When you’re building or revamping your private practice website, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is whether to use a template or invest in a custom website. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how your site works for you, your clients, and your practice long-term.
Let’s break it down (because I know you’re tired of vague advice like “just pick what feels aligned”).
If your answer is “look decent enough” or “just get something up quickly,” a template might be enough.
But if your answer is closer to “show my value,” “book ideal clients,” or “feel proud to share it,” then it’s worth asking if a template can actually carry that weight.
Templates are built to serve the masses. You get a general structure, some plug-and-play options, and a decent look—if you know how to style it. That’s often enough to get you through the first year or two of business, especially if you’re just testing the waters.
But for so many of my clients—like Beth, Shay, and Megan—the story tends to go like this: You start with a template, get frustrated by its limitations, waste hours tweaking fonts and padding, and still feel like your site doesn’t quite feel like you. That’s when they reach out.
A template can be a helpful starting point if you’re:
Beth Conlon shared that she spent a lot of money on different templates before coming to me. “None of them gave me the look I was going for,” she said. “I couldn’t move forward with my practice. It was a real struggle.”
Another common limitation with templates? Performance. Many template-based sites load slower due to bloated code and third-party plugins. Research shows that a 1-second delay in page load time can result in a 7% loss in conversions. For a service-based business like a private practice, that can mean missed inquiries or new client leads.
Let’s shift the focus from features to outcomes. When we work together on a custom website, we’re not just creating a pretty homepage—we’re building a system that:
Shay Tinari came into our project unsure of what she wanted. By the end, not only did she have a site she was proud to share, but she got five new clients within the first week of launch. That’s what strategy-driven design can do.
And it’s not just about visuals. The behind-the-scenes stuff—like load speed, SEO structure, accessibility, and mobile design—are all tailored for your goals. Google has publicly confirmed that site speed and mobile usability are ranking factors, and more than 60% of website traffic now comes from mobile devices.
Accessibility is also a growing concern. A custom site makes it possible to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which not only ensures inclusivity but can also help protect your business legally. In recent years, the number of lawsuits related to website accessibility has risen, especially for service-based businesses.
Sometimes you’re not a beginner, but you’re not quite ready for the full custom investment. That’s where semi-custom or designer-built templates can help. These aren’t drag-and-drop freebies. They’re built with strategy, accessibility, and conversion in mind—then customized with your brand, your copy, and your layout needs.
I offer these for folks who want something that feels personal and polished, without the full timeline or cost of a custom project. You still get guidance. You still get support. You just don’t have to figure it out alone.
Templates rarely come with a guide. You’re left to Google, poke around forums, or cross your fingers. With a custom site, you get me in your corner—answering questions, troubleshooting, guiding you through strategy. Like Shelby said, “I loved the checklists and questions that guided the process and made it feel less daunting.”
This isn’t just about design. It’s about support, insight, and someone who gets what it’s like to run a weight-inclusive private practice. Because I’ve been in that world, I build websites that don’t rely on cliché imagery or confusing language. I know how to make your values visible.
The best choice for you depends on where you’re at in your business—and how much time, energy, and frustration you’re willing to spend on your site.
If you’re ready to:
Then a custom website isn’t just a design project. It’s an investment in how your business feels—to you and to the people you’re trying to reach.
Jen Haefele said, “It’s like the website I have now was floating around in my brain, and Courtney pulled it out and brought it to life.”
If you’re still not sure what’s right for you, that’s okay. We can talk through it—no pressure, no tech jargon, just a conversation about what your practice really needs.
Courtney Vickery, MS, RD, LD is a marketing and wellness strategist with 15+ years of experience in WordPress web design, workflow optimization, and client experience strategy.
She has served in leadership roles as a Director of Corporate Health Services, Group Fitness Program Manager, and Lead Wellness Dietitian, and built her own private practice, Vickery Wellness.
Courtney also has an extensive academic background. At the University of Georgia, she taught undergraduate nutrition courses, served as Interim Director of the Dietetic Internship, and continues to teach as needed.
She is a proud UGA alum, holding:
MS/DI in Foods & Nutrition
BS in Dietetics
BA in Political Science
With her unique blend of academic expertise, leadership experience, and design-driven strategy, Courtney helps professionals and organizations improve their systems, websites, and client experiences with clarity and confidence.
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