Who are we?

Our journey started over a decade ago. Yep, you read that right – we’ve been in the game for more than 10+ years, crafting award-winning templates. We’ve seen it all: the ups, the downs, and everything in between. We’ve been there, done that, got the t-shirt (and then probably designed a website for it).

We’re Sam and Rachel, the two Showit Design Partners behind the Northfolk template shop. But we’re not just about creating pretty designs. We’ve been sharing our secrets through our education program, Revolving Revenue, where we teach Showit designers (and a few go-getters on other platforms) to launch their automated template shops to get those passive “cha-ching’s!”

But with us, it’s not just about making a sale; it’s about empowering you to create ethically and confidently. Which is why we’re here, taking over for ESI – our editorial stock icons – to tackle a tricky topic that’s buzzing in the template world.

ETHICAL AND LEGAL IMAGE SOURCING

Addressing that elephant….

We’ve spotted a trend – designers dazzle with premium images to market their templates, only to pull a classic “bait and switch” at delivery, delivering a blank template.

Imagine opening a cookie jar to find it filled with…. broccoli. Yep – thats the feeling.

This exact “trend” is why we took out several lessons from our RR program and made them FREE. You can watch them here.

And this isn’t exclusive to just newbie designers. There are experienced designers, who KNOW better, that are doing this. Or worse…. using images from paid stock memberships (like ESI) and just assuming that giving credit is enough. Spoiler alert – it’s NOT! It’s actually leaving your business open for major financial and legal consequences.

So back to the “bait and switch” technique… we know what you’re saying.

“BUT I include a disclaimer telling the user this.”

When making a purchase for your business, do you read every single fine print? Probably not. Can you imagine spending your hard earned money on a beautiful template, only to install it on your site and see it stripped down to “image here” graphics? Here’s an example. Which one would catch your eye when shopping for a website? They are the same exact design, but one is actually going to SELL templates.

*This beautiful design is our Memoir template for Showit.

“BUT I’m not “technically” distributing them, so I’m legal.”

Assuming all your customers read every fine print disclosure and make the decision to purchase anyways – you are still using another creatives hard work to SELL your product, without any compensation. Please go back and read that again.

The first thing we tell a designer to do if their template isn’t selling, is to update the imagery. Photography SELLS the design.

We hope you’re sitting there thinking… “well when you put it that way,” and NOT….

“BUT I see a lot of other designers doing this same thing.”

This doesn’t mean it’s RIGHT. It’s actually very, very wrong.

While customers might not understand how tacky this is at first, they will eventually.

Using a “bait and switch” in your business can impact your credibility and reputation among not only your target audience, but your creative community.

Just because you found a loop hole, doesn’t mean you should use it.

“BUT I can’t afford the commercial licensing cost!!”

We’ve been selling website templates successfully since 2013. But it wasn’t until a few short years ago that we started investing in premium stock for our designs (also partly because it wasn’t available then). And even now – our shop is pretty split between templates using royalty free stock and those with commercial use.

If budget is an issue, your ONLY CHOICE is to focus on quality templates with professionally sourced FREE images.

But here’s the thing… everyone thinks they are safe using free imagery on sites like Unsplash and Pexels. Watch our FREE training here to see why you’re NOT.

Spoiler alert – the model reached out informing us that she was taking legal action against the photographer for posting her images. While we gladly removed what we could, we had been pinning this template with her images for 2 YEARS before this situation arose. Fortunately we haven’t heard from her anymore, but legal action was threatened. So don’t assume you’re automatically protected by sourcing FREE either.

Fact is, imagery for your templates is a cost of doing business.

It’s like a baker buying all their ingredients.

Our recommendation… proceed with caution until you can source commercially licensed stock imagery, like THESE from ESI.

So you might be left asking yourself

“Then what’s the purpose of a monthly membership with ESI?”

