Website templates are some of the best digital products people sell to make money online.

Do you know how to create website templates to sell?

Creating website templates is easy— you don’t need to have advanced coding skills or be an expert web developer.

In this article, we explore some of the easiest ways to create website templates and the best practices to follow when creating them. We also give you tips on how to make money selling the templates online.

How to Create a Website Template Using HTML and CSS

There are a few different methods you can use to create website templates.

Let’s start by exploring the top 11 steps in creating a website template with HTML and CSS.

1. Learn the Difference Between a Website and a Template

Before you even embark on creating a new website template, it’s important to understand the difference between a website and a template.

What is a Website?

What is a Website Template?

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2. Decide What Your Website Topic Is

Before creating a template, you need to decide the subject or topic your template will cater to.

For instance, your template could be for a restaurant, a personal blog, a corporate site, or an e-commerce store.

Your choice will influence the design, layout, and content structure of the template.

3. Give the Web Template a Logical Name

When you start creating your CSS and HTML templates, it’s essential to give your project a clear and relevant name.

This helps you stay organized and easily locate your template files during development and maintenance.

4. Find the Right Color Scheme

Choose a color scheme that matches the purpose and identity of the websites that will use your template.

Consider factors like the industry, target audience, and branding.

Using consistent colors throughout the template ensures a visually pleasing and cohesive design.

5. Decide What Type of Navigation Bar to Use

The navigation bar is a critical element of web design, as it helps users easily navigate the website.

Select the type of navigation bar that best suits the template’s structure and enhances user experience.

There are several website menu designs you can use. Some of the most common options include horizontal menus, vertical menus, dropdown menus, and other styles.

6. Create a Mockup of Your Website Layout

Before diving into the HTML and CSS coding, it’s helpful to sketch or design a mockup of your website layout.

This is a visual representation that will give you a clear idea of where different elements, such as header, navigations, footer, and pages tab, will be placed.

You can get inspiration from WordPress themes, which have a variety of template layouts for different types of websites.

7. Build the Page in HTML

Now that you’re ready to start working, begin creating the website template by coding the layout in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).

HTML defines the structure of the web page, including headers, paragraphs, lists, links, and other content elements.

Create the basic structure of the page, including the header, navigation menu, content area, and footer.

8. Create a Style Sheet in CSS

Develop a Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) to control the visual appearance of the website.

CSS defines the fonts, colors, spacing, and positioning of design elements on the page. Ensure you apply CSS rules to give your website template a polished and cohesive design.

9. Duplicate the HTML Page for Other Pages

To create a functional template, duplicate the HTML structure you’ve created for multiple pages.

This way, you can maintain a consistent layout and style across different parts of the website.

Common design elements like the hero image, header, footer, and navigation should be consistent throughout the template.

10. Create a Mobile-Optimized Version of the Template

In today’s mobile-centric world, it’s essential to ensure your website template is responsive.

Use CSS techniques like media queries to adapt the template’s layout and styling for various screen sizes. This ensures that your template works well on both desktop and mobile devices.

11. Add Website Content

Finally, your new template is ready for customization.

While the template is primarily a framework for the website, you can include placeholder content to demonstrate how the design and layout options should work with real data.

This might include sample text, images, and other media elements. Content should be easily replaceable for customization when users employ your template.

How to Create a Website Template Using Figma

Figma is a cloud-based design and prototyping tool used for creating user interfaces, including web templates.

It’s collaborative, allowing multiple users to work on a design project simultaneously.

Figma is known for its versatility, ease of use, and real-time collaboration features.

It supports various design tasks, from wireframing to high-fidelity prototyping, making it a comprehensive tool for website template creation. Many designers and developers use Figma to design website templates.

