Selecting a website template can be daunting, particularly if you’re uncertain about what to prioritize. You’re scrolling through beautiful designs, wondering if the one that caught your eye is the right one. Is it functional enough? Will your ideal clients connect with it? Will it even look good with your branding? Simply picking a template because you like the design isn’t enough—there’s more to consider. But don’t worry—I’m here to help you cut through the confusion, reduce the overwhelm, and make this decision as easy as possible.

Let’s start with the three main things to consider: your ideal clients, your branding, and your functionality needs. Beyond that, you’re just overcomplicating things. Let’s keep it simple and stress-free, so you can focus on what really matters—building a website that works for your private practice.

Also, quick sidebar: You’re not hiring someone to build you a custom site here, but you are getting a custom-quality design on a budget. That’s the magic of High Five Design Co. templates—they’re designed specifically for therapists and coaches, so you’re already one step ahead in creating a professional, stunning website.

1. Start with Your Ideal Client in Mind

Your website is your digital first impression. It’s the place where your ideal clients will land, and within seconds, they’ll decide if your practice feels like the right fit. That’s why it’s so important to choose a template that reflects the personality, needs, and vibe of the people you want to work with.

Here are some examples to get you thinking:

• Teens might gravitate toward bold, dynamic designs with modern fonts and eye-catching layouts.

• Burnt-out moms? They’re probably looking for something calm and minimalist—something that feels like a deep breath in website form.

• Academics or CEOs? They’ll appreciate a professional, polished, and more formal design.

• Creatives? They’re going to feel right at home in a design that’s artistic, trendy, and visually exciting.

A Fun Exercise to Help You Decide

Grab a piece of paper (or open your notes app) and write down 3-5 words that describe your ideal clients. Think about their personality, age, and even what they’re coming to therapy for. For example:

• Calm, professional, warm

• Bold, trendy, creative

• Minimalist, approachable, polished

Now, think about how those words translate into a website design. When you browse templates, see which ones match those descriptors. It’s a surprisingly effective way to find a design that works for your practice!

2. Evaluate Template Features

All High Five Design Co. templates include a foundational structure designed specifically for therapists and coaches, so no matter which one you choose, you’ll have what you need to get started. Here’s what you can expect from every template:

• A home page with key elements like a value proposition, intro to the therapist, focus areas, and services.

• An about section or page to share your story and connect with clients.

• Three services/offerings pages or sections—perfect for highlighting your specialties.

• A space for FAQs to help answer common questions and screen potential clients.

• A contact section so clients can easily reach out.

So, why are some templates more expensive than others?

• Premium designs (like Square Peg, All the Feels, and Audacious) feature more artistic details, trendy layouts, or additional pages, like an Events or Consultation page.

• Simpler templates may be one-page designs or have fewer creative details, but they’re still modern, professional, and effective.

What Do You Actually Need?

If you’re just starting out, you may not need all the extras. For example, if you don’t plan to offer workshops right away, you can skip a template with an Events page. Focus on the features that matter most for your practice right now. You can always expand your site later!

3. Incorporate Your Branding

Here’s the fun part—making the template your own! Every High Five Design Co. template is designed to be easily customizable, so you can adapt it to reflect your branding.

Change the colors, fonts, logos, graphics, and images to create a website that feels uniquely yours. Want a bold design to feel softer? Switch to muted colors and minimalist fonts. Want a simple design to feel more dynamic? Add vibrant colors and modern typography.

Visualizing the Transformation

Not sure what a template might look like with your branding? Check out the product pages for each template. I include examples of how the design looks with different colors, fonts, and stock images, so you can see how easily you can transform the original design. A little tweak here, a font swap there, and voila—you’ve got a website that feels like your brand.

4. Define Your Website’s Purpose

Before you hit "add to cart," think about your website’s purpose. What do you need it to do for you?

For example, if you’re building your site to highlight your therapy practice and services, a simpler design might be perfect. But if you’re planning to offer workshops or supervision, you may want a template with additional pages to accommodate those needs.

5. Budget and Investment

Let’s talk money. The price of a template reflects the level of design complexity, the number of pages, and the time it took me to create it.

But here’s the thing: Even the lower-priced templates deliver the same foundational structure and customization options. So, whether you splurge on a premium design or go for a simpler option, you’re still getting a professional, polished website that’s miles ahead of the generic stuff you’ll find elsewhere.

6. Take a Partial-DIY Approach

If you’re worried about building your site, don’t be. All High Five Design Co. templates are designed for ease of use. You’ll also get access to my Website CopyKit and a 3-part Launch Your Site email series to help you every step of the way.

Think of it like this: You’re not locked into the design forever. It’s a starting point that you can tweak, evolve, and adapt over time as your practice grows and changes.

Key Takeaways

1. Start by considering your ideal client—what design will speak to their needs and personality?

2. All High Five Design Co. templates include a strong foundational structure, but premium designs may include additional features or pages.

3. Use your branding—colors, fonts, and logos—to make the template your own.

4. Choose a template that fits your current needs and goals, knowing you can expand later.

5. No matter which template you choose, you’re getting a custom-quality design that’s easy to build and beautiful to use.

Ready to find the perfect website template for your private practice? Head over to the High Five Design Co. template shop to explore all the options. I can’t wait to see how you make your website truly yours!