Website templates are very affordable and will save you a lot of time and effort when you want to create a new layout for your website. However a lot of people make mistakes in the process of choosing and using a web template and end up with with a website that is unlike the image they had in mind.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid those mistakes.

The first obvious mistake you should be aware of is using a template that is popular. If a lot of people use the same template as you’re using your website will not appear unique and your credibility as a solid, different website could be tarnished. In other words, you will appear just like your next-door neighbor.

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The following article is reprinted with permission from Denise Griffitts, Virtual Assistance Industry Expert

My Website Does Not Bring In Virtual Assistance Clients

Question:

Denise, I have looked at all of your websites and understand that you are a professional web developer as well as a virtual assistant. Very impressive!

My question to you is this. My website is not professionally built but I did what I could with the limited resources that I had at the time. It is an HTML site. Do you recommend that I move to WordPress.com?

Thank you in advance for your answer.

Monica, San Diego, CA

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First I need to apologize for the lack of new blog posts during the past few months.

The reason for my absence is because of my own health and that of family members.

In early December on the same day I found out my sister had been diagnosed with bone cancer, my brother suffered a severe stroke.

While attending to the needs of my brother and sister, my son was hospitalized for several weeks with a collapsed lung and heart problems. Shockingly my son’s wife was just recently diagnosed with cancer.

I’m not telling you all this to gain sympathy, but rather to explain the neglect. Again, I offer my sincere apology and hope to make it up to you by offering you a Free St. Patrick’s Day Mini-Site Template.

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You see that cute little birdie in the image to the left?

Look closely at it and memorize it, because if you use Twitter, you’re going to be seeing a lot more of it.

In case you haven’t heard, yesterday Twitter announced that they are adding 4 new Twitter backgrounds. That’s great news for people who don’t use Custom Twitter backgrounds.

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Is it just me, or does publishing the first post on a new blog remind you of being the “new kid in school”?

You know that first day (post) is coming, but you’re excruciatingly nervous about it because you also know what’s going to be expected of you…

…the dreaded moment when you have to stand in front of everyone and “introduce yourself”.

You practice your signature speech for weeks, yet when the time comes you hem and haw, shift nervously back and forth, then blurt out something really lame like…

“Hi, my name is Sharon. I just came here from Florida, my interests are Twitter, graphics, templates, blog themes and mini-sites and I’m looking forward to getting to know you all.”

You then high-tail-it back to your seat to the unmistakable snickers and whispers from the “regulars” – as they attempt to size-up the new kid from first appearances alone.

Till Next Time,

P.S. Keeping with the new kid in school analogy, think of posting a comment as your way of inviting the “new kid” to sit with you at lunch.