Some website designers choose to use a template – and there is nothing wrong with choosing to use this method! However, there are times when it is obvious that one must be on the lookout for trends in design, specifically in what is happening regarding WordPress.
There are many hacks to fast-tracking processes which help you achieve more while working less, but this is a habit that can easily cause flaws. While themes are great time-savers for many website builders and do assist in customization, using a template is not always the answer.
Today we discuss the things that may not necessarily help you when using a template for your website design career. Some bad advise which I hear recently during a seminar spurred me to consider some things which I decided to contest.
FIND A THEME TO SUIT YOUR TARGET NICHE
Those of you who design websites the likes of real estate companies should, in fact, purchase a license and go ahead using a real estate theme. However, make sure that you become very familiar with the theme that you choose.
WHY I CONTEST!
- The fact of the matter is that when you limit web design and start to purchase licenses which only tend to have a few templated options, you are running the risk of creating a lookalike website – this could seriously damage your business because clients may start to notice even the most minor of details. Copycat style indicates that you are not putting any time, money, creativity or effort into the work.
ALSO: How can you expect, as a web designer, to build an impressive portfolio if every website looks the same?

IDENTIFY PAGES THAT YOUR TYPICAL CLIENT REQUIRES ON THEIR SPECIFIC WEBSITE
In this instance, Home, About Us, and Contact pages are a provided – just as a theme developer solutionizes with a few page layouts or design options to choose from.
You could just use the templates from your theme or design your own and then, create no more than two or three template options for each individual page.
WHY I CONTEST!
Typically, this is just so generic and bla! It’s the same old same old and although it might be what some businesses require, others would need a little more creativity and imagination.
SAVE YOUR TEMPLATES FOR FUTURE USE
And remember – these are for no one to see but you.

WHY I CONTEST!
There is no need to keep repeating the same templates and storing them without sharing them. Others may use your ideas and find your templates useful – but the reality is that if you are being paid for web design, then that really is what you should be doing!
SIGN NEW CLIENTS IMMEDIATELY TO YOUR WEB DESIGN SERVICE
Foremost, explain to your new client that you will build the perfect website for their business. Then, have them sign the contract! All they need to do now is provide you with their branding info and images which you will need to use.
Once you have everything required, use the limited set of
templates you have saved from previous jobs to build every website you are
hired to create! Of course, you still have to choose page template options
which would make most sense for each client.
All that is left is to add personalized content to each of the pages and that
is about it! Easy!
The goal here: Work Less, earn more! This is how you make as much money as possible from each job without problems!
WHY I CONTEST!
What rubbish advise! Fact of the matter is, that it is terrible practice to not involve the client throught the creation of their website project.
Even worse, doing so can lead to costly rework and constant reviews. What’s more is that it also has the potential to hurt your business through negative feedback. On thing that people love to talk about is their bad experiences.
TRY NOT TO ENGAGE WITH THE CLIENT ABOUT WEB DESIGN
The client doesn’t need to be involved in the process – web designers are the experts and they know best! Clients shouldn’t have any say in the work that goes into the website – they do not even need to see it until it is complete!
WHY I CONTEST!
I cannot reitterate enough! THIS IS BAAAAAAD AVICE! Not only can this damage your reputation but it could also hurt your clients’ businesses. If their visitors realize there is nothing unique about the site they land upon they will observe that it is just one copycat to another.