There's so much marketing out there about why this or that creative conference is “life-changing” and it's the “1 hack I needed”.

Is any of this true, do these people actually find success, or is it all just paid messaging and outright false advertising?

In truth, that sometimes may be the case, BUT here's something we know to be true.

If you want quality output in your business or even in your personal life, you have to have quality input.

Think about the people you look up to, chances are, they were mentored and educated in some way by someone.

Although they put in week, months, or even years of hard work, we'd bet they would point to some key events along the way that kept them motivated and inspired.

So let's talk about 6 reasons why attending a creative conference may be exactly what you need to set yourself up to build a business that you love.

Reason 1. You Rediscover Your “Why”

When you’re deep in the day-to-day of doing client work, content creation, and running your business, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture.

You’re not just building a brand, you’re trying to build the life you want.

Conferences give you a chance to get outside the noise. With the usual distractions paused, you can remind yourself what all your hard work is for.

You'll be able to ask yourself:

• Why did I start this in the first place?
• What do I actually want this business to look like a year from now?
• Who do I want to become through this work?

It’s in these moments of reflection and inspiration often sparked by a keynote speaker, a workshop, or even a quiet moment in the hotel lobby, that your vision becomes clearer.

You stop reacting and start realigning.

When your “why” gets stronger, you'll be able to push through the challenges and do quality work people will appreciate.

Reason 2. You Get Access to Real World Expertise

There’s something about learning from people who are actually doing the work you are, have taken the risks, faced the same fears, and found a path to success.

This is especially true at Spark—our conference specifically for brand and web design business owners.

We understand that you are good at your craft and are already good at designing websites, copywriting, and branding. Although we do have some workshops focused on those things.

But, we know you probably want some help on how to actually run/grow your business and avoid burnout while doing it.

At most conferences, but especially Spark, you’re not just getting theory or surface-level inspiration. You’re getting access to the hard-earned wisdom of designers, creators, marketers, and entrepreneurs who’ve built something meaningful.

You start asking sharper questions like:

• What’s really holding me back?
• Where am I aiming low?
• What do I actually want to be known for?
• How can I streamline things to avoid headaches and stress?
• What do healthy rhythms in my business look like?

These aren’t the things you can always Google or ChatGPT your way through.

Sometimes it takes hearing someone onstage say something that lands just right or having a quick chat with a speaker after a session to unlock that next level of clarity.

Because when you start thinking like a leader, you start building like one too.

Reason 3. You Make Meaningful Connection

Being a creator can feel lonely, especially when most of your work happens behind a screen. But at a conference, you’re suddenly surrounded by people who just get it.

They've done the late nights, felt the imposter syndrome, felt the joy of landing a great client, and experienced the frustration of tech hiccups at the worst time. These are your people.

Conferences aren’t just for collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections.

They’re a space to build real relationships with people who may become:

• Future collaborators
• Referral partners
• Creative sounding boards
• Or just great friends who cheer you on when things get tough

And sometimes, the ten-minute hallway conversation, a shared lunch, or an impromptu chat at the coffee bar can lead to your next big opportunity.

The right connection at the right moment can truly change the trajectory of you and your business.

Reason 4. You Refuel Your Creative Energy

Burnout doesn’t always look like exhaustion, it can show up as boredom, doubt, or feeling stuck in a loop of uninspired work.

When your creativity starts to run dry, you don’t need more hustle. You need a reset.

That’s where conferences come in.

They’re designed to spark something in you and remind you why you fell in love with creating in the first place.

Maybe it’s a powerful talk, a beautifully designed booth, or an offhand comment from another creator. Inspiration shows up in unexpected ways when you’re open to it.

This kind of experience isn’t just motivational fluff, it’s creative rest. It’s stepping out of your regular environment, shaking off the routine, and letting your brain breathe.

That new spark often shows up in your client work, your website, your content, or even a new offer that boosts your income stream.

Reason 5. You Realize You’re Not Alone

We know, we know, running your own business can be isolating.

You’re making the decisions, wearing all the hats, chasing the leads, and handling the stress.

It can start to feel like you’re building something in a vacuum, wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same struggles or asking the same questions.

Here's a hint, They are!

But then you walk into a room full of people who do what you do, who get what you’re going through, and something shifts.

You hear someone talk about their first year of freelancing and realize you’re not behind.
You chat with another business owner who’s facing the same pricing doubts, and it feels like a weight off your shoulders.

You laugh with someone who knows the pain of a broken website the night before a launch.

Suddenly, you’re not just a solo creator, you’re part of a community.

You walk away encouraged, empowered, and maybe even a little emotional, in the best possible way.

That confidence translates into stronger leadership, clearer messaging, and better decision-making in your business.

Reason 6. You'll Get a Clearer Path Forward

One of the most valuable parts of attending a conference isn’t just what you hear, it’s what you walk away ready to do.

When your mind is clearer, your next step becomes clearer.

Instead of spinning your wheels trying every new strategy or tool, you start to identify what actually matters to your business right now.

Sometimes, clarity doesn’t come from more doing, it comes from stepping back, soaking in new perspectives, and thinking it over.

Whether it’s a specific strategy you’re excited to try or just a stronger sense of focus, you return with momentum that lasts longer than the conference high.

You’re no longer just reacting, you’re building with purpose.

