Don’t assume that every last thing within template can be changed, easily. Of course anything can be changed if you have graphics knowledge, but for novice, if you’re unsure whether a particular graphic used can be easily replaced by your own image, ask template designer! This is why it is best to choose a template store where template designer provides personal support for his / her designs.

Sometimes one or more elements of template design are intrinsic parts of template, and cannot just be “swapped out” without technical knowledge. Good, professional template designers will offer a customization service to perform this kind of function for you.

What a template is – and isn’t

The website template you have chosen is a look-and-feel for your site. Some high-end templates have database back-ends and so on built in, but straightforward website templates are generally a “shell” for your website. Adding content which is specific to your website, and “making it your own”, involves editing template. Fortunately, these days html / web editors are very easy to use, but be aware that you will need to do add content to template to make into your website.

You will want to add your own text, set your meta tags (keywords and description), and possibly insert some product images into your product listing pages (if applicable).

Not only one!

Most website templates are sold more than once – which technically means that you won’t have only website on Internet that looks like yours. However, don’t consider this a problem – with Google having over 8 billion sites (May 2005) in its inde, chances of someone seeing another site that looks like yours are tiny. However, if you need a copyrighted design, ask template designer about buying template for exclusive use. This will increase price though, and also depends on template not having been sold before.

Web site templates are a cost-effective way to produce an attractive, professional website at a fraction of cost of hiring your own web designer.

Julia Jackson is the owner of Xenon Web Services, with ten years experience in Internet development. She specialises in website and database design, and manages an online website templates store.

http://websitetemplates.co.za http://web-site-templates.info