How to Change Wix Template –  A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of the same old look for your Wix website? Do you crave a fresh, eye-catching design that represents your unique style or brand?

Well, you’re in luck because, in this step-by-step guide, we’re going to unlock the secrets of a website makeover that’s just a few clicks away. If you’ve ever wondered “How to change Wix template?” then you’ve come to the right place. Say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to the extraordinary as we dive into the world of Wix template customization.

Whether you’re a seasoned webmaster or a novice looking to spruce up your online presence, this journey promises to be both fun and enlightening. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and transform your Wix website into a digital masterpiece that will leave visitors in awe. Get ready for a template change like no other!

Note: Since it’s a comprehensive blog – we will be dealing with things right from scratch. If you are well-known with basic concepts. Feel free to skip to your preferred section:

• Why change the Wix template?
• How do I change the Wix template?
• Should I customize or change the Wix template?

Why Change Wix Template?

While hearing about how to change the Wix template? You might have wondered why you need to change the Wix template. If yes – this section is specifically tailored to meet your needs. So, let’s not waste more on this; look into the top five reasons why you should consider changing your Wix template. 

1.     Outdated Design

The digital world is continually evolving, and web design trends change rapidly. What looked fresh and modern a few years ago may now appear outdated and unappealing to your visitors.

 If your website’s design doesn’t align with current trends, it can lead to a poor user experience and deter potential customers.

Imagine you run a fashion blog, and your website was designed with a template that was trendy in 2015. Back then, large sliders and flashy animations were all the rage.

However, today’s website design trends lean towards minimalism and clean aesthetics with user-friendly features. So, how would you meet that criteria to beat your competitors?

By updating your template to a more modern one, your fashion blog can stay relevant and continue attracting fashion-forward readers.

2.      Mobile Responsiveness

With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets for web browsing, having a mobile-responsive website is crucial.

If your current template doesn’t adapt well to different screen sizes, it can result in a frustrating experience for mobile users.

Search engine giant like Google also prefers mobile-friendliness as a ranking factor, so neglecting this aspect can harm your site’s visibility in search results.

Suppose you operate an online store selling handmade jewelry. Your original Wix template was not designed to be mobile-responsive, causing potential customers to struggle with navigation and product selection on their phones.

By switching to a mobile-friendly template, you provide the user experience UX, reduce bounce rates, and increase the likelihood of making sales from mobile users.

3.     Improved Functionality

As your website grows, your needs and goals may change. The template you started with might not offer all the features and functionality required for your current objectives. Upgrading to a new template can open up possibilities for expanding your site’s capabilities.

Let’s say you manage a fitness community website that started as a simple blog. Over time, you’ve added forums, a membership system, and an online store for fitness merchandise.

Your initial template, designed primarily for blogs, doesn’t effectively support these new features. Switching to a more versatile template built for community and e-commerce can enhance the overall user experience and help you achieve your evolving goals.

4.     Competitive Advantage

In the competitive digital realm, standing out from the crowd is significant to make a difference. If your website looks similar to many others in your niche because you’re all using the same template, it can be challenging to differentiate your brand.

Changing your template can give your site a unique look and feel, setting you apart from the competition.

Picture this:

Consider a photography portfolio website. You notice that several other photographers in your area are using the same Wix template, resulting in a lack of individuality. By selecting a different template that complements your photography style and personality, you create a distinctive online presence that attracts potential clients looking for a photographer with a unique vision.

5.     Enhanced Performance and SEO

Website performance is a critical factor for both user experience and search engine optimization (SEO). Some templates may have underlying code that affects your site’s loading speed, which can negatively impact user satisfaction and SEO rankings.

Changing to a template optimized for performance can lead to faster loading times and better search engine visibility.

Understand this more effectively with the given example.

Suppose you run a local restaurant website showcasing your menu and accepting online reservations. Your current template, while visually appealing, has a lot of unnecessary scripts and plugins that slow down your website.

This can frustrate visitors who want to view your menu or make a reservation quickly. What can you do in this situation? By switching to a lightweight, performance-oriented template, you improve page speed, leading to happier customers and potentially higher search engine rankings.

How to Change Wix Template – 5 Simple Steps

Let’s walk you through how to change the Wix template in five easy steps; explore how!

Step 1: Create A New Site with A New Template

When changing the Wix template the first step in changing your Wix template is to create a new site with your desired template.

Follow these simple instructions:

1. Log in to Your Wix Account: If you aren’t already logged in, go to the Wix website and sign in to your account.
2. Access the Dashboard: Once you’re logged in, access your website’s dashboard by clicking on the site you want to change.
3. Change Template: In the dashboard, click on “Site Actions” and then select “Change Template.”
4. Browse Templates: You’ll be taken to the template gallery. Browse through the wide variety of Wix templates to find the one that best suits your new vision. You can filter templates by category, style, or features to narrow down your choices.
5. Select a Template: Click on the template that you want to use for your new site. Wix allows you to preview how your content will look in the new template before making a final decision.
6. Create New Site: Once you’ve found the perfect template, click “Create New Site” to initiate the process.
7. Name Your Site: Give your new site a name, and Wix will automatically create a duplicate of your existing site with the new template.

