There is no doubt that WordPress is one of the best content management systems available today. One of the factors that make it a preferred web platform is its extensive array of themes that are ready to shape the look and feel of any website. However, with so many options, how do you choose the right theme that installs hassle-free and doesn’t slow down performance?
WordPress themes generally fall into two categories: out-of-the-box themes and customized themes. Out-of-the-box themes come packaged with WordPress software releases, while customized themes are more varied and can be tailored to fit specific needs, albeit often at a higher cost. When deciding on the right WordPress theme, consider the following:
- Know what is best for your site
- Know where to find the right match
- Know what to avoid
- Do some background checks
What to Look for in a WordPress Theme
When designing a new site, a developer should have a list of desired features before arriving at a decision on which WordPress theme will best suit the site. Essential features to look for include:
- Responsive Layout
- Widgetized Footer
- Content Slider
- Ability to Disable Sidebar on Specific Pages
- Specific Color Scheme
Group these features into three categories: essentials, optional, and luxuries. This helps prioritize the site needs that align with the theme features, making it easier to make a decision.
Where to Find WordPress Themes
There are three primary places to look for themes:
- WordPress.org Themes Directory: All themes here are free and thoroughly reviewed before being made publicly available. It supports most popular themes and has a rating feature, which helps you select only the best themes.
- Theme Marketplaces: These platforms offer an extensive range of themes. Many marketplace authors are top-notch WordPress developers and designers, which gives you access to high-quality themes. Popular theme marketplaces include ThemeForest and Creative Market.
- Established Theme Shops: These shops offer themes with top-notch coding and excellent after-sales support. Some reputable theme shops include StudioPress, Elegant Themes, and Themify.
Do some Google searches to find out which theme shop or marketplace suits your needs.
What to Avoid in a Theme
While many themes come packed with features, not all are beneficial. Here are things to avoid:
- Themes with Built-in Plugin Functionality: If the built-in plugin fails, the theme’s functionality will fail as well. Themes should not control the features a site uses because when you replace the theme, you may lose essential site features.
- Poorly Coded Themes: Themes that are not well-coded can slow down your site’s performance and make it more vulnerable to security risks.
Do Some Background Check
Before settling on a theme, do some research. Just like you would read reviews before buying something online, you should apply the same diligence to themes. This can help you avoid poor themes that could mess up your site.
Check for:
- User Reviews and Ratings: Look at what other users are saying about the theme. High ratings and positive reviews are a good indicator of quality.
- Developer Support: Ensure that the theme developer offers good support and regular updates. This is crucial for maintaining the security and performance of your website.
- Live Demos: Most theme providers offer live demos. Use these to get a feel for how the theme looks and works.
By following these guidelines, you can make an informed decision and choose a WordPress theme that not only looks great but also performs well.
