Template or Design it myself?

[EngineerGuY]

I am pretty familiar with html and have designed websites before. But i am currently designing a site and want to know if its better to just use a free template..........or design it myself using dreamweaver? Its not a very complex site I am planning, but its a travel website with live cams, hotel page, vip page, tourist info, message board and such. What would you all suggest? Even possibly paying for a design if anyone is interested........?? Open for debate......

 

[DomainMayhem.com]

I use templatemonster.com, just to get the basic setup. I then customize to my heart's content. Cuts out a few dozen hours starting with a template, IMO.

 

[shockie]

depends on your ultimate goal. if you're strapped for time, don't have any specific details in mind for the design, don't need serious search engine optimization, or a combination of factors like these, then by all means go for a template.

 

[Cicero]

Shockie is right. I just wanted to add that there are equally superb free templates. Id suggest getting ne of them and customising or buying it at TM. Tm templates are really professional.

 

[dojo]

I never advocated anything than UNIQUE design. if you know something in design, do it yourself. If not, pay a good designer. A good layout is the best thing you can do for your site. And a template would only "scream": CHEAP. Uniqueness is important for a brand. Your site is your brand on the internet. It can "make" you or "break" you

 

[BMFX]

I never advocated anything than UNIQUE design. if you know something in design, do it yourself. If not, pay a good designer. A good layout is the best thing you can do for your site. And a template would only "scream": CHEAP. Uniqueness is important for a brand. Your site is your brand on the internet. It can "make" you or "break" you

I challange this, i once thought the samething but have been in the bussiness for what 5 years now i see no problem using a free template mainly if you customize it.

I believe in open source where developers and designers can all work as a team. Anyways non of the sites i am developing theres alot have unique designs and to be honest it saved me alot of time and work and i am still getting traffic i need.

But in his case he wants to likely go semi custom i'd recommend monster templates for this because he can modify it to his hearts content but its all set up for him