Instructions for using website templates

Instructions for using these website templates
(If you plan to use a template, please read this entire page.)

What do I get when I download a template?

Upon downloading a website template, you receive a zip file. The first step is to unzip the file. Most computers have an unzipping program already installed and the act of double-clicking the .zip file will start that program. If your system does not have an unzip utility, download a free one here.

Once you have unzipped the file you will have the master html file and all the necessary images files on your computer. Simply find and open the html file in any HTML editor (frontpage, netobjects, dreamweaver, etc.) and you'll see the basic website template. You can then duplicate the template to create additional pages such as company bio, contact, product, services, etc. in order for your website to have a consistent look and feel. You do this by saving the template as a new file name such as aboutus.html, contact.htm etc. It can be saved over and over to create as many web pages as your site needs.

What changes do you suggest I make to these web pages to customize as my own?

All of the templates are designed in PURE HTML so you can open the template file in ANY HTML editor.

The first thing we suggest is that you add a company logo to the design. You can do this by designing a logo yourself or having one designed for your template. If you go that route, be sure to show the logo designer your template so the logo they design will match.

Once you have a logo in the works, get started with the text of your pages you can then start adding your own text to the template. You simply type your text directly into each of your new web pages. Be sure to leave the existing tables as is since they help the website align properly in a visitors browser.

Most of the templates are designed with text links so you can make changes. Some of them designed are designed with button graphics that you can open in ANY graphic editor (Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop, PhotoImpact, etc.) that allows you to add or edit text on a jpg or gif image.

You also receive the Adobe PSD file (which can also be opened in Paint Shop Pro) and you can make any custom changes to the template yourself if you want.

Joann can also assist with modifications such as changing stock photos or adding custom images and logos for a small fee -- low-enough to fit any budget. Contact Joann at joanngraphics.com for details.

If you need more extensive changes such as changing stock photos, adding drop-down menus, and/or adding custom images to the design, Joann at joanngraphics.com will do that for you at a reasonable fee. Just contact her directly.

I'm a developer and need to make changes to the template design. Can I do that?

If you are a developer and would like to change/alter the look of the template in a graphic program the fee for a developer's license is $64.00. Contact Joann at joanngraphics.com for details.

How do these Business Templates differ from other template on the web?

There are many websites that offer web templates, some offer them for under $10.00.

But many of their designs are tired, of poor quality work or simple designs that are downloaded by hundreds of people every DAY.

Templates that are saturated all over the web are used by thousands of generic websites. If you are looking for a professional, unique, high quality design for your business, take the time to use quality design work. Your customers will feel confident in dealing with your firm if your website presents a professional, well organized and thought out look!

Stand out in the Crowd! Your business deserves it. And a well-polished look gives your customers the confidence to purchase from your website.

Can you explain step-by-step how I use a template for my website?

Unzip the html and images into a folder on your hard drive.
Open the "html" file in your HTML editing program (dreamweaver, frontpage, all editors will work).
Look for the comment tags that says "navigational text below"
Change A HREF tags to the name of the pages you will creating so pages can link to each other.
Look for the comment tag that says "enter content below". After the comment and starting table tag you can start to enter your text and pictures for the site. (Usually I have sample text in the template that says "replace text below with your own text here and images" - delete the sample text and add your own text and pictures)
Once you have entered the text for your index page you can create the rest of the pages by duplicating the main html file and renaming it (i.e. contact.html, about.html, products.html) and changing the content and pictures as stated above.
Once this process is completed. Upload all the html and image files to your own web server.

I don't see a design I like, can I get other templates or custom work?

Yes! See joanngraphics.com for a large variety of templates you can purchase. Or if you would like a custom look visit Joann and ask her about that service. She will follow up with you on what type of look and design you are interested in and work with you directly.

I still have questions that were not addressed here?

If you still can not find the answer to your question(s), please feel free to contact Joann for assistance. Please understand, the templates were purchased with Master licenses exclusively for our members. Therefore Joann is not offering free support with them. However, if you buy an additional template from her site, you'll be able to get all the free support you need from her. And with her excellent designs and low prices, it may be well worth the investment for you. Nearly all web businesses add new sites occasionally, so you'll be making a wise investment with any new template purchase.