Let us share just a few ways it adds value to OUR business:

1. Social Graphics: We might not be on Instagram much – but when we are, we would much rather navigate to our own curated stock folders than use free Canva images.
2. Pins: We love Pinterest like Buddy the Elf loves Christmas! It’s our FAVORITE. But Pinterest wouldn’t generate 80% of our website traffic if it wasn’t for on-brand premium imagery and videos used for our pin graphics.
3. One Template, Three Ways: here’s the exception of how an ESI monthly membership can be used to show off your templates (unless you do yourself a favor and grab that stock license for your templates!). A few years ago (circa 2019 I think), we started addressing the question of “how customizable is this template?” with our “One Template, Three Ways” series. (example 1, example 2, example 3, example 4)

This is where we take the home page ONLY, and customize a quick demo with an alternative (sometimes polarizing) brand to show off the design, and Showit’s, flexibility.

• Just the home page.
• No distributing images illegally.
• No unethical “bait and switch.”
• You can even let your customers know… “Like the look? Snag images like these” with your ESI affiliate link!
• And finally – tag ESI on Instagram for some extra exposure should they choose to share it!

We don’t typically believe that there is only ONE “right” way to do things… but sourcing assets legally and ethically is the exception.

As we wrap up this special edition, we want to leave you with a nugget of Northfolk wisdom: great design isn’t just about how it looks, it’s about how it’s built – structurally, creatively, ethically, and legally sound. We hope you found our takeover valuable and even enlightening. Keep creating, keep innovating, and remember, when in doubt, always honor your fellow creatives.

TL:DR

1. Do not use ESI monthly membership images in your templates for sale, even if you give credit, it’s ILLEGAL.
2. Do NOT “bait and switch” the images in your templates for sale! This is UNETHICAL.
3. Imagery for your templates is a cost of doing business. Proceed with caution using free stock images until you can legally source premium assets like THESE from ESI.
4. ESI Commercial Shop is your go-to spot for imagery in your products for sale.
5. ESI Monthly membership still packs major value for a template business – just don’t put them in your products.
6. We run a program called Revolving Revenue – the top program for Showit designers to make passive income with website templates. Did this takeover resonate? Come check us out here.

The post Ethical & Legal Image Sourcing: Avoiding the Bait and Switch appeared first on Northfolk.

our 7 steps for how to build and sell showit website templates

Step 1: Research & Offer Development – Sherlock Holmes mode!

First things first, my dear Watsons of design – put on your detective hat and get sleuthing! ??‍ Market research is your trusty magnifying glass. Check out the competition, snoop on what templates are killing it, and sniff out the gaps in the marketplace, when in doubt – build what you know. Armed with this knowledge, create an offer that’ll have your customers screaming, “Shut up and take my money!”

Step 2: Know How Templates Fit In

Before you dive headfirst into template madness, take a moment to ponder how they’ll fit into your existing design offers. You’re not building an island here, your here to build showit website templates. It’s all about creating a cohesive design empire. So, strategize, my savvy comrades! How will you position your offers to move people away from your time sucking services and right into your passive income pocket?

Do you build custom websites for a lot of Copywriters? Start there! Create a more cost effective option for your target audience and price your services higher.

Step 3: Design Your Templates

Roar! It’s time to unleash the design beast within you. Set your creativity free and create templates that’ll make jaws drop and clients squeal with delight. It’s no rumor that the market becomes more saturated every day.

But we will be the first to tell you that “not all templates are created equal”. One of the most powerful moves you can make is to up your design skills to build templates that position themselves as King of the template jungle. Checkout our design course HERE to level up your skills.

Step 4: Build an Automated Checkout

Who said making money should be a 24/7 hustle? Not you! Set up an automated checkout system, so while you catch some Z’s, the cash keeps flowing.

Your customers will love the smooth and hassle-free buying experience, and you’ll love waking up to cha-ching notifications.

And it’s EVERY designers dream to make some passive income on the side and hear the pleasant ding from a sale verses the ping of an email from a passive aggressive client.

Step 5: Have an Automated Delivery System

With an automated delivery system, your customers get their hands on those fabulous templates faster than a rabbit disappears into a hat. ? No manual intervention needed – it’s all automated magic. Less time spent on mundane tasks means more time for you to dazzle the design world!