Instead of guessing what to try next, you focus your energy on the things that move the needle and that’s where real business growth happens.

Should You Attend a Creative and Design Conference? The TLDR

When a conference is done well, it's an opportunity to build meaningful connections and refocus your vision for your future and your business.

To be fair, we can't speak for every conference.

But at Spark by Showit, we do our best to create a space for you to make genuine connections, get real insights from creatives in the industry, and walk away motivated.

We also did some of the work for you and curated a list of creative and design conferences we think are worth checking out in 2025. You can check that out here.

We hope you found this encouraging and if you want to know more about Spark, our conference specifically for brand and web design business owners. You can find that here.

We can't overstate the value that comes when you build an online community.

Imagine having a product idea and already having a group of people who would try it, or imagine if a ton of people liked your videos drawing early 2000s cartoon characters in 30 seconds, If you put together a short video course on how you can get better at drawing, you'll probably have a few people willing to pay for it.

How many times have you had an idea, and had some money to try it but didn’t have a community to bring it to?

Let’s talk about how to build and grow your own online community.

What Is an Online Community?

It’s simple, a group of people consistently showing up not just for your content, but for the conversations and the shared interest in your niche.

When someone comments not just “LOL” but “OMG, I got that same thing last week, best $100 I ever spent.”

Communities form when people connect, not only consume. 

And that connection can happen in the comments, in a private group, or even just through a shared language your audience adopts.

That’s the difference between having an audience and building a community.

Show Up Consistently So People Know What to Expect

Consistency is the most underrated part of building an online community.

When people know you show up, they’re more likely to show up too.

It builds trust not just in your content, but in you as a person.

You don’t need to post every day.

You just need to show up often enough, and with a clear enough voice, that people start to feel like they know you and want to keep coming back.

Consistency Builds Trust 

When your audience is small, it’s easy to think no one’s paying attention.

But they are. 

Even just a handful of people seeing you consistently will remember you for it.

It’s like showing up to a party and seeing the same person every Friday night. 

You might not talk much at first, but after a while, you start talking. That’s how trust grows online too.

Choose One or Two Platforms to Focus On

Don’t try to be everywhere.

Posting on five platforms consistently is one way ticket to burnout town.

Yes, there are AI tools that can pull content from longer videos and generate social media clips for you.

But in the beginning, just focus on one or two places where your ideal people hang out.

YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, a podcast, wherever. 

Learn what works. Get comfortable showing up regularly. Build a rhythm. 

Start Conversations, Don’t Just Post Content

You can post as much as you want, but if no one’s talking, there’s no community aspect.

Communities grow when people feel invited to participate. 

Ask Questions That Invite Replies (Not Just Likes)

If you are starting towards the beginning, try asking questions and telling stories that will resonate with people.

Here’s an example: if you want to build a community of designers and are reviewing a new design tool, don’t start like everyone else “Hey guys’ let’s talk about XYZ design tool”. Instead, try something like “What was the first design tool you really loved using?” 

Hear the difference?

It opens the door to talking about what makes a design tool intuitive.

Then, you can shift to talking about what you want to review in the video.

Feature Comments, Replies, or Stories from Your Audience

Nothing makes someone feel like part of the community faster than being seen.

Whether it’s a screenshot of a thoughtful comment, a shoutout on your podcast, or a stitched video reply—find ways to highlight your audience’s voice.

This turns passive viewers into active participants.

Remember, Engagement Goes Both Ways

If someone leaves a comment or sends a DM, do your best to reply! Even if it’s short, it matters.

And if your content sparks a good convo, join in.

You don't have to respond to everything forever, but when you’re building momentum, showing up in the comments or inbox goes a long way.

Give People a Reason to Stick Around

You may get a viral hit here and there, but if you want to actually build a community, you’ll need to give people a good reason to hit that follow or subscribe button.

Don’t overthink this, just remember that people like to follow a series, or enjoy engaging with content that's relatable.

Here’s an example. If you want to build a community around thrift shopping, do a series where you go to a new thrift shop in your city each week and put together a full outfit for under $30 each time.

Tell people that you’ll add new episodes to the series on a specific day and encourage them to give you a follow to see the next one.

This is the difference between a one-hit wonder and someone who can sustain a community.

Build a Home for Your Community (When You’re Ready)

You don’t need a Facebook Group or Discord server on day one.

But as your community grows, they'll want a space to connect beyond comment sections. 

When that time comes, give them a home base. 

There’s no need to make it complicated, it could simply be a private Instagram broadcast channel, an email list, or a group chat.

If you build up a large enough community, you could try a more structured space like Circle or Discord.

 The platform isn’t really the point. 

What matters is creating a place where your people can engage more deeply, not just with you, but with each other.

Become Worth Sharing

You don’t have to game the algorithm to grow your community. (Although it's motivating if you can)

One of the most powerful ways to expand your reach is also the most human: create content that people want to share. Crazy right?

Make “That’s So Me” Moments

When someone sees your post and instantly thinks of their friend or themselves, you’ve hit gold. 

These are the relatable, funny, emotional, or oddly specific moments that make people say, “Did you see that reel I sent you?”

Think memes, personal stories, or oddly specific jokes your niche totally gets.

These kinds of posts naturally get screenshotted, sent in DMs, or tagged in group chats.

That’s organic growth friends and it builds community faster than you think.

