In 2024, many things are pretty much ready-made, making things very convenient for all of us. The Web Design and Development market has not escaped this zone either. Consumers and web designers use these templates for various reasons. Let’s see why, and how it is very convenient. And most importantly, let us see where you can get free HTML templates in 2024.
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What are HTML Templates?
An HTML template is used for defining a website’s content and layout (as CSS also comes embedded with HTML in these templates). Usually, developers use the HTML Markup Language to manually define content properties like header tags, paragraphs, or meta descriptions. Usually, you would have to do it manually. However, a predefined template eliminates that process.
Of course, there are some drawbacks to it. But the advantages are too good to ignore, especially if you are cost-conscious. For most basic businesses, sole entrepreneurs, or bloggers, getting a free, ready-made HTML template is often a wiser idea than getting a full-fledged custom website.
An HTML template has all predefined attributes and codes to define various elements. What kind of template you should choose depends on your requirements entirely. But let’s understand the advantages and disadvantages before we do so.
Advantages of using free HTML Templates for Your Website in 2024
Eliminates the need for a developer
Hiring a developer can cost a fortune, especially if your website is complicated. However, even for simpler-looking or functioning websites, a developer can charge you significantly. If you are cost-conscious or if you expect limited functionality from your website, then going for an HTML template is a better idea.
With a predefined code at your doorstep combined with a visual website builder, you will not require a developer’s assistance. Also, it saves valuable time as you do not focus much on website development.
Contributes to SEO
HTML codes can do more than just sort the content on your website. Did you know that HTML tags can be used to divert SEO juice across various parts of the websites?
If you are going for an online business, you know how important SEO is. It makes your website appear on search engines i.e. discoverable. If you want to attract better attention and get ahead of the competition, SEO is the (organic) way to go. From Title Tags to Meta Descriptions, search engines use HTML tags to identify and classify content to index.
Free HTML templates also come predefined with similar tags that can effectively contribute to your SEO strategy.
Cheaper than hiring a developer (or even FREE)
There are many HTML templates available for FREE in 2024. Simply by Googling ‘Free HTML Templates‘, you can find tons of templates just for the taking. However, if you want certain uniqueness in your website, you can always opt-in for paid templates. Sure, they may cost but not as costly as hiring a developer.
Why would you go for paid templates when free templates are readily available, you may ask. Well, for their uniqueness, of course. The biggest drawback of a free template is that it may seem as if you are copying someone else’s website, especially if you are using a popular template. There’s no uniqueness to that, right? However, a paid, custom template can give you the desired customisation to your website.
Disadvantages of using an HTML Template
Limited Customisations
HTML templates are predefined. That means some or all of its code might be locked by the designer. This is especially true if you are going for a free template. Besides, it may contain unnecessary or unwanted code that you may not want on your website. What’s more? It may slow down your website even.
So, if you are looking for customisability, it’s better if you look for a developer instead. Or at least consider paid HTML templates.
Not Unique or Exclusive
Since there are thousands of templates readily available, your website may just look like other websites and as previously mentioned, not really unique from your competition. If you must beat your competition, having a unique website design can help you stand out; along with better customer service, a range of unique products, competition prices, and so on.
If your website serves your business as its main front and/or has heavy competition, then going for a template might not be a good idea. This does not mean a template cannot give you what a developer can, but with a developer, you stand a better chance to make and improve your website exponentially.
Things to consider before getting a template
Every technology has its advantages and disadvantages, but as long as the advantages trump the disadvantages, it will favour you. You can apply the same logic to these HTML templates. If you are getting one for your website, you should remember the following:
- Make sure the template is written and optimised for the latest browsers and devices. The latest HTML codes are usually written in HTML5, which is more mobile-friendly. We all know how important it is for a website to be responsive across all devices.
- Make sure the template has enough customisability as per your requirements. You may find it difficult with free templates and we highly recommend going for a paid, customisable template in that case.
- Make sure that the template does not include any unnecessary code. It may slow down your website, which can impact the user experience negatively.
- Give less popular templates a chance. Popular templates are popular for an obvious reason, but if you are looking for some kind of uniqueness to your website, going for an unpopular yet fully functional template can benefit you in the long run.
HTML Template Examples and Where to Get Them for Free
HTML template example, right? Right-click anywhere on this web page, select “Inspect Element” from the drop-down menu, and you will see some sort of code popping up in a separate section on your browser. That is the HTML (and CSS) code you are looking at. It is what is responsible for our website’s content formatting and appearance. This is also what an HTML template looks like.
To get a feel for an HTML template, you should visit the W3 CSS website.
W3 CSS templates are premium templates. However, there are many free HTML templates available on the internet too. Always keep in mind the kind of business you want to run online while choosing a template. Here are some of the sites where you could get the template of your dreams.
- Free CSS: One of the best websites to get free templates at. There are over 3000 templates to download, and everything for completely free.
- Nicepage: Home to over 10000 templates, Nicepage has all sorts of templates available on the website.
- TemplateMo: TemplateMo houses over 500 carefully picked templates. Each template is categorised and has its description on where and how to use it.
Conclusion
Getting free HTML templates in 2024 for your website can surely save some time and money, although you will sacrifice customisability. In 2024, almost every business considers going digital and these templates can help you in jumpstarting your website.
As your business grows, you can then consider getting a web developer for your website to refurbish your website the way your business requires it.
If you are looking for a web designer and developer in Cape Town, South Africa, you may consider Digital Lime Green. We are a web design and digital marketing agency that provides optimal digital solutions at affordable costs. Contact us today for more information or to get a quote.
