So you bought a website template, maybe during Black Friday, maybe earlier today, or maybe months ago, and you just haven't started yet. As a non-designer, I know that customizing a website template can feel overwhelming. Let's be real, even for designers with programming and design skills, it can still feel like a really big project. Plus, you might be juggling your business or trying to start a new one on top of it.
Before you know it, months go by, and you realize you've made zero progress towards publishing your website. Can you relate?
I'm really excited about today’s episode because I’m giving you real tactical and practical tips to help you customize your website template faster as a non-designer (and these tips are coming from someone who is not only a website designer, but I’ve also made and sold templates for the last five years).
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I feel like through my shop and through working with clients, I can confidently say that I know where the headaches are. I see customers of mine who are getting their website live in less than a week and I see those who it's taking months and months, and today? I want to help YOU figure out how to make not only a fast process but an ENJOYABLE one too!
Before we dive into the tips - I do want to say two quick things:
- Don't be too hard on yourself. Everyone's progress may differ, and not all tips may work for you. Remember that everyone has different skill sets and strengths in these areas, but I promise you that there are solutions for any problems you might encounter.
- Keep in mind that this is not a race but a marathon. You want to get your new site up (of course) but getting it up within three days, three weeks, or three months, is all worth celebrating. Ultimately, how fast you are able to get it up is going to be based on your own season of life and what else you have going on.
Tip #1: Getting started is the hardest part, so just add your website template to your Showit account.
This may sound funny, but trust me, it's really helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed! Start by creating a Showit account. Plus, you can use the code "Elizabeth" at checkout with Showit to extend your trial and get an extra month free before you start paying for your subscription. Then, add your template to Showit using a site key. It sounds complicated but it’s actually a really simple process that should take no more than 10 minutes, probably even less. After that, you can create a new website within Showit and work on it without it being “live” anywhere. This gives you the freedom to customize it without worrying about people stumbling upon it.
If you already have a live website for your business hosted elsewhere or on Showit, you don't need to take it down to work on your new site. The first step is creating a trial account and adding the template to start working on it.
When you do this, you'll see your site exactly as it looked when you purchased it, which is really cool. Something I love about my templates, and this is true of many others, is that there are no changes from the preview site. Sometimes shops may have image changes and such, but generally what you see is what you get.
Trust me, after this step, you'll feel a little sigh of relief, knowing it's ready to be worked on. After that, take some time to explore. Don't feel pressured to add content right away, instead, click around and browse the different pages. You'll find them on the left side column. So go ahead, look around, enjoy exploring, and you may discover some beautiful pages that you didn't even know came with your template!
I could not believe how easy my template template was to implement! I went from a “custom website” to a template and I was a little worried about the transition because I didn’t want my website to look “DIY,” but I had everything moved over in less than a week and it looks AMAZING. Between the gorgeous (AND STRATEGIC) layout of the template and the fact that so much of the backend was already set up for me (seriously, it was refreshing to see a template have the SEO setup correctly on the backend already), it literally could not have been easier. Plus, my website is so much easier to update as I need now because you get “extra” canvases for literally everything you could think of. To top it off, I had new inquiries within 24 hours of sharing my new website on Instagram. I could not rave about my new website (and the whole experience!) more! - Kara, The Kara Report
Tip #2: Get Messy in Showit
Okay, here's my second tip for quickly customizing your website: don’t be afraid to get messy in Showit. If you've purchased a template from me, you might have already heard me say this. I see many people make the mistake of diving into a new software without a plan or strategy. They start working on a random page without taking a moment to familiarize themselves with the software. While it may seem tempting to just jump in, it often leads to more complications and headaches along the way. Instead, try to approach it with a bit of forethought, learning, and a playful mindset.
So here's what you need to do: duplicate a page on your template. Click the ellipses next to the page and select "duplicate" from the left column. The “About page” is a good one to start with! By duplicating the page, you won't risk making any mistakes to the original template page. Once duplicated, feel free to make changes and experiment. I encourage you to click all the buttons and see what they do.
This approach is how I personally learn new software even still today and was inspired by my experience with design software in college. Whenever we had a new program to learn, our graphic design teacher would give us an assignment with no context on how to use the software. The challenge was to use every single tool and create something intentionally silly and random, even ugly. This approach made the software more approachable, and later, tutorials and knowledge-based learning made more sense.
So yes - I encourage you to do this. Duplicate a page or create a new blank page, whatever you prefer, and start exploring. Click all the tools and buttons, and once you're done, you can delete the page. Don't worry, you won't mess anything up. The template remains the same, it's just for learning purposes. And if you think it sounds like an extra step, and it sounds silly, it only takes like 10 minutes. So it’s definitely worth it!
One thing to note though, is that when you happen upon a site canvas (indicated by diagonal lines), remember not to edit it separately. Site canvases affect the whole website. However, generally, on the About Page, there will be fewer site canvases, which is why I suggest starting there.
Tip #3. Get your photos and copy started before you start on the design.
