Building an online presence requires a well-designed website, especially for mortgage brokers looking to connect with clients. When selecting a mortgage broker website template, you’re often faced with a couple choices, including selecting between free and paid options. Here, we’ll explore the key differences between each to help you choose the best fit for your mortgage broker business.
The cost of a website template
The most obvious difference between free and paid mortgage broker website templates is the cost. Free templates are, as the name suggests, available at no charge. Using a free template can save upfront costs, allowing brokers to allocate resources to other areas.
On the other hand, using a paid mortgage broker template comes with a cost – however, this cost is often reflected in a better quality website. Paid templates are more polished and come with a range of advanced industry features that free templates may lack, such as mortgage broker calculators, google review widgets and more.
Finding a broker website template with a quality design
When it comes to quality and mortgage broker website design, paid templates have the upper hand. Free templates are often basic in design and may lack the aesthetic appeal needed to make a strong first impression. They tend to be limited in their ability to customise the look and feel to your branding, which can make your website look less professional. Furthermore, a bad website could be hurting your mortgage broker business in ways you aren’t even considering.
Paid templates are typically designed by professional designers, ensuring a higher standard. They offer a wide range of design options and features, allowing you to create a unique and professional-looking website in the broking industry. The ability to customise your website to match your brand’s colours, fonts and style can significantly enhance your online presence and help you stand out in a competitive market.
Features tailored to the mortgage broking industry
Free website templates often come with the essentials. However, they might lack advanced functionalities that enhance user experience, and improve your website’s performance and conversion rate. Features that businesses may find important, such as SEO tools, integrated analytics, lead generation forms and industry calculators, are typically not available in a free template.
Technical support and updates
Another critical aspect to consider when creating your website, is the level of website support available to your business. Free website templates generally come with limited or no support. This means if you encounter any issues, you might be on your own. Additionally, free templates may not receive regular updates, making your website more vulnerable to security risks in the long run.
In contrast, a good mortgage broker website template will come with dedicated support from its developers. This is invaluable when you need assistance with setup, customisation or troubleshooting. Paid templates with ongoing maintenance packages also receive regular updates, ensuring your website remains secure and optimised at all times. This approach safeguards your reputation while protecting your business from data breaches and cyberattacks.
You get what you pay for
When it comes to choosing between free and paid mortgage broker website templates, the adage “you get what you pay for” holds true. While free mortgage broker website templates can be an attractive option for those on a tight budget, they come with significant limitations in terms of quality, features, support and customisation. Paid templates, although requiring an initial investment, offer a higher level of quality, a wider range of industry-specific features, dedicated support and greater flexibility.
For mortgage brokers looking to establish a strong online presence, investing in a robust mortgage broker website template can provide long-term benefits and a competitive edge in the market. In the long run, this can save you time, reduce headaches and provide a more effective platform for engaging with clients and growing your business.