Encourage Your Audience to Tag Others, Repost, or Share Their Own Take

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple nudge. 

Ask your audience to tag a friend who needs to hear this. Invite them to remix or stitch your content. Or pose a question and say, “I’d love to hear your version.”

People love to share their perspectives—it just needs to feel welcome and easy to do.

By the way, you can also send content you've made to 5 of your close friends and have them share it with other friends too.

Word of Mouth > Algorithms Long Term

The algorithm might help you go viral, but word of mouth helps you build something that lasts.

When someone shares your content with a friend, that recommendation comes with trust. And trust is the foundation of a strong community.

So instead of chasing virality, focus on being worth sharing. That kind of growth is slower, but way more meaningful.

Don’t Build for Everyone

Want to water down your content and your community? Just try to appeal to everyone.

When you try to be everything to everyone, you end up not really connecting with anyone.

Instead, build for your people. The ones who get it.

Know Who Your “Core People” Are and Speak Directly to Them

Who's the person you’re really trying to reach?

Not the whole internet, just that one ideal follower who vibes with your content, your energy, and your message.

What are they struggling with? What excites them? What kind of content do they actually want to see?

When you speak to them directly, they feel it and they’re more likely to stick around, engage, and share.

Keep Showing Up

Building a community isn’t a one-time launch.

it’s a long-term relationship.

You don’t need to be perfect, just present. Keep showing up, even when it’s messy or slow.

Real connection takes time, but every small moment, every comment, reply, or post adds up. Stay consistent, stay human, and let momentum build naturally.

You've got this!

And if have something you want to offer to your new community, check out this article on how to create an online course.

If you’ve thought about creating an online course, this is the time to get started.

Here’s the deal, traditional education has gotten crazy expensive.

The advantage is that if you package your knowledge and experience into an affordable video series, you can make good money and help others level up their skills.

We get it, online courses can have a less than favorable reputation. 

But, instead of talking about this from “here in my garage” we’re just going to share some tried and true principles that will help you structure your knowledge into something that will help others learn.

Let’s go!

Why Create an Online Course?

Online learning has been booming, especially since COVID.

According to this article by Devlin Peck, “Online learning is set to grow by more than 200% between 2020 and 2025”.

Online video courses offer a scalable way to generate somewhat passive income and add real value to the world.

Coach, creative, entrepreneur, or hobbyist, if you have valuable knowledge to share, there’s an audience ready to learn from you.

Choosing the Best Topic for a Course

The success of your online course starts with picking the right topic.

What are you knowledgeable about and enjoy talking about? 

Here’s how to find the sweet spot.

Think About What you Already Know

This could be something you do for your day job, coding, marketing, sales, or logistics. 

Or, this could have nothing to do with your day job, baking, knitting, playing piano, or painting.

Think about 3 to 5 things you love talking about and are decently good at.

Another approach is to think about what people are always asking you about.

You don’t have to have fully mastered these things to share what you know, but maybe avoid creating a course on stock trading if you just started last week.

Make Sure People Want Your Course

Before doing all the work of creating a course, see if there’s a demand for what you’ll offer.

Try:

• Google & YouTube Searches – See if people are searching for tutorials and content on your topic.
• Checking out Existing Courses – If others are selling courses on the same subject, that’s a good sign.
• Asking Your Community – Check out Facebook groups, Reddit, or Quora to see what questions people are asking about your topic. Or just ask your friends.

Prove Your Concept

Another way to see if you’ll have success creating a course is to see if you can generate some engagement by offering free content.

Try:

• Offering a Free Mini Training – Gauge interest with a live webinar, challenge, or free guide before committing to a full course.
• Creating Some Youtube Content – This is a fantastic way to put some content out based on what you want to teach and gain an audience you can eventually pitch a full course to.

Creating a course is a great opportunity to create some passive income but it’s worth doing some investigating to avoid working on the wrong thing.

Plan Out Your Course

A well-organized course keeps students engaged and helps them learn.

Avoid overwhelming learners with information.

Instead, focus on creating step-by-step content that makes it simple to follow and apply. (at least as much as the subject allows)

Break Your Course into Modules & Lessons

A good way to structure your course is by breaking it into modules (big main topics) and lessons (small, focused teachings within each module).

For example, if your course is on teaching someone to shoot wedding photos, a module would be “Lighting” and lessons within that module would be “Lighting Basics”, “When to Shoot, and “Essential Tools for Better Lighting”

Cater to Different Learning Styles

People absorb information in different ways, so try to include a mix of learning formats in your course.

Think about:

• Visual Learners – Use slides and infographics to help show concepts.
• Auditory Learners – Include detailed spoken explanations and downloadable audio versions
• Hands-On Learners –  Provide exercises, worksheets, or action steps

Catering to each style of learner will take some extra time, but the more accessible your course is, the more likely it is to sell.

Create a Course That Flows

Having a well structured outline will ensure your course is easy to follow.

Here’s a few quick tips:

• Start with an introduction – Welcome students and set expectations of what they should understand by the end.
• Organize content in a logical order – Each module should build on the previous one. For example, start by talking about what equipment you’ll need for taking photos before talking about a specific technique
• End with a strong conclusion – Sum up the key takeaways and provide the next steps to help your students apply what they’ve learned.

Think about the student’s journey where they start, what challenges they face, and how your course helps them reach their goals.

