When building a website, using a template can be a great way to get started. Templates provide a basic structure and design that you can then customize to fit your specific needs. However, with so many templates available, how do you find one that is right for your site? Here are some tips for locating templates that are similar to what you want.
Determine the Purpose of Your Website
Before starting your template search, clearly define the purpose and goals for your website. Who is your target audience? What do you want visitors to do on your site? The answers to these questions will help guide you toward templates that align with your website’s objectives.
For example, if you’re creating an online store, look for ecommerce templates with features like shopping carts and payment integration. If you’re making a portfolio site to showcase creative work, choose a template with large image galleries and minimal distractions. Identifying your website’s purpose and ideal layout will narrow your options.
Research Different Template Types
There are many categories of website templates available. Some common types include:
- Blog – templates designed for blogging with comment sections and categories
- Business – professional templates for companies and organizations
- Ecommerce – templates with shopping carts and product pages
- Portfolio – templates to showcase creative work and media
- Magazine – templates with news, articles, and multiple columns
Browse template sites to get a sense of the options in each category. Focus on the types that best match your website plans. For instance, if launching an online publication, view various magazine templates. Researching the different genres will reveal templates with similar layouts and features.
Identify Key Design Elements
Pay attention to the specific design elements that you want your template to include. Consider aspects like:
- Color schemes – muted, bright, monochrome?
- Navigation style – horizontal, vertical, icons, text?
- Widget areas – sidebars, footers, headers?
- Page layout – single column, multiple columns?
- Content elements – videos, galleries, comments?
Making a list of your preferred design components will give you criteria to evaluate templates against. Focusing on these details will filter out unsuitable options as you search.
Search Using Advanced Filters
Many template sites allow filtering search results using advanced options. Take advantage of these filters to zero in on templates with the characteristics you want.
For example, search parameters may include:
- Colors – select a specific color like blue or green
- Columns – choose between single, double, or triple column layouts
- Widget Locations – specify sidebar, footer, etc.
- Features – search for templates with sliders, galleries, contact forms, etc.
- Subject – filter templates by industry like business, portfolio, or blog
Leveraging these filters will exclude templates that don’t match your selected criteria. You’ll save time by only viewing relevant options.
Compare Multiple Templates Side-by-Side
As you narrow down your options, compare top contenders side-by-side. View demo pages of each template to see how they stack up.
Create a table to compare key factors at a glance:
| Template Name | Color Scheme | Navigation Style | Page Layout | Widget Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template 1 | Blue | Horizontal | Single column | Sidebar |
| Template 2 | Green | Vertical | Double column | Sidebar and footer |
| Template 3 | Gray | Icons | Triple column | Header and footer |
Comparing top contenders in this structured way makes it easier to see which template best fits your criteria. Focus on the one that aligns most closely with your defined website purpose, design needs, and content requirements.
Check Responsiveness on Mobile
It’s crucial to ensure that shortlisted templates look good on mobile devices in addition to desktop. More website traffic now comes from smartphones and tablets than computers.
Thoroughly test shortlisted templates by:
- Loading them on actual mobile devices like phones and tablets
- Using browser developer tools to emulate various sized mobile screens
- Toggling between mobile and desktop views on template demo pages
Analyze how navigation menus adapt, confirm content is readable without zooming, and check how images and columns stack on narrow screens. Choose a responsive template that displays well across devices.
Verify Compatibility with Your Platform
Before purchasing a template, confirm it will be compatible with your website platform. For example:
- WordPress – Template files should use PHP, include WordPress hooks, and work with plugins/themes.
- Shopify – Template needs to support Shopify specific features like Liquid code.
- Squarespace – Template must provide Squarespace styling and functionality.
- Wix – Files should be in Wix Velo format.
Templates built specifically for your platform will save development time. Don’t assume a template works everywhere – always verify compatibility first.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
Some templates boast hundreds of pages but deliver an inconsistent experience. A small set of 15-20 polished pages is better than a huge bundle of mediocre samples.
Prioritize templates that provide:
- Professionally designed page layouts
- Code compliance and validation
- Cross-browser compatibility
- Detailed documentation
- Regular updates and support
Premium templates often offer higher quality and reliability. For an important business or portfolio site, a paid template is a wise investment.
Customize the Template
Once purchased, you’ll need to adapt your selected template to fit your content. Most templates are customizable using options like:
- Drag-and-drop page builders to modify structure
- Theme settings to change colors, fonts, and more
- CSS overrides to fine-tune styles
- HTML and template code editing for greater control
Take time to tweak your template until the design and layout truly supports your goals. A customized template will uniquely represent your brand.
Conclusion
Finding a template similar to the website you envision takes research and direct comparisons. Define your needs, leverage filters, thoroughly evaluate options, and customize your selection. With a thoughtful approach, an off-the-shelf template can become the foundation for a successful site that furthers your objectives. The effort to locate the perfect starting point pays off with a professional design aligned with your brand and content.
