This blog post was originally written by Erica Kalberer and revised by Annicka Rabida
I inform each person who comes in to the Tech Bar to set up a domain that choosing a WordPress theme is the process that will probably take the longest. This isn’t because choosing themes requires a lot of technical work or knowledge of CSS (while it could if you were well versed in such skills but I however, am not even in the slightest) but because I believe it is important to carefully choose a theme that accurately represents YOU and what you want to show the world.
In choosing a theme, it is first important to think about the overall intention of your website. Are you creating a clean, cut portfolio? Or are you creating a travel blog to showcase your study abroad experiences? Regardless of your intentions, WordPress has many themes that will help support your needs, wants, and desires of your site!
Filtering Themes
It’s also important to think about what features you desire. For example, a domain that is used for a blog may be useful with a sidebar. A sidebar allows for more content to be shown off to the side from your main content. This can either be a positive or negative feature depending on your personal preference and the intentions of your domain.
WordPress allows the ability to filter out themes based on personal preferences. In order to do this, head to “Themes” and “Add New”.
WP will redirect you to the featured themes automatically. In order to refine your search, click on the “Feature Filter” tab at the top of your screen.
Here, you’ll be able to check the boxes that correspond with your desired features. The “Subject” section narrows down themes that WordPress recommends for different domain purposes. “Features” are different ways to customize the appearance of your theme. “Layout” changes the overall look of your domain.
Once you have chosen the features you desire, click on “Apply Filters.” WordPress will narrow down different themes based on what features you have applied.
Can’t Decide?
When browsing themes, we suggest you install a bunch of themes that potentially catch your eye. To do this hover over a theme and hit “Install“.
It will then show up on your theme homepage and allow you to “Activate” one or “Live Preview” it on your site before you activate it. It’s important to play around with different themes to become acclimated with features that work best for your domain. Try different features to really get a feel how each of them work and how they will affect your domain.
Note: Themes that use full site editing will only have the “Activate” button.
It is important to remember that some themes work differently than others when you go to customize them. Choose a theme that not only looks good but is also compatible with you and your content.
Header Photo by WebFactory Ltd on Unsplash
