Your website is not just a portfolio, it is a sales tool
You know your business inside and out. You are great at what you do. But if your website does not clearly communicate that to potential clients, you are leaving money and impact on the table.
Whether you are a new entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, having a website that reflects your brand and attracts your ideal clients is essential. Many women founders have amazing offers, but their website feels like a digital junk drawer, outdated, clunky, confusing, and not something they want to share.
If you know your site needs to change but you are unsure whether to invest in a custom build or purchase a Showit Website Template, you are not alone. The good news is there is no single right answer, but there is a right fit for where your business is right now.
In case you are new here
I am Michelle, and I help female founders build strategic and beautiful websites, without the overwhelm. If you want a website that works harder than you do, you are in the right place. Learn more about how we can work together.
Two paths to a polished website: Templates vs. custom design
When building a professional website that attracts aligned clients, you typically have two options:
- Use a website template (like the drag-and-drop Showit website templates I offer)
- Hire a designer for a custom website build
Both approaches can look great and convert well. But which one is best for your business right now?
What is a website template and are they worth it?
A website template is a pre-designed site layout that you can customize with your brand colors, fonts, images, and copy. It is like a blueprint that saves you hours of design decisions.
According to HubSpot, templates are among the most efficient ways to build a brand-aligned site without a high cost.
Showit website templates are especially popular for female entrepreneurs because they are:
- Affordable and professional
- Easy to edit (no code required)
- Designed for service-based businesses
- Flexible enough to grow with your business
Templates are a smart choice if you want to launch quickly, have a limited budget, or need a fresh start for an outdated site.
Benefits of Showit website templates
I recommend Showit templates to many of my clients because they are:
- Drag-and-drop friendly, perfect for beginners
- Fully customizable with no cookie-cutter design
- Mobile responsive on every device
- Strategically designed with page flow, content prompts, and strong calls to action
- Fast to launch, live in days rather than months
They work especially well for coaches, creatives, therapists, and service providers who want a website that feels personal but is easy to manage.
What to consider before choosing a template
Learning curve for beginners
Even with an intuitive platform like Showit, there is a learning curve. That is why I include step-by-step support and guidance with all of my templates. Showit also offers an excellent help center.
Time investment
Customizing a Showit website template takes time. From uploading images to writing website copy, there is work involved. If you are short on time, I offer template setup and customization to make the process easier.
Is custom website design right for you?
A custom website is built from the ground up to reflect your unique brand and business goals. It is more than just a pretty design, it is a powerful tool to support your growth.
Custom is ideal if you:
- Have an established business and are ready to scale
- Want a completely original website design
- Need a strategic partner to handle everything from start to finish
With custom design, you will also benefit from:
- Personalized layout and page structure
- SEO optimization and fast loading speeds
- Intentional user journey and strong conversion paths
Key benefits of a custom Showit design
Exclusive design for your brand
I collaborate closely with clients to create a website that aligns with your vision, from structure to visuals to messaging.
High return on investment
While the cost is higher than a template, the return can be significant. A strategic site can increase leads, attract better clients, and elevate your online presence.
Smooth and strategic user experience
Your site will be mobile-optimized, fast-loading, and designed to lead users from browsing to booking.
Common misconceptions about custom design
“Custom design is only for 7-figure businesses”
Not true. If your website is your main sales tool, the investment can pay off quickly.
“I will not be able to edit anything myself”
Not true. I build custom Showit sites with tools that are easy to update and manage.
“It will take forever”
Not true. With a clear and proven process, most custom sites launch within six to eight weeks.
Which is best for your business right now?
Here is a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Website Template | Custom Website |
|---|---|
| Lower investment | Higher investment |
| Launch in days or weeks | Launch in six to eight weeks |
| Moderate customization | Full control |
| Low tech skills needed | Low to moderate with training |
| Great for new businesses and rebrands | Great for scaling and multi-service providers |
Still unsure? Book a free consultation and I will help you choose the best option for your business stage.
What to look for in a strategic website template
Not all templates are created equal. Look for these key features:
- SEO best practices, including keyword headings
- Forms and clear calls to action
- A portfolio layout if you need to showcase work
- Copy prompts to guide content placement
- Support resources or tutorials
This Forbes article outlines what makes a website convert.
Do not just buy a pretty template, choose one with strategy
It is easy to choose a stunning design that lacks structure. That is why my Showit templates are:
- Built for conversion
- Optimized for SEO
- Filled with done-for-you copy prompts
- Tailored for coaches, creatives, and wellness professionals
Browse my Showit templates or book a 1:1 call to find your perfect match.
How Elevate Collective can help
Whether you want a Showit website template or full custom support, Elevate Collective offers:
- Custom website design with strategy and support
- Professional Showit templates with plug-and-play tools
- Marketing and SEO support to help you grow
I build websites that reflect your brilliance and bring in aligned leads. Let’s work together.
Final thoughts: Your website should work as hard as you do
No matter your business stage, your website should:
- Reflect your expertise
- Attract ideal clients
- Support sustainable growth
Whether you choose a Showit website template or a custom site, strategy is what matters most.
Ready to build a site that does more than look pretty?
Book your free consultation and let us build a high-converting site that reflects your brilliance and helps you grow.
