What to Look for in a Website Template
If you’re a creative entrepreneur—artist, photographer, designer, maker, or multi-passionate magic-doer—your website isn’t just a digital business card. It’s your home base. Your storefront. Your portfolio. Your brand’s first impression.
And when it comes to choosing a website template? Not all are created equal.
There are thousands of templates out there. Some look pretty. Some promise fast launches. But very few actually help you connect with the right people, tell your story clearly, and grow your business with ease.
So how do you know if a template is truly built for someone like you?
Let’s break it down.
1. It’s Designed with Strategy, Not Just Aesthetics
Yes, your site should be beautiful. But beauty without purpose is just decoration.
A solid template should:
Guide your visitor through your content naturally
Highlight what you offer and who it’s for—without making people dig
Lead to clear calls to action (like “Book Now” or “View Portfolio”)
Look for templates that have built-in strategy: intentional layout flow, smart content blocks, and an easy-to-follow structure that takes your visitor from “just browsing” to ready to work with you.
💡Pro tip: A template that includes a homepage that feels like a warm welcome, a services page that does the explaining for you, and a clear contact or booking flow is golden.
2. It Lets Your Work Shine (Without Competing With It)
As a creative, your work is the star of the show. So your website should support your art—not overpower it.
The best templates are like great gallery walls: clean, open, and easy to navigate. They provide breathing room for your work, whether that’s photos, paintings, lettering, or case studies.
Make sure the template:
Includes a portfolio or featured work section
Offers layouts that accommodate different types of content (horizontal vs vertical images, minimal vs detailed descriptions
Doesn’t clutter the experience with distracting animations or overly trendy elements
A well-built template helps your work speak for itself.
3. It’s Easy to Customize—Without Needing a Developer
Unless you love fiddling with code (no judgment if you do!), choose a template that’s user-friendly. You want to be able to:
Change fonts, colors, and images with a few clicks
Edit sections and pages without breaking the layout
Launch fast—even if you’re not a tech wizard
Templates built on platforms like Squarespace 7.1 are ideal for this—especially if they’re designed with creatives in mind.
And if the template comes with a tutorial library or walkthroughs, even better. Bonus points for drag-and-drop style editing and mobile optimization baked in.
4. It Helps You Connect With Your Dream Clients
This is the big one.
A great website isn’t just about showcasing your work—it’s about attracting the right people to it. The ones who get you. The ones who say, “This is exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
The template you choose should make space for:
Telling your story in a clear, compelling way
Communicating your values and vibe
Making it ridiculously easy for someone to reach out, book, or buy
Your website is a conversation starter. It should feel like an invitation, not a monologue.
5. It Matches Your Vibe, But Can Grow With You
Lastly, your template should feel like you—but also leave room for your evolution.
You might love a super minimal aesthetic now, but what if your brand grows into something more bold or layered? A good template is flexible. It gives you the base you need now, and the room to grow later.
Ask yourself:
Can I see myself using this a year from now?
Will this design support new offers, portfolio updates, or services down the line?
Does it feel aligned with where I’m headed—not just where I’ve been?
If yes? That’s your green light.
Meet Lane: A Website Template Made for Creatives Like You
If you’re nodding along with all of this and thinking, Where do I find a template like that?—I’ve got you.
✨ Lane is my newest Squarespace template, created specifically for artists and creative entrepreneurs who are ready for a website that feels aligned, elevated, and easy to launch.
With Lane, you’ll get:
A polished, art-forward design that showcases your work beautifully
A built-in strategy that guides visitors through your story and services
Customizable layouts that are as flexible as your creativity
And a fast-track path to finally launching your dream site
👉 Click here to explore Lane and see if she’s the perfect fit.
Because your website shouldn’t be a roadblock—it should be a reflection of your brilliance.
Hi! I’m Jannan
I thrive on bringing your big ideas to life with simple, client-getting strategy at the forefront.
My clients are wildly passionate and courageous coaches, creatives, and thought leaders. Sound like you? You’ll be right at home here.