Why You Need to Change Your WordPress Theme
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David
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September 28th, 2012
English: The logo of the blogging software WordPress. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
For my fellow WordPressians out there, I hope you know what I'm talking about.
As soon as you flip the switch and the lights come on in your website (the most exciting part), WordPress automatically selects a theme for you. It's always named after the year, and is a basic, simple, tidy little setup.
It works for the first few minutes, but then I immediately rush to Appearance and change the theme to something that doesn't show I'm brand, brand new.
How long have you had your website? Is it over two hours? Are you still using the initial theme? Go change your WordPress theme right now!
Sure, some of these basic themes can be okay. You don't understand my fuss.
Well, if you're blogging about anything even a little bit web-related, your readers probably have a website of their own. They know what the auto themes look like, and they'll judge you.
Unless you customize it completely including changing the fonts and colors, it will always seem like a new site fresh from the press (good for cider, not for websites).
This is fine for some people, but when it comes to sales or authority, you need something better.
There are thousands of incredibly customizable and absolutely free WordPress themes out there. For one, they'll make your life simpler. For two, they'll show you aren't a chump.
If you're on WordPress in the first place, it might be because it is a free Content Management System. Did you also know it is one of the most flexible, open source blogging platforms in the world/webiverse?
My only exception:
If you're painfully, utterly clueless, hold onto the auto theme for a few weeks. Do as much research as possible on customization, and then jump in.
Since I'm a fan of the trial by fire method of web development, I usually think it's best to jump it right away anyway. If you're live right away and need to be an expert before the ink has dried, you'll learn incredibly quickly.
What are some good starter themes?
Really, it depends on your website and business. But I've found a few that I like more than others, especially for news.
1. Lugada
A visually appealing, powerful, and free theme from WordPress to make you look far more experienced than you really are. Love the custom slider option!
2. Responsive
Although this has never worked for my websites, it's a very user-friendly free theme for people who need content now.
3. PageLines (or Platform)
Perfect for website developers who want a lot of customization in a one little theme. Plus, PageLines puts out a few other options that are also packed full of blogging goodness. Personally, I use Platform on many of my sites.
4. Anything from WooThemes
From their 16 free themes to their huge supply of amazing, search engine optimized themes, WooThemes is a wonderful resource.
The most-loved and oft-touted paid themes across the blogging world:
1. Genesis
2. Thesis