Templates have a ceiling.
We don't use them.
Every site we build is hand-coded in Astro. Here's why that difference shows up in your Google rankings, conversion rates, and long-term ownership.
Google rewards performance
Core Web Vitals are a ranking factor. Astro-built sites ship zero client-side JavaScript by default — every byte is intentional. Template sites carry hundreds of kilobytes of unused JS before you write a single line.
Templates are designed to sell subscriptions
Squarespace, Wix, and similar platforms are built to keep you paying monthly. Their performance ceilings are real — the platform limits what a site can achieve, no matter how well designed.
Your site should outlast its builder
When we hand over a site, you own every file. No platform dependency. No monthly fee held hostage. If you outgrow us, your codebase moves with you.
SEO lives in the markup
Schema.org structured data, semantic HTML, correct heading hierarchy, meta precision — these require code-level control. Plugins approximate; we implement.
Code vs. template: by the numbers
| Category | Code-built | Template platform |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 95–100 PageSpeed score | 40–65 PageSpeed score |
| Load Time | <1s LCP on 4G | 3–6s LCP on 4G |
| SEO Control | 100% custom markup | Limited with plugins |
| Security Surface | Minimal attack surface | High attack surface |
| Platform Lock-in | None you own it | Total platform dependency |
“A site that loads in 800ms converts at a measurably higher rate than one that loads in 3 seconds. We build the 800ms version.”
Ready for a site that actually performs?
Start with a free consultation. We'll tell you exactly what your current site is costing you.
Or reach us directly at buildwith@launchwellbrands.com