Take a peek behind the scenes at how I transform a Showit website template into a fully branded, customized client website. These before & after examples are from real clients, they show the process in action and I’m sharing their feedback!
TL;DR (Overview)
Starting with a Showit website template is a fast, flexible way to launch a website, but templates are just the starting point.
In this post, you’ll see:
- Before & after transformations for real clients
- How a Showit template transformation turns a starting template into a strategic, branded website
- The difference between Showit template vs custom website design
If you’re considering a website redesign or starting with a template, this post gives you a realistic look at what’s possible.
I absolutely love this service for Solopreneurs! If you want to chat about customizing one of my Showit Templates for your own business; book a free consultation!
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What Is a Showit Website Template?
A Showit website template is a pre-designed website layout that I’ve created inside Showit. It gives you a starting point with pages, structure, and design already in place – so you’re not building from scratch.
From there, I customize everything to fit your brand, your content, and how you want your website to actually feel and function. That’s where the transformation happens, and it’s what makes the final website feel like yours and not a template!
Before & After Transformations: Real Client Examples
Here’s a showcase of real Showit website template before and after examples from work I’ve done for clients.
Each section includes:
- Before: the original template
- After: the final, branded client website
- Client Testimonial: so you can hear how the experience was for in their own words!
Rosewood Template → Counselling Website
Client:
Before (Rosewood Template):
After (Client Website):
Testimonial:
“Harj made the process of creating my website incredibly easy and stress-free. She offered so much support throughout the entire journey and cared just as deeply about bringing my vision to life as I did. Harj took the time to truly understand what I wanted and created something magical which was exactly what I had envisioned.
She’s warm, approachable, and flexible, always making herself available to answer questions or offer guidance. What I appreciate most is how personally she invests in the project; she treats it with the same care and dedication as if it were her own.
I can’t recommend Harj enough to anyone looking to build a website, I assure you that you’ll be in the best hands!”
- Sharon Dial (Reclamation Wellness BC)
What we updated in this Template to make it uniquely hers:
- Updated colors and fonts to match the client’s calming brand
- Reorganized sections to highlight services and therapist profiles
- Added client-focused calls to action
- Replaced placeholder imagery with professional brand and stock images that matched her brand.
It was really important for her to have a website that felt calming, understandably! She’s a counsellor and wanted her clients to feel comforted and grounded when they visited her website.
I created two different versions of the homepage with different color schemes to show her what the potential was for her website. I’m so happy she chose the color palette she did, it was the one I was leaning towards as well!
We built a website that’s easy for her clients to navigate. Her packages and messaging is super clear and it feels like a warm hug from nature when your clients visit her new online home!
Clay Template → Wedding Destinations Website
Client:
Cristina, Destination Weddings Travel Specialist
Before (Clay Template):
After (Client Website):
Testimonial:
“Thank you SO much for all your help. I was so stressed out and postponing making the website for so long but you were always reassuring and your copywriting guidelines were genius! I loved the templates and how it all came together. I am super happy with the end result, how the whole website flows so well and how there is call to action in every section and page of the website. I feel that potential clients can really get a sense of who I am, what I offer and can I make their destination wedding planning experience a memorable one. The website is not only beautiful but a great marketing tool! I am so proud of the website and excited to show it off! Thank you also for the great training videos so I can continue to add more testimonials and photos. I couldn’t be happier and have better support throughout this journey!”
- Cristina Campagna (Destination Wedding Specialist)
What we updated in this Template to make it uniquely hers:
- Customized layout to showcase wedding destinations clearly
- Added photography from wedding destinations and couples she has worked with
- Enhanced navigation for easier browsing
- Made it super easy for visitors to see what packages would best suit their needs
- Added CTAs everywhere, as always!
Sage Template → Haven Dental Hygienists
Client:
Before (Sage Template):
After (Client Website):
Testimonial:
“We were referred to Harj by a friend who recently started a business, and from our first meeting, we knew we wanted to work with Harj. The process of building our business website was seamless and an exciting part of the journey. Harj was able to precisely bring our vision to screen and we are proud to direct our clients to our website. She was genuinely excited to be a part of our journey, which made our meetings with her enjoyable. We would definitely recommend working with Harj to design a comprehensive and attractive website.”
