popular debate: website builder or custom-built website? At Torrch, We get it – cost plays a big role in these choices.

Torrch is all about making your life easier. And if we can do that by giving you the lowdown on which web design path is best for you, then count us in! No beating around the bush here – in this article, we’re diving straight into the nitty-gritty of how both a website builder and custom web design can impact your wallet. Our goal? To help you check off one big decision from your list, so you can tackle the next 30,000 with ease!

Website Builder vs Custom Website: what is the difference?

What is a Website Builder?

A website builder is a user-friendly tool designed to help individuals and businesses create their own websites without needing extensive technical expertise. It typically provides a drag-and-drop interface that allows users to select templates, customize layouts, and add content such as text, images, and videos. 

Website builders often come with a variety of pre-designed templates and themes, making it easy to create a professional-looking site quickly. Additionally, they may offer features such as e-commerce functionality, blogging tools, and integrations with third-party services. 

Website builders are ideal for small businesses, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and anyone else looking to establish an online presence without the need for coding knowledge or hiring a web developer. With their intuitive interfaces and affordable pricing, website builders empower users to bring their ideas to life and create stunning websites that effectively communicate their message to the world.

What is Custom Web Design?

Custom web design involves the creation of a website tailored specifically to the needs, goals, and brand identity of a particular individual or business. Unlike website builders, which utilize pre-designed templates and standardized layouts, custom web design offers a completely unique and personalized solution. It typically begins with a collaborative process between the client and a web designer or agency, where the client’s vision, preferences, and requirements are carefully considered and incorporated into the design.

Custom web design allows for greater flexibility and creativity in terms of layout, visual elements, functionality, and user experience. One of the key advantages of custom web design is its ability to address specific functional requirements and business objectives. Whether it’s integrating complex features such as e-commerce platforms, membership portals, or interactive tools, custom web design allows for the development of tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of the client and their target audience.

While custom web design may require a higher investment of time and resources compared to using website builders or pre-made templates, the result is a one-of-a-kind website that stands out from the competition, provides a seamless user experience, and effectively communicates the client’s brand identity and message. Custom web design is particularly well-suited for businesses and organizations that prioritize differentiation, innovation, and the highest level of quality and customization in their online presence. 

The Cost of a Website Builder

The cost of website builders can vary depending on several factors, including the features they offer, the level of customization available, and whether they’re aimed at individuals, small businesses, or larger enterprises. Here’s a breakdown of the typical pricing structures:

1. Free Plans: Many website builders offer a basic version for free, which usually includes essential features but may have limitations such as ads or a branded domain name. These free plans are great for personal websites or small projects.
2. Paid Plans: Paid plans typically offer more features, customization options, and better support. Pricing can range anywhere from a few dollars per month to several hundred dollars per month, depending on the platform and the specific plan.
3. Tiered Pricing: Website builders often have tiered pricing structures, with different levels of service offered at different price points. Higher-priced plans usually come with additional features such as e-commerce capabilities, advanced analytics, or priority support.
4. One-time Fee vs. Subscription: Some website builders charge a one-time fee for access to their platform, while most operate on a subscription basis, where you pay a recurring monthly or annual fee.
5. Custom Solutions: For larger businesses or organizations with specific needs, there may be limited custom website builder solutions available. These typically involve higher upfront costs and ongoing fees but can offer a tailored solution to fit the organization’s requirements.

It’s essential to carefully consider your needs and budget when choosing a website builder. While free plans can be appealing, they may not offer the level of functionality or professionalism required for a business website. Conversely, high-end plans may include features that you don’t need, so it’s essential to find the right balance for your specific situation.

