Navigating the Process of Choosing a WordPress Theme
October 5, 2024
WordPress Just Made The DIRTIEST Move In All Tech Space to WPEngine
October 15, 2024Choosing the Best Starter WordPress Theme
I remember my first theme 15 years ago!
If you’re just starting out with WordPress, this is the right place to be. Not only have I been through the WP ringer for over a decade, but I also currently own a business that specializes in creating WordPress sites, so I’m in the trenches daily.
I hope you find this article helpful, and if you do, check out some of the other guides I have and subscribe!
Essential Criteria for Beginners
When selecting a WordPress theme, it’s important to focus on simplicity and ease of use. A theme with a simple and minimalist design prioritizes usability, making it easier to navigate. Here are some key criteria to consider:
- User-Friendly Interface: Look for a theme with an intuitive interface that doesn’t require complex coding or technical skills. This makes it easier for beginners to set up and manage their sites.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure the theme is responsive and looks good on all devices. This not only improves user experience but also boosts SEO.
- Loading Speed: A fast-loading theme is crucial as slow websites can negatively impact search engine rankings and user experience. Opt for themes optimized for performance.
- Plugin Compatibility: The theme should be compatible with essential plugins. This allows you to add extra functionality to your site without any conflicts.
- Support and Updates: Choose a theme that offers customer support and regular updates. Premium themes often include support for 6 to 12 months after purchase.
- SEO-Friendly: An SEO-friendly theme helps improve your site’s visibility in search engines, making it easier for people to find your site.
Importance of Customization
One of the biggest advantages of WordPress is the ability to customize themes to match your personal style or brand. Customizing a theme can be done easily without any coding experience, thanks to tools like page builders such as Elementor, Beaver Builder and my favorite Muffin Builder.
- Color Schemes and Fonts: Make sure the theme allows you to change colors and fonts to better reflect your brand identity.
- Layouts: Being able to modify layouts helps in creating a unique look for your site that stands out.
- Logos and Widgets: Easily add your logo and customize widgets to enhance the functionality of your site.
- Page Builders: Use page builders to create custom pages and layouts without writing a single line of code.
When you’re just starting out, remember to prioritize themes that are simple, user-friendly, and easy to customize. This will pave the way for a smoother experience as you build and grow your WordPress site.
These criteria will guide you in choosing the best WordPress theme tailored for beginners, ensuring a seamless and productive start to your website journey.
Best Themes for Beginners
When you’re just getting started with WordPress, choosing the right theme can make a huge difference. Here, I’ve explored some of the best WordPress themes for beginners that are user-friendly, customizable, and optimized for performance.
BeTheme Theme Overview
BeTheme is my personal favorite theme. I have purchased this theme over 50 times. My strong opinion is to start with what you believe you will use for as long as you possibly can. If you are learning on a “beginner theme” for years and then decide to step it up to a product like BeTheme – you aren’t going to know where anything is! Themes control major settings inside of WordPress that are crucial for making major edits, and every theme has every setting somewhere different. Start with the best and master it! Start with BeTheme here.
Key Features:
- Multiple ready-made templates curated constantly
- Drag-and-drop page builder compatibility
- Speed and performance optimization
- Easy to find settings
- SEO friendly
- No coding skills required
- WooCommerce support
Divi Theme Overview
Divi is a powerful premium WordPress theme that offers hundreds of pre-designed page templates and a distraction-free design, perfect for bloggers and writers. It allows you to fully customize each element on your site through its frontend editor, eliminating the need for HTML or CSS knowledge.
Key Features:
- Pre-designed templates
- Frontend editor for full customization
- No coding skills required
Hestia Theme Overview
Hestia is a free, versatile WordPress theme that’s easy to set up using the live theme customizer. It supports WooCommerce, allowing you to create online shops effortlessly. With its responsive design, Hestia ensures a great user experience on modern mobile devices.
Key Features:
- Free and multi-purpose
- WooCommerce support
- Responsive design
OceanWP Theme Overview
OceanWP is an elegant and simple WordPress theme designed for blogs, magazines, restaurants, online stores, and fitness sites. It comes with multiple layouts, premium extensions, custom widgets, and WooCommerce support, enabling you to seamlessly add an online store to your WordPress site.
Key Features:
- Multiple ready-made layouts
- WooCommerce support
- Premium extensions
Kadence Theme Overview
Kadence is a free, responsive WordPress theme focused on bloggers and writers. Featuring beautiful typography and layouts, Kadence is perfect for travel bloggers, authors, and various other types of WordPress blogs. It’s an excellent choice for first-time users looking to build a visually appealing blog.
