A custom ecommerce store template provides several benefits to your online store. First, it sets it apart from your competition, leaving a memorable impression in your customers’ minds. Second, it adds to your branding efforts. In addition, a custom template allows you to integrate specific technologies like mailing lists or online store coupons into your online store.

There are several ways you can get a custom online stores template for your web store:

1. Buy an ecommerce store template from a designer experienced in online stores.

2. Hire a freelancer to make a custom web store template for your online store.

3. Use customizable Internet store templates your web store host provides to its users.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select a customizable template for online stores created by a design specialist

There are some designers who specialize in designing web store templates. These designers have a high degree of experience and expertise in this specific area of design. You can select from a variety of available custom ecommerce store template designs.

I recommend: Hypergurl.com specializes in web store templates and offers them at a reasonable price. Dreamweaver Templates sells customizable shopping site templates that you can modify to meet your needs.

Get individualized consultation and design from a freelance designer

The surest way to make certain that your ecommerce store template is unique and that it reflects your business in a positive way is to hire a freelance designer to make a custom online store template just for you. The best way for you to find a freelance designer is to look at freelance designer marketplace websites.

I recommend: Both Elance and Scriptlance are excellent places to find freelance designers. At these sites, you create a project to your exact specifications, and freelancers submit bids to compete for the job. Be sure the designer is qualified, and examine some sample work before accepting the bid to ensure quality design.

Get customizable online store templates from your web store hosting provider

Many hosting providers offer a customizable template for online stores as part of their hosting package or as part of an online shopping cart package. These templates are designed to be compatible specifically with the shopping cart solution your provider offers and are often the quickest and easiest way to implement an online store template.

I recommend: Volusion offers a complete hosting and online store package. Its package not only includes online store templates but also covers everything from website registration to setting up your online store and to creating coupons for your online store. GoDaddy.com offers online store packages with a choice of templates as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Customizable shopping cart templates can be challenging to implement. Make sure you or your IT staff has the technical skills you need to make them work correctly.