Here’s how to use Figma to design website templates:

• Wireframing: Start by sketching a rough layout and structure for your website template.
• Creating Components: Build reusable components like headers, footers, navigation bars, and content blocks to ensure consistency.
• Styling: Apply styles, colors, typography, and spacing using Figma’s design features to make your template visually appealing.
• Prototyping: Figma allows you to create interactive prototypes to test the user experience and navigation flow of your template.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with team members or clients in real time. Share your web design with others, receive feedback, and make revisions easily.
• Export Assets: Export assets and code snippets to assist developers in turning your Figma website templates into functional websites.

Best Practices to Follow When Making a Website Template

Here are some of the best practices to observe when creating a website template, regardless of the method you use:

1. Responsive Design

Ensure your website template is responsive, meaning it adapts to different screen sizes and devices.

Use CSS media queries to define styles for different screen widths. Test the template thoroughly on various devices to verify its responsiveness before deploying.

2. Customizable Style and Layout

Allow users to customize the template’s style and layout.

Ensure you create a system for users to easily change colors, fonts, spacing, and other visual elements. Use variables or custom settings that can be adjusted without needing in-depth coding knowledge.

3. Scalability

Ensure your template is scalable, meaning it can accommodate additional website pages and content without major design and structural issues.

Use consistent styles and components and create placeholders for different types of content, such as text, images, and videos, to accommodate varying needs.

4. Ready for Deployment

Prepare the template for deployment by testing factors like performance, security, and browser compatibility.

Also, be sure to optimize the template’s code and assets for fast loading times.

5. Aesthetic Styles and Layouts

Prioritize aesthetics in your template’s design. A visually appealing template is more likely to attract users and create a positive first impression.

Pay attention to details like typography, color schemes, imagery, and overall layout. Additionally, use white space effectively to enhance readability and create a clean, organized appearance.

Why Do People Use Website Templates?

People use website templates for different reasons:

• Time Efficiency: Templates offer a quick and easy way to establish an online presence without starting from scratch, saving significant development time.
• Cost-Effective: Templates are more budget-friendly than custom website development, making them accessible to individuals and small businesses.
• Design Consistency: Templates ensure a consistent design, which is vital for maintaining a professional and cohesive brand image.
• No Coding Skills Required: Many people without coding knowledge can create and manage websites using templates, lowering the barrier to entry.
• Responsive Template Designs: Most modern templates are responsive, automatically adjusting to different screen sizes, improving user experience.
• Built-In Features: Templates often come with built-in features like contact forms, galleries, and e-commerce functionality, reducing the need for third-party plugins.

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Profitable Business Potential

Can you create website templates and sell them for a good income?

The answer is Yes!

As more businesses and individuals seek an online presence, the popularity of web templates continues to rise.

Creating and selling templates can, therefore, be a profitable business with a consistent income, especially when offering support and updates.

Furthermore, there are several online marketplaces that make it easy to reach a global customer base, increasing sales opportunities.

How Much Can You Make Selling Website Templates?

The amount of money you can make from selling templates can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• The quality of your templates
• Your marketing efforts
• The platforms you use for selling
• The demand for your specific templates

Some creators earn thousands of dollars selling templates, while others only make a few hundred dollars.

It’s essential to research the market, understand your target audience, market effectively, and continually improve your templates to maximize your earning potential.

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Squarespace is a website builder tailored for designers and those seeking to highlight their designs prominently on their websites. It’s also user-friendly for beginners, eliminating the need for any coding skills. Squarespace offers award-winning, high-quality templates and advanced customization options that will help you to make your footer design stand out.

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How to Make Money Selling Website Templates: 10 Tips

If you’re ready to make an extra income selling website templates, here are 10 effective tips to take you through.

1. Choose a Platform and Master It

Start by selecting a platform to sell your templates.

Popular options include marketplaces like ThemeForest  and TemplateMonster, or selling independently through your website.

Focus on one platform initially to become proficient with its requirements, guidelines, and audience before expanding to others.

2. Work with a Team of Web Designers

Consider collaborating with a team of designers or developers who can help you create high-quality templates.

Each team member can bring unique skills and expertise to produce templates that are more versatile and appealing to a broader audience.