Key Features:
- Free and responsive
- Beautiful typography
- Suitable for diverse blogs
Here’s a quick comparison of these themes to help you make an informed decision:
| Theme | Price | Key Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeTheme | Premium | Premium pre-built websites, speed, customization, drag-and-drop | Multiple purposes |
| Divi | Premium | Customization, templates | Bloggers, writers |
| Hestia | Free | WooCommerce, responsive | Online shops |
| OceanWP | Free/Premium | Layouts, WooCommerce, extensions | Blogs, online stores |
| Kadence | Free | Typography, responsive | Bloggers, writers |
Choosing the best WordPress theme for beginners can be overwhelming, but I’ve highlighted some of the top choices to make the process easier. Again, I recommend starting with the best (BeTheme), there’s no reason to learn where everything is on a subpar theme just to yearn for more functionalities later leading to you learning where everything else is on another theme.
Tips for Theme Selection
Choosing the best WordPress theme for beginners can be overwhelming given the plethora of options available. Here are some tips to help make the selection process easier.
Mobile Responsiveness
A mobile responsive theme adjusts itself to look good on all screen sizes and devices, ensuring a seamless user experience. Before selecting a theme, I always check how it renders on various devices to make sure it looks just as good on a smartphone or tablet as it does on a desktop.
Performance Optimization
Website speed can be significantly impacted by the size and loading speed of your WordPress theme. Slow-loading themes can frustrate users and negatively affect your search engine rankings. I recommend running speed tests to check how fast a theme loads. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix can provide valuable insights. Prioritizing performance optimization will ensure that your site operates smoothly and efficiently.
| Theme Feature | Importance Level |
|---|---|
| Mobile Responsiveness | High |
| Speed Performance | High |
| Customization Flexibility | Medium |
| Plugin Compatibility | Medium |
User-Friendly Customization
Customizing a WordPress theme shouldn’t require extensive coding knowledge. Look for themes that offer easy-to-use customization options and support page builders like Muffin Builder, Elementor, Divi, or Beaver Builder. These tools allow for custom layouts with a drag-and-drop interface, making it simpler to create a unique website without delving into code. For more details on making your theme truly your own, check out how to customize WordPress theme.
Plugin Compatibility
Plugins in WordPress are like apps that extend site functionality. It’s essential that your chosen theme is compatible with popular plugins like WooCommerce, Yoast SEO, and Contact Form 7. Many themes have tons of customization options, but if not coded properly, they can create conflicts with plugins. Ensuring plugin compatibility will save you from potential headaches down the line and make managing your site much easier.
Selecting the right WordPress theme involves considering various factors to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. By focusing on elements such as mobile responsiveness, performance optimization, user-friendly customization, and plugin compatibility, beginners can start their WordPress journey on the right foot. Happy designing!
Factors to Avoid
When selecting the best WordPress theme for beginners, it’s crucial to know what to steer clear of. Choosing the wrong theme can lead to a frustrating and time-consuming experience. Here are some key factors to avoid:
Overly Complicated Themes
Many WordPress themes come with tons of customization options. However, if these options are not coded properly, they can make it difficult to change themes or use other plugins. This can lead to users being locked into that specific theme or requiring assistance from a developer to switch. Start with a straightforward theme (like BeTheme) and look for simplicity and ease of customization.
Heavy and Slow-loading Themes
A slow website negatively impacts search engine rankings and user experience. It’s essential to choose a theme that doesn’t slow down your site. Run a website speed test to ensure the theme loads quickly and is regularly updated. Opt for themes known for their speed and performance optimization.
| Theme Factor | Negative Impact |
|---|---|
| Overly Complicated Customization | Difficulty in changing themes or using other plugins |
| Heavy and Slow-loading | Poor search engine rankings and user experience |
| Coding Errors | Negative impact on SEO, resulting in lower site rankings |
Coding Errors Impacting SEO
Themes play a crucial role in a site’s SEO friendliness. Poorly coded HTML can affect site rankings severely. Always choose a lightweight, fast-loading theme to improve search engine rankings. Utilizing SEO plugins can further optimize your site for better traffic.
Premium vs Free Themes
Choosing the best WordPress theme for beginners can be a daunting task, especially when deciding between premium and free themes. I would always recommend using a premium theme, as a free theme has massive limitations and you will never learn the true potential of WordPress with a free theme. WordPress itself is free, a premium theme is $60 one time which is completely justifiable.
Pros and Cons of Premium Themes
Premium themes generally offer more features and support compared to free themes. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Comprehensive Support: Most premium themes include customer support for 6 to 12 months after purchase, ensuring help is available when needed.
- Regular Updates: Premium themes are frequently updated to fix bugs, improve functionality, and ensure compatibility with the latest version of WordPress.
- Advanced Features: These themes offer a broader range of customization options, unique layouts, and premium plugins that aren’t available with free themes. This makes it easier to build a highly personalized website.