The Cost of a Custom Website

The Cost of a custom website will vary greatly as there is no one size fits all package developers can fit custom designs into. Given the nature of this type of design work, web developers typically charge for custom website builds using one of several common pricing models:

1. Fixed Price: In a fixed-price model, the developer and the client agree on a set price for the entire project before work begins. This price is based on the scope of the project, including the features and functionality required, as well as any design requirements. Fixed-price projects are suitable for well-defined projects with clear requirements.
2. Hourly Rate: With an hourly rate model, the developer charges an agreed-upon rate for each hour of work spent on the project. This can be beneficial for projects where the scope is not fully defined upfront or may change over time. However, it requires trust between the client and developer, as the final cost can vary depending on how long the project takes to complete.
3. Retainer: Some developers work on a retainer basis, where the client pays a set amount each month to retain the developer’s services. This is common for ongoing maintenance and support tasks rather than one-time projects.
4. Value-Based Pricing: In value-based pricing, the developer charges based on the value the client receives from the project rather than the time or resources invested. This approach requires a deep understanding of the client’s business goals and the ability to quantify the value of the project’s outcomes.
5. Milestone Payments: In this model, the project is divided into milestones, with payment tied to the completion of each milestone. This helps manage risk for both the client and the developer, as payment is only made once specific deliverables are met.

The choice of pricing model depends on factors such as the complexity of the project, the level of collaboration required between the client and developer, and the preferences of both parties. It’s essential for both the client and the developer to clearly define the terms of the agreement, including pricing, scope, timeline, and deliverables, to avoid misunderstandings or disputes later on.

In 2024 the average cost of a custom built website can range as much as $1,000- $145,000 depending on the scope of the project.

With Torrch, creating your new website with our website build Plans will cost between $49 and $499 per month.

We offer a tiered pricing structure but Regardless of whether you choose the lowest or highest tier, you’ll receive a well-designed, highly functional website. The primary distinction between our packages isn’t website quality, but lies in the level of assistance you desire from our team of web designers.

Website Builder vs Custom Website: Which is best for me?

Website builders are particularly beneficial for those with limited budgets and technical resources. They offer an affordable, quick setup and ease of use, enabling users to create professional websites without needing extensive coding knowledge or web development experience. This makes them ideal for quickly establishing an online presence, reaching a broader audience, and competing effectively in the digital marketplace.

Website Builders Tend to be ideal for:

• Small Businesses and Startups
• Solo Entrepreneurs and Freelancers
• Local Services and Retailers
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Community and Hobby Groups 
• Personal Blogs and Portfolios

Custom web design is ideal for businesses or organizations that need a highly tailored and unique online presence. It caters to those with specific functional requirements and branding considerations. Custom web design is perfect for those who prioritize uniqueness, functionality, and a strong brand identity. 

Examples of Ideal Fits

• Large Corporations and Enterprises
• High-End Brands and Luxury Businesses
• Creative Agencies and Design Studios
• E-commerce Businesses with Unique Requirement
• Nonprofit Organizations with Specialized Needs
• Churches and Religious Organizations
• Professional Services and Consultancies

Your next steps for choosing between a Website Build vs.Custom Website

Choosing between a website builder and a custom-built website can feel like yet another daunting decision, especially when you’re already navigating the many choices of running a small faith-based business. At Torrch, we understand the pressure and aim to simplify this process for you.

Torrch’s website build plans offer the best of both worlds, combining the affordability and ease of use found with website builders and the custom touch typically associated with fully bespoke designs. While online website builders are often a great entry-level option for individuals or small businesses, they come with notable limitations, such as restricted functionality and design transferability. On the other hand, custom web design offers total creative freedom, but the costs and ongoing support fees can be daunting, especially for smaller organizations.

Torrch bridges the gap by offering custom-designed websites that are affordable, scalable, and flexible. Our subscription-based model gives you access to a fully customized design and professional support without the heavy upfront costs of traditional custom websites. While we take care of the technical heavy lifting, you retain significant control over the look, feel, and functionality of your site.

With Torrch, you get a custom, professional website that evolves with your organization’s needs—without having to start from scratch or deal with the limitations of other platforms. We offer the creative freedom and expert support you need, alongside the convenience and cost-effectiveness of website builders