Crystal Coast Creations

Layout Examples

1 column layout:

2 column layouts with main info on the right:

2 column layouts with main info on the left:

3 column layouts:

Step one: Choosing the right template.

The most important step in getting your future website off to a great start is setting a good foundation by choosing the right template for the site's layout. So many times a client will pick a layout based on it's colors or for having a photo that fits the theme they are wanting, but the actual "bones" of the layout doesn't really fit their needs. It's like shopping for a new home, when viewing the home for the first time, the realtor will tell you to focus on the bones of the house, and to ask yourself questions like, "Will the closets be enough storage for my belongings?" and "Is the size of the backyard big enough for our kids and dog?", instead of you judging the home based on the previous owners choice of pink wallpaper in the bedroom or the country chickens decorating the kitchen.

The easiest way to begin this thought process is to ask yourself 2 questions, "What type of content do I have, and do I have a lot of content, now?"
One of the worst things you can do is choose a template designed for lots and lots of content, but then not have the info to fill it all up now, or to choose a template for a different type of content, as in choosing something designed for more text boxes full of technical information instead of places for images, when your site is for your photography company where you wanting to display your portfolio.

The foundation or template used to create your site can not be changed without recreating the whole site again. This can be time consuming and costly. So choosing the right template is vital and worth putting thought into.

There are basically 3 types of templates, a one column, (usually used for personal sites) a 2 column or a 3 column.

All templates feature a header (or top), and a footer (or bottom). The columns are in between.

The template used for the Crystal Coast Creations website that you are now viewing is a 2 column layout, with the larger main column on the right, and the smaller column on the left. In the left column on this page are examples of 1, 2 and 3 column layouts. Remember to look past the colors and images and focus on the columns or "bones" when choosing your template layout.

Things to think about:

Most websites are 2 columns layouts with the larger/wider column on the right, (like this website) and since they are the most common, visitors find them easy to view and navigate.

Other types of layouts can be created for you, whereas part of a page has 1 number of columns and another part has another number of columns. These types of layouts can give your site a very individual look, but are more costly to create.

Websites can also be designed with the main page having more columns than the other pages of the site. Since there are actually two templates being used in this design, the cost is usually a little more.

"I've decided on a template layout. Now what?" Next...

Step one: Choosing the right template

Step two: How many pages?

Step three: Creating a logo & color theme

Step four: Keep it simple or lots of thrills?