Creating High-Quality Course Content

The way you present your content impacts how well students learn and stay engaged. 

Whether you use video, written materials, or live sessions, the key is clarity and simply communicating what you want a student to understand.

What Kind of Content Works Best?

Each content format has its pros and cons.

The best approach depends on your teaching style and audience preferences.

The main three are video lessons, written guides, and live training/Q&A sessions.

Video Lessons

A lot of courses have a video component if not an entire video series. 

Videos are engaging and a good format for demonstrating concepts visually.

People also like to see and hear from their instructor, videos are pretty much the best way to add personal touches to your course.

Think about this, what if there’s already a course on what you want to teach, but, you’re good on camera and have a strong personality?

That’ll make it easier for you to market your course.

Written Guides & PDFs

A good fit for learners who prefer reading, taking notes, or referencing material at their own pace. 

Even If you have a video course, you could still include some extra downloadable resources like summaries and worksheets to keep students engaged.

Live Sessions & Q&As

These encourage interaction and real-time learning. 

Great for coaching, feedback, and building community.

A mix of formats works best.

Videos for core lessons, written resources for deeper understanding, and occasional live sessions for engagement.

Tools for Recording and Producing Your Course

Alright, so you’ve got your topic, you’ve got an outline, now how do you actually record and produce this course?

We’ve done our best to compile a list of resources to help you record and distribute the content for your course.

This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list, but these are some ideas to help get you started.

Recording Software Options

• Loom – Easy-to-use screen recording tool with instant sharing. Great for quick tutorials and walkthroughs.
• Camtasia – Professional screen recording and video editing software with built-in effects. Best for polished, high-quality lessons.
• ScreenFlow – Mac-only screen recording and editing tool with a simple interface. Ideal for high-resolution recordings with animations.
• Zoom – Best for live sessions, webinars, and interactive Q&As. Can also record sessions for later access.

Options for Editing Software

• iMovie – Free and beginner-friendly video editing software for Mac users. Great for basic cuts, transitions, and adding text.
• Adobe Premiere Pro – Professional-grade editing software with advanced features for high-quality video production. Best for detailed edits and effects.
• Descript – Unique tool that edits video like a text document, with automatic transcription and AI-powered features. Ideal for quick edits and captions.

Microphone Options

• Blue Yeti – High-quality USB microphone with multiple recording modes. Great for voiceovers and talking-head videos.
• Rode NT-USB – Crisp, professional audio with a built-in pop filter. Ideal for clear voice recordings.
• Audio-Technica ATR2100x – Budget-friendly dynamic microphone with both USB and XLR options. Good for reducing background noise.

Webcams:

• Logitech C920 – A solid, budget-friendly HD webcam for clear video quality. Great for recording lessons and live sessions.
• Sony ZV-1 – A compact vlogging camera with great autofocus and a built-in mic. Perfect for higher-quality recordings without a big setup.

There are plenty of good options out there for good mics and webcams. 

A quick Google search will give you tons of options to choose from.

Include Some Interactive Elements

Engagement is the key to keeping students motivated and completing your course. 

Try adding:

• Short Quizzes – Test their knowledge and reinforce key takeaways.
• Worksheets & Action Steps – Help students apply what they learn with guided exercises.
• Community & Discussion Groups – Facebook groups, Discord, or private forums encourage interaction and support.

A course should feel like an experience, not just a series of lectures.

When students take action and feel supported, they’ll stay engaged and see results.

Hosting Your Online Course

Once your content is ready, you’ll need a reliable place to host and deliver your course. 

There are two main options: self-hosting or using an online course platform. 

Each has its pros and cons, so let’s break it down.

Self-hosting gives you more control over design, branding, and ownership of your content, but it does require more setup and tech know-how, including handling payments and security. 

Course platforms, on the other hand, are easier to use and come with built-in tools for video hosting, email marketing, and payment processing, though they offer less customization and often come with monthly fees. 

If you already have a website (like one built on Showit) and want more control, self-hosting is a great option. 

If you want to launch quickly and simply, go with a course platform. You can always bring things onto your own website once you start getting more traffic.

Popular Course Hosting Platforms

Here are a few widely used platforms for hosting and selling online courses:

• Teachable – Beginner-friendly with an intuitive interface, good for solo creators.
• Thinkific – Flexible and scalable, great for those who want more customization options.
• Kajabi – All-in-one platform with courses, email marketing, landing pages, and automation. Higher price point, but robust.
• Podia – Clean, simple platform for selling courses, digital downloads, and webinars. Great for creatives and small teams.
• Circle – More community-focused, ideal for combining course content with an interactive learning space.
• LearnWorlds – Great for interactive elements like quizzes, certificates, and assessments.
• Udemy – A course marketplace with a massive built-in audience. Great for exposure, but less control over pricing and branding.
• Skillshare – Subscription-based platform where students get access to all classes. Ideal for creatives, but earnings are based on watch time, not course price.

What Should You Look for in an Online Course Platform?

• Ease of use – Is the platform intuitive to set up and manage?
• Video hosting – Can you upload or embed videos easily?
• Payment processing – Does it support different currencies, payment plans, and subscriptions?
• Student experience – Is the course easy to navigate and visually appealing?
• Marketing tools – Built-in landing pages, email campaigns, and upsells can save you time and money.
• Analytics & progress tracking – Helpful for knowing how students engage with your course.

