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Why would I use a template vs. designing from scratch?
If you aren’t a designer, you should consider using a template to get your site up quicker. Website builder templates pre-format different page blocks and spots for text and visuals. Your main job is to change the default content and add whatever is specific to your brand.
In essence, templates work as walkthroughs. You get a blank canvas when starting from scratch, but you should already know what you want your site to look like if this is your choice. You must also consider the technical skills and timelines required to build a site from scratch and consider hiring a web designer.
Variety: Choose from the templates available. Look for templates designed for your category (i.e. blog and portfolio), but experiment with others if you prefer them.
Customization: Modify templates to fit your brand, such as the text, fonts, and where blocks are placed on the page. Consider mobile and desktop designs.
How do I choose a template?
The template you should pick depends on the needs of you and your website. You need to think about your website’s purpose, the features you should include, and how responsive your site is. Keep each of the following in mind:
- Objectives: Your website’s goals will determine the template you choose. For example, if you have an online store, you should pick a theme either designed for eCommerce or one that has eCommerce plugins (e.g. Shopify and Sellfy). A blog, meanwhile, should have features like a homepage with the latest articles.
- Identity: Your website theme should have your target audience in mind. You also need to think about your brand identity (for example, a tech website might pick IBM-style fonts).
- Features: Look for features like product pages, contact forms, and customizable social media widgets. Determine which tools you need before choosing a website template.
- Site Responsiveness: Think about how your template works on mobile and desktop. Look for versatility and preview pages on different devices before publishing.
Can I customize a website template?
Normally, templates have varying options for customization. Features that you can mostly change are:
- Colors
- Fonts
- Visual content
- Layout elements (e.g. menus)
Plugins: Look for plugins and extensions that you might need to add to your website.
What is the difference between a website theme and a template?
Themes are a collection of templates that look similar, but templates are an individual layout.
What types of website templates are available?
There are website templates for different industries, and they typically have features that people within those industries would use. Here are some examples:
- Business: Minimalist layouts for products and services with online shopping, blog, and contact pages.
- Blog and Magazine: Layouts with featured and recent posts.
- eCommerce: Features for online shopping, such as cart and payment integration.
- Portfolio: Layouts to showcase creative work, such as photo tiles.
- Non-Profit: Website designs for charities and other similar organizations.
- Events: Booking pages and information widgets for concerts, conferences, etc.
What are the pros and cons of free website templates?
There are several things to consider with free website templates, including various benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- Cost: Use free website templates if you don’t have a big budget.
- User-Friendliness: You can normally set up a website in a few hours, but you should learn how to in advance.
- Variety: You often have multiple options, but this will depend on the site builder; some are less advanced than others.
Cons
- Customization: If you need flexibility, consider premium templates.
- Standing Out: It’s likely that other websites are using the same templates, and you must do what you can to stand out.
Are website templates responsive (mobile-friendly)?
Website templates are typically built to be responsive, adjusting automatically to different screen sizes and devices. Optimization levels will differ, and you should test your site template on smartphones and tablets before launching. Website templates should be optimized for mobile because most site traffic comes from such devices.
What to consider when choosing a website builder for templates?
When choosing a website builder for a template, you should think about multiple factors.
Here are some features to look out for:
- Interface: Choose a builder that is more comfortable for you to work with. Either it is a drag-and-drop model or click-and-edit.
- Variety: Look for builders that have enough templates for your niche.
- Customization: Find builders and templates where you can alter the template.
- Support: Consider resources (e.g. videos and articles), and customer support.
- Free or Paid: Look for pricing structures that you can afford and have the features you require.
Website builders with template libraries include Hocoos, WordPress, and Squarespace. Some require more manual work than others.
Conclusion
You should look at website builder templates if you don’t have coding or design skills and need a website. However, you also must consider your individual situation to determine if one will fit your needs. Think about customization, your brand identity, and the number of themes available.
Consider using plugins to further customize website themes, too. It’s also necessary to look at customer support and pick a website builder with which you can scale. Shop around and try different free templates, and don’t forget to A/B test before launching.
