Custom Website vs. Lead-Gen Page: What Works for You

Every small business hits the same fork in the road:Do we spend big on a polished, custom-built website - or do we launch something lean, fast, and functional?

In 2025, the decision is more critical than ever. Attention spans are shorter. Competition is louder. And your website is no longer just a “business card online.” It’s the engine that either fuels your growth - or burns your budget.

Let’s break down the choice.

 Custom Website vs. Template: What’s Best for Small Business in 2025

Why a Custom Website Costs So Much

A custom website is like building a house from scratch. You get full control, unique design, advanced features, and long-term scalability.

But custom means:

– $6,000 to $30,000+ in cost (depending on complexity)

– Ongoing dependency on developers or IT support

– Longer timelines (3–6 months for proper delivery)

Custom sites are worth it if you’re running a brand where the website is the product - think e-commerce stores, SaaS companies, or businesses where experience equals credibility.

But here’s the truth: many small businesses don’t need all that on day one.

When a Lean Landing Page Wins

A landing page or template-based website (Wix, Squarespace, WordPress with Elementor) is fast, clean, and built to convert.

Typical cost: $1,000–$2,500

Timeline: 1–3 weeksWho it’s for: service businesses, consultants, small local companies, startups testing the market

Here’s the kicker: these “cheaper” sites often outperform custom sites in ROI because they’re focused on one thing - generating leads.

No fluff, no complex features, just:

– A sharp headline

– A clear offer

– A call-to-action (book a call, fill out a form, buy now)

It’s the digital equivalent of renting a nice apartment instead of building a mansion. You get what you need, without draining your savings.

Tools That Make It Possible

– Wix: user-friendly, great for small service businesses

– Squarespace: beautiful templates, ideal for creatives

– WordPress + Elementor: flexible, a bit more DIY, still affordable

– Shopify: e-commerce made simple

These platforms put control back in your hands—you can update, edit, and test without calling “your IT guy” every time you want to swap a headline.

ROIgenix Recommendation

Here’s our framework:

1. If you’re under $1M in revenue: Start with a lead-gen landing page or simple site. Get leads, test your offer, prove your market.

2. Once you’re scaling fast (past $1M–$2M): Upgrade to a custom site with deeper integrations, automation, and brand polish.

3. Never forget: A $15k website without traffic is just an expensive ghost town. Invest in marketing, not just design.

At ROIgenix, we’ve seen $1,500 landing pages generate more business than $20k custom builds - because they were designed with ROI, not ego.

FAQ

How much does a website cost in 2025?

Template-based sites start around $1,000–$2,500.

Custom builds range from $6,000–$30,000+.

Is Wix good for small business websites?

Yes -Wix is excellent for service-based businesses that need quick, functional, and easy-to-manage sites.

When should I invest in a custom website?

Once your business is scaling, has proven revenue, and needs custom integrations or unique brand presence.