3. Exceed Expectations

Go above and beyond by offering superior customer support, regular template updates, and additional resources like documentation, video tutorials, or support forums.

This will help build trust with your customers and foster loyalty. They are more likely to return for future purchases and refer others.

4. Document Everything

Create detailed documentation for your templates, including installation instructions, customization guides, and troubleshooting tips.

Thorough documentation simplifies the user experience and minimizes support requests, saving you time and effort.

5. Consider the Buyer’s Experience

Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and think about their experience when using your templates. Ensure your templates are user-friendly, well-structured, and customizable to accommodate a range of needs.

This will attract higher ratings and reviews, which will boost your credibility in the marketplace.

6. Test the Website Template

Before selling your website template, thoroughly test it to identify and fix any bugs or issues. Ensure it functions correctly, appears as intended on various devices, and offers a smooth user experience.

This will help you avoid negative user feedback, which may hurt your credibility.

7. Pick Your Marketplace Wisely

It’s important to choose the right marketplace in which to sell your own website templates.

Each platform has its own policies, user base, and pricing structures.

Consider your target audience and the platform’s fees and review its pros and cons before making a decision.

Selling Website Templates on Etsy

• Known for its artistic and crafty community, suitable for unique and creative templates
• Opportunity to sell complementary digital or physical products
• Charges listing and transaction fees, impacting profits

Selling Templates on TemplateMonster

• Specializes in web templates, with a broad user base for increased visibility and sales potential
• Highly competitive and charges fees that can affect earnings

Selling Website Templates on ThemeForest

• One of the largest marketplaces, offering exposure to a vast customer base
• Has a reputation for quality templates and digital products
• High competition due to the large number of sellers, and potential fees for exclusive features

Selling Website Templates on DesignBundles

• Caters to design resources, making it suitable for web designers
• Balances competitive pricing for customers with earnings for sellers
• May have a smaller user base compared to larger marketplaces, potentially affecting sales volume

Selling Website Templates on Freepik

• Popular for design resources, including website templates
• Templates may benefit from an audience interested in design and graphics
• Highly competitive due to the large number of templates available

Selling Website Templates on the Creative Market

• A design-oriented marketplace attracting users interested in creative resources
• Offers opportunities to target niche markets with specific website template needs
• Has a smaller user base and potential customers compared to larger platforms

8. Market Your Website Template

Develop a marketing strategy to promote your templates.

Utilize effective marketing techniques like social media, content marketing, email newsletters, and partnerships to reach a wider audience and increase your sales.

9. Consider Releasing a Suite of Products

To maximize your income, consider expanding your product line to include related items like matching graphics, plugins, widgets, or add-ons that complement your templates.

Offering a suite of products can attract customers looking for a complete solution, potentially increasing your sales and income.

10. Support Your Products

Finally, ensure you provide excellent customer support by addressing queries and issues promptly.

Regularly update your templates to ensure compatibility with the latest technologies and fix any bugs that may arise.

Continuous support will not only satisfy your customers but can also lead to positive reviews and repeat business.

Final Word: Creating Web Templates Is Easy

Creating website templates can be a rewarding project. You don’t need hard coding skills, nor do you need to be an expert web developer.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can start creating and selling beautiful templates to boost your online income.

Next Steps: What Now?

Now that you know how to create and sell website templates for profit, here are the next steps you can take from this guide:

• Get the best website builders with free web templates
• Explore the best web hosting providers
• Learn how to create a website from scratch
• Check out the best WordPress themes for businesses

Learn More About Website Templates

• How to Use Figma for Web Design: Master the Basics in Under an Hour
• Responsive Website Builders: Build for Every Screen Size
• How to Make a Website Look Professional: 15 Actionable Tips
• What Is a Website Template & How To Personalize It?
• What Is Page Layout, and Why Does It Matter?
• How to Make a Website Faster: Enhancing Performance and User Experience
• How to Choose a WordPress Theme: All You Need to Consider
• 15 Top WordPress Themes for Every Niche