Let’s get this out of the way first: I am not against website templates. In fact, I use them sometimes as a professional web designer. Why? Because they can save me time, spark ideas, and give me a solid starting point.
But here’s the difference: I know what I’m doing.
Most coaches and service-based business owners are not also web designers. And when you dive into templates without the know-how, you risk wasting time, money, and energy that could be better spent running your business.
Let’s bust four of the biggest myths floating around about website templates.
False Claim #1: Templates Save You Time
At first glance, templates seem like a time-saver. They come preloaded with layouts, colors, and menus. But here’s the truth: they only save time if you understand how they’re built.
If you don’t, things can quickly go sideways:
- Add an image that doesn’t fit the space, and the layout breaks.
- Write text longer than the placeholder, and the design looks lopsided.
- Remove a menu item, and suddenly the navigation feels off.
Now you’re Googling fixes, trying to reverse mistakes, or stuck in support chats — all the time you thought you’d saved has vanished.
The JoLi Way: When we design your website, you’re not wrestling with templates. We create a strategy-backed custom design that’s built to fit your content from the start. You focus on your clients — we’ll handle the details.
False Claim #2: Templates Save You Money
It’s true: templates cost less upfront than a custom design. But “cheaper” isn’t the same as “better.”
Here’s why: every hour you spend trying to make a template behave is money lost. Frustration takes time, and time is money. Plus, many business owners end up hiring help later to “fix” their template mess, which adds even more to the bill.
The JoLi Way: Investing in a professional site from the beginning means your website works right from launch day. No re-dos, no costly fixes, no wasted hours, just a site that actually supports your business goals.
False Claim #3: Templates Save You From Frustration
One of the biggest selling points of templates is that they’re “so easy.” Just add your content, they say, and voilà — instant website.
Reality check: unless you’re comfortable with design platforms, tech tools, and troubleshooting, templates often create more frustration than they solve.
I’ve tested plenty of template-based sites and seen issues like:
- Text overlapping on different browsers
- Images misaligned or stretched
- Buttons not working properly
It’s not the quick, frustration-free process you were promised.
The JoLi Way: Our Care & Support Plans give you peace of mind. Your site stays secure, updated, and functional — no late-night DIY fixes required.
False Claim #4: Templates Give You Unlimited Creative Freedom
This one makes me smile. Templates can look like they offer endless creative freedom, but in practice, they often box you in. You’re limited by the structure someone else created, and too many options usually lead to overwhelm.
If you’re not a designer, “creative freedom” can quickly become a rabbit hole of tweaks that never feel quite right.
The JoLi Way: We keep things clear and focused. Your site is designed around your brand, your goals, and your clients, not around what some template creator thought would look nice. That’s freedom that actually works for you.
Final Thoughts
Templates aren’t inherently bad — they can work for designers who know how to customize them without breaking the whole structure. But for coaches and service-based business owners, templates often become more trouble than they’re worth.
Your time is too valuable to waste fighting with design tools. Let’s build you a site that works beautifully from day one, reflects your brand, and grows with your business.
👉 Ready to skip the frustration and get a website that actually works for you? Explore our Web Design Solutions or check out our Care & Support Plans.
