Behind the Scenes: How I Test My Templates Before They Hit the Shop

When I first started selling templates, I’d build something, think it was great, and put it up. Then I’d get a message: ‘This is confusing’ or ‘It doesn’t work for me.’ So I changed my process.

Now, every template goes through a beta phase. I give it to 3-5 people who fit my target audience — freelancers, coaches, small shop owners. They use it for a week, then I ask: What did you skip? What annoyed you? What’s missing?

The feedback is always humbling. Once, someone said the button to add a new task was too small. I thought it was fine, but they’d missed it three times. Easy fix.

I also test for ‘first-five-minutes’ experience. If you can’t get value from a template within five minutes of opening it, it needs work. That’s why my templates come with a quick-start note inside.

It’s more work, but it means when you buy something from me, it’s not just a cool idea — it’s been used and refined by real people. That’s the difference between a template that sits in your trash and one you actually use.