Today I want talk about one of my favourite topic:Wordpress and in particular WordPress themes!
I’m sure, sooner or later, you’ll probably start thinking on buying a WordPress theme for your blog or business website.
Free themes are great to start with, but as things evolve, your online appearance should to evolve, too.
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5 Things to Consider When Buying a WordPress Theme
In this post I want to assist you in making the right choice and choose the best theme for you. Because.. Let’s face it. There’s so much choice out there!
Even me sometimes, I find overwhelmed by the amount of themes around that it becomes difficult.
But there are some things you have to consider when buying a WordPress Theme.
1. Responsive layout
This is the number one rule. You need a theme that is responsive.
What does responsive mean?
A responsive theme means that no matter you open the website on a laptop, smartphone or another device, it adapts to the format and resolution of that device.
So for example, the homepage will shrink on a smartphone but you are still able to read the content effortlessly.
This is a must-have nowadays, as a lot of your readers will open the website both from a laptop and a smartphone.
2. Support
When you spend bucks on something “digital” like a theme, you also want to be able to have someone to help you. You know, just in the case.
That’s why I always choose themes that comes with a minimum of 6 months support.
This is a good and wise choice in case you have issue with installation or you want to change something and cannot find it in the documentation.
This way, you won’t have to spend more money for a professional in case you have to fix something. Instead, you can just use the support included in your theme.
Most of the themes I use for clients I find them on ThemeForest. They offer minimum 6 months support on all themes but you can choose to extend it to 12 months.
Click here to see some of the best choice of blogging themes I’ve picked for you so you’re sure the are good for blogging.
3. Monetisation
If you are a blogger, you are or you will be planning of inserting ads in your blog for monetisation.
When writing blog posts it’s easy doing so, as you just to have add it as a HTML text into what you’re writing.
But if you want to include ads in the “layout” of your blog, you want to make sure the theme supports monetisation.
Read carefully the features to make sure the theme has got sidebars (for example you should avoid only fullwidth theme) or text widgets (where you can paste the ad code in).
Another quick way to see if a theme support monetisation is the live preview. If you click here, you’ll see a live preview of the theme “Matilda” . You can notice it has an “Advertise” box in the sidebar on the right.
4. Read the reviews
Like you wouldn’t buy something from Amazon with just 2-star reviews, it’s the same for a WordPress Theme.
It can be the best design ever that you found around, but if the reviews show lack in support, customisation or any other issue.. stay away!!
As I said before, because you are buying a theme that is going to last for the next 2-3 years you want value.
I’ve done a list of blogging themes rated with 4 stars and more to simplify the choice. Click here to have a look. There are some great design starting as little as $29.
5. Price
You get what you pay.
That’s always true, but you don’t have to pay hundreds of $$ to get a good quality theme. On ThemeForest there are some great design starting at just $29, and I would advise to start looking for something from that price up to $50-60.
There’s no reason to spend too much, always check the features and you can find great stuff with everything you need at a fair price.
Once, I’ve worked with a $60 theme for a client and it was fantastic! The best theme I ever worked with and now I sympathise a lot for that brand too. (This is the theme I’m talking about. It’s not for blogging but it’s great for a company website).
However, there’s nothing wrong with a $99 theme. If you have the money, go for it!
Higher price themes offer unlimited support as well as access to the theme they are made from. For example the Modern Studio Pro Theme on the right, offers unlimited updates and support as well as including the Genesis Framework.
So of course, more value for more money. But if you haven’t got a big budget for a WordPress theme, themes up to $60 will work well for you.
Let’s do it
I hope you now have clearer ideas on what to consider when buying a WordPress theme. Also remember that you need to be self-hosted in order to install a theme on WordPress. If you haven’t switched yet, this post will tell you how to make a seamless switch in less than 15 minutes.
Still unsure about what WordPress theme is best for you? Ask professional advice with a personalised website audit. Click here to learn more.
>>> Get 50% off your first personalised website audit. Click here to book it now! <<<
Hi Isa, I have to honest and admit that I come to your blog first for technical advice. Your posts are very relevant to me right now as a blogger. Thanks again for teaching me something new.
Awww thank you ? it really means a lot to me, glad you find the posts helpful ? let me know if there’s a particular topic you would like me to write about!
Isa
Thank you for sharing this information! I didn’t think about checking to see if there is support before choosing a theme. That is really important, especially for people like me with no programming experience. Thanks again!
Trust me, even me as a Web Designer I needed help from the support a couple of times to tweak certain things ? it definitely worth checking to have it.
I am also a wordpress website designer, and i do agree with you! My fav theme is definitivly betheme! I do think it follow my needs and my clients too!
Betheme is a very nice theme! Absolutely it needs to follow your clients and your needs.. but clients first 🙂 It’s lovely to meet other WordPress web designers ?
This is very true insightful and helpful information for me! Thank you for sharing !! ?
https://jessierenea.com/dream-chasing-101-if-you-really-want-it-work-for-it/
Thanks Jessica, I’m glad it helped and thanks for stopping by ?
Great tips! I am considering moving from Squarespace to WordPress so I appreciate having more info when I make the switch.
Wow, that’s great.. I highly recommend you to move, you’ll have so much freedom! I moved a client’s website from Squarespace to WordPress and it was relatively easy, only had some formatting issue. I’m happy to help you if you need 🙂 I also leave you with my new post here on why and how to go self-hosted, I’m sure you’ll find it helpful for the switch.
This list is very true! I believe I paid around $60 for my layout but it is very responsive and the staff behind it are very good with replying back to my questions/emails. This list is very helpful, thanks for sharing!
☼ cabin twenty-four
Thanks for stopping by Eena, your blog theme is beautiful and if you’ve received great support it worth all the money ??
This is really helpful. I’ve been looking at getting a new theme for a while, but I wasn’t sure where to start. I’m definitely going to check out Theme Forest now! 🙂
I’m glad the post helped you to have a clearer idea ? yeah, Theme Forest have great designs as it works as marketplace for theme creators and not just one brand..They’re always my first choice ??
You’ve got some great suggestions here. Too many people choose their themes solely based on what ‘looks good’ in the moment without taking the time to consider the other factors that will impact them long term
Britt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca
I know, and it’s so annoying ? lot of clients come to me and say “I’d like that theme for my website” and then when I check it it’s total crap ? plus it wouldn’t help their business either.
I’ve been considering getting a “paid” theme, thank you for the tips!!
Kristen | kristenabroad.com
I think that I paid theme really worth if you want to take blogging to the next level! I started with a free but has soon things went “serious” I made the switch ?
Thanks for stopping by Kristen!
Awesome tips! I wish I stumbled on this post when I first migrated over to WordPress! I wanted to save money and buy some $20-30 themes off esty but it really was difficult to adjust and tweak the tiniest things. I ended up investing in a theme from a reputable designer and noticed the difference right away!
That sounds unfortunate but happened similar to me. Sometimes is better to invest a couple of bucks more and have something that will last and easy to use.
I’ve been thinking of changing my theme for a while now! These are great things to remember when I do!
It’s not always easy the decision to change theme. It took time for me too, but with this last theme that I’ve installed it really worth it!
Isa