Templates Types:

A number of web design companies manufacture various template software that range from “free” access to fee-licensed offerings. Among the many software templates available, choices utilize a vast array of code specific variables.

These variables range from: Flash, HTML, .ASP, .PHP, Joomla, Drupal, Wordpress, Magento, Ruby on Rails, and many others.

Many companies and individuals often choose a template style based on graphical appearance, i.e.,, how the finished web template package appears, shipped out of the box. A site’s appearance should not be considered as the main selling point of template software. MatterMax Media suggests that what you see, may not be what you think you are getting.

Look Under the Hood:

MatterMax Media contends that web site efficiency has more to do with how a site’s functionality can be driven by potential users, rather than how a site looks.  Google and Facebook insist on visual site neutrality, in that basic white pages are populated with functional buttons and call outs to make navigation easy and efficient. The contents of these pages are easy to understand and load very fast compared to most sites on the web.

It is critical however to also understand that both Google and Facebook have “server farms” (clusters of servers) at their disposal, versus a small company most likely using a single shared sever or a VPS (virtual private server) configuration.

When you look under the hood of a template’s software, you should ensure understanding of:

• What kind of software code is being used?
• Does the software include some type of configurable SEO?
• Is the software proprietary like Flash?
• How many plug-ins are available for that type of software and how much will they cost?
• Does the software include Social Media tie-ins?
• Does the software include Smart Phone integration?
• What developmental stage is the software in: Version 2, 3, 5, 8?
• What limitations exist in the software?
• How many functions are available with the software?
• How “buggy” is the software, i.e., glitches or known problems?

These are basic questions of which you should be aware.   When you are unsure about how the answers to the above questions are influential to your software purchase decision, it is critical you understand how the answers will affect your web initiatives.  If necessary, have your concerns clarified by your web designer.  If you don't have a web designer, you may want to hire one.

Decide on Functionality:

Now that we have an “under the hood” assessment from which to basically qualify a software package, it is time to analyze the functionality of your website, your requirements, and what options to include.  After assessing your functionality requirements, you may have to re-visit "understanding the software" again.

From the very basic requirements, your web site is either selling something, or providing free content, such as a blog, or videos, or both. Today’s trends indicate that most new web sites are incorporating all of the above.

Basic Functionality Requirement List:

• An e-commerce component with variable shipping by piece(s) and weight(s) capability
• A blog component capable of handling comments, social media feeds, videos and various category options
• An SEO component with search engine friendly html, meta tagging, article description, keywords, h-tags and more
• A newsletter component with automated newsletter campaign functionality with pre-send testing
• An automated Smart Phone template to switch the site’s appearance when searched by mobile phone users
• A Content Management System to allow the administration team to perform updates and changes on the fly
• For those selling subscription services, a Subscription/Registration component with credit card and Pay Pal functionality
• For those selling events, an automated Event Calendar with credit card and Pay Pal capability

What to Not to Buy:

It can be very easy to choose a template software from the way it looks only to find out later, that an upgrade is a real hassle - there are “bugs” popping up throughout your testing phases, with no real remedy in sight.

There are tons of template software providers and depending on what type of software you have chosen to run, you will be faced with making a decision about which template manufacturers meet your requirements and which template manufacturers you should avoid.

As a rule of thumb, look at how long the template manufacturer has been in business, along with how their products are rated by the software community.  Technical support is the second most important element, as you will need support from time to time.  If the manufacturer’s support has been deemed as weak or untimely, then stay away from that purchase.

Speed:

Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg can tell you down to the micro-second how long it takes a Facebook page to load; loading speed is of critical importance to Mr. Zuckerberg.  Therefore for the rest of the web world, load times should also be a huge consideration for your software purchase decision.

For example, there are tons of Joomla template manufacturers with various design elements including an array of variables. Yet, some template designs will load quickly and others will take half a lifetime.

Sites that have colored pages and little white space will load much slower than sites whose pages are predominately white, with images building the color scheme. Sites that use very large graphics will generally load much slower than sites that use smaller, or compressed graphic file sizes.

Summation:

No matter when you decide to build, or re-design your current site, you will need to do some homework to find the best new template software solution that fills your requirements.

Your blueprint is now ready to aid in your quest to build and deliver a state-of the-art website, that will build your user base and excite the visual palate.

Remember:

Regardless of who is designing your website, unless you have a sizeable budget, your site will be built from an existing template and then customized to suit your needs. As technology continues to improve and break new ground, more template designs will emerge. Templates are growing and here to stay.

“Types of Template Designs” are available for your scrutiny and requirements. You can begin searching the web for “content management system software” and use your blueprint to make your final choice.

Next week, we continue the “Feeding at the Template Troth” series with the third installment, “Building and Testing.”

MatterMax Media is a full service integrated marketing agency located in Stone Mountain, Georgia.  MatterMax Media provides strategy, technology, marketing and training for individuals, businesses and government.  Today’s Marketing Blog focuses on Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Web Matters.  When you require assistance with your website creation, branding/marketing strategy, feel free to contact us.