10 Things to Look for in Website Templates

Website templates make creating websites a possibility for anyone with an internet connection. Millions of companies and individuals use templates as a simple user-friendly method of creating an attractive and professional-looking online presence, and there are now multiple methods to quickly, produce a dazzling website cheaply and efficiently, whatever your level of experience.

You can even use free websites templates from companies such as Moonfruit.

Here are 10 things you should consider when picking your template.

Website Templates

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Navigation

Choosing a website template with clear navigation options is key, especially if your website is likely to have several pages and subpages. Opt for a template with a well-designed links sidebar or banner.

Typography

Choosing the right font can make a big difference – it should be a style that suits your current logo or branding. Some themes can be customised, depending on your package, but if not, it’s worth picking a template with fonts that suit your brand.

Usability

Obviously you want your website to look gorgeous. But that shouldn’t mean you sacrifice basic web design principles. Ensure that you pick a theme that visitors to your site will be able to use without fuss. Search boxes and archived posts are helpful here.

Clarity

It’s essential you go for a theme that is clear and easily comprehensible. Too many websites try to overload their users with information. The best themes divide information into simple, direct packages.

Consistency

You might have a perfectly designed home page, but do the rest of your pages match up? Pick a theme that will keep your site looking orderly and uniform on every page, from the colour scheme to fonts.

Branding

Website templates are used by millions. It’s absolutely crucial that you leave your mark on your template to set it apart from the pack. Go for a template that allows you to display your logo prominently and assimilate your branding on every page.

Web Templates

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Alignment

Do you want your website to be two columns, three columns, or no columns at all? Do you want a symmetrical layout or an asymmetrical one? These are important elements to consider when choosing a template.

Universally accessible

Some templates include components such as Flash animation or QuickTime, which will not work on every computer – check that you are using a template that will work for almost every customer.

Mobile-friendly

Mobile is undeniably the future of the internet. The best templates are ‘mobile friendly’, meaning they will automatically adapt to whichever device the website is being viewed on. Always keep mobile in mind when designing your site.

Easily customisable

Above all, you want a template that will allow you to customise your site with the minimum of fuss. A user-friendly DIY website builder site such as Moonfruit.com offers beautiful templates for even the most inexperienced.

This post is a guest post written by Tracey Chandler.

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