Site templates are web page designs that are created by expert designers that vend them to others. Most hosting services offer templates bundled into their basic package, and there are literally hundreds of websites that sell them.

Your other options, of course, are to endeavor to design the site on your own or build a custom website from scratch using a pro designer. Not many accountants have the marketing, artistic, and coding skills needed to build a website themselves, and a professionally designed custom website is very expensive. For most accountants a template is the best option. A template is quick, easy, and inexpensive. It also gives you the ability to then customize a few things, here and there, to make it more personalized. Custom website design is expensive. For some uses this expense is justified, but for most small or medium sized accounting firms this cost is exorbitant. The more ideas, the more the designer will charge.

Most of the created templates are offered in a variety different themes and color schemes. These sites are usually very attractive. They often include premium design features like flash animations and almost always include third-party plugin and HTML support.

Step one in choosing a template is deciding what you want your website to do. A good website can reduce your firms operating expenses and improve client retention and satisfaction, but for most firms the site's primary function will be enticing new clients into the firm. What do you want the site to look like? How do you want it laid out? Don't be afraid to browse the web for ideas. What type of content would you like on there (pages, images, and stuff)? Planning is key. The more organized you are when you begin the design process, the less time and money you will need to spend implementing your ideas.

Here are some typical advantages of using a template...

• You won't need to worry about layout and navigation. When you use a template this is already laid out for you.

• Templates provide a consistent look and feel for the site.

• Templates include professional graphics. Filling a site with professional photos can be expensive and time consuming. The alternative, looting the internet for images, is usually illegal. Templates also allow you to customize those graphics to a more personalized look.

• It is usually easy to edit the content on the template by using almost any HTML editor.

Other advantages of using a web template are being able to receive regular updates that can keep your site compatible with others. Of course these changes are particularly relevant if your website template is provided by an industry specific host. There are a lot of companies that specialize in websites for accountants and CPA's. These companies usually offer a complete web design package, which includes features like a client portal and a monthly newsletter.

Of course, there are potential limitations to consider:

• Graphically templates usually come "as is" unless you can code in HTML and have access to graphics software like Photoshop. Some companies will make changes for you for a small fee, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

• Some website managers are easier to use than others. Many templates make it very difficult to make changes unless you know HTML. These templates can still significantly reduce your costs, but you may still need a website professional to set up and maintain it.

• Some templates require extensive modification to make them suitable for your specific business. If the website wasn't designed specifically for accountants expect to spend some time and money adding industry specific and interactive content.

• The right to use a template does not imply ownership. Unless you specifically buy the copyright to the template the designer will be able to sell the same template to other website owners.

Every person wants a website that stands out from the crowd. Using pre-designed templates is one way to accomplish this; you can get a good looking site with an established layout and structure. Even if it's not quite "perfect" it's still cheaper to modify an existing template than it is to build a new site from scratch.

Some firms, especially larger practices, may prefer to use a fully blown custom site. A full custom may cost more, but is built exactly the way that you have pictured it.

If you choose to use a template take the time to choose a good one. Since many of them come in a variety of specific themes and color schemes, you should be able to find one that is right for your site. It is best to find a provider that specializes in websites for accountants and includes many features for one price, instead of acquiring this content individually. It may not only save you money, but also the frustration of interviewing six different providers, rather than one.