What Is A Website Template?

Creating a website from scratch can be daunting, especially without any design or coding knowledge.

This is where a website template, comes in. A web template is a pre-designed layout for a webpage or set of webpages that anyone can use to plug-in their own text content and images, thereby creating a unique website without starting from scratch.

Understanding Website Templates

Website templates are a cost-effective alternative to custom web design, offering a professional-looking website without the need for extensive design knowledge.

Website templates can be used to create a variety of websites including small business websites, blogs and e-commerce sites.

Website templates typically consist of a combination of HTML, CSS and JavaScript files that work together to create a functional website.

They often include pre-designed elements such as headers, footers, navigation menus and content area.

These elements can be customised to fit the user’s needs.

Website templates can be used with a variety of content management systems (CMS) and website builders, making it easy to create and manage a website without needing to write code.

Why Use a Website Template?

There are several benefits to using website templates. One of the primary advantages is cost.

Many website templates are free or cost significantly less than a custom design.

However, it’s important to note that while a free template can be a great starting point, they often come with limitations such as branding from the theme developer and potential security risks.

Templates also offer convenience. Rather than waiting weeks for a custom design, you can have a website up and running in a fraction of the time.

Types of Website Templates

Website templates are largely influenced by the Content Management System (CMS) you choose. These CMS platforms often come with a diverse range of pre-designed templates, including both free and premium templates.

Let’s delve deeper into the different CMS options and the types of templates they offer.

1. WordPress Templates: WordPress is an incredibly versatile CMS, supporting a variety of website types from blogs to e-commerce sites. The WordPress template directory offers thousands of free and premium themes, catering to just about every need.
2. WooCommerce Templates: WooCommerce transforms any WordPress website into a fully functional eCommerce store. There are many WooCommerce-optimised themes available to get your online store looking just right.
3. Shopify Templates: Shopify is another eCommerce platform with a robust set of features. They provide a range of free and paid Shopify templates that can be customised to create a distinctive look for your online store.
4. Webflow Templates: Webflow combines a visually driven interface with the flexibility of front-end coding. You can choose from a range of Webflow templates that provide a starting point for a variety of project types, from blogs to ecommerce websites.

When choosing a CMS and corresponding template, consider the nature of your website, the level of customisation you want and the learning curve you’re comfortable with.

Each CMS has its own strengths, so it’s about finding the right fit for your needs.

Third-Party Website Template Providers

When it comes to sourcing website templates, you aren’t limited to what’s available on your chosen CMS platform.

There are several third-party providers offering versatile and high quality website templates.

These third-party providers offer a variety of template based solutions that can be a cost-effective and efficient way to build a website.

Here, we’ll delve into three of them:

1. ThemeForest: ThemeForest boasts a broad collection of themes spanning numerous CMS platforms. Their themes pass rigorous quality checks, ensuring high standard templates for different site needs.
2. Envato Elements: Envato Elements offers a subscription based service granting access to numerous digital assets, including a vast array of website templates. The platform encourages creative freedom by allowing unlimited template exploration without individual purchase costs.
3. TemplateMonster: TemplateMonster provides a wide selection of versatile templates for various CMS platforms. Known for their extensive and quality catalogue, they offer themes suitable for diverse business niches.

When deciding on a third-party template provider, ensure their offerings align with your specific needs from the level of customisation to compatibility with your chosen CMS.

Customising a Template

Customising a website template is key to making it unique to your brand.

Whether your template consists of a single page or multiple pages, customisation is key to making it unique to your brand.

Here are 5 actionable tips to customise your website template:

1. Branding: First, you should customise the colours, fonts and images to match your branding. Most templates allow you to easily change these elements.
2. Navigation: The navigation should be intuitive and mirror the structure of your content. You should be able to customise the menu items and their order in the template.
3. Layout: Depending on your template, you may be able to adjust the layout. For instance, you could choose a different layout for your blog posts or move a sidebar from the right to the left.
4. Apps and Plugins: Depending on your template and platform, you may be able to add plugins or apps for additional functionality. For example, you might add a social sharing plugin on a blog template or an Instagram feed to your home page.
5. CSS Modifications: If you have some coding knowledge, you can make more advanced customisations using CSS. This could include changing the hover state of buttons or the style of headings.

Remember, while customisation can make your site unique, don’t sacrifice usability and simplicity for the sake of uniqueness. Always keep your users in mind.

Choosing the Right Website Template

Choosing the right website template can be a daunting task, given the wide variety available.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a template:

1. Functionality: Does the template offer the website’s functionality you need for your website?
2. Design: Does the template match your brand and aesthetic?
3. Responsiveness: Is the template responsive, meaning it automatically adjusts to fit different screen sizes?
4. Support: Does the template provider offer support if you run into issues?

