Want to power up a stunning WordPress website without putting hours into it?
If you're an absolute beginner or have little experience, the task of creating a professional-looking website from scratch can be pretty daunting.
You might have already jumped the hurdle of choosing a WordPress theme and then installed one, only to find it doesn't come with any layouts or pre-designed pages. Instead, you're left staring at the basic WordPress customizer, wishing you could magically transform it into a stunning website.
Or perhaps you have spent hours tinkering with your theme, only to end up with a bland, generic-looking site. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you have a clear vision for your website but just don't have the design skills to bring it to life.
But what if you could get professional-looking pre-designed layouts that you can just customize? That's what starter templates do.
These pre-built layouts can eliminate the headache by allowing you to build a really remarkable and functional WordPress site in minutes! The real question now, however, is—'How do you go about it?'
In this article, I will show you exactly how to install starter template in WordPress.
You will learn step by step how to set up the plugin that makes this possible and get tips to choose the perfect template and configure it for your brand. By the end, you can confidently make your stunning WordPress-powered website with just a few clicks!
Sound good? Let's dive in!
What Are Starter Templates in WordPress?
Okay, let's talk starter templates. You've probably heard of WordPress themes, right? Those are like the overall skin of your website. They give it a basic look and feel. But a starter template is like a pre-designed outfit you can pick up.
Imagine walking into a store and finding a whole bunch of ready-to-wear outfits. You don't have to worry about picking out each piece individually; it's all there for you. That's kind of what a starter template is. It's a pre-designed layout for your website, complete with pages, colors, fonts, and even some content.
However, WordPress starter templates don’t just give your site a pretty face. They come with built-in functionality like menus, navigation, forms, and widgets that are ready to go.
And the best part? Starter templates come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you're building a blog, an online store, or a portfolio, there's a template out there for you.
So, next time you're thinking about starting a new website, don't stress about designing it from the ground up. Consider giving a starter template a try. It could be the shortcut you've been looking for.
Now, let's dive into how you can actually use one of these handy tools.
How to Install Starter Template in WordPress
To kick-start your WordPress website with a professional look and feel, the Astra Starter Templates plugin is your go-to tool. It comes with over 280 templates, so you can be sure of finding a layout that's perfect for your website.
Even though originally made for the Astra theme, it should work with most themes in the WordPress repository. This flexibility ensures you can still benefit from its pre-designed templates regardless of your chosen theme.
Let's dive into how to install a starter template in WordPress with this nifty plugin.
Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin
Once you've installed and activated your WordPress theme, you'll need to install the Astra Starter Templates plugin. From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New and search for “Astra Starter Templates”. Once you’ve found it, click Install Now and then Activate.
Step 2: Launch the Starter Templates Wizard
After activation, head over to Plugins > Installed Plugins. Here, you will find the link to the starter templates library.
Alternatively, you can launch the Starter Templates setup wizard automatically by navigating to Appearance > Starter Templates right from the left-hand admin menus in your WordPress dashboard.
Either option will take you to a welcome page with a video that describes how to use the plugin. It's just a couple of minutes long, so I recommend watching it.
Once done, hit the 'Build Your Website Now' button and then you will be prompted to choose a page builder.
The page builder you select will allow you to customize your site without coding. Choose the one you're most comfortable with, such as Elementor, Beaver Builder, or the default WordPress block editor.
Step 3: Browse for Templates and Test Them
Next, you'll now be able to see the templates library and pick a layout you'd like to use.
At this point, there are a couple of ways to find your dream WordPress starter template. You can either type your niche in the search bar to find something more specific or choose a category that best describes what you are seeking.
Whether you want a website for a cafe, roofing company, or digital agency, no matter what you are looking for, you can definitely find a template with the features that you want.
While scrolling down, you’ll notice that some templates come with a 'premium' badge. These templates are part of the Astra Pro package, offering more advanced design elements and features. If you’re on a budget, there are still plenty of free templates to choose from that look and perform exceptionally well.
Take your sweet time to preview as many templates as you want. Once you've found one that is to your liking, just click on it to start previewing.
You will see what it looks like on the right-hand side of your screen. The preview is interactive so you can navigate the different pages and menus.
On the left-hand side, you'll find a few customization options to explore. For instance, you can upload your logo or experiment with different color palettes and font styles chosen by professional designers.
The live preview on the right adjusts straight away to give you a glimpse of what your site will look like and you can always change appearance settings later as desired.
Step 4: Import the Template
You will also be prompted to opt in to receive their newsletter and accept the data privacy agreement. Beneath that, you'll see advanced options to import the customizer settings, widgets, and content.
To ensure your template loads as intended, ensure you have all the advanced options checked.
From there, you can now click the big blue button labeled 'Submit & Build My Website' to load your starter template. Before you know it, the process will be done in a matter of seconds!
When you go to the front end of your website, you will find the template's design elements, including, images, settings, and even placeholder content.
Step 5: Start Customizing
With the template imported, you can now begin customizing it to match your brand. Navigate to Pages in your WordPress dashboard, and you’ll see all the pages that came with the template.
Use the page builder you selected earlier to edit content, change images, and adjust colors to your liking.
To change the default template text, all you have to do is highlight it and begin typing to replace it with anything you want. The photos are also just as easy to change with the page builder blocks and properties side panel.
Conclusion
So, there you go, a simple step-by-step guide on how to install starter template in WordPress.
Using the Astra starter templates can save you a ton of time. It loads up a fully functional website with a professional-looking design in minutes.
So, what are you waiting for? Launch your WordPress site today and start building a beautiful platform in no time with starter templates.
FAQs
No, the WordPress Starter Templates plugin doesn't only work with Astra. While Astra is a popular choice and often highlighted, the plugin is compatible with various themes. It provides a selection of starter templates that you can use with other themes too depending on what’s available and supported by the plugin. If you're using a different theme, check the plugin's documentation or support resources to ensure compatibility.
Choosing the right page builder depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Astra Starter Templates plugin integrates with Elementor, Beaver Builder, and the default WordPress block editor.
- Elementor: Known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, Elementor is a popular choice for beginners and those seeking a wide range of design options.
- Beaver Builder: Offers a more streamlined approach, focusing on essential building blocks. It's suitable for those who prefer a simpler interface.
- WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg): The native option, it's constantly evolving and offers a block-based approach to building pages. It's a good choice if you're comfortable with the core WordPress interface.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try out each builder and see which suits your workflow best.
While often used interchangeably, templates and themes serve different purposes in WordPress.
A theme provides the overall structure and design framework for your website. It includes layout, colors, fonts, and basic elements like header, footer, and sidebar.
On the other hand, a template is a pre-designed layout that fits within a theme. It focuses on specific page designs, like homepages, landing pages, or blog post pages.
Essentially, starter templates are pre-designed templates that work within a specific theme (in this case, Astra). They offer a shortcut to creating professional-looking pages without starting from scratch.
Think of it like this: A theme is the house, and a template is a furnished room within that house.
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