Start With the Right Template — Then Make It Yours
Choose a template that closely matches your layout goals. Don’t pick based on colors or images — those can be changed. Focus on structure: header placement, menu design, content flow. The right foundation makes customization easier and cleaner.
Brand It With Your Colors, Fonts, and Logo
Change the default theme colors to match your brand palette. Upload your logo. Use brand-consistent typography. These simple tweaks immediately elevate your site and differentiate it from the “template look.”
Swap Stock Images for Custom or High-Quality Visuals
Nothing screams “template” louder than generic stock photos. Replace them with your own brand photography or select high-quality, royalty-free images from sites like Pexels, Unsplash, or Adobe Stock. Use consistent filters and style.
Adjust Layout Sections Based on Your Goals
Remove anything you don’t need — and add what you do. Want more trust? Add testimonials. Need leads? Add a bold form section. Builders let you drag and drop — so structure your site around conversions, not just appearance.
Add Custom CSS or Professional Polish When Needed
Even drag-and-drop tools allow for some code injection. A bit of custom CSS can tweak padding, spacing, hover effects, and fonts. Or hire a pro to give your site a final layer of refinement — they can make a $100 template look like a $10K brand.
Final Thoughts
Templates are just the beginning. What makes your site powerful is how you customize, structure, and brand it. With the right edits — and a little help — even basic templates can become bold, conversion-driven platforms.
FAQ: Customizing Website Templates
- Can I make a template look unique?
Yes — with smart branding, layout, and content changes. - Do I need to know code to customize templates?
No — but light CSS helps for advanced edits. - What’s the first thing to change on a template?
Branding: logo, colors, fonts. - How do I avoid it looking generic?
Use original images, brand colors, and strategic layout choices. - Can I rearrange sections in Wix/Squarespace?
Yes — both are drag-and-drop. - What if I break something?
Most builders have undo buttons or autosave. - Should I customize every page?
At least your homepage and core pages — make them unique. - What’s better: a free or paid template?
Paid templates offer more features and cleaner design. - Can I save my customized template for future use?
Yes — most platforms let you duplicate or clone. - Should I still hire a designer if I’m using a template?
Yes — even small tweaks by a pro can dramatically boost performance.