By creating a new site with a fresh template, you’re ensuring that your existing content remains intact, making the transition seamless.

Step 2: Transfer All Your Content from The Existing Site to The New Site

Now that you’ve set up a new site with your desired template, it’s time to transfer all your existing content from the old site. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Access the Old Site: In your Wix dashboard, navigate to the old site you want to replace with the new template.
2. Select Content: Go through each page and element of your old site, selecting the content you want to transfer. This includes text, images, videos, forms, and any other elements you want to keep.
3. Copy and Paste: Use simple copy and paste commands (Ctrl+C/Cmd+C for copy, Ctrl+V/Cmd+V for paste) to transfer the selected content from the old site to the corresponding pages on your new site.
4. Adjust Layout: Depending on the new template’s design and layout, you may need to make some adjustments to ensure your content fits seamlessly. This might include resizing images or reformatting text.
5. Test Links and Functionality: After transferring your content, thoroughly test all links and interactive elements to ensure they work correctly in the new template.
6. Save Changes: Regularly save your progress to avoid losing any updates made during the transfer process.

By methodically transferring your content, you can maintain the structure of your website while giving it a fresh look with the new template.

Step 3: Customize Your New Template

Customizing your new template is where you can truly make it your own. Here’s how to personalize the template to match your brand and preferences:

1. Access the Wix Editor: Go to your new site in the Wix Editor by clicking on “Edit Site” from your dashboard.
2. Customize Design: Utilize your Wix template editor to customize the design elements of your new template. This includes changing colors, fonts, and background images. Click on specific elements to modify them or access the “Design” menu.
3. Edit Content: Replace any placeholder text and images with your own content. Ensure that the text and media align with your website’s goals and messaging.
4. Add New Elements: If you wish to add new sections or features to your site, you can do so using the editor’s drag-and-drop functionality. This allows you to integrate new elements seamlessly into your chosen template.
5. Configure Settings: Access the site settings to configure SEO settings, site behavior, and other technical aspects. This step is crucial for optimizing your site’s performance.
6. Mobile Optimization: Don’t forget to optimize your site for mobile devices. Wix provides a mobile editor that allows you to fine-tune the mobile version of your site for a smooth user experience.
7. Save Your Progress: As with any website editing, remember to save your progress frequently to prevent data loss.

Customizing your new template ensures that it meets and represents your brand’s unique identity and meets your specific requirements. This step is where your website’s uniqueness shines.

Step 4: Preview Your Site

Before making your updated site live, it’s essential to preview it to confirm that every single thing looks perfect and functions as intended. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preview Mode: In the Wix Editor, click the “Preview” button to enter preview mode. This enables you to glimpse how your website will appear to visitors.
2. Test Navigation: Navigate through your site just as a visitor would. Check that all links, buttons, and menus work correctly. Ensure that the content layout is visually appealing.
3. Mobile Preview: Toggle between desktop and mobile preview to check the responsiveness of your site. Verify that the mobile version is user-friendly and visually appealing.
4. Review All Pages: If your site has multiple pages, visit each one to verify that the content and layout remain consistent.
5. Interactive Elements: Test any interactive elements, such as forms, contact buttons, or e-commerce features, to ensure they function without errors.
6. Review SEO Elements: Confirm that your SEO settings are in place and that meta titles and descriptions are optimized for search engines.

Previewing your site allows you to catch any issues or inconsistencies before making your changes public, ensuring a polished and professional appearance.

Step 5: Publish Your Site

Once you’ve completed the previous steps and are satisfied with the changes, it’s time to publish your updated Wix website. Here’s how to do it:

1. Save Your Work: Before publishing, make sure to save any unsaved changes in the Wix Editor.
2. Publish Button: In the Wix Editor, click the “Publish” button, usually located in the upper-right corner.
3. Choose a Plan: If you’re on a free plan, you may be prompted to choose a premium plan that suits your needs. Follow the on-screen instructions to select the plan you prefer.
4. Domain Selection: If you already have a custom domain, you can connect it to your updated site. If not, you can choose a domain provided by Wix.
5. Confirm Publish: Review the details of your publishing settings, including the domain and plan you’ve selected. Once everything looks good, click “Publish” to make your updated site live on the internet.
6. Share Your Site: After publishing, you can share your site on social media, through email, or any other means to let your audience know about the changes.

Congratulations, we have done it! Wasn’t that difficult, right? 

Your Wix website now sports a new template, fresh content, and a personalized design. Your online presence has been rejuvenated to better reflect your brand or purpose.

All in all

When it comes to how to change the Wix template, it might sound really daunting. However, by following the simple steps mentioned, you can easily change your Wix template. Additionally, don’t forget customization is key to making your site truly unique, and previewing your changes ensures a seamless transition.

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