How to Choose a Website Template

Choosing the right website template can make creating a new website much easier.

A template gives you a ready-made design and structure that you can customize with your own text, images, colors, pages, and branding. Instead of designing every element from scratch, you can start with a layout that already fits the type of website you want to create.

Modern website builders offer templates for almost every type of website, including business websites, portfolios, blogs, restaurants, online stores, and personal websites.

However, choosing a template isn't simply about finding the one that looks the most attractive.

The best template is the one that fits your content, your audience, and the purpose of your website.

In this guide, we'll explain how to choose a website template and what to look for before you start customizing it.

What Is a Website Template?

A website template is a pre-designed website layout that you can use as the starting point for your own website.

A template can include:

• Homepage layout
• Navigation menu
• Page layouts
• Fonts
• Colors
• Buttons
• Image sections
• Contact forms
• Product layouts
• Blog layouts

You replace the template's example content with your own information.

For example, a photography template might already contain sections for a portfolio, services, About page, and contact information.

A restaurant template might include a menu, opening hours, location, reservations, and food photography.

The exact features depend on the website builder and template.

Why Use a Website Template?

Templates can save a significant amount of time.

Without a template, you would need to decide how every page should look and how all the elements should be arranged.

With a template, much of the basic design work has already been done.

Templates can be particularly useful if:

• You're creating your first website
• You don't have design experience
• You want to launch quickly
• You don't want to code
• You need inspiration for your website structure

A good template can also help you create a more consistent design across your website.

If you're new to website creation, see How to Create a Website Without Coding.

Start With the Purpose of Your Website

Before browsing templates, decide what your website is supposed to accomplish.

Ask yourself:

What type of website am I creating?

For example:

• Business website
• Portfolio
• Blog
• Online store
• Restaurant website
• Personal website
• Nonprofit website
• Photography website
• Artist website

The answer will immediately narrow down your choices.

A template designed for a restaurant may not be suitable for a consultant.

A template designed for an online store may not be appropriate for a simple portfolio.

Choose a template based on what your website needs to do, not just how it looks in the template preview.

Choose a Template for Your Type of Website

Most website builders organize templates into categories.

Common categories include:

• Business
• Portfolio
• Blog
• Photography
• Restaurants
• Online Store
• Events
• Personal
• Services
• Nonprofit

Start with the category that most closely matches your website.

This doesn't mean you have to use a template exactly as intended.

You can usually customize the content and layout.

However, starting with a relevant template can save you a lot of work.

Think About Your Website Structure

Look at the pages included in the template.

Does it already have the sections you need?

For example, a small business website may need:

• Home
• About
• Services
• Testimonials
• Blog
• Contact

A photographer might need:

• Home
• Portfolio
• Services
• About
• Blog
• Contact

An online store could require:

• Home
• Shop
• Product categories
• About
• Contact

A template doesn't have to contain every page you need.

You can normally add or remove pages later.

However, the closer the template is to your intended structure, the less work you'll have to do.

Don't Choose a Template Based Only on the Homepage

The homepage is usually the most impressive part of a template preview.

That's intentional.

Template designers want to demonstrate what the website could look like.

But your homepage isn't the only page that matters.

Before choosing a template, look at:

• About page
• Services pages
• Contact page
• Blog layout
• Product pages
• Portfolio pages
• Mobile version

A beautiful homepage won't help much if the rest of the website doesn't fit your needs.

Check the Navigation

Look at how the template organizes its navigation menu.

Is it simple and easy to understand?

Can you add the pages you need?

Does the header have enough space for your logo?

Does the navigation work well on mobile devices?

A template with a complicated navigation system may be harder to customize.

For more information about navigation, see How to Create a Website Navigation Menu.

Choose a Mobile-Friendly Template

Your template should work well on smartphones and tablets.

Before choosing one, check how it looks on smaller screens.

Pay attention to:

• Text size
• Images
• Buttons
• Navigation
• Page width
• Spacing
• Forms

A design that looks excellent on a large desktop screen may not work nearly as well on a smartphone.

Most modern website builders offer responsive templates, but it's still worth checking the mobile version before committing to a design.

For more information, see How to Make a Website Mobile-Friendly.

Look at the Template's Layout

Think about how the template presents information.

Does it provide enough space for your content?

