Selecting a website template can feel overwhelming at first. There are countless options available, each with its own design and features. By understanding what to consider when choosing a template, you'll be well on your way to creating a portfolio website that perfectly reflects your brand and goals.
This article will serve as your guide to navigating the world of website templates. We'll break down the key factors to keep in mind as you search for the perfect template, ensuring your website looks great, functions flawlessly, and effectively represents you or your business online.
What to Consider When Choosing a Website Template
Choosing a website template should be a strategic decision aligned with your business goals. Don't simply choose the most visually appealing option; consider how the template's structure and content will guide visitors through your sales funnel (awareness, interest, decision, conversion).
Define Your Objectives: Determine your primary website objectives (e.g., online sales, portfolio showcase, blog).
Consider Your Industry: Choose a website template appropriate for your specific industry. Analyze websites of successful businesses in your industry for inspiration.
Cater to Your Target Audience: Select a website template that reflects your unique brand and style while effectively addressing the needs and preferences of your target audience.
How to Choose a Website Template
1. Do research on what kind of website design you prefer
Analyze websites of successful businesses in your industry.
Identify design elements that resonate with you (e.g., minimalism, storytelling, visual impact).
Explore different navigation styles and how they enhance user experience.
2. Figure out the type of website template you require
Static vs. Dynamic:
Static: Best for simple websites with infrequent content updates.
Dynamic: Ideal for businesses that require personalized content and frequent updates.
One Page vs. Multi-Page:
One Page: Suitable for businesses with limited content or a minimalist approach.
Multi-Page: Ideal for businesses with extensive content, complex navigation, and a clear organizational structure.
Responsive vs. Adaptive:
Responsive: Adjusts seamlessly across all devices.
Adaptive: Loads specific layouts for different screen sizes.
Suggested read: Types of websites
3. Choose a website layout
Z-pattern: Ideal for scanning and absorbing information quickly.
F-pattern: Suitable for text-heavy content like blogs.
Full-screen Image: Perfect for visually-driven businesses.
Split Screen: Effective for showcasing contrasting products or services.
Asymmetrical: Creates a unique and modern look.
Horizontal Strips: Organizes content into distinct sections.
4. Zero in on website elements, features, and functions
Header: Choose a header style that complements your brand (static, sticky, full-width). Define the desired first impression (e.g., brand logo, impactful image, clear call to action).
Footer: Include essential information (contact, copyright, social media links).
Navigation Menu: Select a menu style that enhances user experience (horizontal, vertical, dropdown). Consider menu placement (top, side), style (horizontal, vertical, dropdown), and ease of use.
Content: Ensure the template supports your content needs (text, images, videos, blog posts). Choose between full-width for visual impact or boxed-width for better content organization.
Features: Consider essential features like online store functionality, event calendars, and live chat. Ensure the template adapts seamlessly to all devices (desktop, tablet, mobile).
5. Customize your website template
Experiment with different layouts and design elements.
Personalize the template with your brand colors, fonts, and images.
Preview your website on different devices to ensure optimal responsiveness.
6. Keep experimenting
Don't be afraid to try different website templates and explore their customization options.
Start with a free trial to get a feel for the platform and its features.
How to Choose a Website Template on Pixpa
Access the Design Section: Go to the “Design” section in your Pixpa dashboard to manage templates and styles.
Explore Templates: Review Pixpa’s pre-designed templates to find one that matches your website’s objective and content.
Switch Templates: Templates can be changed as many times as needed, providing flexibility for experimenting with designs.
Customize Styles: Use the Style Editor to adjust visual properties like text, colors, and layouts without coding.
Preview Changes: Check updates in real-time before publishing.
Save and Publish: Apply changes by clicking the “Publish” button to make your design live.
Reset Options: Revert to the original template style using the reset feature if needed.
Best practices and tips
1. Prioritize SEO Friendliness
Fast Loading Speeds: Opt for lightweight templates that load quickly to improve search engine rankings and user experience.
Search Engine Optimization: Look for templates with clean code and features that support search engine optimization (SEO).
2. Match Your Branding
Consistency is Key: Ensure the template aligns with your brand identity, including logo, colors, fonts, and overall tone.
Replace Placeholders: Swap out generic content with brand-specific text, images, and icons to tell your unique story.
3. Pick a Unique Color Scheme
Strategic Color Choices: Select colors that reflect your brand's personality and resonate with your target audience.