- Namrita and Stephanie (Haven Dental Hygiene and Whitening Studio)
What we updated in this Template to make it uniquely theirs:
- Adjusted branding to match branding made for them from another Graphic Designer
- Determined the best way to showcase their services
- Simplified service listings and appointment info
- Optimized layout for patients to easy navigate for their specific services
Dahlia Template → Dreamsleep Manpreet
Client:
Before (Dahlia Template):
After (Client Website):
Testimonial:
“I had such a great experience working with Harj to build my website. The process was seamless, and she was readily available for help and to answer any questions I had. She effortlessly translated my ideas into a website that perfectly represents my vision and brand. I was surprised by how quickly she was able to customize a website for me, and she accommodated any changes promptly. I’m so happy with the end product. I highly recommend Harj to anyone looking to build a website.”
- Dream Sleep Manpreet
What we updated in this Template to make it uniquely hers:
- Manpreet had shared a branding package with me, I slightly modified the colours to work for her website.
- Swapped out all of the content and images to share her specific services
- Added lots of testimonials to showcase her client results
- Sourced images that supported her brand and incorporated her branding photoshoot
- Made sure CTA’s were all over each page to make it really easy to book with her!
How a Designer Turns a Showit Website Template into a Personalized Website for Clients
Starting with a Showit website template gives us a strong foundation, but the real magic happens when we customize it for your brand. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what that process actually involves:
Step 1: Website Content
First things first, we need content to plug into the Showit website template!
Don’t worry, with my process I walk you through all of the content I’ll need from you. I even provide copywriting guides with prompts to guide you through writing your own website copy!
You will feel 100% confident preparing for your VIP Day where I customize your template for you!
Step 2: Brand Alignment
This is where your website starts to feel like you.
I update the fonts, colors, and imagery to match your brand so everything feels cohesive and intentional. This might also include refining small details like button styles, spacing, and overall visual tone so your site reflects the kind of experience you want people to have.
Step 2: Content Strategy
Before touching too much of the design, I look at your content and how it flows.
We reorganize sections, adjust messaging, and make sure it’s clear what you do and who you help. The goal here is to guide your visitors naturally through your site, so they’re not confused or overwhelmed when they land on it.
Step 3: Layout Customization
This is where the template really starts to shift.
Sections might be moved, removed, or completely reworked depending on what your business actually needs. Even though we’re starting with a template, the layout is flexible. The template is basically a starting off point!
And the best part, with my Showit Templates I actually create multiple different sections and options so we can really make your website super unique for your business!
Step 4: Implement Feedback
Throughout your VIP Day (Website in a Day Service) we are in contact through email. I send over images and links for you to preview your pages and submit feedback. There is one feedback round for each page!
This is where you get to add your input and make sure everything is flowing how you imagined it!
Step 5: Add Functionality
The final step is to make it all work! After we have the design down, we move on to making your website functional. This is when I add the links to all of your buttons and Navigation menus.
We add any forms (ie. email marketing opt-in forms), scheduling links, etc.
I actually start the Domain transfer first thing in the morning so that we can launch by the end of the day and you can walk away with a LIVE website!
FAQ: Showit Website Templates
Can you customize a Showit website template?
Yes, designers can change nearly every aspect of a template including colors, fonts, layout, imagery, and of course, content.
What is a Showit website template?
A pre-designed layout in Showit that businesses can customize to launch a website faster.
Are Showit website templates customizable?
Absolutely. Templates can be fully modified to match branding and strategy.
Can a Showit template look completely custom?
Yes. With design adjustments, templates can appear entirely unique.
Do website designers start with templates?
Many do. Templates provide structure and speed up the design process.
What changes when customizing a Showit template?
Designers adjust layout, typography, imagery, color palette, content and calls to action.
Are Showit templates good for small businesses?
Yes! They’re affordable, flexible, and quick to launch while still looking professional and completely on brand!
TL;DR Recap
A Showit website template is just the starting point. Through thoughtful customization, templates can become on brand Showit website designs that are strategic, branded, and fully functional.
These before and after examples show real client websites that I have designed using my Showit Templates. If you are just starting out in your business or have been in business for some time but want an on-brand website without the designer price tag; a Showit Template might just be exactly what you need!
Want help turning a template into a fully branded website in just one day!? Explore my design VIP Day (Website in a Day) Service here! Or go ahead and book your free consultation here.
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