For example, a photography website may need large image areas.

A consultant may need sections for services, testimonials, and expertise.

An online store needs space for product images, prices, and shopping features.

A blog needs a layout that makes articles easy to browse.

Choose a layout that supports the type of content you plan to publish.

Consider the Amount of Content You Have

This is an easy factor to overlook.

Some templates are designed around large amounts of content.

Others are intentionally minimalist.

If you have a small amount of content, a template with dozens of sections may make your website look empty.

If you have a lot to say, an extremely minimal template may force you to remove useful information.

Choose a template that matches the amount of content you realistically expect to have.

You can always expand your website later.

Don't Let Demo Content Influence Your Decision Too Much

Template previews often contain professional photographs, polished headlines, and carefully designed layouts.

Your own website will look different once you replace the demo content.

Imagine the template without its photographs and example text.

Ask:

Would this structure still work with my content?

This is a much better way to evaluate a template than simply asking whether you like the demo website.

Choose a Design That Fits Your Brand

Your template should match the personality of your website.

A professional consulting company might prefer:

• Simple typography
• Clean layouts
• Subtle colors
• Plenty of white space

A creative portfolio might use:

• Large images
• Bold typography
• More unusual layouts

A restaurant might benefit from:

• Large food photography
• Prominent menus
• Location information
• Reservation buttons

There is no universally best website style.

Choose something appropriate for your audience.

Don't Overvalue Visual Trends

Website design trends change.

A template that looks extremely fashionable today may look dated a few years from now.

You don't need the most unusual or experimental design.

A clean, professional, and easy-to-use template can remain effective for a long time.

Prioritize:

• Readability
• Usability
• Navigation
• Mobile compatibility
• Clear content
• Appropriate layout

over short-lived design trends.

Check the Customization Options

A good template should allow you to make it your own.

Depending on the website builder, you may be able to change:

• Colors
• Fonts
• Images
• Logo
• Buttons
• Page sections
• Navigation
• Backgrounds
• Layouts

Check how much control the platform gives you.

A template may look perfect initially but become frustrating if you can't change important elements.

Check Whether You Can Add New Pages

Your website will probably grow over time.

Make sure you can add pages when necessary.

For example, you might initially have:

Home | About | Services | Contact

Later, you might add:

• Blog
• Portfolio
• FAQ
• Testimonials
• Additional services
• Resources

A flexible template makes it easier to expand your website without redesigning everything.

Consider Templates With Ecommerce Features

If you plan to sell products, make sure the template supports the type of store you want to create.

Look for layouts that provide space for:

• Product images
• Prices
• Product descriptions
• Categories
• Shopping cart
• Checkout

You don't necessarily need to choose a template labeled specifically for an online store, but an ecommerce-focused template can save time.

If you're creating an online store, see How to Add an Online Store to a Website and Best Website Builders for Online Stores.

Consider Templates for Blogs

If publishing articles will be an important part of your website, look at the blog layout before choosing a template.

Check:

• How blog posts are displayed
• Whether categories are supported
• Featured image layouts
• Article typography
• Related posts
• Blog navigation

A business website with a blog has different content requirements from a website that only needs a few static pages.

For more information, see How to Add a Blog to a Website.

Consider Templates for Portfolio Websites

Portfolio websites depend heavily on visual presentation.

Photographers, artists, designers, and other creative professionals may want templates that give their work plenty of space.

Look for:

• Large image areas
• Gallery layouts
• Portfolio categories
• Project pages
• Simple navigation
• Fast-loading image presentation

The design should showcase your work rather than compete with it.

You can explore Best Website Builders for Photographers or Best Website Builders for Artists if you're creating a portfolio-based website.

Check the Template on Different Devices

Don't evaluate a template only on your desktop computer.

If possible, view it on:

• Desktop
• Laptop
• Tablet
• Smartphone

Check whether:

• Text remains readable
• Images are properly positioned
• Buttons are easy to use
• Navigation works
• Sections remain in a logical order

A responsive design should adapt to different screen sizes, but testing it yourself is still worthwhile.

Consider Website Speed

A visually impressive template may contain large images, animations, videos, or other design elements.

These can affect page loading performance.

You don't necessarily need the simplest template available.

However, avoid choosing a design purely because it contains lots of visual effects.

