What to Look for in a Website Template: Design Details That Matter

Choosing a website template is more than just picking a pretty design.

It’s about finding a layout that truly supports your business goals, aligns with your message, and feels like you. But let’s be honest—between colors, fonts, layouts, and features, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

The good news? You don’t need a background in design to make a great choice.
You just need to know what to look for—and that’s exactly what I’ll walk you through here.

Whether you're a coach, creative, or service-based business owner, these are the design details that matter most when choosing a website template—and how to spot them.

1. Look Beyond the Niche—Focus on the Feel

It’s okay if a template is labeled for a different industry. What matters most is how it feels and flows.

✨ For example:
You might see a template labeled for a “photographer,” but if you love the layout, typography, and spacing—it could work beautifully for a life coach or course creator too.

Ask yourself:

• Do I like the way this template makes me feel?

• Does it reflect the vibe I want to share with my audience—calm, joyful, bold, sophisticated?

• Can I imagine my brand photos and words replacing what’s currently there?

💡 Tip: Think about the emotions you want people to feel when they land on your site. Peaceful? Motivated? Inspired? Choose a template that visually supports that.

💛 Explore my template shop to find designs you can make entirely your own.

2. Visual Hierarchy: Is Your Message Clear?

Visual hierarchy refers to how the content is structured so that your viewer knows what’s most important—and what to do next.

Look for templates that include:

• Bold, clear headings that grab attention
  Example: “Ready to finally launch your course?”

• Subheadings that guide them along
  Example: “Here’s how I can help you make it happen.”

• Call-to-action buttons that are easy to spot
  Example: A bold “Book Now” or “Grab the Free Checklist” button under each section

Templates that are built with visual hierarchy in mind will help guide your viewer without them even realizing it. That’s what makes a site feel intuitive and easy to navigate.

🔍 Try this: Look at a template and squint your eyes. What stands out first? That should be your core message or action step.

3. Mobile Responsiveness: Don’t Skip This!

These days, your site visitors are probably coming from their phones just as often (if not more) than their desktops. That’s why a mobile-friendly design is non-negotiable.

Here’s what to check:

• Does the site adjust cleanly on mobile screens? Nothing should feel squished or cut off.

• Are the fonts still easy to read on a small screen?

• Can you tap buttons easily without zooming in?

📱 Example: A beautifully spaced homepage on desktop might turn into a jumbled mess on mobile if the template isn’t optimized. But in my Squarespace templates, mobile responsiveness is built right in—so your site shines on every screen.

4. Flexibility + Ease of Use

Your website shouldn’t be a mystery you have to solve every time you want to make an update.

Look for:

• Drag-and-drop sections

• Clear instructions for editing content

• Built-in page layouts (like “About,” “Services,” “Contact”)

• Bonus: templates that come with a user guide or video walkthroughs

Example: Maybe you want to swap out a testimonials section or add a freebie opt-in later. A good template should make that process easy—even if you don’t consider yourself tech-savvy.

🧰 All of my templates come with a welcome guide and video tutorials to help you confidently launch. And if you want help building it for you, there’s an option to upgrade to Done-For-You services too.

5. Intentional Features That Support Your Business Goals

It’s tempting to choose a design that looks good—but functionality matters just as much. Choose a template with features that align with what your business actually needs.

Ask yourself:

• Am I building an email list? → You’ll need an opt-in form section

• Do I sell digital products or services? → You’ll want product pages and payment integration

• Do I want people to book with me? → Look for templates with a clear “Book Now” or calendar integration

• Do I write blog posts or share updates? → Make sure your blog is styled and easy to read

Example: If you’re a coach who offers 1:1 services and group programs, a template with an easy-to-update Services page and FAQ section will save you hours of work.

The Bottom Line: Your Website Should Feel Like You

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

A great website template is like a home—it gives your business a place to live, grow, and connect with others. And with the right design details in place, you’ll be able to show up confidently and serve your audience well.

✨ You don’t have to sacrifice personality for professionalism.
✨ You don’t have to build from scratch to have a site that converts.

You just need the right template—and a little bit of heart. 💛

Still Feeling Unsure? I’m Here to Help.

I know how big this decision can feel—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

🌸 Browse the Template Shop — Explore beautifully designed Squarespace templates made with small businesses and creative entrepreneurs in mind.
📞 Book a Free Consultation Call — Not sure which template is best for you? Let’s chat through your goals and find a match.