When designing a website, there are many different types of website packages that you can purchase from web hosting companies that are pre-programmed to have specific functions. Often, these canned website themes are designed for ease of usability and have a color scheme that uses a basic or neutral color scheme. While buying a pre-programmed website package allows you to set up a website without spending a lot of time with customization, your finished website may not have the unique and interesting feel that a custom website has.

A lot of times, packaged websites may seem like the cheapest choice, but may cost you money in the long run. This is because visitors are often deterred from remaining on a website that appears generic or boring. Canned website themes are not intended to appear original and unique. These sites are designed to go up quickly and to be as functional as possible for a small amount of money.

There are a few ways to make a website more unique without costing you a lot of money. For example, you can set up a WordPress or Concrete 5 website for under $100. These are more flexible in their design options and are customizable. These websites are just as user-friendly as a pre-programmed website, but can be altered to look as special and different as you prefer. When selecting a website theme, look for one that seems to pop out and catch your attention. If a particular website theme sticks out to you, chances are the theme will be memorable for visitors as well.

Choose a color scheme that is “clean” yet eye-catching. For example, it is helpful to avoid website themes that have too many objects, pictures or buttons. Overusing these elements causes confusion for the viewer, subconsciously making them want to click away from the website. Instead, select a theme whose objects, pictures and buttons seem balanced and well-distributed. Avoid colors that are overly contrasting, such as green and purple. Instead, select colors that are complementary, such as blue and white or yellow and blue. Having a pleasing color scheme enables the viewer to feel relaxed, subconsciously making them want to stay on your website.

Some WordPress or Concrete 5 themes look completely original on their own and may need very little customization to make them look original. These themes have creative features such as objects and pictures that look like notebook paper, scrolls, thumbtacks and other cute or interesting features. Certain themes are designed to look futuristic and modern with glowing buttons and text, while others are designed to look old-world and rustic. These simple yet powerful additions can take a website that is plain or standard-looking and turn it into one that is dynamic and appealing to the viewer. Although it may take hours of sifting through website themes to find one that looks creative and original, the long-term payoffs will be well worth the time.

About the Author: Kelly Sundstrom

Kelly Sundstrom is a writer and web designer with over 15 years of experience creating and developing websites. She has written three published books and contributes to Degree Jungle a resource for college programs options including Computer Science and Web Development.