Why a post about templates? Well recently, we announced an upcoming addition to our services—a template bundle available for purchase. You might be wondering, doesn’t this seem off-brand for us? After all, rawmarrow is synonymous with customisation, and a close-knit approach to working with businesses (like a hand in a glove). However, our decision to offer the template bundle is also rooted in our friendliness and listening to what small and solo businesses have been telling us. We are not idiots and we recognise that small and solo businesses have varying needs and some do purchase templates to use. Our bundle is going to be different from any we have seen to date.(well what did you expect from us ;). When we release the bundle you will know specifically who they are for and who will benefit. With that said this post is really about the pros and cons of using templates for small business owners in general.

The pro’s and cons of templates.

In the dynamic world of small business marketing, the pressure to create consistent, engaging content can be overwhelming. Amidst the hustle and bustle, templates have emerged as a tempting solution, offering a quick and easy path to professional-looking visuals and well-structured text. However, before diving headfirst into the world of templates, it’s crucial to understand both their advantages and limitations.

Pros of Using Templates for Small Businesses.

1. Cost-Effectiveness -Templates are often significantly more affordable than hiring a professional designer or writer, making them a budget-friendly option for small businesses.
2. Time Efficiency- Templates provide a pre-built foundation, eliminating the need to start from scratch and saving valuable time.
3. Consistency- Templates ensure uniformity across various marketing materials, creating a cohesive brand image.
4. Professional Appearance- Even without design expertise, templates can help small businesses create professional-looking content that stands out.
5. Ease of Use- Templates are typically user-friendly, requiring minimal technical skills to customise and publish.

Cons of Using Templates for Small Businesses:

1. Lack of Uniqueness-Templates may result in generic content that fails to reflect the unique identity of the small business. Users must know their brand well enough and know how to customise the template accordingly.
2. Limited Customisation-While some templates offer customisation options, they may not provide the flexibility to fully align with the brand’s visual and messaging preferences.
3. Potential for Overuse-Overreliance on templates can lead to a lack of creativity and stifle the development of a distinctive brand voice.
4. Technical Limitations-Some templates may have compatibility issues or require coding or software knowledge for customisation.
5. Potential for Generic Feel-Templates may not capture the nuances and personality of the small business, creating a generic rather than personalised experience for the audience.

In summary- it depends!

Templates can be a valuable tool for small businesses, offering a cost-effective and time-saving solution for creating professional-looking content. However, it’s essential to use them strategically, recognising their limitations and balancing them with creative efforts to maintain a unique brand identity. Ultimately, the decision to use templates should align with the specific goals, resources, technical and marketing expertise of each small business.

Side note on our template bundle if you are a small business owner who is looking for a way to create high-quality videos without breaking the bank, our video template bundle is the perfect solution for you. Sign up for our email list today to be notified when the bundle is available for purchase.