Most platforms offer a free trial so try a few and see what feels right for your content and workflow.

Pricing and Monetization Strategies

Choosing the right pricing model can have a big impact on how your course performs. It’s not just about how much to charge, it’s also about how you package your offer to add value.

How to Price Your Course?

Here’s the truth, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pricing,

But here are the 4 main approaches:

• Free – Yep, you read that right, offering some free content is good for lead generation or building trust. You can’t offer everything free forever, but for a short time, it can help give you credibility.
• One-Time Payment – Simple and straightforward. This works well if your course delivers a clear, specific t
• Subscription – Students pay monthly or annually for access to a library of content. Good if you plan to create ongoing material or build a membership community.
• Tiered Pricing – Offer multiple levels (e.g. basic, pro, VIP) with increasing access or bonuses. Ideal for reaching different types of learners and increasing average order value.

The reality is, if this is your first course, you’ll probably need to be more competitive with your pricing, but over time you can step into higher ticket prices.

Offer Bonuses and Upsells

An easy way to boost the value of your course and increase revenue is to offer bonuses, course bundles, or upsells. 

You can include extras like checklists, templates, or bonus trainings as free extras, or bundle your course with a related digital product or mini-course. 

For example: if the course is on social media management, create some downloadable social media Canva templates students can only access by taking your course.

Should You Offer a Payment Plan?

Like with other high value items, payment plans can remove price barriers for students who might not be ready to pay in full.

But there are a few things to consider.

The Pros:

• Makes your course more accessible to a wider audience
• Increases conversion rates for higher-ticket offers

The Cons:

• Increases the risk of failed payments or cancellations
• May require follow-up systems or third-party tools to manage recurring payments

If your course is priced above $200, offering a 2- or 3-month payment plan may be a smart move.

 Just make sure the terms are clear and easy for you to manage while you’re busy with the rest of your life.

 Attracting Students to Your Course

We actually have a separate article all about how to attract students to your course, but here are a few things to get you started.

A good first step is trying to build a sales page website page that clearly communicates who the course is for, and what problem it solves.

Strong visuals, testimonials, and a clear call to action go a long way. (this is where you may need to find some people to try it for free to get testimonials)

Promote your course through social media and email marketing if you already have an engaged audience.

If you are starting from the very beginning, consider creating some social media content around your topic, create a YouTube channel and try writing some articles (like this one you’re reading).

The goal is to start educating people for free and providing value, once you've built trust, then you can offer your audience a paid option.

Launch Your Online Course

Once your course is built, it’s time to launch it with intention. 

A smooth launch strategy might include a waitlist, a pre-launch email sequence, or a limited-time offer to build urgency. 

Don’t worry about making it perfect—just focus on creating momentum and learning from your first launch.

After launch, look for ways to scale your course with automation. 

Tools like email sequences, evergreen funnels, and retargeting ads allow you to consistently bring in new students without having to manually promote every time.

 Over time, you can expand your offerings by creating advanced courses, digital products, or coaching programs that complement your original course—turning a single idea into a fully digital business.

Take The First Step

Creating a course is a great way to add value to others and make some additional income. 

You need to be prepared to put in some work though, maybe learn new skills, and be willing to try again if your first attempt doesn’t go the way hoped.

The good news is that if you keep showing up and keep learning even when it isn’t fun, all of that knowledge and experience will pay off.

Go get started.

Starting a new website can feel overwhelming. There are so many choices to make, from colors and fonts to layouts and features… 

But here's a secret that might make you feel better: most amazing websites start with templates!

That's right – even professional website designers often begin with templates as their foundation. Using a template doesn't make your site any less creative or unique. In fact, it gives you a professionally-designed starting point that you can customize to make completely your own.

Think about it: so many things start from templates, not just website designs. There’s absolutely no shame in taking an amazing framework and making it your own! 

So, now that we've cleared that up, let's talk about how to find the perfect template for your business!

Start with Strategy: What Does Your Website Need to Do?

Before you start browsing through all those gorgeous templates, take a moment to get clear on what your website actually needs to accomplish. This step is crucial but often overlooked!

WHAT'S YOUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE?

Every effective website has a clear goal. Is yours to: 

•  Book client services?
• Sell products?
• Build an email list?
•  Showcase your portfolio?
• Educate your audience?
• Generate leads?

Your primary objective should influence which template you choose. 

For example, if you're focused on booking client services, you'll want a template with prominent call-to-action buttons and an easy path to your Contact page, and enough space to write about your services.

If you’re focused on selling products, you’ll need to make sure your template comes with a Shop page and a Product page.

If you’re focused on growing your email list through your site, you’ll need to make sure your template comes with a Subscribe page, and a Freebie page.

FUNCTIONALITY MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK!

A beautiful template that doesn't function well is like a sports car without an engine – looks great, but won't get you where you need to go!

Consider which special features you need: 

• Blog functionality (do you plan to publish content regularly?)
• Sales pages (need high-converting pages for offerings?)
•  Shop integration (selling products?)
• Service showcase (displaying your offerings clearly?)
• Portfolio galleries (showing off your work?)
• Lead magnets (growing your email list?)

Make sure the template you choose either includes these features or can be easily customized to add them.

WHO IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE?