Consider Color Theory and Psychology: Understand how colors impact user perception and evoke specific emotions.
Explore Color Palettes: Draw inspiration from successful websites that effectively utilize color.
4. Choose Fonts Wisely
Limit Font Choices: Stick to 2-3 fonts to maintain visual consistency and hierarchy.
Prioritize Readability: Select fonts that are easy to read across different devices and screen sizes.
Consider Accessibility: Ensure sufficient color contrast for optimal readability.
5. Design for Scannability
Prioritize Concise Content: Use bullet points, headings, and subheadings to improve readability.
Utilize White Space: Create visual breaks to guide the user's eye and improve focus.
Incorporate Visuals: Use images and videos to break up text and enhance engagement.
Suggested read: 7 principles of design
6. Keep it Simple
Prioritize Clarity: Avoid overwhelming visitors with excessive animations, images, and widgets.
Focus on Key Information: Emphasize essential content and clear calls to action.
Streamlined Navigation: Make it easy for users to find what they are looking for.
Accessibility: Ensure the website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
7. Consider Available Support
Reliable Support: Choose a template with reliable support options in case you encounter technical difficulties.
8. Update as Needed
Stay Current: Regularly review and update your website to reflect evolving trends and user needs.
Gather Feedback: Collect user feedback and analyze website analytics to identify areas for improvement.
Embrace Redesign: Periodically redesign your website to maintain a fresh and modern look.
How to Change Website Template in Pixpa
Go to the Design section and select the “Change Template” option.
Browse available templates, preview them, and choose one that fits your needs.
Optionally, copy the demo content of the new template or start with a blank layout.
Apply the selected template with a single click.
What Happens When a Template is Changed on Pixpa
The new template’s fonts, colors, and styles are applied site-wide.
Gallery layouts and folder styles are updated to the new template’s default settings.
Home page demo content can be imported, edited, or deleted as needed.
Content does not adapt to the new template; manual updates may be required.
Header, footer, and button styles are inherited from the new template.
How to Switch Back to an Earlier Style and Theme
Go to the Design section and click on the “Switch Back” button.
This restores the previously used template along with its styles.
Adjust gallery or folder layouts individually if necessary.
What not to do when selecting website templates
1. Choosing a Template That Doesn't Meet Your Needs
Define Your Requirements: Clearly define your website's purpose, target audience, and desired functionalities.
Assess Customization Options: Choose a template that allows for the level of customization you require to match your brand.
2. Choosing a Template with Unresponsive Elements
Test Responsiveness: Resize the browser window to simulate different screen sizes and ensure all elements adjust seamlessly (images, text, navigation).
Avoid Fixed Elements: Be wary of templates with fixed navigation bars or other elements that don't scroll properly on mobile devices.
3. Choosing a Poorly-Coded Template
Prioritize Code Quality: Look for templates with clean, well-structured code for optimal performance and SEO.
Consider Eco-Friendly Templates: Opt for templates that prioritize performance, speed, and environmental sustainability.
4. Not Customizing an Overused Template
Avoid "Template Fatigue": If a template is extremely popular, heavily customize it to create a unique look.
Explore Less Common Options: Consider less popular but high-quality templates to stand out from the crowd.
5. Disregarding the Rules of Good Design
Focus on User Experience: Prioritize user-friendliness, clear navigation, and visual hierarchy.
Maintain Consistency: Ensure a consistent brand experience across all pages.
Avoid Over-Customizing: While customization is important, avoid overwhelming visitors with excessive elements.
Different use cases of website templates
When choosing a website template, it's crucial to determine the primary functions you need for your brand. Here are some examples of template categories for web design:
1. Portfolio Website Templates
Recommended for: Photographers, artists, designers, architects, musicians, fashion designers, models, and other creatives.
- Key Features:
Visually-driven layouts that showcase work effectively (images, videos, galleries).
Clean and minimalist designs that emphasize visual content.
Easy-to-navigate portfolios to showcase individual projects and collections.
Options to categorize and filter projects for better organization.
2. E-commerce Website Templates
Recommended for: All digital or physical product-based businesses.
- Key Features:
Product catalogs with features like product descriptions, images, and variations.
Shopping cart functionality and secure checkout processes.
Inventory management tools.
Integration with payment gateways.
Marketing features like promotions, discounts, and email marketing integration.
3. Blog Website Templates
Recommended for: Marketers, storytellers, creators, business owners, and individuals who want to share their thoughts and expertise.