Think about whether each element actually improves the visitor experience.

You can often remove unnecessary sections or replace large images with appropriately optimized versions.

Don't Choose a Template That's Too Complicated

More features don't automatically make a template better.

If you only need a simple business website, you probably don't need:

• Multiple animation effects
• Complex menus
• Dozens of page layouts
• Elaborate sliders
• Unnecessary interactive elements

A simpler template may be easier to customize and maintain.

Choose the level of complexity that matches your website.

Check the Website Builder Before Committing

Remember that the template is only one part of the equation.

The website builder itself also matters.

Before choosing a platform, consider:

• Ease of use
• Templates
• Customization
• Ecommerce features
• Blogging
• SEO tools
• Mobile editing
• Domain options
• Pricing
• Customer support

If you haven't chosen a platform yet, see How to Choose a Website Builder.

Can You Change Your Template Later?

This depends on the website builder.

Some platforms make switching templates relatively easy.

Others may require you to rebuild or reorganize parts of your website.

This is one reason it's worth spending some time choosing the right template at the beginning.

However, don't spend weeks searching for the perfect design.

A good template that fits your needs is usually more valuable than endlessly comparing small visual differences.

Should You Choose a Free or Premium Template?

Both can work.

Free templates can be a good choice if:

• You're building a simple website
• You're on a limited budget
• You want to experiment
• You don't need advanced features

Premium templates may offer:

• More design options
• More specialized layouts
• Additional features
• More customization

The most expensive template isn't necessarily the best one.

Choose based on what your website actually needs.

A Simple Way to Compare Templates

If you're deciding between several templates, create a short checklist.

For each template, ask:

Does it fit my website type?

If not, eliminate it.

Does the layout fit my content?

If not, eliminate it.

Is navigation clear?

If not, eliminate it.

Does it work well on mobile?

If not, eliminate it.

Can I customize it enough?

If not, eliminate it.

Can I add the pages and features I need?

If not, eliminate it.

Does it fit my brand?

If yes, keep it on your shortlist.

After this process, you should have only a few strong candidates.

Don't Try to Copy the Demo Website Exactly

The demo website is an example of what the template can do.

It's not necessarily a blueprint that you should copy.

Replace the demo content with information that is relevant to your visitors.

Change:

• Images
• Text
• Colors
• Logo
• Navigation
• Sections

to reflect your own website.

The goal is to use the template as a foundation, not to reproduce someone else's website.

What Makes a Good Website Template?

A good template should make it easier to create a useful website.

Look for a template that provides:

• Clear navigation
• Readable typography
• Logical page structure
• Responsive design
• Appropriate layouts
• Easy customization
• Space for your content
• Relevant features
• Professional appearance

Most importantly, the template should support the needs of your visitors.

A beautiful design is useful only if people can easily find and understand your content.

For more information, see What Makes a Good Website?

Website Template Checklist

Before choosing a template, ask yourself:

• Does the template fit the purpose of my website?
• Does its structure match the pages I need?
• Is the navigation clear?
• Does it work well on mobile devices?
• Can I customize the colors and fonts?
• Can I add or remove sections?
• Can I add new pages?
• Does it support my type of content?
• Does it support ecommerce if I need it?
• Does it provide a good blog layout if I need one?
• Does it showcase images effectively if necessary?
• Does the design fit my brand?
• Is the template reasonably simple to maintain?
• Does the website builder provide the features I need?
• Have I tested the template on different devices?

Final Thoughts

Choosing a website template doesn't have to be difficult.

Start by deciding what your website needs to accomplish and what information you need to provide.

Then look for a template that already has a suitable structure.

Don't choose based only on the homepage or the photographs used in the demo.

Consider the navigation, page layouts, mobile experience, customization options, and the amount of content you plan to publish.

The best template isn't necessarily the most impressive one.

It's the one that gives you a solid foundation for creating a website that is easy to use, easy to navigate, and appropriate for your audience.

Once you've found a template that meets your needs, you can customize it with your own content, images, branding, and pages.

If you're still deciding which platform to use, explore Best Website Builders for Beginners or Best Website Builders for Small Business to compare website builders that can help you create your site without starting from scratch.

⭐ Popular Guides ⭐

Looking for more website tips? Explore these guides to find the right website builder and learn more about creating a successful website.