There are many criteria that go into picking a WordPress theme. A WordPress theme is a feature in WordPress that allows you to change the appearance and layout of your WordPress website. WordPress comes with a few sample themes to get your started but to make your website look unique, you may want to install a different theme. One of the key benefits of WordPress is that the content and layout are stored separately so you can change your theme without needing to update your content.
Price
The first criteria is price. There are free and paid themes. There is nothing wrong with a free theme but the theme designer may not update the theme when WordPress is updated or be available for help if you run into a problem. Unfortunately, some free themes may be infected with viruses or malware so you need to pick your theme for a trusted source. Fortunately, WordPress itself offers a directory of themes you can download. The themes listed show who built the theme, when it was last updated, how many installations and a review rating. These all can help you determine if a theme is good. Low numbers aren’t bad but I recommend picked a theme with high value for number of installation and a theme that was updated recently.
Paid theme are fine too. They typically are updated more frequently and you get some type of support. A good source is Themeforest.
Deciding with theme to pick is the hardest part. There are too many to pick from. You want one that fits the content your are trying to display on your website. You also want one with enough options to customize it they want you want. Again, there are just too many to choose from.
Page Builder Themes
One additional things make your decision more complicated is themes that include “page builders”. Page builders allow you to completely control the look of all elements on a web page and typically the entire website. This control allows you to completely forgo the limitations of many of features of WordPress and build a website completely in the layout and appearance you want without having to learn programming. But, once you pick a theme with a page builder, it is not that easy and sometimes impossible to switch themes without rebuilding all your content.
Suggestions
So, how do you pick a WordPress theme? My suggestion is two-fold. First, if you are planning on a simple website with a few web pages and a blog, go with a free theme from the WordPress directory. Spend a few minutes going through looking for a theme that speaks to you in layout and appearance. But, don’t spend too long looking or you will get overwhelmed. Just pick one and start building your website. With this method, you can easily change your mind if your find the theme lacking because the content won’t need to be changed.
Second, if you are planning a large website, I would suggest going with a page builder so you have the most flexibility. You loose the ability to change themes but the page builder should give you enough control of layout and appearance that you can change your mind and still be able to accomplish your goals. There will be a longer learning curve but you will have options in the end.
Custom Themes
On a final note, what about a “custom” theme? A custom theme is typically designed from scratch for you from a web developer and gives you the ultimate in control. If you really need that for your website and are willing to pay, then that is an option. But, if you ever want to make changes, you have to go back to that web developer. In my opinion, there are enough options with page builder themes to make any website layout your want. If you need help, you can hire someone with experience in that page builder so you aren’t tied to a single web developer for updates to your website.
Summary
To summarize, picking a WordPress theme gives you the ability to control the layout and appearance of your website. If you have a small website, go with a free theme that is frequently updated and used by many people. If you want a larger website with more options, purchase a page builder theme. But, just pick a theme and get started building your website. Website appearance and layout change with the times but the content on your website is the most important part of your website.
