Template Customization Guide: How to Customize Your New Template Like a Pro

So, you’ve just downloaded a shiny new website template, and now you’re staring at it, wondering, “Where do I even begin?” Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Customizing a template can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, you’ll have a stunning, professional website that’s 100% you in no time.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to take your template from generic to gorgeous while avoiding common pitfalls. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Get to Know Your Website Template

Before you dive into customizations, it’s essential to spend some time exploring your template. Think of it like moving into a new house—you need to understand the layout before you start decorating.

First, explore the dashboard of the Showit website platform. Familiarize yourself with key sections like the header, footer, and individual pages.

Next, check for instructions that came with your template. Many templates include tutorials, which can save you a lot of time.

Finally, audit the features included in the template. Take note of pre-designed elements, like galleries or forms, and decide which ones align with your goals.

Step 2: Start With the Basics—Website Branding

Once you understand your template, the next step is personalizing it to reflect your brand. Strong branding creates an instant connection with your audience and sets your website apart.

Begin with the most visible elements:

1. Upload Your Logo: Add your logo to the header for immediate brand recognition.

2. Update Colors: Replace the template’s default palette with your brand colors. Use tools like Coolors to find complementary shades.

3. Change Fonts: Customize the typography to align with your brand. Pair a bold headline font with a clean body font for a polished look.

4. Replace Images: Swap placeholder images with your own photos or select high-quality stock images from sites like Unsplash or Pexels.

Pro Tip: Don’t have custom graphics yet? Use Canva to create branded visuals that fit your website’s design.

Step 3: Tailor the Template’s Layout to Your Needs

After establishing your branding, it’s time to focus on the layout. Templates often come with extra features you may not need, so refining the structure is essential.

First, remove unnecessary sections that don’t serve your goals. For instance, if you’re not ready to blog, hide or delete the blog section.

Next, add important pages like your Home, About, Services, and Contact pages. These should be the foundation of your site.

Finally, customize the navigation menu to make it easy for visitors to explore. Limit menu items to 5-7 and use clear, descriptive labels.

What to Avoid: Overloading your site with too many sections or links, which can overwhelm visitors.

Step 4: Optimize Your Website Template for Mobile and Speed

With more than half of web traffic coming from mobile devices, optimizing your site for smaller screens is crucial. Additionally, site speed plays a significant role in user experience and SEO.

First, preview your site on mobile using your Showit’s mobile view feature. Adjust fonts, images, and spacing as needed for readability.

Next, compress images using tools like TinyPNG to reduce file sizes without losing quality.

Finally, test your site speed with tools like Google PageSpeed Insights. Follow recommendations to improve load times, such as minimizing plugins or enabling caching.

Step 5: Add Personal Touches

Now comes the fun part—making your site uniquely yours! Personal touches create a connection with visitors and make your website memorable.

First, rewrite the placeholder text to reflect your brand’s voice. Use a conversational tone if that’s your style, or keep it formal if your business is more traditional.

Next, highlight your story by adding a compelling About page. Share why you started your business and what drives your passion.

Finally, include strong calls-to-action (CTAs) throughout your site. Use buttons and links that guide visitors to book a service, join your email list, or shop your products.

Step 6: Test Everything Before You Launch Your Website

Before you hit “Publish,” it’s important to ensure your site functions perfectly. Testing is the final step in creating a professional-looking website.

First, click every link and button to ensure they lead to the correct destination.

Next, proofread all text for typos or grammatical errors using tools like Grammarly.

Finally, ask for feedback from a trusted friend or colleague. A fresh pair of eyes can catch details you might have missed.

Bonus: When to Hire a Pro

If you’ve followed these steps and still feel stuck, it might be time to bring in a professional. A designer can help you customize your template beyond its basic features, saving you time and frustration.

Pro Tip: I specialize in helping clients transform templates into stunning, branded websites. Let’s chat if you’re ready to take your site to the next level!

Your Action Plan

Customizing a website template doesn’t have to be intimidating. By focusing on branding, layout, and mobile optimization—and adding personal touches—you’ll create a site that not only looks amazing but also supports your business goals.

Want even more help? Download my free guide below to ensure you don’t miss a single step in the process.

Download the Free Website Customization Guide