Your website isn't for everyone – it's for your specific ideal clients or customers. Think about: 

• What aesthetic would appeal to them?
• How tech-savvy are they?
• Do they prefer minimalist designs or more detailed ones?
• What information do they need to make a decision?

A template that appeals to luxury wedding clients will look very different from one targeting tech startups. Choose accordingly!

Once you’ve considered what you need the template FOR, it’s time to think about aesthetics… 

Your website's visual style should align with your brand personality.

Showit templates come in a variety of styles to match your unique vibe, like these.

Bold

Perfect for brands with strong personalities that aren't afraid to stand out. Bold templates often feature striking color contrasts, large typography, and eye-catching elements.

Dark

Sophisticated and dramatic, dark templates create a premium feel and make colors pop. Ideal for luxury brands, photographers, and creative professionals.

Editorial

Inspired by magazine layouts, editorial templates feature elegant typography and thoughtfully arranged content blocks. Great for content-heavy sites that need to maintain visual interest.

Elegant

Refined and timeless, elegant templates use subtle animations, delicate typography, and plenty of white space. Perfect for brands that want to convey sophistication.

Fun

Playful and energetic, fun templates incorporate whimsical elements, bright colors, and dynamic layouts. Ideal for brands with a lighthearted personality.

Light

Airy and inviting, light templates use plenty of white space to create a fresh, clean aesthetic. Great for brands wanting to convey simplicity and approachability.

Minimal

Less is more! Minimal templates focus on essential elements only, creating space for your content to breathe. Perfect for modern brands with a streamlined approach.

Modern

Contemporary and on-trend, modern templates incorporate current design elements while maintaining timeless appeal. Suitable for forward-thinking brands.

Your template can’t just be pretty, though — don’t forget to consider these important factors, too…

While a beautiful design catches the eye, there are practical elements that will make or break your website experience. Here's what to look for beyond just pretty colors and layouts:

ENOUGH SPACE FOR COPY

Templates vary dramatically in how much room they allocate for text. If you're in a text-heavy industry (like coaching, consulting, or education), you'll need templates with generous copy areas.

Look carefully at:

• Headline length limitations
• Paragraph spacing and width
• Number of content blocks per page

Too little copy space means you'll either need to edit your content ruthlessly or spend time reworking the template structure.

IMAGE REQUIREMENTS 

Each template has its own “appetite” for images. Some require dozens of professional photos to look complete, while others work beautifully with just a few key images.

Consider

• How many quality images do you currently have?
• Do you have access to professional photography?
• Are the image spaces the right orientation for your photos? (Portrait vs. landscape)
• Do you need special types of images (like flatlays or specific backdrops)?

If a template calls for 20+ hero images but you only have a handful of professional photos, you might struggle to make it work.

NAVIGATION STRUCTURE

Different templates organize information in different ways. Pay attention to:

• How many menu items the template supports
• Whether dropdown menus are available
• If the template includes secondary navigation options
• Mobile menu functionality

Your site structure should make intuitive sense for your specific audience and content needs.

PAGE LOAD SPEED

Beautiful doesn't have to mean slow! Look for templates that:

• Use optimized image blocks
• Don't rely on excessive animations
• Have a clean, efficient code structure

Remember, every second of load time increases your bounce rate significantly.

ACCESSIBILITY

Make sure your chosen template supports:

• Sufficient color contrast for readability
• Properly structured headings for screen readers
• Focus indicators for keyboard navigation
• Alternative text capability for images

An accessible site isn't just inclusive—it's better for SEO too!

Industry Matters: Templates Designed for Your Field

One of the best things about Showit's template marketplace is that many templates are specifically designed with certain industries in mind. This means they include pages and features typical for that business type.

Browse templates in categories like: 

• Beauty
• Coaching & Consulting
•  Content Creator
• Event Professional
• Fitness
• Health & Wellness
• Marketing Services
• Online Service Providers
• Photography
• Podcast
• Portfolio & Showcase
• Wedding Vendors
• Virtual Assistant

And so many more!

Industry-specific templates save you time because they're already structured around the typical client journey for your business type.

What if you can’t find the “perfect” match?

Don't worry! That’s the beauty of designing on Showit: every template is fully customizable. You're never locked into a specific design.

If you can't find a template specifically for your business type, choose one with a layout and style you love, then customize it to fit your needs. You can change everything from colors and fonts to the entire page structure!

This is why starting with a template doesn't limit your creativity – it just gives you a professional foundation to build upon.

Your website will always be evolving as you do — and templates give you room to grow!

Your business will grow and change over time, and your website should evolve with it. The good news? Showit makes it easy to add new pages, sections, and features as you need them.

Start with what you need now, knowing you can expand later: 

•  Launch with core pages first (Home, About, Services, Contact) 
• Add a blog when you're ready to start publishing content
• Create sales pages as you develop new offerings
• Build out your portfolio as you complete more project

Your website is never “finished” – it's a living, breathing representation of your evolving business.

Resources For Finding Your Perfect Template

Showit Design Market

The official marketplace features templates from verified Showit Design Partners who meet Showit's quality standards. You'll find options for every industry and style preference.

Shop Add-ons

Once you've selected your template, consider enhancing it with add-ons like specialized page layouts, custom sections, or unique elements that can take your site to the next level.

Remember: Templates are just the beginning!

The most important thing to remember is that your template is just your starting point. What makes your website truly unique is how you customize it with your brand elements, copy, images, and personal touches.

