If you’re a designer or developer with an eye for good UI/UX and a passion for creative work, there’s a booming market waiting for you: selling website templates online.
From bloggers and small businesses to e-commerce entrepreneurs and freelancers, everyone needs a website, but not everyone has the time or money to build one from scratch. That’s where you come in. You can create professional website templates and sell them repeatedly to a wide range of customers across the globe.
This guide will walk you through how to create and sell website templates online, even if you’re just getting started. We’ll cover tools, platforms, pricing tips, and marketing strategies to help you turn your skills into steady income.
Why Sell Website Templates?
Before we get to the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”
✅ Passive income potential
You build a template once, and it can be sold hundreds or thousands of times.
✅ Huge demand
From WordPress users to Shopify store owners, everyone is looking for customizable templates.
✅ Low startup cost
All you need is a laptop, internet connection, and design skills.
✅ Scalable
Once your store or marketplace profile is set up, you can scale your income by adding more templates over time.
Step 1: Decide What Type of Templates to Create
Different users need different platforms. Here are the most popular types of templates you can sell:
1. HTML/CSS Templates
These are standalone templates built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Ideal for developers, agencies, and landing page creators.
2. WordPress Themes
Highly popular. Requires knowledge of PHP and WordPress CMS. You can also create themes using builders like Elementor or Divi.
3. Shopify Templates
Perfect for e-commerce. Requires knowledge of Liquid (Shopify’s language), but the market is strong.
4. Wix or Squarespace Templates
Visual builders with drag-and-drop tools. Ideal if you prefer a no-code or low-code environment.
5. UI Kits or Figma Templates
Not full websites, but highly valuable for designers. You can sell mockups, wireframes, and UI elements.
Choose one based on your strengths and target market.
Step 2: Plan and Design the Template
Before you write a single line of code, map out the user experience and layout.
What makes a good website template?
- Clean, responsive design
- SEO-friendly structure
- Easy customization
- Clear typography and visual hierarchy
- Fast-loading performance
- Modern features (sticky menus, image sliders, testimonials, etc.)
Use Design Tools Like:
- Figma – for wireframes and prototyping
- Sketch – another favorite for UI designers
- Adobe XD – for professional mockups
Make sure your designs look great on mobile, tablet, and desktop. Most buyers expect a responsive layout by default.
Step 3: Develop the Template
Once the design is finalized, you need to bring it to life. This part depends on what type of template you’re creating.
If it’s HTML/CSS/JS:
Use tools like:
- VS Code – code editor
- Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS – for faster styling
- GSAP or AOS – for animations
Make sure the code is:
- Clean and well-commented
- Mobile-friendly (use media queries)
- Compatible across browsers
If it’s WordPress:
You’ll need to:
- Set up a local WordPress environment (use XAMPP or LocalWP)
- Create the necessary PHP files (header.php, footer.php, etc.)
- Add theme.json and functions.php
- Ensure it works with Gutenberg or popular builders
Don’t forget to test for bugs and performance issues.
Step 4: Package and Prepare Your Files for Sale
Buyers expect a professional and organized download file.
Your package should include:
✅ Fully working template folder
✅ Instructions for setup/customization (PDF or text file)
✅ License terms
✅ Screenshots or demo URL
✅ Font and image credits (if applicable)
Tip: Create a video tutorial walking users through how to use the template — it adds trust and reduces refund requests.
Step 5: Choose Where to Sell Your Templates
Now comes the money-making part — selling your templates.
✅ Marketplaces (easy to start):
- ThemeForest – Top marketplace for WordPress, HTML, and eCommerce templates
- Creative Market – Great for creative designs, Figma kits, and niche templates
- TemplateMonster – Large marketplace for a variety of CMS platforms
- Etsy – Perfect for selling Wix/Squarespace templates and creative kits
- UI8.net / Designmodo – Great for UI/UX kits and front-end templates
Pros: Easy traffic, built-in audience
Cons: Platform fees (30-50%), competition, approval process
✅ Your Own Website (higher control):
Once you gain some experience, start selling directly via your own store using:
- Gumroad – beginner-friendly, no code needed
- Shopify – great for template bundles and subscriptions
- WooCommerce (WordPress) – full control over design and SEO
- Payhip / Podia / Sellfy – perfect for digital product sales
Pros: Keep more profits, build your brand, own your audience
Cons: You must drive traffic yourself
Step 6: Set the Right Price
Pricing templates can be tricky. Here’s how to decide:
Consider:
- Template type (HTML vs WordPress vs Shopify)
- Features and quality
- Target audience (freelancers, businesses, bloggers)
- Competitor pricing
Common price ranges:
- HTML Templates: $10–$30
- WordPress Themes: $30–$100
- Shopify Templates: $50–$150
- UI Kits: $10–$40
Pro Tip: Offer limited-time discounts or bundles to attract early customers.
Step 7: Market Your Templates
Even on marketplaces, a little self-promotion goes a long way.
Use these channels to drive traffic:
Perfect for showcasing design aesthetics. Pin mockups, demos, and features.
Post behind-the-scenes, design tips, and short template previews.
✅ Twitter/X
Engage with the dev and design community. Share updates and get feedback.
✅ YouTube
Create video walkthroughs, tutorials, and comparison videos.
✅ Blogging + SEO
Write content like “Best Shopify templates for photographers” and link to your product.
✅ Email Marketing
Offer a freebie in exchange for emails, then promote your templates to subscribers.
Step 8: Offer Great Support & Updates
To build a reputation (especially on marketplaces), offer:
- Fast and friendly customer support
- Regular template updates
- Fixes for reported bugs
- Clear changelogs
Happy customers = 5-star reviews = more sales.
Bonus: Tips to Maximize Earnings
✅ Offer template bundles (e.g., 3 templates for $49)
✅ Launch a template subscription model via your site
✅ Join affiliate programs and let influencers promote your templates
✅ Add upsells like logo kits, icons, or customizations
✅ Create a niche store (e.g., templates for yoga teachers or photographers)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓Do I need to know how to code to sell templates?
Not necessarily. You can use tools like Elementor (WordPress), Webflow, or Wix to create templates without deep coding knowledge.
❓Can I use free assets (fonts, images) in my templates?
Yes, but ensure they are licensed for commercial use. Always credit the original creators or include the license in your files.
❓What skills do I need to start?
Basic web design skills, UI/UX understanding, and either HTML/CSS knowledge or experience with builders like Elementor, Shopify, or Wix.
❓How long does it take to create a template?
It depends on the complexity. A simple HTML landing page may take a few days. A full WordPress theme could take weeks.
❓Is it too competitive to start now?
While there is competition, the demand for quality templates keeps growing. Find your niche, focus on quality, and offer real value — and you’ll stand out.
Final Thoughts
Selling website templates online is not only a creative and fulfilling side hustle — it can grow into a six-figure passive income business with time, effort, and the right strategy. Whether you’re a solo designer or part of a dev team, the digital template market is full of potential.
Start small, refine your process, and don’t give up after your first few sales. With every template you launch, you’re building a portfolio that keeps paying you over and over again.
Ready to start? Pick your platform, create your first template, and launch your online business today.
If you’d like help choosing a niche, designing your first template, or writing product descriptions that sell — just ask!