Some would tell you that you should never use web templates when creating your website. Others would say, it makes the site creation faster. I say there isn't anything wrong with using free or purchased web templates to create your website. They are very affordable and they save you a lot of effort and time when you want to create a new layout for your website.
However, the only reason why I would recommend the use of web templates is if you have the ability to customize it to fit your own needs. Most also come with custom CSS and are web compliant.
Web Templates should always come with PSD files, that will allow you to change the images.
What is a PSD file? A PSD file is layered easy to modify image file. It contains all image sources for your web design template, usually created with Adobe Photoshop. However, this file format is compatible with most graphics program.
There are many sites that offer Web Templates for sale. Unfortunately, they never retire any templates after they've been purchased by say, a hundred websites. There are sites that offer free templates, you just need to leave the link to their site on the template to use it.
If you plan to create a site using a web template, here are some guidelines to help you avoid mistakes when using ready to use web templates.
The first obvious mistake you should be aware of is using a template that is very popular. When you create your site you want it to be unique to show your individuality. Hence the need to purchase web tempates that have editable PSD image files. Look for a web template that is easy to navigate and has the layout that you want for your site.
If you purchase this type of template, it is already saving you time, which is the whole point when using a ready made web template.
The template shouldn't consist of too many images, as this will take time to change. A simple web template with header, background, nice color scheme and layout is all that you really need.
Don't choose templates because they are pretty. If this is a business site, you want it to look like a business. On the other hand, you can soften the look to match your style i.e changing the color scheme, just don't make it too pretty.
Don't overly change the web template beyond recognition. Most websites have the same basic layout anyway, header, two or three columns with the navigation on the right or on the left or sometimes at the top of the header or in the header itself and a footer. All you'll need to do is customize it to fit your needs.
Don't assume that the web template comes complete with your meta tags. You need to insert the proper meta tags, title, and meta description yourself.
Once you've chosen your web template, install it to your website and start your customization.
You'll use the same images and even the same names. Just make sure you keep a complete copy of the PSD image files separate from the ones you are customizing just in case you inadvertently make a mistake and flatten the PSD files.
Change the images found in the layers of your PSD files to suit your needs as well as the text. Save the image in the same folder and with the same name that it was provided.
Once you've completed all your image customizations, upload them to your site. Refresh your page and you'll see that you have just customised the template with your own design.
If you don't like the color scheme of your template, you will be able to change them within your custom CSS text file. If you're not too sure what you're changing, play around with it. All colors are in hex codes. Make sure to keep a copy of the original CSS file. Do not overwrite your customization on the existing file. If you make a mistake you can always upload the original file and start all over.
Using ready made web templates can save you a lot of time and effort and you don't even have to know too much about designing a site because it's already done for you. Customizing it to fit your needs is the only thing left that you'll need to do.
Follow the simple tips provided and even if you use a web template that has been purchased and used by many, you will have created your own identity online for the fraction of the cost of a web designer.
