How to Choose the Right Website Template for Your Brand
It's 11 PM, and you’re staring at your laptop screen, eyes glazed over. You’re knee-deep in your third cup of coffee, surrounded by post-it notes covered in scribbles like "modern but not too modern" and "easy to use but also fancy." You’re on a mission to revamp your website, but choosing a template feels like trying to solve a Rubik's cube in the dark.
As you click through what seems like the millionth template shop, you feel your head spinning. Squarespace, Showit, WordPress, Wix – the options seem endless. And within each platform? Hundreds, if not thousands, of templates. Modern minimalist or bold and colorful? Photography-focused or text-heavy? With each new tab you open, you feel more and more lost in a sea of pixels and design jargon.
To make matters worse, every template shop claims to have the "perfect solution" for your needs. But how can they all be perfect? Your desk is now littered with pros and cons lists, each growing longer by the minute. And you’re starting to wonder if you should just stick with your old website, outdated as it is. At least it exists.
Sound familiar? If you've ever felt like this, desperately trying to find the perfect digital home for your brand amidst an ocean of options, you're not alone. Choosing the right website template can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Let's break it down and make this process as smooth as your favorite latte.
But first… do you need a website template?
Before we dive into the world of templates, let's take a quick detour. If you're wondering whether a template is even the right choice for you, or if you should go for a custom design instead, you're asking a smart question. It's a decision that can significantly impact your online presence and business strategy.
Not sure which path is right for you? Check out my blog post "Website Template vs. Custom Design: Which is Right for Your Business?" This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and make an informed decision.
Already decided that a template is the way to go? Great! Let's explore how to choose the perfect one for your brand.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Website Template
Functionality and Features
Your website needs to work as hard as you do. Think about what you need: e-commerce functionality, a blog, portfolio galleries, or a booking system. Make sure your chosen template can support your business goals without requiring a Ph.D. in computer science to set up.
Customizability
Your brand is unique, and your website should reflect that. Look for templates that offer flexibility in design elements like colors, fonts, and layouts. Remember, you want your site to stand out, not blend in with the digital crowd.
SEO Friendliness
In the vast ocean of the internet, you want your site to be a lighthouse, not a hidden reef. Choose templates with clean code, fast load times, and mobile responsiveness. These elements are key to keeping both your visitors and search engines happy.
Responsiveness
With over 50% of web traffic coming from mobile devices, your site needs to look good on screens of all sizes. A responsive template ensures your site is as appealing on a smartphone as it is on a desktop.
Support and Documentation
Even the most tech-savvy among us hit snags sometimes. Opt for templates with robust support and documentation. It's like having a digital lifeguard on duty – there when you need them, but not hovering while you're trying to enjoy the water.
The Best Squarespace and Showit Website Template Shops
Now that you know what to look for, let's window shop at some of the best website template shops:
Showit website templates: TONIC Site Shop
TONIC templates are the crème de la crème of the web design world – luxurious, stylish, and worth every penny.
Fitzgerald: The newest TONIC template (as of writing this post), Fitzgerald is one of my top faves for sure. It’s sophisticated. It’s clean. It’s got some cool animations and LOTS of page design options. Ideal for marketers, designers, entrepreneurs stylists, influencers, creatives, copywriters, and honestly, ANY brand.
Lillet Blanc: With its chic design and editorial vibe, it's great for influencers, style bloggers, and anyone that needs an online space that’s clean, modern, and leans a bit heavier on the typography.
Manhattan: Sleek and utterly cool, Manhattan is ideal for any coach, podcaster, entrepreneur, creative brand or small business.
Want to snag a TONIC template for your site? Use my code SHANNON15 for 15% off your purchase!
Image: TONIC
Image: TONIC
Image: TONIC
Showit website templates: Northfolk
Northfolk templates offer a diverse range of styles, from bold and contemporary to elegantly refined, catering to brands seeking a polished and versatile online presence.
High Tide: High Tide is a beauty. She’s built and designed light and airy but like most templates - she can be designed in any other style and looks gorgeous when you make her a little moody. This one’s great for photographers, wedding pros, or any creative brands.
Napoli: Designed by Angela with Saffron Avenue, Napoli is very much a creative and organic layout and design. It’s elegant with a focus on photography. Perfect for photographers, creatives, or anyone wanting a bit more of a modern, organic vibe to their site.
Kinley: Vibrant. Clean. Modern. This one is perfect for brands who have 2 aspects to their business - Maybe you offer services and a shop? Or maybe you have services and a course?
Ready to make a Northfolk template your own? Use my code SUNDAY for a sweet 15% discount!
Image: Northfolk
Image: Northfolk
Image: Northfolk
Squarespace website templates: GoLive
GoLive templates focus on bold design and functionality, perfect for entrepreneurs who want a site that's as efficient as it is beautiful.
Trove Agency: Sleek, minimal, and organic, Trove Agency is built for businesses that want to showcase their services in a beautiful way.
Signify: This one’s high-end, dynamic, and strategic and perfect for graphic designers, social media managers, copywriters, or any service providers who want a clear message with style.
Hunter: Blends modern design with a refined elegance. Hunter is specifically for service-based businesses like interior designers, personal stylists, wedding vendors, and more.
Want to grab a GoLive template? Snag 10% off using code SHANNON10.
Image: GoLive
Image: GoLive
Image: GoLive
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing and Customizing Your Website Template
Know Your Needs: Start by listing what you need from your website. Is it an online store, a blog, a portfolio? Knowing this will help you filter templates that align with your goals.
Browse and Compare: Spend time exploring the template shops mentioned above. Compare features, customization options, and overall vibes of the templates that catch your eye.
Test the Demo: Most template shops offer live demos. Take advantage of this and test how the template looks and feels. Ensure it's easy to navigate and meets your needs.
Check the Mobile Version: Don't forget to check how the template looks on mobile. A good template will look just as polished on a smartphone as it does on a desktop.
Customization: Once you've chosen your template, it's time to make it yours. Customize the colors, fonts, and layout to match your brand.
Launch and Celebrate: After you've made all your customizations, it's time to hit that publish button and share your shiny new site with the world!
Need a Hand? Introducing: Design Intensives
Staring at your chosen template and wondering how to make it truly yours? Don't worry – you're not alone, and you don't have to tackle this solo.
That's where our Design Intensives come in. In just two weeks, I'll transform your chosen template from "nice" to "nailed it!" while you sit back and watch the magic happen. Here's what you get:
Expert customization of your template to align perfectly with your brand
The opportunity to provide feedback at key stages, ensuring the final product is exactly what you envisioned
Quick turnaround time (because who wants to wait months for their dream site?)
A site that not only looks great but functions seamlessly
Whether you're stuck on color schemes, can't quite figure out how to make that homepage pop, or just want to ensure your site is as unique as your brand, our Design Intensive is the perfect solution.
Remember, a template is just the starting point. With a Design Intensive, we'll take that template and transform it into a website that truly represents your brand and meets your business needs.
Interested in learning more about how a Design Intensive can elevate your website?
