As a writer, I am a huge fan of different templates.
Be it for creating a resume, an article/blog post, marketing copy for a product, or even business emails, templates emerge toppers.
Recently, while researching for a template to create a marketing copy for my book, I came across many templates, including for email marketing, blogging, and writing copy on various social media platforms.
I quickly started working on creating my book marketing copy and realized a few things.
Templates help you to;
A: Quickly organize your work.
B: Ease your workload, and bring down stress levels.
C: Increase efficiency.
Now that I have given you reasons why I am a fan of templates, let us dive deep and understand a bit more.
1: What are templates?
I describe them as roadmaps. Better still, I see them as a framework with plenty of dots (read pointers) nudging you to connect them. Sometimes, there might even be a few missing dots, giving you the freedom to create.
In short, templates are pre-designed formats, part of websites and documents that help you create content of your choice.
The best part about templates is the freedom to customize them to suit your needs.
Since I focus on creating blogs, writing articles, product descriptions, and sometimes marketing copies. I use a mix of different templates.
2: How do I choose the right templates?
With thousands of templates to choose from websites and word processors, it can be overwhelming to get to the right one. But if you know what you want to use it for, the template-hunting process becomes easier.
Here is a tip.
Ask yourself ‘What is my goal’?
Are you working towards creating a blog, writing an article, a school or work presentation, or even a personal project like sending out an invitation.
Once your goal is outlined, find a template that matches your skill level. I prefer ease of use over everything else.
Spend time researching by watching YouTube videos, reading articles, and going over different websites for templates.
Here are a few website names that came up when I did my research for free templates:
www.wix.com
www.canva.com
www.nicepage.com
www.template.net
Here is an example.
If you want to create an online publication, https://makemynewspaper.com/ has a big list of categories.
Choosing a template becomes easy once you identify your requirements.
Good to keep in mind:
Ensure the template you opt for is compatible with both, mobile and desktop devices.
3: Where can I find templates?
There are many sources for templates, including different websites and word processors including Microsoft Word
Right from templates for social media posts to signing documents online, and other such needs, you can find them all.
A: Google Docs:
It offers a wide range of templates, including those for work, resumes, budgets, creating content, business documents, project management, and more.
As a writer, I find Google Docs’ collaboration enabling feature hard to resist.
Followed by a wide range of add-ons like DocuSign, Zendesk, and Outwrite.
B: Microsoft Office Templates:
I have my own favorites as far as Microsoft Office templates are concerned.
Word: For brochures, creating resumes, writing articles, and journals.
PowerPoint: I use it for creating slides and presentation materials.
Excel: Great for data entry requirements, budgeting, and organizing my finances.
C: Adobe:
The Adobe Suite, too, has a large collection of templates. Visit the website and hit the search option, and it will match templates suiting your needs.
I use a few Adobe’s templates including:
• InDesign: Best for designing for print
• Photoshop: Often used for graphic design and photo editing.
• Illustrator: Used for creating great graphics.
D: Piktochart:
Like other websites, Piktochart has thousands of templates to choose from. It is popular for high-quality infographic templates.
It helps you create visual media with ease. The drag-and-drop interface feature makes it attractive.
If you are into creating posters, flyers, and text, Piktochart's templates will come in handy.
I have tons of fun creating infographics using charts, maps, and images with Piktochart.
Templates are meant to enhance productivity, invest time exploring different options, and find the one to suit your needs.
4: Why should you use templates?
A: Speeds up Processes:
Thanks to its pre-designed structure, with templates you don't have to create formats from scratch.
B: Personalisation.
Pick a template that suits your job, go through the steps, and personalise it to fit your needs and ideas.
C: Provides Consistency:
Uniformity is the trademark of templates, a key aspect if your goal is consistency.
Templates provide a uniformity in all your jobs like formatting, and presentations.
D: Sharp Appearance:
Visual appeal is everything in a professional setting. Templates take care of details including alignment and spacing.
With the nitty-gritties in control, your documents look polished and professional.
By using templates, you achieve efficiency and quality in both personal and professional work.
5: What are the advantages of using templates?
A: Money Saver:
You will be happy to know many templates are available for free. Simply pick one suiting your needs and design high-quality work like editing images, creating graphics, and videos without spending huge amounts of money.
B: Get more Productive:
Pre-designed templates allow you to focus on creating and working on your job.
Followed by supporting you with creating quality work by reducing formatting errors, and inconsistencies.
C: Strong Brand Identity:
Want to put your best foot forward? Templates can help you achieve that.
Consistent use of templates has helped me establish a strong brand identity. And I have received positive feedback from clients, editors, and colleagues.
If creating error-free/, consistent, and polished work quickly and easily is your aim, opt for templates
In conclusion:
Templates, in my opinion are our helpers that provide the foundation to work, build, and create dream content, graphic, images and videos.
If you are someone who likes to focus on what’s really important to you, then definitely templates are for you.
Image Credit: Elena Mozhvilo – Unsplash