Foothold
A landing page template for local service businesses
So instead of rebuilding from scratch each time, I packaged the pattern into Foothold — a single-file HTML landing page template built specifically for local service businesses (plumbers, salons, cafes, cleaners, contractors).
The part I spent the most time on: the entire visual identity pulls from just 6 CSS variables at the top of the file. Same HTML, same layout — swap 6 hex codes and it’s a completely different brand feel. No framework, no build step, no dependencies. Open it, edit the placeholder text, drag it into Netlify, live in a few minutes.
Launched it on Gumroad today for $15. Not expecting to get rich off template sales alone — it’s mostly (a) a portfolio piece I can point clients to, and (b) a way to test if there’s any real pull for this before building more templates in the same style.
Would genuinely love feedback, especially from anyone who’s built or bought templates like this — what made a template purchase actually worth it for you, versus something you passed on?
8 Comments
The 6-variable approach is a really nice detail. Same HTML but three distinct looks makes this feel much more usable than a typical “landing page template.”
Also feels like this could be pulling a lot more organic traffic than it probably is right now. Especially at this early $15 validation stage, that could make the signal from the first few sales pretty interesting.
Curious what you start seeing once it gets in front of more people?
Thanks, appreciate that! Yeah, still very early — just launched today, so no real signal yet. My plan for distribution is mostly direct outreach to local businesses that don’t have a site yet (using the template itself as the pitch), plus posting around here and a couple dev communities to see what sticks organically.
Will definitely report back once there’s actual data — curious myself whether the $15 price point is right or if it should be higher/lower once I see how the first few sales go.
Since you’re testing distribution from day one, I’d also consider press releases and relevant media placements. A good placement can work beyond the initial launch push; the article stays live and can keep bringing referral/search traffic while also giving Foothold more third-party credibility.
That could complement your direct outreach: more traffic, more visibility, and stronger social proof when you’re pitching local businesses.
I can help with the media/placement side if you want to explore it. Feel free to reach out, and I can show you what I mean.
Appreciate the offer! Focusing on direct outreach and organic channels for now while it’s still early — will keep it in mind if that changes down the line.
Totally makes sense. Direct outreach is probably the best way to get those first real signals, especially while you’re testing the $15 price point.
Good luck with the launch — curious to see what you learn from the first few sales.
The six-variable approach is a neat constraint for something meant to be reused across different businesses. Curious whether buyers care more about that flexibility or simply how quickly they can get a site live.
Good question — honestly not sure yet since I don’t have buyer data. My guess is speed-to-live is what actually gets someone to buy in the moment (“can I have a working site today”), but the flexibility is probably what makes them recommend it to someone else or come back for a second one if they run multiple client projects. Would love to find out which one actually drives the decision once there’s real feedback to look at.
That makes sense. The distinction between what drives the first purchase and what drives repeat use should be interesting once you have actual buyer feedback. Curious to see what the data says.