Creating a professional website from scratch can be a daunting task, requiring attention to various elements such as user-friendly navigation, strategic linking, clean coding, and an aesthetically pleasing layout. These components are what elevate a website from mediocre to professional. While hiring a web designer is an option, it can be costly and time-consuming. This is where web templates come into play, offering a quicker and more affordable solution to website creation. In this article, we'll explore how to utilize web templates to set up a professional website on your own.
Web templates are essentially semi-finished web pages that have been pre-designed and coded, including elements like graphics and logos. They serve as a starting point for building a website, saving you time in the design process. However, they require customization to add personal touches such as your content, company logo, and specific images.
The appeal of web templates lies in their semi-finished state. They are not ready to go right out of the box; you need to infuse them with your brand's identity and content. Key elements to add include:
Once these details are in place, the web template is ready to be uploaded to a web host and made visible to the world.
The price of web templates varies based on factors such as design quality, usage terms, and the extent of customization allowed. Generally, a professional template with non-exclusive rights can range from $20 to $100, which is significantly less than hiring a web designer. Exclusive templates, which grant you full ownership and ensure the design isn't resold, can cost between $350 to $1800 per template. Websites like Buytemplates.net offer high-quality templates at competitive prices.
When you purchase a template, the files included can differ by vendor, but typically you should expect:
These files are usually provided in a .zip format and may require software like WinZip to extract them.
Templates come in two main types: exclusive and non-exclusive. Exclusive templates grant you ownership and the right to resell, while non-exclusive templates only provide usage rights and can be sold to multiple customers.
Editing a template involves:
If editing is not your forte, many template providers offer customization services for an additional fee.
To get your website online, you'll need domain registration and web hosting. Some template providers offer these services, along with content development and search engine optimization. It's beneficial to choose templates from vendors who provide these additional services.
The internet is brimming with web template providers, but quality varies. To ensure you're getting a good template, consider the following questions:
Some reputable online web template providers include:
In conclusion, web templates are a practical and cost-effective solution for setting up a professional website. By understanding what to look for and how to customize these templates, you can create a website that not only looks professional but also aligns with your brand and meets your business needs.
