Should I Buy a Website Template? An Honest Guide for Health Coaches (2025)

A strategic guide to help health and wellness professionals decide between website templates and custom design, with tips for choosing a template that converts.

Staring at that intimidating “Get Started” button on yet another website platform, wondering if you’re about to make a huge mistake with your business investment? 

You might be thinking:

“Will a template make me look unprofessional?” 

“Can I really stand out with a pre-built design?” 

“What if my site ends up looking exactly like everyone else’s?”

These are the questions that keep health coaches up at night when they’re ready to establish their online presence. And with custom website design packages starting at $2,500+, the pressure to make the right choice feels even heavier.

Not sure which platform to build your site on? Check out The Best Website Platform for Health Coaches

Here’s what nobody talks about: some of the most successful health coaches started with a template. Not just any template, mind you, but a strategically designed, conversion-focused template that helped them build their business while they slept.

In this guide, I’m pulling back the curtain on website templates – specifically for health coaches and wellness professionals. After eight years working in marketing and strategy, I’ve learned exactly what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to building your website from a template. 

What is a Website Template?

Before we dive into whether a template is right for you, let’s talk about what a website template actually is.

A website template is a pre-designed website layout that comes with the structure, design elements, and core functionality already built in. Think of it like moving into a beautifully staged home – the foundation is solid, the design is professional, and all the essential features are there. You just need to add your personal touches to make it yours.

Ready to make your website work harder for you? Check out 7 Essential Elements Every Successful Health Coaching Website Needs

Templates vs. Custom Design: Understanding Your Options

Let’s break down both paths so you can make an informed decision:

Website Templates ($222)

• Pre-built design you can customize
• Launch in as little as a weekend
• Built-in conversion strategy
• Professional design elements already in place
• Easy to update yourself
• Perfect for new businesses or those testing their niche

Custom Design (Starting at $2,500)

• Built from scratch just for you
• 2-3 weeks of development time
• Completely unique design
• Full strategy and brand alignment
• More extensive customization options
• Ideal for established businesses with specific needs

Here’s what most people don’t realize: starting with a template doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever. Many successful health coaches begin with a template and upgrade to custom design later when their business has grown. It’s a smart way to establish your online presence without overextending your initial investment.

Ready to make your template site uniquely yours? Download my free Color Kit featuring 3 curated color palettes designed specifically for health coaches. These palettes help you create a unique brand look, even when starting with a template.

When a Template Is the Perfect Choice

A template is like having a head start on your website journey. And just like you help your health coaching clients start where they are, a template helps you do the same with your online presence.

Here’s when a template makes perfect sense for your business:

You’re Just Starting Out

When you’re in the early stages of your health coaching business, you need a professional website that converts – but you might not be ready for the investment of custom web design. A template gives you that polished, professional look while you’re building your client base and refining your niche.

You Need to Launch Quickly

Got clients ready to work with you but no place to send them? Unlike custom design that takes weeks, you can have a template site up and running in a weekend. No more sending potential clients to your LinkTree while you wait for your website to be ready.

You’re Testing Your Offers

Maybe you’re exploring different coaching packages or thinking about launching a group program. A template gives you the flexibility to experiment without investing in a custom site that might need major changes in six months.

You’re Budget-Conscious (But Still Want to Look Professional)

Let’s be real – when you’re building a business, every investment matters. A template gives you a professional, conversion-focused website at a fraction of the cost of custom design. Plus, you can put those savings toward other aspects of your business. 

The Hidden Benefits of Strategic Templates

What most people don’t realize about templates is that when they’re strategically designed, they’re not just pretty – they’re powerful business tools. Here’s what I mean:

• They’re built with conversion in mind (goodbye endless scrolling, hello clear calls to action)
• The layout naturally guides visitors toward becoming clients
• Key marketing elements are already placed where they’ll have the most impact
• You get design elements that are proven to work for health coaches

Want to see how strategy converts visitors? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Health Coach Services Page that Converts

Plus, unlike building from scratch, you get to skip the “what goes where?” confusion and jump straight to customizing a layout that’s already optimized for success.

Not All Templates Are Created Equal

Here’s the thing that nobody talks about: a lot of website templates out there are designed by graphic designers who know how to make things look pretty – but don’t understand marketing strategy. The result? A beautiful website that doesn’t actually help you get clients.

