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How to use Website Templates
By: Gene DeFazzio

Using website templates

A great way to start your website is to use a ready-made website template. This is especially true if you are new to web page layout and graphics techniques in general. By using a website template you will save yourself a lot of time and learn a lot in the process also it will go a long way in helping you to learn how to design a website.

You can save a lot of time and effort by using a website template as the backbone of your site. I say backbone because no matter what type of template you use it will be impersonal and not necessarily a reflection of what you are trying to express. In other words you will want your website to be unique to you and your message. So select your template carefully.

Selecting a template
I personally like to start with a template that suits my needs (i.e. color, style, etc.) then customize it by editing. Be careful about copyright infringement and be sure that the source of your template offers it without any strings attached, even if you are purchasing it. Some of the sites offering free website templates retain their copyright and the templates they provide are theirs, not yours. Buying the rights to a successful web template can be an expensive proposition so choose with care.

There are literally thousands of website templates available on the web. Some are free and some can run up into the hundreds of dollars. Just do a search for website templates on one of the major search engines and you will be overwhelmed by the number of offerings that are available. Have a good idea of what you are looking for before you start and that will help narrow down your search.

Once you have decided on a template download it to your computer and place all of the files into a new folder named for your website. Using your browser click your way through the site and become familiar with it and have a good handle on how it works. Now its time to consider the one element that will make or break a website, content.

The importance of content

Decide on your content up front. Your content is the heart of your website. This is what will make it unique. Other people may be using the same template that you are so the content of your website is what will make it different from theirs. Also, knowing the content of your website helps you in the selection of the proper template to showcase what you have to say.

Summary

Every webmaster wants a unique website that stands out from the crowd.Using pre designed templates is one way to accomplish this. But, remember that other webmasters may be using the same template so you must make yours unique.

For further information on this and related subjects, follow the links below.
Web Development and Design Techniques
 There are some thing we must keep in mind before we develop and design a web site.
Web Site Design Tips - Graphics
 Web site design can be a delicate process, especially when it comes to graphics. This article will give you some basic tips on how to get the most out of your web site graphics.
WYSIWYG Web Design Software - Which One is Best?
 There are a number of applications out there that allow you to design websites using WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editors. We're going to look at the best web design software that falls into this category.
Why You Should Learn HTML
 Do you have a website or are you planning on creating a website in the near future? You owe it to yourself to at least learn some basic HTML (HyperText Mark-up Language).
How to Develop a Website Outline
 Even though you feel as if know every title and sentence on the website you are creating, once a site is online it is very difficult to remember the actual order of things.
Website Goals
 No matter how great the graphics might be or the navigation scheme or the flowery words, the success of your website will depend on how concisely, clearly and effectively you present your ideas.

Check out the webmasters article archive.

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