By considering these factors, you can choose a template that not only looks good but also serves your needs.

Best Practices for Using Website Templates

Using a website template can be a great way to create a professional looking website quickly and easily.

However, there are some best practices to keep in mind to ensure that your website is effective and user friendly. Here are some tips to consider:

• Choose a Responsive Template: Ensure the template is responsive and mobile friendly, so your website looks good on a variety of devices, from desktops to mobile phones.
• Customise to Fit Your Brand: Tailor the template to reflect your brand by adding your own images, text and design elements. This helps in creating a unique identity.
• Consistent Design Language: Maintain a consistent color scheme, font and layout throughout your website. This creates a cohesive and professional look.
• User Friendly Navigation: Make sure your website is easy to navigate with clear headings, concise paragraphs and prominent calls-to-action. This enhances the user experience.
• Test Across Devices and Browsers: Regularly test your website on different devices and browsers to ensure it looks and functions as expected.

By following these best practices, you can create a website that is both professional looking and effective.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While using a website template can be a great way to create a website, there are some common mistakes to avoid.

Here are some things to watch out for:

• Non-Responsive Templates: Avoid templates that are not responsive or mobile friendly, as they can make your website look bad on certain devices.
• Lack of Customisation: Not customizing your template enough can make your website look generic and similar to others using the same template.
• Overloading Design Elements: Adding too many design elements can clutter your website and make it difficult to use. Keep it simple and clean.
• Neglecting Testing: Failing to test your website on different devices and browsers can lead to unexpected errors and issues.
• Ignoring Updates: Not keeping your website up-to-date can lead to security vulnerabilities and other problems. Regularly update your template and plugins.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a website that is both effective and professional looking.

How Website Templates Impact SEO

When choosing a website template, it’s essential to consider how it might impact your site’s Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).

Your website’s SEO is critical for your online visibility. The better your SEO, the higher you’ll rank on search engine results pages, leading to more organic traffic.

A website template can impact your SEO in various ways, such as:

1. Clean Code: Google prefers websites with clean, efficient code. Some templates are built with excessive or inefficient code, which can slow down your site and negatively impact your SEO.
2. Loading Speed: The time it takes for your pages to load can significantly influence your SEO. Templates with complex designs or large media files can slow down your site.
3. Mobile-Friendly: With Google’s mobile-first indexing, your site must be mobile-friendly. Not all website templates are responsive, meaning they adjust their layout to fit different screen sizes, including mobile devices. A significant portion of web traffic comes from mobile devices, so ensuring your template caters to this user base is crucial for maintaining visibility and usability.
4. User Experience (UX): While a part of broader web design, UX directly influences your SEO. Elements like navigation, readability and site structure are often dictated by the template you choose.

When choosing a website template, consider these factors. It’s worth spending some time researching and consulting with an SEO expert to choose an SEO-friendly template.

Website Templates vs Custom Web Design

The decision between using a website template or opting for a custom design often comes down to your specific needs, budget and timeline.

Whether you choose a website template or a custom design, web designers play a crucial role in ensuring the final product meets your needs.

Website templates are an excellent choice for those who need to launch a website quickly and at a lower cost.

They are also ideal for those who do not have extensive web design knowledge but still want to maintain control over the design process.

On the other hand, a custom website design offers a unique look and feel that is tailored specifically to your brand.

Custom designs are often more flexible than templates and can better accommodate specific functionalities and design elements.

Wrapping Up

Website templates offer a cost-effective, efficient way to create a professional looking website without the need to use any custom code.

With thousands of templates available across numerous website platforms, there’s almost certainly one that suits your business’s needs.

Remember, while website templates offer many benefits, it’s essential to consider their impact on your SEO and to customise them to align with your brand and business objectives to ensure a great user experience.

If you have anymore questions about website templates or would like help from a professional website designer to modify yours, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a website template?

A website template, also known as web templates, is a pre-designed layout for a webpage or set of webpages that anyone can use to plug-in their own text content and images, thereby creating a unique website without starting from scratch.

Why should I use a website template?

Website templates offer several advantages including cost-effectiveness, speed of setup, and professional design even without web development skills.

What types of website templates are available?

There are a wide variety of website templates available, designed to suit different types of websites such as business websites, eCommerce stores, blogs, portfolios, and more.

How do I customise a website template?

Customising a website template can involve changing colours, fonts, images, and even layout elements. While some changes may require knowledge of HTML and CSS, many website platforms like WordPress or Shopify provide drag-and-drop tools for easy customisation.

Can a website template impact my site’s SEO?

Yes, the choice of website template can impact your site’s SEO. SEO-friendly templates typically feature clean code, fast loading times, and are mobile-friendly.

To your success,
Jackson