How to Choose a Fantastic WordPress Theme

You’re opening VA practice and you’ve decided on WordPress as the platform to host your biz website on. Hooray! Now to pick a WordPress theme.

What is a WordPress theme?

A theme helps determine the look and feel of your site, as well as the features, and how easily or difficult it is to install.

There are many, many themes out there and picking a good one is important. First, if you select a theme that isn’t updated often, you’re going to have trouble down the line as WordPress is continually updating and improving, fixing security bugs, adding features, etc. You could find yourself with a broken website if your theme is no longer being updated.

What are some of your options?

When you installed WordPress, you’ll likely see some free themes. You should take a moment to check these out and see if you like them. You’ll have fewer options and flexibility with the free themes, but you’ll likely be able to get the set up done fast and get to blogging more quickly. 

If you decide you need more customization I love to use themes built on the Genesis Framework.

What’s a WordPress Framework?

Basically, a framework does all the heavy lifting code-wise, setting up the “skeleton” of the site. You have to have the framework installed for any of the child themes to work. Think of it like the framework is the mama and, as different as all the child themes may be, they’ve all got the framework’s bones underneath.

What’s a child theme?

The child themes will determine more of the look and feel of a site, though of course you can always change colors and arrange things how you like. How much coding you do or don’t do will have to do more with how much you want to change the theme you purchase and how many options that theme has for customizing. Many themes have easy ways to customize colors, images, etc. now.

What makes one a good fit or not?

• Is it from a reputable creator?
• Does it have the features you want and need?
• Does it have too many features for your purposes?
• How difficult is the installation/setup? (Look for clear instructions, lots of articles with information.) Is there a clear way to contact customer service/help desk and get guidance if you need it. 

Good sources to find themes:

• Studiopress – that’s what I use. Genesis framework with the Darling theme. I actually purchased a package that gives me access to all of the Studiopress child themes (that are created by Studiopress, as well as a limited selection of third party child themes as well).
• CreativeMarket – This site has lots of pretty options as well as many design elements you might need. 
• Restored 316 – My current theme, Darling, was created by this company and I love it. 
• Etsy also has some gorgeous themes, but make sure to read reviews/do your research (as you should with all of these, really). 
• Elegant Themes – I have not worked with these themes before, but they have a great reputation and I’ve heard good things. 

If you want help with installation hit me up.

What themes have you worked with and what are your favorites?

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