How to set up a professional website on your own using site templates?
To create professional websites is not an easy task by any means. There are many things that you got to take into consideration like easy navigation, strategic links, clean coding, professional layout, easy downloading, scanability, usability and so on. These are the elements that differentiate a professional website from a mediocre one. So in a way it's not designing the website that counts but how the website is designed.
The only option that most of us have in order to design a good website is to hire a web- designer. Web-designers can help you come up with a great website that looks professional and is coded to perfection, but what about the time factor, leave alone the costs. Here's where web templates come to the rescue.
What are web templates?
Wondering what web templates are? Well, to put it in simple terms, web templates are semi-finished, pre designed web pages that can be used to create and host websites in less time. They are coded and have everything from graphics to logos and can be customized if required to add new pictures, content etc.
Why are web templates considered semi finished WebPages?
Web templates are semi finished in the sense that they are not ready to upload as they are. You need to add certain elements to make them look complete. Some of the main elements that you need to add include
1.) Links
2.) Page content
3.) Page titles/header/footer and Meta tags
4.) Company Logo, images etc
After adding these details the web template becomes ready to be uploaded using a web host for the world to see.
What is the price range of web templates?
Web templates range in price depending on the type of templates, terms of usage, package deals, membership deals, files provided etc. Typically a professional template with non-exclusive rights could cost you anything between $20 to $100. This is way lower as compared to what a web designer would ask you for designing your website, not to mention the time factor. Copyrighted templates with exclusive rights could cost you anywhere between $350 to $1800 per template. Some template providers like (http://www.buytemplates.net) can offer you high quality templates for much lower costs.
What are the files I should get with the purchase of a template?
The files that you get on the purchase of a template differ from vendor to vendor depending on the type/feature of the template. Regardless of the type of template some files that should accompany your purchase are as follows,
1.) Index.html file
2.) Jpeg/gif image files, font files
3.) External CSS Style sheets
4.) PSD files
In addition to these some other files such as .js file (for templates that use JavaScript) and readme.txt files can also be provided. Generally these files are provided in a .zip format and you may need to unzip them for usage. You can make use of unzipping software like WinZip to unzip the files. This software can be downloaded from winzip.com.
What kind of rights do I get over the web templates?
Basically there are two types of templates; exclusive (copyrighted) templates and non- exclusive (non-copyrighted) templates. An exclusive template gives you ownership rights over the template whereas a non exclusive template does not give you ownership rights but only usage rights. Exclusive web templates are a bit costly and will ensure that the template is not resold to any other customer. You may use the template as your like and even resell it to other customers. A non-exclusive template on the other hand is cheaper and gives you only usage rights over the template. This means you can modify the template as per your needs but cannot resell them to a third party. Non-exclusive templates also mean that the same template can be resold by the template provider to more than one customer.
How do I edit the web templates?
Basically editing involves inserting the content, changing the style and adding/changing graphics. This can be done using the psd, index.html and other files that the web-template provider gives you on purchase of specific templates.
Editing images and graphics
You would require PSD files in order to edit images and graphics like change image color; add/remove image layers etc. PSD files are those created using Photoshop and can be edited using Photoshop, ImageReady, imac or other image editing software programs. You can also change images to your liking. The best place to look for quality images for your templates is gettyimages.com'.
Editing content
If you only need to change/insert content of the template, you can go for editing the index.html file. The index.html file is provided by all template providers and can be edited using Html editors like FrontPage, Dreamweaver, Golive etc. You can also edit content using text editors. Index.html can also be used for removing/replacing images, changing links, adding meta-tags, adding alt texts, adding title and changing image sources.
Editing layouts and styles
For editing layouts and styles you would require a CSS style sheet. A CSS style sheet is a document that lets you make changes like text color, text/paragraph spacing, headings, links etc to multiple pages. Always ask your template provider to give external CSS style sheets as they are easy to edit. CSS can be edited using any HTML or text based editors.
In case you find the editing part difficult you can make use of web template customization services that are provided by most template providers.
Domain registration and hosting
Domain registration and web hosting are crucial for your website to appear online. There are many template providers who offer allied services like domain registration and hosting. Some even provide services like content development and search engine optimization. So be sure to buy templates from template vendors who offer these additional services. Some template providers like buytemplates.net' offer template related services irrespective of where you actually purchased the template from.