- Key Features:
Easy-to-use blogging platforms with features like post-scheduling and categorization.
SEO tools to improve search engine visibility.
Social media integration for easy sharing.
Email subscription options to build an email list.
4. Small Business Website Templates
Recommended for: Local businesses like restaurants, coffee shops, salons, and real estate agencies.
- Key Features:
Clear contact information (phone number, address, email) and a contact form.
Location maps and directions.
Service descriptions and pricing information.
Testimonials and client reviews.
5. Professional Website Templates
Recommended for: Entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants, and professionals seeking to showcase their expertise.
- Key Features:
Online portfolios to showcase past work and projects.
Service descriptions and pricing information.
Contact forms and call-to-action buttons.
Testimonials and client reviews.
Resume/CV sections to highlight professional experience.
6. Personal Website Templates
Recommended for: Individuals seeking to share personal interests, hobbies, or projects.
- Key Features:
Flexible layouts for showcasing personal interests (travel, hobbies, photography).
Blog functionality to share personal stories and thoughts.
Event calendars for organizing and promoting events.
Contact forms for easy communication.
How to Design a Website Using Templates on Pixpa
- Choose a Template:
Select a template from Pixpa’s collection that aligns with your website’s purpose and style.
Templates are categorized to fit various needs, such as portfolios, e-commerce, or blogs.
- Customize Fonts and Colors:
Use the Style Editor in the Design section to adjust fonts, text sizes, and colors.
Match the design with your branding for a consistent look.
- Modify Layouts:
Rearrange sections, such as galleries, text blocks, and forms, using drag-and-drop tools.
Customize headers, footers, and navigation menus for user-friendly browsing.
- Preview Changes:
View design updates in real-time before applying them to your live website.
- Incorporate Branding:
Add your logo, brand colors, and custom imagery to create a cohesive identity.
- Save and Publish:
Once satisfied with the design, click “Publish” to make your website live.
- Make Iterative Updates:
Pixpa allows unlimited template switches and style adjustments to refine your website over time.
Conclusion
Choosing the right website template is a crucial step in creating a successful online presence. By carefully considering your business goals, target audience, and the specific features you require, you can select a template that aligns with your brand and effectively communicates your message to the world.
Prioritize user experience, ensure responsiveness across all devices, and choose a website template that is easy to customize and maintain. With the right template and a bit of effort, you can create a professional and engaging website that will help you achieve your online goals.
Pixpa offers 200+ stunning, customizable, and mobile-friendly website templates designed for creatives and small businesses. These templates cater to diverse needs, including photography, art, design, fashion, business, and personal websites. Users can choose from clean, professional layouts or bold, creative designs, ensuring alignment with their brand and style.
Pixpa templates are SEO-friendly, optimized for speed, and prioritize responsive design for seamless performance across devices. They also offer easy customization of colors, fonts, and layouts, empowering users to create unique, professional websites effortlessly.
FAQ
How to pick a website template?
Choose a website template based on your purpose and audience. For instance, if you’re a photographer, select a gallery-focused template. Pixpa offers a wide range of templates tailored for creatives, e-commerce, and businesses.
How do I choose the right template?
To choose the right template:
Identify your website’s goals (portfolio, e-commerce, blog).
Consider your content needs (images, text, videos).
Look for mobile-friendly and customizable options.
Pixpa templates allow easy customization to match your vision.
How do I choose a website layout?
Select a layout that prioritizes simplicity and user experience. Ensure key information is easily accessible, with clear navigation and an intuitive structure. Templates on Pixpa are designed with user-friendly layouts to guide your audience effectively.
What makes a good template?
A good template is visually appealing, responsive, and customizable. It should align with your brand’s aesthetics and provide features to meet your website’s functionality needs, such as galleries, forms, or e-commerce tools.
How do I design websites?
You can design websites easily with platforms like Pixpa. Start by selecting a template, customize it with your content, colors, and fonts, and add elements like galleries, blogs, and e-commerce tools using the intuitive drag-and-drop editor.
What factors should I consider when selecting a template?
When selecting a template, consider:
Purpose: Does it suit your website’s goals?
Responsiveness: Is it mobile-friendly?
Customization: Can you easily adjust colors, fonts, and layouts?
Features: Does it include the tools you need (e.g., galleries, forms)?
Style: Does it reflect your brand’s personality?
Pixpa templates are designed to meet diverse needs while offering full customization options.