Some of the most beautiful, effective websites on the internet started as templates – including sites built by professional designers! The key is choosing a solid foundation that you can transform into something that feels authentically yours.

So go ahead and find that perfect template. Your dream website is waiting to be built!

You did it! That beautiful Showit website you created is live and showcasing your brand perfectly. High five!

Now… what if those new skills could actually put money in your pocket?

Here's a little secret: by building your own Showit site, you're already halfway to becoming a website designer yourself! 

(No, really – we’re not just saying that. Showit website design is genuinely that easy.)

From DIY to Designer: It’s Closer Than You Think!

Remember all those late nights tweaking your template? The excitement when you figured out how to customize that tricky section? The pride when you finally hit publish?

Those weren't just steps to create your website – those were designer skills you were building!

Many successful Showit designers began as DIYers just like you. They build their own sites, fall in love with the process, and then realize… “Hey, that wasn’t hard at all — I could help other people do the same thing!” 

…yeah, you could.

And you could make a considerable amount of money doing it, too. 

Why Showit Design Could (Should?! ) Be Your Next Move

How does never asking for PTO again sound to you?

What about working from anywhere with WiFi?

Having total time freedom? 

Sounds pretty good, right? THAT’S the life you can be living as a Showit website designer. We know we’re biased, but you can’t really argue with all the perks…

Creative Freedom Without Coding

Showit gives you complete design freedom without having to write a single line of code. This means you can focus on creating beautiful designs rather than troubleshooting technical issues.

Low Barrier to Entry

Unlike many careers, website design with Showit doesn't require an expensive degree or years of training. If you've built your own site, you already have the foundational skills.

Low Startup Costs

All you need to get started is a computer, an internet connection, and your Showit subscription – which you already have!

Work-Life Flexibility

Set your own hours, work from anywhere, and build a business that fits your lifestyle – not the other way around. (Goodbye forever, 40-hour workweek!) 

Consistent Demand

Every business needs a website, and that's not changing anytime soon. As more entrepreneurs launch businesses, the demand for beautiful, functional websites continues to grow.

Supportive Community

The Showit designer community is incredibly collaborative. Rather than cutthroat competition, you'll find mentorship, friendship, and support. (Learn more about our Showit Design Partner program here!) 

How Do Showit Designers Make Money?

Alright, now that we’ve convinced you… Let's talk business.

How do Showit designers actually generate income? There are several revenue streams you can explore:

Money Maker #1 — Custom Website Design

This is what most people think of when they think “Showit website designer.”

You work one-on-one with clients to create custom websites tailored to their specific brand and needs on the Showit platform.

Custom projects typically range from $2,500-$10,000+ depending on your experience, the project scope, and your target market.

Money Maker #2 — Template Sales

Create Showit website templates once and sell them multiple times! This passive income stream lets you make money while you sleep.

Templates can sell for anywhere from $300-$1,500+ each, and popular designers can sell hundreds of the same template (or more).

Money Maker #3 — Template Customization

Many clients want something in between a DIY template and a fully custom site. Template customization services (where you personalize an existing Showit template for a client) fill this gap perfectly.

These projects usually range from $1,000-$3,000 and can be completed more quickly than custom builds.

Money Maker #4 — Website Audits

Once you've developed expertise in Showit, you can offer website audits where you review existing sites and provide recommendations for improvement. These are great options for DIYers who want help making sure their website design is perfect (so it’ll actually convert).

Money Maker #5 — Maintenance Plans

Offer ongoing support and updates to keep your clients' Showit websites fresh and functioning perfectly.

Money Maker #6 — Educational Products

As your Showit knowledge grows, you can create educational products like courses, workshops, or resources to teach others what you've learned about the platform.

So How Do You Actually Get Started?

Ready to explore the possibility of becoming a Showit designer? Perfect. We made a roadmap for you: 

Step 1. Join the Showit Designer Community

First things first – you're not in this alone! The Showit Designer Community is full of supportive pros who are generous with their knowledge.

Many started right where you are and are happy to share what they've learned along the way. It's like having a whole team of mentors at your fingertips!

Request to join the community and start soaking up all that collective wisdom.

Step 2. Get Your Hands on Designer Starter Templates

Showit offers special Designer Starter Templates that are specifically licensed for designers to use for client projects.

These give you professional foundations to build from – making your first projects so much easier to tackle! Think of them as your design training wheels.

Step 3. Take the Design Market Standards Course

Want to know exactly what makes a professional Showit site? This Design Market Standards Course breaks it all down.

You'll learn Showit's best practices for building templates that meet professional standards — aka the same standards used by top designers in the Showit community.

Step 4. Mark Your Calendar for Showit Spark!

Our annual conference, Showit Spark, is quickly becoming the go-to designer conference. Attendees are surrounded by creative Showit designers for days of learning, connecting, and inspiration — both about design and other helpful skills that make for the best designers. 

This conference is the perfect place to level up your skills, make connections, and get inspired about the possibilities of your design business. Details here!

“But what if I…” — stop right there. We know what the voice in your head is saying. So, we’re gonna fix that, because yes, you can be a Showit designer.

Every new designer faces hurdles — with Impostor Syndrome being one of the biggest ones. Here’s how to handle those automatic negative thoughts that creep in whenever you’re facing something new: 

“But I'm not a ‘real’ designer…”

Imposter syndrome is normal! Remember that every designer started somewhere. Focus on what you can do well, and be honest about what you're still learning.