Where can I find quality web templates?
The internet is filled with websites that offer web templates. All that you need to do is insert a keyword like corporate web templates' in google or yahoo! to get a SERP crammed with web template providers. But finding quality templates from this crap is a bit difficult. A template many look glossy on your screen but may contain bad coding and low grade graphics. Some may be cheap but will have bad or no service associated. So how to find the best web templates in this heap load? The best way is to ask your-self these seven questions before making a buying decision.
Questions to ask before buying web templates
1.) Are the templates conversant with my company objectives and goals?
2.) Will they appeal to my end users?
3.) What kind of support does the web template provider offer?
4.) Does the web template provider offer complimentary services like hosting, customization, SEO etc?
5.) Is the template compatible with all editing software programs?
6.) What kind of files does the template vendor offer me?
7.) What are the membership options available?
Best web template providers online
Some of the best web template providers online who offer high quality web templates at affordable costs are (www.buytemplates.net) (Buytemplates.net offers quality templates at affordable rates. They also provides allied services like template customization, content insertion Search engine optimization and web hosting), (http://www.templatemagic.com) (offers quality affordable templates), designgalaxy.net (this site also offers logo designs, flash intros, Photoshop designs and PowerPoint templates along with web templates.) and interspire.com (This site is a must visit for anyone looking for free website templates. Their free templates are of good quality and are updated regularly. You can also get hold of free newsletter templates and logo designs here)
About the Author
(http://www.icongalore.com) is a quality web portal that offers high quality professional XP icons. Their XP application icons come at extremely affordable prices and can be used for web designing, software applications and print media.
No HTML? Need a Website? No Problem
How to build a website with no knowledge of HTML
So you have this great idea for a website and you're all excited about getting your "feet wet" as an online entrepreneur, but there's one problem: You have no idea how to create a site. ("HTML? What's that?")
If this sounds familiar, have no fear --templates are here. (Sorry for the rhyme; I just couldn't help myself.)
Templates are prefabricated websites; complete with graphics and sometimes even a cascading style sheet attached. You download them, edit in your infor- mation and upload them to your server. Presto, instant website!
If you take some time and do a search around the Net you'll find some beautiful templates, some even free, that will have you looking like a true online professional before you can say "CSS or HTML."
Let's take a look at some options:
1) APlusTemplates: (http://APlusTemplates.com)
A professional template membership site where you pay a one time membership fee of 9.95 and gain access to over 200 Web templates and their "Flash Intro Builder." Browse templates by category; even download a free template to check out the quality. There's some real nice stuff here.
2)ATemplate.com: (http://ATemplate.com)
All Web templates come complete with CSS or image rollovers and PSD files. If you're looking for something a bit fancier, they also offer an assort- ment of Flash templates. All templates are compatible with Frontpage and Dreamweaver.
3) BasicTemplates: (http://BasicTemplates.com)
I really love this site. The templates are top quality and designed using external CSS. You can join as a member for a one time fee and access all of the templates or purchase them individually. Easy to browse by category.
4) WebTemplateWorld.com: (http://WebTemplateWorld.com)
With most templates starting at only 4.99 apiece, there are some real beauties here. You can browse templates by the type of HTML editor you use (i.e., Dreamweaver or Frontpage), or by category. There are also some "bundled" value packages if you'd like to buy in multiples.
5) TheTemplateStore: (http://TheTemplateStore.com)
This site offers a nice selection of templates searchable by the editor you plan on using, such as Dreamweaver or FrontPage. They also have templates for GoLive and even Swish. Most start at only 5.00 and they go up from there.
6) Template Monster: (http://TemplateMonster.com)
Although a bit on the higher end, the designers at Template Monster are a talented group. You'll find some real gems to download here. Each template comes complete with PSD files. Download the free site template to get a small sample of what you'll be purchasing.
Don't let your lack of design skills stop you from being the proud owner of the site you've always dreamed of. With the right template you can have a professional looking site and no one need know you didn't design it yourself. Shhhh, it'll be our little secret!
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