Selecting the right website template is the first step in creating a visually appealing and effective website. A well-chosen template can help you showcase your content, match your brand style, and provide an excellent user experience. With OzSpeed’s Website Builder, you have access to a variety of professional templates tailored for different industries and purposes. Here’s how to choose the best website template for your needs.
Step 1: Access the Template Library #
To browse and select a website template, start by opening the Template Library in hPanel.
- Log in to hPanel at ozspeed.com.au.
- Go to Website Builder > Templates.
- Click Browse Templates to view the full selection.
Tip: #
- Take a moment to consider your website’s purpose before choosing a template (e.g., eCommerce, blog, portfolio, business).
Step 2: Filter Templates by Industry and Purpose #
Use the filtering options to narrow down the template choices based on your industry or website type.
How to Filter Templates: #
- Use the Category Filter to select the type of website you’re creating (e.g., Business, eCommerce, Blog, Portfolio).
- Apply additional filters such as style (e.g., modern, minimalist) or color scheme to find a template that matches your brand.
- Click on a template thumbnail to see a preview.
Tip: #
- Choose a template that aligns with your brand’s look and feel to make customization easier.
Step 3: Preview the Template #
Preview the template to see how it looks and functions on different devices.
How to Preview: #
- Click Preview on the template thumbnail.
- Navigate through the demo pages to explore the template’s layout and features.
- Check the desktop, tablet, and mobile views to ensure the template is responsive.
Tip: #
- Pay attention to the template’s navigation, layout, and content structure. A well-organized template will be easier to customize and adapt to your needs.
Step 4: Assess the Template’s Features #
Make sure the template has the features and sections you need for your website.
Key Features to Consider: #
- Header and Navigation: Look for a clear and intuitive header with a customizable navigation menu.
- Hero Section: A strong visual introduction with a featured image or video and a call-to-action button.
- Content Sections: Ensure there are sections for showcasing products, services, testimonials, and contact information.
- Blog and eCommerce Support: Check if the template includes pre-built pages for a blog or online store if needed.
Tip: #
- Choose a template that includes the core features you need to save time on customization.
Step 5: Choose a Template That Matches Your Brand #
Select a template that reflects your brand’s style and tone.
Consider the Following: #
- Visual Style: Modern, classic, minimalist, bold, or creative.
- Color Scheme: Choose a template with colors that match or complement your brand colors.
- Typography: Look for clean, readable fonts that fit your brand’s personality.
Tip: #
- Don’t worry about the exact content of the template; focus on the structure and layout, as you can customize the text, images, and colors later.
Step 6: Select and Apply the Template #
Once you’ve found a template you like, select it to start building your website.
How to Apply the Template: #
- Click Select Template on your chosen design.
- Confirm your selection when prompted.
- The template will load in the Website Builder, ready for you to start customizing.
Tip: #
- Save your progress regularly as you customize the template to avoid losing changes.
Step 7: Customize the Template #
Tailor the template to fit your brand and content.
Customization Tips: #
- Replace placeholder text and images with your own content.
- Update the color scheme and fonts to match your branding.
- Add, rearrange, or hide sections based on your needs.
Tip: #
- Use the Drag-and-Drop Editor in hPanel to easily customize and rearrange elements.
Step 8: Test the Template on Different Devices #
Before finalizing your website, test how it looks on different screen sizes.
How to Test: #
- Click Preview in the top toolbar of the editor.
- Switch between desktop, tablet, and mobile views.
- Ensure that all elements are responsive and adjust well to different screen sizes.
Tip: #
- Pay close attention to text readability and image scaling on mobile devices, as mobile users often make up a large portion of website traffic.
Step 9: Publish Your Website #
Once you’re happy with the design and customization, publish your website to make it live.
How to Publish: #
- Click Publish in the top right corner of the editor.
- Review your changes and confirm to go live.
Tip: #
- Announce your new website launch on social media and through email to attract visitors.
Troubleshooting Tips #
- Template Doesn’t Look Right After Applying:
- Ensure that you have saved and applied the correct template.
- Clear your website cache in hPanel and your browser cache.
- Issues with Responsiveness:
- Use the responsive design settings to adjust the layout for mobile and tablet views.
- Test the template on different devices to ensure it displays correctly.
- Need More Features Than the Template Offers:
- Add extra sections or use the HTML Block to embed custom code for additional functionality.
- Explore the Add Element menu for features like sliders, contact forms, and image galleries.
Additional Tips: #
- Start with a Simple Template: If you’re new to website building, choose a simple, clean template that is easy to customize.
- Check Competitor Sites: Look at similar websites for inspiration on layout and design elements you may want to include.
- Plan Your Content: Have your text, images, and branding materials ready before choosing a template to streamline the customization process.