- Enhanced Performance: Premium themes are often optimized for speed and performance, reducing load times and improving user experience.
- Security: Higher security standards are a priority with premium themes, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities and attacks.
Cons:
- Cost: Prices for premium WordPress themes typically range from under $25 to more than $100, with an average price of $60 This can be a significant investment for younger beginners that are strapped for cash.
- Complexity: Additional time to understand all features.
| Feature | Premium Theme |
|---|---|
| Cost | $25 – $100+ |
| Support | 6-12 months |
| Customization | High |
| Updates | Regular |
| Performance | Optimized |
Pros and Cons of Free Themes
Free themes offer an economical way to start a website, especially for those new to WordPress. However, they come with their own set of limitations.
Pros:
- No Cost: Free themes are a budget-friendly option, perfect for individuals or small businesses starting with limited resources.
- Ease of Use: Generally, free themes are simpler and easier to set up and use, because there’s less features.
- Wide Selection: There are thousands of free themes available on the WordPress repository.
Cons:
- Limited Support: Free themes usually don’t come with dedicated customer support, which can be challenging when issues arise.
- Scarce Features: These themes have very few customization options and advanced features compared to premium themes.
- Infrequent Updates: Free themes may not receive regular updates, potentially leading to compatibility issues with plugins or new WordPress versions.
- Performance and Security: Some free themes may not be optimized for performance or security, posing potential risks.
| Feature | Free Theme |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Support | Limited |
| Customization | Scarce |
| Updates | Infrequent |
| Performance | Variable |
When deciding between premium and free themes, it’s essential to consider your website’s needs and goals. For more detailed guidance, check out my related articles on how to choose a WordPress theme, how to install a WordPress theme, and how to update a WordPress theme.
Consider the factors that matter most to you, such as plugin compatibility, mobile responsiveness, and user-friendly customization when selecting your theme. Understanding these pros and cons will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your website’s objectives and your personal preferences.
Ensuring Theme Compatibility
Choosing the best WordPress theme for beginners involves ensuring that the theme is compatible with your desired plugins and functionality. Let’s explore how to test plugins and additional functionality and the role of user reviews and testimonials in this process.
Testing Plugins and Additional Functionality
It’s essential to verify that your chosen WordPress theme works seamlessly with various plugins and additional functionalities. If the theme you plan on using isn’t coded properly, it is inevitable that a plugin will interfere with functionalities of your website.
Here are steps to ensure theme compatibility:
- List Essential Plugins:
- Identify the must-have plugins for your site (e.g., SEO, security, performance optimization).
- Install and Test:
- After installing a theme, add your essential plugins one-by-one.
- Check if each plugin functions as expected without causing conflicts.
- Performance Checks:
- Use tools like GTmetrix or Google PageSpeed Insights to run website speed tests.
- Regular Updates:
- Ensure that the theme is regularly updated to keep up with new WordPress versions and maintain compatibility with plugins.
| Plugin Type | Compatibility Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SEO Plugin | Yoast SEO | Ensure meta tags are applied correctly |
| Security Plugin | Wordfence | Check for conflicts with theme code |
| Performance Plugin | WP Rocket | Verify caching and minification do not break site layout |
| Contact Form Plugin | Contact Form 7 | Ensure forms appear correctly and submission works |
If your theme fails these compatibility tests, consider looking for a different one. For more guidance on this, read our article on how to change WordPress theme.
Price Range and Marketplaces
When setting up your WordPress site, selecting the right theme is essential. It’s important to understand the price ranges and marketplaces where you can find high-quality themes.
Average Pricing of Premium Themes
Premium WordPress themes can vary greatly in price, but typically, you’ll find that they range from under $25 to more than $100. On average, a premium theme costs around $60.
| Price Range | Description |
|---|---|
| Under $25 | Basic premium themes with essential features. |
| $25 – $75 | Comprehensive themes with advanced customization options. |
| $75 – $100+ | High-end themes, often tailored for specific niches or offering unique designs. |
| $100+ | Completely unique custom themes developed for individual needs. |
Recommended Marketplaces for Themes
Finding a reliable place to purchase WordPress themes is crucial. Some of the most recommended marketplaces include:
- ThemeForest: Offers a wide variety of themes for different purposes.
- Mojo Marketplace: Known for its selection of premium themes and hosting services.
- Elegant Themes: Home of the popular Divi theme, known for its robust customization options.
- StudioPress: Known for clean, optimized themes powered by the Genesis Framework.
- TemplateMonster: Offers themes with a variety of designs and functionalities.
For tips on how to buy a WordPress theme and how to install a WordPress theme, check out our guides.
Remember, the theme selection process should align with your website’s purpose and your skill level AND if you are planning on sharpening your own skills for later builds. Happy theme hunting!