Step 6: Rinse and Repeat

You’re on a roll, my friend! Keep the creativity flowing and the templates coming. A rinse and repeat process will keep your template shop fresh, exciting, and irresistible. Don’t hold back – the design universe craves your creations! With a rinse and repeat process, you’ll be able to easily tackle those fresh new launches anytime you need a little extra cash infusion.

Step 7: Market Like a Pro

Now, we know some of you may be introverted design wizards, and that’s perfectly awesome! Check out our other blog post, “Marketing Tips for Introverted Designers,” for clever ways to promote your templates without leaving your cozy design cave. Trust us; it’s a game-changer!

So there you have it, creative geniuses! Follow these 7 steps, and you’ll conquer the Showit template world like a boss. Market research, design prowess, automation mastery – you’ve got it all! Now go forth and let your templates shine like the stars they are. The design universe awaits your stellar creations! If you are looking for more ways to slide passive income into your business, read our 10 unbeatable ways to make passive income as a designer.

Happy templating, and may your design empire reign supreme!

Wan’t to supercharge your design process and get that shop launched in a fraction of the time?? Come join us and 100+ other designers inside Revolving Revenue – the best damn Showit program about building and selling templates.

Links & Resources:

• Connect on Instagram: @northfolkco
• Learn about the Program: Revolving Revenue
• Watch the Showit Tutorials: YouTube
• Get 2 free lessons for sourcing template assets
• Get clarity on your offer pricing

The post 7 Steps for Building and Selling Showit Website Templates appeared first on Northfolk.

Imagine making money even while you’re watching your favorite Netflix show or exploring Pantone’s color of the year.

Curious? Here are ten exciting ways to add passive income to your Showit design business. And don’t worry, your coffee breaks are safe!

In this post we will cover:

• Online Webinars
• Affiliate Marketing
• Premade Logos
• Ebooks
• Blogging
• Digital Assets
• Memberships
• YouTube
• Licensing
• Templates

Ways to make passive income for designers

1. Host Your Own Online Webinars

Let’s face it, your skills are something others would love to have, like perfectly ripe avocado toast on a Sunday morning. Host webinars or online courses teaching others the magic of Showit design, and your bank account will thank you!

Revolving Revenue was built off of the need to fill a gap with our template customers and how they could infuse passive income into their own websites. Or our friend Katie with her webinar and course, Showit-All, geared towards newbie designers. She seen a need and filled it!

2. Affiliate Marketing is Your New Best Friend

Recommend products you love, and get a kickback. Plus, everyone loves to make money off their favorite things and society nowadays is conditioned to look for that Resources page on your site… so fill it with your tried and true! It’s like setting up a lemonade stand, but with less sunburn and more profit!

3. Don’t Just Design Logos, Sell Them!

If designing a logo is your jam, so why not make it into a marmalade of passive income? Put old client logo rejects into your premade brand shop and watch your designs fly off the digital shelf.

Still can’t let go of the reins? You can always sell them as semi-custom brands and have them done in a fraction of the time. No more waiting weeks for one comment from a client!

Need an example of a couple of our friends (and RR members) who are killing the premade brand game?

“Poppy Love” from Femme Collective

“Ana Cole” from Saffron Avenue

4. Create an E-book

Yes, it sounds scary, like a horror movie. But it’s not! Pen down your expertise in an eBook and watch it become the new Harry Potter of the design world.

5. Monetize your Blog

Already got a blog? Sweet! Monetize it. Display ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate links. Let those visits to your blog turn into visits to your bank!

6. Sell Custom Fonts and Digital Assets

Got a flair for typography? Sell your custom fonts, icons, and other digital assets. It’s like spring cleaning, but you’re selling digital assets instead of your old CDs.

“Neue Swiss” by Jen Wagner

7. Launch a Membership Site

If you’re more of the social type that thrives on connection, consider creating a membership or community for like minded designers.

8. Get on YouTube

People love to watch others work. It’s weird, but true. Create time-lapse videos of your design process and monetize your channel.

Northfolk YouTube

9. Licensing Your Work

Got leftover designs that maybe didn’t make the cut? Sell 1:1 or one-to-many licenses of your work for merch or prints. It’s like renting out your condo, but less cleaning!