“But how will I find clients?”

Network in Facebook groups where your ideal clients hang out. Create content that showcases your Showit expertise. Ask satisfied clients for referrals.

“What if my clients walk all over me?”

It's easy to let client work take over your life. Set clear working hours and stick to them. Build buffer time into your project timelines.

“What if I get negative feedback?”

Not every client will love your first draft. Learn to separate yourself from your work and see feedback as collaboration, not criticism.

Want to become the best Showit designer you can be? Learn from those who’ve done it… 

Our amazing Showit Design Partners have created resources specifically to help people like you make the leap:

Blogs to read:

• The Buffalo Collective's journey to becoming a Showit designer
• Create with Danielle's path from DIYer to professional
• Davey and Krista's guide to breaking into web design
•  With Grace and Gold's Showit design resources
• Self Made Web Designer's comprehensive training

Podcasts to listen to:

• Better: The Brand Designer Podcast for practical design business advice
• Behind the Design with Olivia Austin for real talk about designer life

Showit design courses worth taking

• Elizabeth McCravy's Booked Out Designer for business strategy
• Davey & Krista's Design & Sell Showit Website Templates for creating passive income
• Get Paid to Customize Showit Templates for building a service-based business
• Northfolk's Revolving Revenue for diversifying your design income
• Showit ALL by Rebel & Rise for comprehensive platform mastery

Your Design Journey Might Just Be Beginning, BUT… 

Every Showit designer started somewhere. 

Many — if not all — of the successful Showit designers have sat exactly where you are now, looking at their finished website and thinking, “Hey, I actually enjoyed that process!”

The skills you've developed don’t have to be just for your own site. If you let them, they could be the foundation of an exciting new career path or side hustle that brings in extra income while letting you flex your creative muscles.

We see it happen in our community all the time. 

DIYers become template designers. Template designers become custom designers. Custom designers build agencies. The possibilities are endless when you’ve mastered Showit design!

And the best part? You don't have to figure it all out on your own. The Showit community is here to support you every step of the way.

So, what do you say? Are you saving your Showit design skills for your own site, or is this the beginning of your next business endeavor?

(We know which one we’d choose…) 

You know that feeling when you discover the perfect song that matches your mood, a show so good you cancel plans, or a book that lingers in your thoughts long after the last page? We live for that.

We all have our go-to favorites—the playlist that gets us through Monday mornings, the comfort movie we’ve memorized line by line, or the podcast that somehow always knows what we need to hear. These aren’t just forms of entertainment—they’re fuel for creativity, motivation, and joy.

That’s why we’re sharing what inspires us.

For that reason, we put together our Creative Curations: the shows, music, books, podcasts, and more that have sparked new ideas, made us laugh, and helped us stay inspired through busy seasons.

So whether you’re looking for:

• A pick-me-up for your creative block
• A new binge-worthy TV show
• Uplifting music to soundtrack your day, or
• A book that shifts your perspective

—we’ve got recommendations you’ll love.

In short, we want you to get inspired, refreshed, and maybe a little obsessed (like we are!)

Favorite Music for Creativity & Motivation

• Rushmere by Mumford & Sons – “Eeeek! I am so excited they are back! Mumford & Sons was introduced to me by my now-husband over 16 years ago when we were dating and I've loved their music since. This new album is nothing short than wonderful. The sound is fresh, the lyrics are so positive and real. It's a solid listen for when you are working out or just being productive.”- Sarah from Marketing
• PATTERNS by Kelsea Ballerini – “This album is really good! With incredible production full of hooks, great interactions with melodies, and amazing sound selection interacting well with the lyrics for each song, this album feels like having the best drive to your favorite place with the people you love.” – Rod, (friends with Sarah, Marketing)

Must-Read Books That Shift Your Perspective

• Captivating by John Eldredge – “Helped me understand myself and heal parts that I didn’t realize needed some work.”- Kylie from support
• Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High – “Really great resource to realize how much negative impact a long lag time from issue to conversation can have in organizations or our interpersonal relationships outside of work”.- Jeff from Support
• The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind – Jess from Marketing
• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni – Ethan from Marketing

Favorite Podcasts

• Unsupervised Learning – “Fantastic cyber security podcast for news and insights”.- Keegan, Product
• Marketing Made Simple (Donald Miller)- Clear, practical marketing advice rooted in storytelling. Great for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Favorite Movies and/or TV Shows

• Reacher (Season 3) – “Alan Ritchson stars as the larger-than-live Jack Reacher. If you love an action hero narrative packed with close calls, fight scenes, and a tough guy with a big heart under that hard exterior, this is a great watch.”- Jeff, Support
• Lethal Weapon – “Despite being a gritty action film, it had hilarious dialogue and natural chemistry between the leads, making it fun and rewatchable”. – Ahmed, Support
• Shrinking on Apple TV – “Hilarious, wholesome, and all around feel-good”. – Kylie, Support
• Night Agent on Netflix – “Such a great action series on Netflix and I don’t usually like to watch shows”. – Abraham, Support

Favorite Websites/Apps

• Google Keep – for quick notes, to-do lists, and organizing your life.
• Libby – borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free from your local library.
• Insight Timer – free meditations, sleep stories, and calming music.

.