Starting a new website can feel overwhelming. There are so many choices to make, from colors and fonts to layouts and features… 

But here's a secret that might make you feel better: most amazing websites start with templates!

That's right – even professional website designers often begin with templates as their foundation. Using a template doesn't make your site any less creative or unique. In fact, it gives you a professionally-designed starting point that you can customize to make completely your own.

Think about it: so many things start from templates, not just website designs. There’s absolutely no shame in taking an amazing framework and making it your own! 

So, now that we've cleared that up, let's talk about how to find the perfect template for your business!

Start with Strategy: What Does Your Website Need to Do?

Before you start browsing through all those gorgeous templates, take a moment to get clear on what your website actually needs to accomplish. This step is crucial but often overlooked!

WHAT'S YOUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE?

Every effective website has a clear goal. Is yours to: 

•  Book client services?
• Sell products?
• Build an email list?
•  Showcase your portfolio?
• Educate your audience?
• Generate leads?

Your primary objective should influence which template you choose. 

For example, if you're focused on booking client services, you'll want a template with prominent call-to-action buttons and an easy path to your Contact page, and enough space to write about your services.

If you’re focused on selling products, you’ll need to make sure your template comes with a Shop page and a Product page.

If you’re focused on growing your email list through your site, you’ll need to make sure your template comes with a Subscribe page, and a Freebie page.

FUNCTIONALITY MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK!

A beautiful template that doesn't function well is like a sports car without an engine – looks great, but won't get you where you need to go!

Consider which special features you need: 

• Blog functionality (do you plan to publish content regularly?)
• Sales pages (need high-converting pages for offerings?)
•  Shop integration (selling products?)
• Service showcase (displaying your offerings clearly?)
• Portfolio galleries (showing off your work?)
• Lead magnets (growing your email list?)

Make sure the template you choose either includes these features or can be easily customized to add them.

WHO IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE?

Your website isn't for everyone – it's for your specific ideal clients or customers. Think about: 

• What aesthetic would appeal to them?
• How tech-savvy are they?
• Do they prefer minimalist designs or more detailed ones?
• What information do they need to make a decision?

A template that appeals to luxury wedding clients will look very different from one targeting tech startups. Choose accordingly!

Once you’ve considered what you need the template FOR, it’s time to think about aesthetics… 

Your website's visual style should align with your brand personality.

Showit templates come in a variety of styles to match your unique vibe, like these.

Bold

Perfect for brands with strong personalities that aren't afraid to stand out. Bold templates often feature striking color contrasts, large typography, and eye-catching elements.

Dark

Sophisticated and dramatic, dark templates create a premium feel and make colors pop. Ideal for luxury brands, photographers, and creative professionals.

Editorial

Inspired by magazine layouts, editorial templates feature elegant typography and thoughtfully arranged content blocks. Great for content-heavy sites that need to maintain visual interest.

Elegant

Refined and timeless, elegant templates use subtle animations, delicate typography, and plenty of white space. Perfect for brands that want to convey sophistication.

Fun

Playful and energetic, fun templates incorporate whimsical elements, bright colors, and dynamic layouts. Ideal for brands with a lighthearted personality.

Light

Airy and inviting, light templates use plenty of white space to create a fresh, clean aesthetic. Great for brands wanting to convey simplicity and approachability.

Minimal

Less is more! Minimal templates focus on essential elements only, creating space for your content to breathe. Perfect for modern brands with a streamlined approach.

Modern

Contemporary and on-trend, modern templates incorporate current design elements while maintaining timeless appeal. Suitable for forward-thinking brands.

Your template can’t just be pretty, though — don’t forget to consider these important factors, too…

While a beautiful design catches the eye, there are practical elements that will make or break your website experience. Here's what to look for beyond just pretty colors and layouts:

ENOUGH SPACE FOR COPY

Templates vary dramatically in how much room they allocate for text. If you're in a text-heavy industry (like coaching, consulting, or education), you'll need templates with generous copy areas.

Look carefully at:

• Headline length limitations
• Paragraph spacing and width
• Number of content blocks per page

Too little copy space means you'll either need to edit your content ruthlessly or spend time reworking the template structure.

IMAGE REQUIREMENTS 

Each template has its own “appetite” for images. Some require dozens of professional photos to look complete, while others work beautifully with just a few key images.

Consider

• How many quality images do you currently have?
• Do you have access to professional photography?
• Are the image spaces the right orientation for your photos? (Portrait vs. landscape)
• Do you need special types of images (like flatlays or specific backdrops)?

If a template calls for 20+ hero images but you only have a handful of professional photos, you might struggle to make it work.

NAVIGATION STRUCTURE

Different templates organize information in different ways. Pay attention to:

• How many menu items the template supports
• Whether dropdown menus are available
• If the template includes secondary navigation options
• Mobile menu functionality

Your site structure should make intuitive sense for your specific audience and content needs.

PAGE LOAD SPEED

Beautiful doesn't have to mean slow! Look for templates that:

• Use optimized image blocks
• Don't rely on excessive animations
• Have a clean, efficient code structure

Remember, every second of load time increases your bounce rate significantly.

ACCESSIBILITY

Make sure your chosen template supports:

• Sufficient color contrast for readability
• Properly structured headings for screen readers
• Focus indicators for keyboard navigation
• Alternative text capability for images

An accessible site isn't just inclusive—it's better for SEO too!

Industry Matters: Templates Designed for Your Field

One of the best things about Showit's template marketplace is that many templates are specifically designed with certain industries in mind. This means they include pages and features typical for that business type.

Browse templates in categories like: 

• Beauty
• Coaching & Consulting
•  Content Creator
• Event Professional
• Fitness
• Health & Wellness
• Marketing Services
• Online Service Providers
• Photography
• Podcast
• Portfolio & Showcase
• Wedding Vendors
• Virtual Assistant

And so many more!

Industry-specific templates save you time because they're already structured around the typical client journey for your business type.

What if you can’t find the “perfect” match?

Don't worry! That’s the beauty of designing on Showit: every template is fully customizable. You're never locked into a specific design.

If you can't find a template specifically for your business type, choose one with a layout and style you love, then customize it to fit your needs. You can change everything from colors and fonts to the entire page structure!

This is why starting with a template doesn't limit your creativity – it just gives you a professional foundation to build upon.

Your website will always be evolving as you do — and templates give you room to grow!

Your business will grow and change over time, and your website should evolve with it. The good news? Showit makes it easy to add new pages, sections, and features as you need them.

Start with what you need now, knowing you can expand later: 

•  Launch with core pages first (Home, About, Services, Contact) 
• Add a blog when you're ready to start publishing content
• Create sales pages as you develop new offerings
• Build out your portfolio as you complete more project

Your website is never “finished” – it's a living, breathing representation of your evolving business.

Resources For Finding Your Perfect Template

Showit Design Market

The official marketplace features templates from verified Showit Design Partners who meet Showit's quality standards. You'll find options for every industry and style preference.

Shop Add-ons

Once you've selected your template, consider enhancing it with add-ons like specialized page layouts, custom sections, or unique elements that can take your site to the next level.

Remember: Templates are just the beginning!

The most important thing to remember is that your template is just your starting point. What makes your website truly unique is how you customize it with your brand elements, copy, images, and personal touches.

Some of the most beautiful, effective websites on the internet started as templates – including sites built by professional designers! The key is choosing a solid foundation that you can transform into something that feels authentically yours.

So go ahead and find that perfect template. Your dream website is waiting to be built!