10. Selling Showit Website Templates

Our favorite – obviously! Turn your Showit design skills into a passive income source by selling your uniquely crafted website templates. If this sounds like your bread and butter, you can read our 7 Steps for Building and Selling Showit Website Templates!

Our program, Revolving Revenue, is designed to help Showit designers like you launch a successful, automated template shop.

Want to know how? Learn about the Revolving Revenue program

Ready to make passive income?

Integrating passive income into your design business may seem as complicated as choosing the perfect font pairing, but it doesn’t have to be. The idea is to do what you love, share it, and make money while doing it. The internet is a big playground for designers, so go out there and make it your own!

And if you want to skyrocket your Showit template shop, don’t forget to check out Revolving Revenue. We’ve got more secret sauce than a burger joint!

Remember, even Comic Sans made money. So, can you!

Resources:

• Connect on Instagram: @northfolkco
• Learn about the Program: Revolving Revenue
• Watch the Showit Tutorials: YouTube
• Get 2 free lessons for sourcing template assets
• Get clarity on your offer pricing

The post 10 Ways Showit Designers Can Slide Passive Income Into Their Business appeared first on Northfolk.

The hard and fast answer? Nope and it probably never will be.

We can’t tell you how many times we have browsed our online designer groups only to see comments like these:

“The market is oversaturated!” 

— Your limiting belief

“How am I supposed to compete with all these other designers out there?” 

— Your limiting belief

“Everyone has jumped on the template bandwagon!”

— Your limiting belief

Market saturation is an excuse designers (and other creatives for that matter) are using to avoid doing the hard work and heaven forbid, failing. Or as we like to say, LEARNING.

Somewhere along the line, this excuse of a crowded marketplace has become widely accepted and the excuse of choice among social media comments within the freelancing design community. 

How did we get here

We started Northfolk 10 years ago. Like any other market, as word got around about the profitability of templates, more people wanted to get in on the action. But in this market, in the words of Moira, you must CHAMPION ONESELF.

So we’re going to cover 6 tips to standing out if you want to build website templates!

Ways to overcome market competition

Do it better. 

“A market is never saturated with a good product, but it is very quickly saturated with a bad one.”

The market might be saturated, but it doesn’t mean it’s saturated with GOOD designs. Look at the best in your industry and ask yourself, “how can I do it BETTER?”

Commit yourself to being the best! Learn new skills, find a mentor, take an online course, practice, practice, practice.

Do it different.

Don’t set out to create what everyone else is doing.

Yes – you might see a designer being successful niched down. One finding success with a broader audience. Someone that swears by posting on social media and another that doesn’t.

Instead of focusing on the competition, find your style and voice. What sets you apart from them and makes you different? Focus on what inspired you instead of what you think you should be doing. Look to other sources for inspiration.

One of the most effective ways to break into a saturated market is by offering a product that is new to the industry or improving upon one that already exists.

Be willing to do what it takes.

Everything worth having takes hard work. When it comes to template sales, it’s not an overnight process. You are constantly working on your pieces, improving as you go.

This is a marathon, not a sprint!

In a time of instant gratifications, you have to be willing to commit to the long term endgame to get results.

Listen to your folks.

Listen to what your audience is asking for. Where they are having troubles and what they NEED.

Watch as shifts happen in your market and be able to identify them.

Be flexible.

Be willing to PIVOT.

Buyer demands are constantly changing, and your willingness to pivot your ideas and being receptive to their demands might be the difference between sinking and swimming.

Build relationships

Word of mouth is one of the most powerful forms of marketing.

92% of consumers believe recommendations from friends and family over all forms of advertising

— Nielsen

We have customers that have been buying our templates for almost a decade. Many following us to Showit from other platforms and most of them repeat clients as well.

And the end of the day, a saturated market is one of opportunity and proven potential. Put your blinders on and ignore what everyone else is doing!!!

Resources:

• Learn more: northfolk.co
• Instagram: @northfolkco
• Course: Revolving Revenue

Links:

• Nielsen, Word Of Mouth Marketing

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