In today’s digital era, having a professional website is critical for businesses, creatives, and individuals alike. A website is not only your online identity but also a vital tool for attracting new clients, showcasing your portfolio, or selling products. However, building a website from scratch can be time-consuming and expensive. That’s where ready-made websites and WordPress website templates come in.
This article will guide you through the process of buying a ready-made website or a WordPress template, and help you decide which option is best for your needs.
What is a Ready-Made Website?
A ready-made website is a pre-built, fully functional website that can be easily customized with your content. Unlike website templates, which provide only the design and layout, a ready-made website often comes with a back-end setup, integrated functionalities, and sometimes even hosting. You can purchase these sites, add your content, and launch them with minimal effort.
Key Features of Ready-Made Websites:
- Fully Functional: Pre-configured and optimized, often including features like contact forms, blogs, and even e-commerce solutions.
- Customizable: While the website comes ready to go, you can usually change the colors, images, text, and structure without coding skills.
- Quick Setup: The setup process is straightforward; in many cases, you can launch your website within a day.
What is a WordPress Website Template?
A WordPress website template (also known as a theme) is a pre-designed layout for your WordPress site. It dictates the appearance of your website, including fonts, colors, and layout structure. WordPress templates are flexible, and users can customize them with their content without needing deep web development skills.
Key Features of WordPress Templates:
- Design Flexibility: Many WordPress themes come with customization options that let you tweak the layout, color schemes, and other design elements.
- Plugin Integration: Themes are compatible with a wide range of plugins for added functionality, such as SEO, security, and e-commerce.
- Cost-Effective: Most WordPress templates are affordable, with free and premium options available.
Steps to Buy a Ready-Made Website
- Identify Your Requirements: Before purchasing, make a list of your needs. Do you need an e-commerce store, blog, portfolio, or business website? Identifying your purpose will help you choose the right type of ready-made website.
- Research Platforms: There are many online platforms where you can purchase ready-made websites, including:
- Flippa: Offers a marketplace for buying and selling ready-made websites, often with existing traffic and revenue.
- TemplateMonster: Provides ready-to-use websites with a variety of features, from portfolios to e-commerce solutions.
- ThemeForest: Known for WordPress themes, ThemeForest also has ready-made websites with integrated features.
- Evaluate Features: Make sure the website you are considering offers the features you need. Look for responsive design, SEO optimization, and customization options. If you need a blog or an online store, make sure those functions are included.
- Check Reviews and Support: Ensure that the seller has good reviews and offers post-purchase support. A well-documented product with strong customer service can save you from potential issues down the road.
- Purchase the Website: Once you’ve identified the website that meets your needs, proceed with the purchase. Follow the platform’s checkout process, and you’ll receive the website files and instructions on how to set it up.
- Customize and Launch: After receiving the ready-made website, follow the instructions to customize it with your logo, text, and images. You can tweak colors, fonts, and layouts to match your branding. Finally, link your domain, and your website will be ready to go live.
Steps to Buy a WordPress Website Template
- Choose Your Platform: WordPress templates are available on several platforms:
- ThemeForest: Offers thousands of WordPress themes for every niche, from e-commerce to personal blogs.
- Elegant Themes: Known for the popular Divi theme, which is highly customizable.
- StudioPress: Specializes in professional themes that are optimized for performance and SEO.
- Select a Theme: Browse through themes based on your business category or design preferences. Make sure to check live demos of the themes to get a feel for how they function.
- Check Compatibility: Ensure that the theme you select is compatible with your version of WordPress. Also, check if it’s responsive (mobile-friendly) and supports the plugins you plan to use.
- Look for Customization Options: The best themes offer a high level of customization. Look for a theme that allows you to easily change elements like fonts, colors, and layout without needing to write code.
- Read Reviews and Ratings: Before purchasing, read reviews from other users. This will give you insight into the theme’s performance, ease of use, and customer support.
- Purchase and Install: Once you’ve made your decision, purchase the theme, download the theme files, and upload them to your WordPress site through the dashboard. Activate the theme, and it will apply to your site.
- Customize Your Website: After installation, use the theme’s customization options to make your website unique. Add your content, change the layout, and install any necessary plugins.
Which Option is Best for You?
Ready-Made Website:
- Best for Beginners or Non-Tech Users: If you want a fast solution that requires minimal setup, a ready-made website is ideal.
- Faster to Launch: Perfect for those who want to go live immediately without worrying about extensive customization.
- Higher Upfront Cost: Ready-made websites typically come with a higher price tag because they include functionality, design, and hosting in many cases.
WordPress Template:
- Best for DIY Enthusiasts: If you enjoy customizing and building a site but don’t want to start from scratch, a WordPress theme is a good choice.
- More Flexible and Affordable: WordPress themes are cheaper than ready-made websites and offer a lot of design flexibility with various plugins.
- Slower to Launch: It may take more time to build the website as you’ll need to customize it with your content and potentially install plugins to add functionality.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to buy a ready-made website or a WordPress template depends on your needs, technical skill level, and budget. A ready-made website offers convenience and speed, making it perfect for those who want to launch a site quickly with minimal setup. On the other hand, a WordPress template provides more flexibility and customization options at a lower cost, ideal for those who want to take control of their site’s design and functionality.
Take the time to evaluate your needs, research options, and choose the solution that works best for you!