Every WordPress site runs on a theme, which controls how it looks and often a good part of how it works. The big choice is between a well-built premium theme and a theme developed specifically for you.
Premium themes
A premium theme is a professionally built, commercially sold theme, often with a page builder and a library of layouts.
- Pros: lower cost, faster launch, regular updates from the theme author, flexible layouts your team can edit.
- Cons: extra features you do not use can add weight, designs can feel familiar, and you depend on the author continuing to support it.
Custom themes
A custom theme is built for your site alone, often using the WordPress block editor.
- Pros: only the code you need, a unique design, complete control over performance and accessibility, no dependency on a theme vendor.
- Cons: higher upfront cost, longer timeline, and you rely on your developer (or any competent WordPress developer) for changes.
How to choose
A good premium theme, configured by an experienced developer, is the right call for most small and mid-sized businesses. A custom theme makes sense when you have a strong brand to express, unusual functionality, very high traffic, or strict performance and accessibility requirements that a general theme makes difficult.
Questions to ask either way
- Is the theme actively maintained and compatible with the current version of WordPress?
- Will the finished site be tested for accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA)?
- How fast does it load on a mid-range phone?
- Can my team edit pages without breaking the layout?
- If we part ways, can another developer take over easily?
We build with both approaches and will recommend the one that fits your goals and budget. Learn more about our WordPress development service.
Need a hand?
TheWebsiteMakers.ca is a Toronto-based team with 19+ years of experience building websites for businesses across Canada and the US. We design accessible websites, host them on servers we manage ourselves, and look after them every month. Get a free, no-obligation quote.