This is a really huge tip when customizing a template. Start working on your photos and copy even before you begin designing the template. This is often the key to quickly getting your website up and running. Because really, in its simplest form, customizing a template just means replacing the template's photos and copy with your own. So, it's a HUGE help to get your website template up quickly if you have your photos and copy ready beforehand. Here are a few extra tips about this:
1. Use the template as a guide for your copywriting.
When it comes to copywriting, use the template as a guide. You don't necessarily have to buy a template right away - you can start by looking at the template and its preview. While you should remember that you always have the freedom to customize canvases and move things around, take a look at each section on the page, and think about how the template suggests you write a copy for each specific topic or prompt. Jot down your ideas and create a document for each section, which allows you to use spell check and seek proofreading assistance (as opposed to writing your copy directly in the template for the first time).
In fact, many of my customers are copywriters, who use my templates to write copy for their clients. They often provide positive feedback on how easy it is to work with my Showit templates because there is so much space and canvas options to include everything they want to say! So that’s another little thing to keep in mind before you buy your Showit website template as well!
Here's what one of my copywriter customers had to say:
“ As a copywriter, I enjoyed having a framework for the length of content. It was evident in the design that Elizabeth had a deep understanding of marketing and user experience, which means I only had to make minimal customizations. I can not recommend enough partnering with Elizabeth for her thoughtful and intuitive designs.” - Danielle Cooke, Copywriter
2. Work with a brand photographer.
If it makes financial sense for your business right now, working with a brand photographer can GREATLY impact the overall appearance of your website. Trust me, it adds more value than many people realize. When you have great photos to go with your new website, customizing it also feels a lot easier (and more fun!).
Read More: How To Get Amazing Brand Photos For Your Business With Amber Tice
3. Use some stock images/videos as needed.
Next, use stock images and videos to enhance your content too. There is such a wide range of high-quality stock photography and videography available, even if you have a ton of brand photos already (like I do). I still use stock photos to fill in any gaps. My favorite is Haute Stock (use code Elizabeth for 15% off) which is paid, but that’s kind of nice because then you don’t see the same photos everywhere. Another option is "Pexels," which I also like and it provides free stock photos and videos which is nice if you’re on a budget!
“Before EM Shop, my website worked fine for what we needed, and now my website is hands down more engaging, beautiful, and easy to use. I love how visually appealing our site is. We have so much new content that it was important to transition to a template that was easy on both ends and we’ve been so happy with the usability. We also love the quiz option and many ways to customize everything. Our email subscribers have grown by 2,400 since using the Jena template!” - Amanda, A Wife Like Me
Tip #4. Don’t reinvent the wheel on the design
There are countless templates available, and you have the flexibility to customize them as much or as little as you want. But remember - the only necessary changes are adding your own copywriting and replacing the images. Apart from that, you can keep the fonts, colors, and layout as they are.
While some people prefer to make significant changes, such as using different fonts, colors, or altering the layout extensively - which is amazing - it’s not necessary if you want to launch your website quickly! On my showcase page (where I share REAL websites of Elizabeth McCravy customers), you can browse over 150 customer sites categorized by the template they used and the industry they're in. Some customers have made such significant changes that you can't even recognize the original template, while others you can tell stuck to the template and just swapped out the images and text to suit their brand.
My BIGGEST tip for a quick launch is that if you want to quickly customize your template, you can change the fonts and colors, and I'll show you how to do this effectively in the Showit blueprint course that comes with your template purchase, but don’t feel the need to customize every little thing. If you're completely overhauling the entire template, it will take more time. That’s not a bad thing if that’s what you want to do, I just want to make sure you have a realistic expectation that it will take more time.
One tip I have is to start with sticking closer to the template for your first attempt on the first page you're working on. THEN, you can evaluate if it works for you and what changes you really need to make. Let the template guide you. Remember, you bought a template for a reason, rather than building a website from scratch or hiring a designer for a custom build. So avoid reinventing the wheel unless necessary.
With my templates, as well as those of other designers, I've carefully considered all the details so that you don't have to, saving you time and energy and ultimately resulting in a better-looking site. Keep that in mind as you add your images and website content. And consider leaving the design as is, at least for one page, and see what you think. Trust me - this will significantly speed up the customization process.
Tip #5. Actually use the training content.
For this tip, I am speaking specifically about my shop. When it comes to using Showit, it's often seen as intuitive, even by those who aren't tech savvy, BUT that doesn't mean you won't benefit from training and extra support to enhance your experience.
If you buy a template from me, you'll receive my Showit Blueprint course with your purchase. I won't go into excessive detail here, but here's a video that provides an overview. If you buy a template from me, I encourage you to watch Module 0, which introduces you to the Showit Blueprint course, and then Module 1, which covers the foundational aspects of using the software. Once you've grasped the basics, you can dive into more advanced topics and feel more confident. The rest of the course is designed to assist you with tasks like integrating email marketing software, customizing your contact form, and modifying menu options.
