Congrats on your WordPress website, now it’s time to choose the theme that presents your brand’s message to the globe.  With over 75 million WordPress websites around the world, this article will help you join them by showing you how to choose and install the right theme that reflects your goals and desired tone to the audience. Upwards of 20,000 free and premium WordPress themes are available, so choosing the right one for your website can be challenging, but no worries, we are here to lend a hand.

How do WordPress Themes Work?

WordPress websites require three essential elements: the WordPress core code, plugins, and themes. The free and open-source WordPress core delivers a framework with vital features for creating a basic WordPress website, however, customizing that website depends on the owner’s choices of themes and plugins to control the appearance and specialized functions. Different combinations of these elements account for the enormous variation in WordPress sites, from small personal blogs to the complex sites of huge corporations.

WordPress themes are sets of extra code installed on the WordPress core. Every WordPress site requires a theme to function. The chosen theme determines the appearance and layout of your WordPress site. It also provides you with WordPress theme customization to present your brand to your niche as you desire. Some themes provide additional features designed to support specific niches, such as eCommerce or photography.

How to choose the right theme

The right WordPress theme depends on various factors such as your website’s objectives. You need to determine your website vision, what you wish to project to the world. Choosing the right theme also depends on your level of skill. How much time can you devote to this activity? Also, consider if it’s the best use of your time as a business owner or if it’s something to delegate. Additionally, you need to factor in your overall budget and calculate all the necessary features you desire.

Almost 60 percent of Google searches are now carried out on a mobile device. So, you’ll want a mobile responsive theme that looks wonderful on all screen sizes. Do you need a theme that offers a variety of templates and customization options for the future? After you ask these sorts of questions, then you can begin to develop a picture in your mind to guide you in making the best theme choice.

WordPress theme customization

This is your chance to determine how your target market will experience your brand. It’s about communicating with your intended audience. WordPress themes are available for all skill levels, so it’s smart to choose wisely. Consider your website purpose, how can you communicate your vision to the audience.  Whatever theme you decide on, your site may require plugins in order to add all your desired features. For instance, eCommerce themes may include product pages and shopping cart features. Take time to ensure that your theme is compatible with key WordPress plugins for things like site security, comment management, and eCommerce. Popular, high-quality WordPress plugins are constantly updated, so it’s crucial that your theme is compatible with the latest version and can accommodate updates as they appear.

Types of WordPress Themes

Free Themes You have a choice from thousands of free WordPress themes, available both from the WordPress.Org Theme Directory and numerous other sources. If you’re on a budget, a free WordPress theme can provide essential functionality for free.

Multipurpose Premium Themes In addition to free themes, there are reasonably priced premium themes available from many internet sources. Today, the fastest-growing segment in premium themes is the multipurpose theme. This type of theme is designed to offer the latest styles, designs, and technical advances and is suited for almost any type of website. These themes are extremely feature-rich without the need to hire designers and developers. Even though multipurpose themes are not free, they can often save money in the long run. They provide great-looking websites more quickly than some sites without help from design professionals.  There are trade-offs. The learning curve is a steep one. The software provides so many features, new users can become overwhelmed.

Single-Purpose Premium Themes There are also single-purpose premium themes designed to support specific business models. Themes designed exclusively for real estate agencies are an example of this type of theme. Often these themes come with custom plugins to add features, such as an interface for MLS data in a real estate theme. Purchasing a theme of this type can require some serious study. You are often not only buying a website theme but also workflow designed for your specific business type. This may mean changing your current procedures to match those provided by the theme.

Framework-Based Themes The last type of theme I’ll discuss the framework-based theme. These themes provide a very basic core designed to support added functionality. As a developer, this is my favorite theme type but I wouldn’t suggest it to a first-time website builder. Any desired features and functions can be added to build a fast loading, robust website but each added feature requires the addition of code to the framework.

Regardless the type of WordPress theme you decide to use, there should be plenty of theme authors and vendors to choose from.

How to Install WordPress Themes

You can install themes directly from your site’s admin dashboard using the WordPress Theme Directory found at Dashboard > Appearance > Themes and then click the Add New button at the top left of the page. Users can search for themes by subject, specific features, and layouts.

Themes can also be downloaded for free or purchased from a global community of WordPress authors. WordPress is free, open-source software, anybody can design themes and plugins and offer them via online marketplaces, individual websites, or independent design sites. I suggest you always use reputable sources like the WordPress.com theme repository and other high-profile theme authors and vendors. Be especially concerned if you find a premium theme being given away by someone other than the original authors.

It’s not uncommon to see premium themes and plugins available for free. These stolen or nulled themes have their purchase keys removed and are filled with malware. Nulled themes are the third greatest threat to WordPress safety and security. For more information about the dangers of pirated and nulled software and why it’s important you not use it, see our article “Wordfence’s Latest About Security“.

Themes can be installed using the admin dashboard. To install a theme from the WordPress Theme Directory, simply choose the theme you want and click “Install.” Once the theme files have been installed, activate the theme and begin customizing its features. To install a theme purchased or downloaded elsewhere, follow the directions provided by the theme authors.

Conclusion

Selecting and installing the right theme is an important key to online success. The right theme will present your brand and message in its best light. It should be simple for you to use and maintain, and of course, be visually appealing to your audience. After making sure a theme will help to meet your business goals, look look at your shortlist for the most feature-rich themes. Having the latest in technology and style will help prevent your site from prematurely showing its age.