Custom Showit Website vs. Showit Template — Which One’s Right for You?
If you’re a photographer looking to elevate your online presence, you’ve probably been weighing the options between a Custom Showit Website vs. Showit Template. Both are incredible ways to create a professional, beautiful online home — but they serve different people, budgets, and seasons of business.
Both are amazing options (and I offer both!) — so let’s break down what each one actually means, how they differ, and how to know which one is the right fit for you.
What a Custom Showit Website Really Is
A custom website is exactly what it sounds like — completely one of a kind. Every single piece is designed from the ground up for you. Your brand vibe, your photos, your story, your ideal client… all of it comes together into something totally unique.
It’s a collaborative process where we dive deep into who you are as an artist and how you want people to feel when they land on your site.
If I had to describe it visually — it’s like having a wedding dress custom-made for you. Every stitch, every button, every curve designed perfectly to fit your vision.
It’s a big investment, yes. But it’s one that gives you a website no one else will ever have — and that can last you years.
Here are a couple of my favorite recent custom website projects:
What a Showit Template Is
A Showit template, on the other hand, is a pre-designed website that’s already beautifully built and ready for you to customize. You just plug in your own photos, words, and colors, and boom — you’ve got a professional site that still feels like you.
It’s kind of like buying a designer dress off the rack and tailoring it to fit your style. The bones are already there — you just make it your own.
Templates are perfect if you want to get your website up quickly, you’re on a smaller budget, or you actually enjoy tweaking layouts and seeing your vision come together yourself.
Let’s Talk About the Investment
This is probably the biggest difference between the two.
A custom website is a larger investment — both in money and time. It’s more of a done-for-you experience where you hand everything off to your designer and we handle the creative direction, design, and tech for you.
A template, on the other hand, is a much smaller investment. You can grab it instantly, start customizing right away, and be live within a few days or weeks depending on how much time you want to spend on it.
Neither is “better” — it really just depends on what season of business you’re in and what your priorities are right now: do you want something live soon or something 100% custom and unique?
The Process
With a custom site, there’s a lot of strategy that happens behind the scenes. You’ll go through a brand deep-dive, creative direction, mockups, revisions — all the fun stuff that leads to a truly personalized design.
It’s collaborative, but you don’t have to worry about figuring things out alone. I guide you through every step so you can just focus on your work while I bring your brand vision to life.
With a template, you’re in the driver’s seat. You get access to video tutorials and a step-by-step guide, but you’re the one updating text, photos, and colors. It’s a little DIY — but in the best way.
If you love getting hands-on and seeing your website transform in real time, templates can be really rewarding.
How Unique You Want It to Be
This one’s simple:
Custom = completely unique.
Template = customizable but shared.
A custom site is literally designed for you and only you. No one else will have it.
A template is designed to be flexible and customizable, but other photographers can buy it too. That said — you’d be surprised how different the same template can look once someone switches out the fonts, colors, and imagery.
If you want something totally exclusive, custom is the way to go. If you want something beautiful that fits your brand without the custom price tag, templates are perfect.
Timeline Differences
A custom project takes time — usually several weeks to a few months depending on the scope.
Templates? You can launch in a weekend if you’re motivated. Or take your time over a few weeks and tweak as you go.
If you’ve got a busy season coming up and you just need to get your online home live now, go for a template. But if you’re planning ahead for a rebrand or want something that’s going to last you for years, a custom site will serve you long-term.
Who Each Option Is For
Here’s the quick breakdown:
Go custom if…
- You’re an established photographer ready for a major upgrade.
- You’re craving a website that feels deeply personal and high-end.
- You want a designer to take the creative reins and handle the strategy.
- You’re ready to make a long-term investment in your business growth.
Go template if…
- You’re newer or working with a smaller budget.
- You want to launch quickly and still look professional.
- You actually enjoy the creative process and don’t mind DIY’ing.
- You plan to invest in a custom design later but want something stunning for now.
You Don’t Have to Choose Forever
One of my favorite things about Showit is how flexible it is. You can start with a template and grow into a custom site later.
A lot of my clients begin with one of my templates when they’re just getting started, then come back a year or two later when they’re ready for a full custom rebrand.
Both options are built on the same platform, so it’s super easy to evolve over time.
My Honest Take
Both paths can get you to the same place — a beautiful, intentional online home that reflects your brand and connects with your dream clients.
It’s not about which one is “better.” It’s about which one feels right for where you’re at right now.
If you’re craving something totally one-of-one that looks and feels like art, custom is worth every penny.
If you want something gorgeous and ready to go that you can personalize at your own pace, a template is perfect.
No matter which direction you choose, the goal is the same: to build a website that feels like you — and helps you confidently share your work with the world.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re leaning toward a custom Showit website, you can inquire here and we’ll chat about your brand vision, goals, and ideas.
Or if you’re feeling inspired to DIY and want to launch something beautiful right away, you can browse my Showit templates — each one is fully customizable, easy to use, and designed to grow with you.
Whichever path you choose, I’ll be here to help you create a website that feels timeless, intentional, and beautifully you.
