The rise of website templates in the early 2000s marked a transformative shift in how businesses and individuals approached web design. Pre-made templates allowed those with little to no coding skills to create professional-looking websites quickly and affordably. Fast forward to today, and the web development landscape has evolved with new tools and frameworks such as drag-and-drop builders, AI-powered design assistants, and no-code platforms. This begs the question: Is selling website templates still a viable online business?
In this article, we’ll explore the current state of the website template market, the pros and cons of entering this business, and whether selling templates remains a profitable venture in the era of DIY website builders and complex design systems.
The Website Template Market: Then and Now
The market for website templates has changed significantly over the past decade. Platforms like ThemeForest, TemplateMonster, and Creative Market have led the charge, giving web designers a global marketplace to sell their templates. These platforms provide a wide range of website templates for platforms such as WordPress, Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace, as well as HTML templates for those building custom websites.
While the demand for templates has not disappeared, it has become more niche-specific. Gone are the days when generic, one-size-fits-all templates were enough to attract buyers. In today’s market, businesses and individuals are seeking industry-specific, customizable, and highly responsive templates that can cater to their particular needs, from e-commerce to portfolios and blogs. Niche markets such as healthcare, restaurants, and education are increasingly being targeted by template designers who specialize in creating solutions for these industries.
Example: A dentist looking to build a practice website will likely search for templates that come with appointment booking integrations, patient information forms, and HIPAA compliance features.
Why Selling Website Templates Can Still Be Profitable
Despite the rise of drag-and-drop website builders like Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace, selling website templates remains a viable business for several reasons:
1. Niche Customization and Specialized Features
As mentioned earlier, website templates have become more niche-focused. The ability to create highly customized, industry-specific templates can be a lucrative business model. Templates with built-in features for specific industries save users time and money by providing a ready-to-go solution with minimal adjustments required.
For example, a real estate template could come with a property listing feature, mortgage calculator, and map integration. By creating highly specialized templates that cater to a specific audience, sellers can differentiate themselves from the competition and charge premium prices for their designs.
2. Selling on Established Marketplaces
Platforms like ThemeForest, Creative Market, and TemplateMonster continue to offer designers a way to monetize their templates with a built-in customer base. These marketplaces have large audiences, making it easier for template creators to get exposure without having to invest heavily in marketing.
Additionally, marketplaces handle transactions, customer support, and marketing campaigns, allowing designers to focus on creating high-quality templates. The platform takes a commission for each sale, but the exposure and credibility gained from selling on these platforms can offset that cost.
3. Passive Income Potential
Selling website templates can generate passive income, as once a template is created and uploaded, it can be purchased by multiple users with little to no ongoing effort. A high-quality template can continue generating revenue for months or even years, provided that it stays relevant and up to date with current web design trends.
4. Expansion into Additional Services
For template designers looking to expand, selling website templates can be a gateway into offering additional services like custom design work, template customization, or even full website development. Customers who purchase a template might need further assistance or wish to make modifications beyond their capabilities, which opens the door to upselling related services.
The Challenges of Selling Website Templates in 2025
While selling website templates can still be profitable, there are challenges to consider:
1. Increased Competition
The market has become more saturated, with thousands of designers and developers selling templates across multiple platforms. Standing out from the competition can be difficult, especially with the rise of free or low-cost templates available through website builders.
To succeed, designers need to offer something unique—whether it’s a niche-specific template, advanced customization options, or superior customer support.
2. Website Builders with Integrated Templates
Drag-and-drop website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify come with their own libraries of templates, often making it unnecessary for users to purchase third-party templates. These platforms offer built-in customization options that make it easy for users to build a website from scratch without needing to buy additional templates.
However, these built-in templates are often limited in terms of design flexibility and customization. This limitation opens the door for template designers who can offer more advanced, feature-rich, and unique designs that users cannot find within the standard options of website builders.
3. Keeping Up with Trends and Technology
Web design trends and technologies evolve rapidly. What was popular two years ago may look outdated today. To remain competitive, template sellers must stay up to date with the latest design trends, web standards, and technologies, such as mobile-first design, page speed optimization, and SEO best practices.
Moreover, templates need to be updated regularly to ensure compatibility with content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, especially when new versions of the platform are released.
Future Opportunities for Template Designers
While the template market may appear competitive, new opportunities are emerging for designers. One promising avenue is no-code platforms. No-code platforms allow non-developers to build websites and apps with little to no programming knowledge. Designers can create templates specifically tailored for these no-code tools, targeting users who want to leverage the ease of use while still having access to professionally designed templates.
Additionally, as businesses become more specialized and localized, the demand for hyper-niche templates will continue to grow. Template designers who focus on specific industries or geographic areas can find new opportunities by catering to these emerging markets.
Conclusion
In 2025, selling website templates is still a viable online business—if done correctly. To succeed, designers must focus on creating niche-specific, highly customizable, and user-friendly templates that stand out from the competition. While the market is competitive, there are still plenty of opportunities to profit, especially with the rise of no-code platforms and the need for industry-specific solutions.
By selling on established marketplaces, offering unique features, and staying up to date with design trends and technologies, selling website templates can remain a profitable and sustainable online business model. For those willing to put in the effort to stay ahead of the competition, the potential for passive income and business growth is substantial.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Success in selling website templates depends on various factors, including market trends, design quality, and the ability to meet customer needs. It is important to conduct thorough market research and stay updated on industry changes to remain competitive.
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