Starting with the basics will lead to faster progress and increased confidence. Despite Showit being relatively user-friendly, a guide can still make the process smoother.
Don’t forget to use our customer support!
Additionally, I want to encourage you to use our customer support. If you are a customer of mine, you can email us anytime at support@elizabethmccray.com. We are quick, helpful, and just one email away. Trust me when I say that we are happy to assist you with any website issues you may be struggling with. Don't go at it alone. Our customer support, Stacey, is a Showit Development Queen and can solve your problems quickly and with empathy. Plus - you have access to Showit’s support team right in your Showit account too!
My copywriter, Emily, is actually a template customer of mine as well, and she is one of many people who has used the show at Blueprint course and that it's helped her.
"The Elizabeth McCravy Shop experience is fun, thoughtful, intentional, and thorough. I was able to see exactly what I was getting in my template before I bought it. Once I'd bought my template, I was blown away by the level of instruction and care that accompanied my purchase. Even though I'm not technically savvy, I was able to make customizations and edits with ease. I'm obsessed with my new website from Elizabeth!" - Emily Conley, Copywriter
Tip #6. Know that it doesn’t have to be perfect (or done) to bring it live.
I think sometimes it's easy to mistakenly view launching a website as a final, completed moment. It’s easy to believe that you just need to get it "done" and it will never need updating. But the reality is, your website is a living, breathing part of your business that is going to require ongoing changes. No, you probably won’t need to update it every single day or week, but understanding that your website will need modifications over time might just help you get it ready to launch a lot faster. Your website is fluid and constantly evolving, so don't obsess over it being perfect before sharing it with your audience.
Also, you don't have to use all the pages that come in the template in order to bring it live. My templates in particular come with a LOT of pages sometimes, which I know can be overwhelming sometimes (and I hate that… but I love providing you with all the options). But in Showit actually, you can actually just unpublish pages that you're not going to use right now and then they'll still be there to use later. So I'd encourage you to do that if it helps you get your site live faster!
Focus on the key pages and launch with those!
Start by launching with just the key pages! If you're unsure which pages are key for your specific business, here's why. If you already have a website and this is your second one, mimic the main pages of your current site. These are the key pages—ones you're already using. If you're a new business owner, key pages are those that help visitors access your website and make buying decisions. It might mean skipping aspects like a blog or lead magnets for now. Remember, done is better than perfect.
Your website will evolve over time, and it needs to be live to work for your business. Purchasing a template isn't helpful until you bring it live. So, just get it up, get it done. I've embraced this mentality with my own website too as I go through a bit of a rebrand right now. I know I’m not going to “launch” all the new pages with the new branding at once. I’m going to publish in spurts as I go!
“I am soooo in love with my new layout, design, and endless opportunities to continue to add new things in the design. When designing I found that having all the guides with "ideas" or even different ways to word things was so helpful. Knowing where to put in a freebie, or opt in page. I love that as I change up what I'm wanting to showcase I have plenty of different canvas to work with, plug in, and make sure I'm grabbing the attention of those coming to my site." - Chase Lynn, Personal Trainer
Tip #7. Put time on your calendar to work on it and give yourself a due date.
This one's really short - but put time on your calendar to work on it and give yourself a due date. Everyone's personality is so different so this might work better for some of you than others, but this is something that works GREAT for me with projects like this.
As you might know, I'm working on my Podcast Success Blueprint course. I recently completed the beta launch and now I'm focused on outlining, recording, and creating modules for the beta students. I schedule dedicated time on my calendar each week to work on the course otherwise it would never get done. We plan for what is important to us. I encourage you to do the same for your website. By prioritizing it and planning it in advance, you can make real progress.
And here's something important to consider: buying (or implementing) a website template might not be a priority for you at the moment. It's okay to acknowledge that, even as someone who creates and sells website templates. You need to prioritize according to your current season of life. Maybe it's a busy season for you. Not everything can have equal priority, so it's alright if website customization isn't on top of your list right now. All I’m saying is that when you're ready to prioritize your website customization, be sure to schedule it. Don't let it linger on your to-do list indefinitely; instead, treat it as you would with other tasks such as launching a podcast, creating a new course, or wrapping up a client project that seems to drag on forever.
Which of these tips are you going to use to get your website template done fast?
Tip #1: Getting started is the hardest part, so just add your website template to your Showit account.
Tip #2: Get Messy in Showit
Tip #3. Get your photos and copy started before you start on the design.
Tip #4. Don’t reinvent the wheel on the design
Tip #5. Actually use the training content.
Tip #6. Know that it doesn’t have to be perfect (or done) to bring it live.
Tip #7. Put time on your calendar to work on it and give yourself a due date.
Whether you have a template from me or someone else, I want your new website to truly help you grow your business. Websites have tremendous marketing power. I could talk about this for days. I really believe that a good website is an essential part of your business that you just can’t afford to ignore. I hope this helps you get started!
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