This is a user generated content for MyStory, a YourStory initiative to enable its community to contribute and have their voices heard. The views and writings here reflect that of the author and not of YourStory.
Your key to success: choosing the right WordPress theme for the website
This is a user generated content for MyStory, a YourStory initiative to enable its community to contribute and have their voices heard. The views and writings here reflect that of the author and not of YourStory.
The success of your WordPress website depends on the correct theme selection. Most common people who do not understand website designing do not like to select their own theme for their website. They ask the website designer to do it for them. This article is for them. It explains the procedure of choosing the right WordPress theme for their website. It would make them very happy if it is said that there are a number of paid and free options to select a WordPress theme. It is difficult to take a decision which theme to select. This article will give you nine things to be considered so that you can choose the best WordPress theme for your website.
9 things to be considered when choosing the best theme for your website :
i.Strive for simplicity
Leonardo da Vinci has said that "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication". This, when applied to selecting a theme for your WordPress site, translates into looking for a design layout that looks good and at the same time is useful and simple. The theme should be such that your users should be able to find what they are looking for on your website, with the theme installed.
ii. Responsive is not optional anymore
Once it is said that the website is mobile friendly, it means that it will be responsive. Responsive themes tend to adjust their layouts across different screen sizes and devices. Google shows mobile-friendly websites at the top of its search engine results. Irrespective of whatever your topics, your website must be responsive and mobile-ready.
iii.Browser compatibility
It goes without saying that your users will be using other browsers, than you are using. So, your website may appear visible on your browser, but it may not appear thus on their browser. Most WordPress theme developers test the theme compatibility with various browsers. They use browser compatibility testing tools.
iv.Supported plugins
Make sure your WordPress theme supports all the popular plugins. In situations when you are unsure, you can always ask the developer about it. These plugins make it possible for you to do anything with the WordPress site. There are many plugins, some of which are must-have plugins, like Gravity Forms, Yoast SEO, W3 total cache, etc.
v.Translation + multi-lingual ready
Every website user needs to make sure that his WordPress theme is translation ready and it supports multi-lingual WordPress plugins. A number of plugins are in English language. You may be creating a website in a language other than English. It may happen that you may make plans to create a multi-lingual website.
vi.Page builders
You should select a theme for your website which can go with one of the most used page builder plugins. This page-builder can be purchased separately to use with other themes as well. Many WordPress plugins come with page builders pre-installed. Some of these page builders are used by that theme developer only.
vii.Support options for when you need help
If you use a free WordPress theme there is no support with it. Some free developers provide support along with their free themes. Most premium WordPress themes offer in-depth documentation along with one year of email-based support for one year after purchase. Before you purchase your WordPress theme, you need to be sure that it will give you good documentation and email based support.
viii.SEO friendliness
You need to check that your WordPress theme is SEO friendly. A good looking theme may be made by poorly coded HTML which in turn could affect your site's performance. Fresh web designers may not be able to check your theme's source code. However, an experienced web developer will let you know that their pages are optimized for SEO.
ix.Ratings and reviews
Good ratings and reviews are the cornerstone of a good WordPress theme. However, these ratings will only be seen if the theme is sold on a third party site. For WordPress themes, the ratings button is just below the download button. You can customize your ratings view by clicking on the required rating.
Conclusion
Therefore, there are many WordPress themes available to choose from, for your website. More themes are added on a daily basis. For any theme, support is the pillar on which the popularity of that theme depends. It is not mandatory for WordPress themes to give support and updates. However, premium WordPress themes may offer both support and updates for one-year post-purchase.