In general, we don’t recommend the use of templates, but they may be appropriate in certain situations. For example, if you absolutely must have a site launched within the space of a few days, or if you are on an especially limited budget, a template might be an acceptable short-term solution. However, these instances should be the exception rather than the rule for these reasons:
1. Most templates do not conform to important usability and search engine guidelines. If you’re not meeting the needs of your users, or if the search engines can’t easily index your site, then you’ll simply be wasting your valuable time and money with this approach.
2. Most templates do not lend themselves to quick or easy modification. If you require design modifications, it’s important to understand that they can substantially increase your total cost.
3. Templates purchased from the major online vendors may be used hundreds or even thousands of times, even by your own competitors. A cookie cutter design doesn’t attract much lasting attention. Good design is a reflection of your business, your strategy and your audience.