What to Look for in a Strategic Template:

• Clear client journey mapping (visitors should know exactly where to go next)
• Conversion-focused layout (not just pretty design)
• Strategically placed call-to-action buttons
• Space for social proof and testimonials
• Lead magnet integration points
• Mobile-optimized design (because most of your visitors will be on their phones)

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

• Templates that prioritize flashy effects over user experience
• Lack of clear navigation structure
• No obvious conversion points
• Limited customization options
• No consideration for your specific industry needs

Why Marketing Experience Matters

When you choose a template designed by someone with actual marketing experience (like my 8 years in copywriting and content strategy), you’re not just getting a pretty website – you’re getting:

• Proven conversion strategies built right in
• Layout decisions based on real client behavior
• Design elements that support your business goals
• Industry-specific features for health coaches
• Templates tested for what actually works

Plus, as a certified health coach myself, I understand exactly what elements you need to attract and convert your ideal clients. Your template isn’t just designed to look good – it’s designed to work hard for your business.

Making Your Template Site Stand Out

Just because you’re starting with a template doesn’t mean your site has to look like everyone else’s. Think of your template as the foundation – you still get to make it uniquely yours. Here’s how:

Customization That Converts

• Add your unique brand colors and fonts (hello, personality!)
• Customize your images to reflect your coaching style
• Write copy that sounds like you (not generic health coach speak)
• Include your specific offerings and methodology
• Share your unique story and approach

Need help with colors? Check out Accessible Color Palettes: How to Pick Your Health Coach Business Color Palette (+ 3 Free Palettes)

Stand Out With Strategy

Your website isn’t just about looking different – it’s about effectively showcasing what makes your health coaching practice unique:

• Highlight your specific niche and expertise
• Share client success stories that demonstrate your approach
• Include your unique methodology or framework
• Add personal touches that reflect your coaching style
• Feature your specific programs and offerings

Want to make sure your visuals match your vibe? Grab my free “Website Photo Checklist” to learn exactly what types of images will help you stand out (and connect with your ideal clients).

Power Up Your Template With Content

The best way to make your template site unique? Fill it with content that showcases your expertise:

• Start a blog that demonstrates your knowledge
• Create valuable free resources
• Share client transformation stories
• Include photos of you in action
• Add testimonials from real clients

Ready to start blogging? Check out Health Coach Blog Planning: A Simple Strategy (+ Free Template)

Your Next Steps: From Template to Thriving Website

So you’ve decided a template is right for you – what now? Let’s talk about turning that decision into action.

First, think about what you need your website to do. Are you focusing on 1:1 coaching? Planning to launch group programs? Want to sell digital products? Choose a template that aligns with your business goals. My templates like Golden Milk and Kombucha are specifically designed for health coaches who want to offer multiple services while maintaining a clear, conversion-focused journey for their visitors.

Once you’ve chosen your template, set aside a weekend to make it yours. That’s right – you could have your new website up and running by Monday morning. Start with the basics: your brand colors, fonts, and key messages. Then add your programs, testimonials, and that gorgeous headshot you’ve been saving.

Need help with your services page? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Health Coach Services Page that Converts

Remember, your website is a living thing that grows with your business. Start with what you need right now, knowing you can easily add more features and content as your practice evolves. That’s the beauty of starting with a strategically designed template – it gives you room to grow without boxing you in.

The Bottom Line

A template isn’t just a cheaper option – it’s a smart business decision that gives you a professional, conversion-focused website without the custom design price tag. When you choose a template that’s strategically designed for health coaches (like my Blue Spirulina and Matcha templates starting at $222), you’re not just getting a pretty website – you’re getting a proven framework for growing your business online.

Start Building Your Dream Website Today

You don’t need to spend thousands or wait months to have a website that attracts your ideal clients. My health coach website templates combine strategic design with done-for-you elements to help you launch faster (and more affordably) than custom design.

The templates include:

• Built-in conversion strategies from my 8 years of marketing experience
• Layouts specifically designed for health coaches
• Easy customization to match your brand
• Launch-ready in a weekend
• Strategic guidance on making it yours

Ready to create a website that works as hard as you do? Head to the template shop and choose the design that speaks to you. Each template comes with step-by-step customization tutorials so you can launch with confidence.

Browse Health Coach Templates – Starting at $222