I hear it all the time from business owners when I ask “What’s your website?” They get that deer-in-the-headlights look and say something along the lines of “Oh, just go to my Instagram page,” knowing their website is either a) not really a thing yet or b) doesn’t look as professional as they wish it did. 

The truth is, a third (33%) of small business owners say social media fulfills all their online needs and nearly a quarter (24%) say their business doesn’t have a website because they don’t know how to create one (according to Digital). 

Look, I LOVE Instagram, and Facebook is still my jam, but whenever someone gives me a social media handle instead of a URL, I can’t help but think about how so many of us small business owners are relying on social media to share and sell our products & services when that’s not what the platform is really built for.

When I first started my business, I knew I needed a website that looked professional & could turn a casual observer into my biggest fan in a matter of minutes. But getting that angels singing, perfectly YOU kind of website can felt like an impossible task… until I found TONIC Site Shop. Thanks to Jen & Jeff over at TONIC, I am confident in my site and willing (excited, even!) to send people to my online home. And the best part? It’s a website template!

TONIC has templates for all kinds of people, styles, and businesses. It’s code-free, completely customizable, and can get “make a website” off your to-do list in no time. I will admit, the price point can be jarring, (especially if you’re just launching your business) so I’m breaking down your biggest questions and shedding light on if their website templates are right for your small business! Spoiler Alert: I think they are great for all types of creatives and services.

Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

START WITH A TEMPLATE…DOES THAT MEAN I’M GOING TO END UP WITH A SITE THAT LOOKS LIKE EVERYONE ELSE’S?

Absolutely not! Using a template gives you a baseline for how your website will all come together and, an idea of what your it can include, but that doesn’t mean it has to be generic. All pages and design elements in TONIC templates are 100% customizable — fonts, colors, photos, you name it — and you can do it all in the comfort of your favorite sweatpants without having to email or video chat with people who ‘know how to code’. And bonus points: you can also duplicate pages as needed for additional content in your design, too!

BUT I NEED A WEBSITE, LIKE YESTERDAY. WON’T IT TAKE FOR-E-V-E-R TO CUSTOMIZE A TEMPLATE?

Using a template is way faster — and easier — than building a site from scratch. Think of it like making a cake from a mix (and adding in a few extras to make it super special) vs. making the whole thing from scratch. Can you drag and drop? Then you can customize your design and have your new virtual home built in no time! Easy peasy.

CAN I USE THE PHOTOS, FONTS, AND COPY IN THE TEMPLATES?

You sure can! TONIC website templates are pre-licensed and include the fonts, photos, and copy for your use within the templates. That means you can decide which parts work for your business and which parts need some customizing. Talk about a time saver!

 I’M NOT A WEBSITE DESIGNER! IS A TONIC TEMPLATE STILL RIGHT FOR ME?

Jen and Jeff have done all the heavy lifting for you — the sites are gorgeous, obviously, but they’re also super strategic and designed to connect with your ideal client. All you need to do is plug and play. No HTML or web design knowledge needed at all. It’s easy: just drag and drop it like it’s hot until you’ve got the site of your dreams.

DO I HAVE TO BUY SEPARATE TEMPLATES FOR MOBILE AND DESKTOP SITES?

Nope! One template is all you need for both your mobile and your desktop sites. No more wondering why something looks wonky on the platform 90% of people use to see your brand for the first time and not being able to fix it. The Showit platform allows you to edit both the desktop and mobile templates side-by-side, so you never have to guess how things will look.

WHAT ABOUT MY BLOG? HOW EXACTLY DOES BLOGGING WORK WITH A TONIC TEMPLATE AND SHOWIT?

The Showit + WordPress relationship can be a bit confusing at first, especially if you’re a WordPress fan, but haven’t met Showit yet. Basically, you still get the power of WordPress for blogging, but your site is hosted and customized exclusively via the Showit platform, so you’ll still have a WordPress.org account, and you’ll upload, schedule, and publish content from your WordPress dashboard like normal. ! If this sounds confusing, don’t stress. TONIC has amazing support and guidance for all your questions! AND Showit will actually get this all set for you, once your site is launch ready. They integrate seamlessly!

DOES TONIC HOST MY SITE THEN?

No, TONIC does not host your site. They’re your website template designers. Rather, they provide website templates that are made specifically for the Showit platform. Showit actually hosts your site and blog!

WHICH SHOWIT SUBSCRIPTION OPTION DO I NEED TO USE THESE TEMPLATES?

Your Showit subscription includes hosting for both your site and blog, use of the software to customize and manage your site, and tech support along the way. We typically recommend the middle tier — if you plan to blog — and that is priced at $29 per month (or $288 billed annually). More information on their pricing options can be found here. 

OKAY, BUT WHAT’S THE PROCESS LIKE TO LAUNCH MY NEW WEBSITE AND GET IT LIVE?

Super easy. When you’re ready, you can let the Showit support team know by hopping into the in-app chat, and they will migrate your blog over to your new site (if applicable). Once complete, you will simply point your domain — and you’re in business. Want the full rundown on launching your site? Click here.

It’s recommended to hold off on connecting the domain until you’re ready for the site to be live. If you’d prefer to create a “coming soon” page instead, here’s more information on how to do that (it takes, like, two minutes). That way, you can connect your domain, but still work on your full design in the background — and unveil (i.e. publish) it once you’re ready!

ANY CHANCE YOU HAVE A DISCOUNT CODE I CAN USE TO SAVE A FEW BUCKS?

Absolutely! I’m SO glad you asked! If you’re ready to get your website up and going and you’re tired of riding the struggle bus trying to figure it all out, my best advice is to buy a TONIC website template! And because they love me (though, not nearly as much as I love them!), you can save 20% on your site this week only when you use my code AMYSENTME at checkout!

I know at first glance you might be giving the TONIC Site Shop templates a little side-eye at the price tag, but let me assure you that that cost is SO worth what these templates deliver! TONIC has absolutely mastered how to create website designs that are not only beautiful but strategic and built to convert. Your audience will be excited to explore, read, subscribe, and — dare I say — purchase from your new, totally legit website. Just imagine how quickly you’ll be able to make back the money you invest in your template! (Even quicker when you save 20% on your new template with this flash sale!)

They’re who I’ve relied on for years and their new collection is gorgeous and includes Insta Links landing pages, Canva templates for social media & email templates, and more! Snag one (or a couple) for yourself (and don’t forget to use my code AMYSENTME to save 20% off)! It’s time to get the website of your dreams (and one your customers can’t resist!)

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IF YOU’VE BEEN PUTTING OFF BUILDING A WEBSITE OR YOU’RE ANYWHERE EXCEPT IN LOVE WITH YOUR WEBSITE, I’M HERE TO TELL YOU THAT YOU CAN HAVE THE WEBSITE OF YOUR DREAMS! YOU JUST NEED A TONIC SITE TEMPLATE.

Use code AMYSENTME to get access to 20% off the BEST website templates on the market!