How to Select the Best WordPress Theme (Dos and Don'ts of 2024)

Picking a WordPress theme isn’t just about finding the prettiest design (though that’s certainly part of the fun). You need to pick a theme that not only looks great but also supports your website’s goals and grows with you. This makes choosing a WordPress theme quite the adventure.

I’ve seen themes come and go, watched trends rise and fall, and our team has even helped countless WordPress users find their perfect theme match.

In this post, I’m going to share my tried-and-true dos and don’ts for choosing the best WordPress theme.

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Now let’s check out the dos and don’ts of selecting a WordPress theme.

The Dos of Choosing a WordPress Theme

Let’s dive into the key things you should do to ensure you pick a winner that not only looks great but also supports your site’s goals and growth.

Do Define Your Website’s Purpose

Before you start browsing through themes, be clear on what your website is about. Are you showcasing a portfolio, running an online store, or starting a blog? I can’t stress enough how important this step is. Knowing your site’s purpose will guide you toward themes that are designed for your specific needs.

When you’re choosing a theme inside the WordPress theme repository, you’ll see a filter that lets you view themes by subject.

You can choose to view themes related to blogs, eCommerce, education, entertainment, food & drink, holiday, news, and more. This helps you narrow down your search.

Even on third-party websites and marketplaces, you’ll be able to find themes based on your site’s niche.

Do Prioritize Responsive Design

Millions of users browse the internet on their phones. Added to that, Google prioritizes sites that are mobile-friendly. So a responsive theme isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential.

Look for themes that automatically adjust to different screen sizes. I always recommend testing potential themes on various devices.

Do Check for Regular Updates and Support

A theme that looks great today but hasn’t been updated in years is a ticking time bomb. I’ve learned this the hard way! Look for themes with recent updates and active support. It’s a good sign that the developers are committed to maintaining and improving their products.

I’ve found that when developers provide you with tutorials and documentation, it can turn a potentially frustrating experience into a smooth one. Don’t settle for themes with little or no documentation.

Do Consider Performance and Speed

A beautiful theme that slows down your site isn’t doing you any favors. I always look for lightweight themes optimized for speed. Remember, every second counts when it comes to keeping visitors on your site.

You can find out if a theme is lightweight and built for speed in its description or features list.

A slow website will drive visitors away. Avoid themes that are bloated with unnecessary features or poorly optimized code. I always recommend testing a theme’s demo on tools like Google PageSpeed Insights before making a decision.

Learn more about how to speed up your website »

Do Ensure Compatibility with Popular Plugins

If you’re planning to use specific plugins (like WooCommerce for an online store), make sure your chosen theme plays nice with them.

Generally popular plugins that are used by millions of WordPress users include WPForms, Elementor, AIOSEO, SeedProd, and MonsterInsights. Get the full list of Must-Have WordPress Plugins Here »

I’ve found that many quality themes advertise their compatibility with popular plugins – this can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Do Read User Reviews and Ratings

User reviews can give valuable insights you wouldn’t otherwise get. You can learn a lot from someone else’s experience.

So be sure to check the reviews of a theme. You’ll find them alongside the theme details.

I always pay attention to comments about ease of use, customization options, and the quality of support. These real-world experiences can be incredibly helpful in making your decision.

Remember, choosing a WordPress theme is an important decision, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Take your time, consider these dos, and you’ll be well on your way to finding a theme that’s perfect for your website.

In the next section, we’ll cover the don’ts of theme selection – equally important points that can help you avoid common pitfalls.

The Don’ts of Choosing a WordPress Theme

Keep in mind, this list isn’t exhaustive. There are plenty of things you need to look out for but based on my experience, these are the major things that can impact your site in a big way.

Don’t Choose Based on Looks Alone

I know it’s tempting to go for the theme that makes your heart skip a beat, but looks aren’t everything. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that a visually stunning theme can fall short in functionality. Remember, your theme needs to work hard for you, not just look pretty.

Don’t Ignore Customization Options

Flexibility is key when it comes to WordPress themes. I always advise against themes with limited customization features. You want a theme that can grow and change with your needs.

You may want to rebrand, switch your niche, or change the style! We all need the ability to tweak colors, fonts, and layouts without diving into code.

Don’t Ignore Your Budget

While it’s tempting to go for the most feature-packed premium theme, be realistic about your budget. In my experience, there are plenty of excellent free WordPress themes out there. However, if you do opt for a premium theme, consider it an investment in your website’s future.

Don’t Rush Your Decision

Lastly, don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision. Take your time, explore your options, and even try out a few themes if possible. Remember, changing themes later can be a bit of a hassle, so it’s worth getting it right from the start.

Avoiding these common pitfalls can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. Trust me, I’ve been there, and these lessons come from real-world experience.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all these dos and don’ts, don’t worry! It’s natural to have questions when you’re navigating the world of WordPress themes. We created WP101 to help you with your WordPress journey.

When you join WP101 with an All Access Pass, you can enroll in all our current and future WordPress 101 courses. You also get access to the members-only forum where you can post questions and get answers quickly from our WordPress experts.

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Now if you’re looking for recommendations, I’ll give you the most popular and best theme options out there.

Popular WordPress Themes To Consider

1. SeedProd

SeedProd is a fantastic WordPress plugin with theme kits, a theme builder, a page builder, as well as built-in coming soon and maintenance mode.

It’s got a powerful drag-and-drop builder that’s perfect for websites of all levels.

There are 300+ premade theme kits and page templates giving you a range of options to choose from to create a site that’s unique.

Once you pick a theme kit, customize it with readymade blocks and sections, and you’re good to go!

The free version is ideal for one-page websites like portfolios, while the premium version lets you import entire premade websites with just one click.

2. ThriveThemes

Thrive Themes, comes with a variety of professionally designed templates. Thrive Themes’ focus is on creating conversion-optimized websites, so their theming solution is particularly appealing to marketers, online business owners, and those who want granular control over their site’s design without needing to code.

You get the Thrive Theme Builder to create custom WordPress themes without coding.

Thrive Themes also offers a comprehensive set of tools aimed at helping website owners create conversion-focused websites.

3. Astra

Astra has been a game-changer since its launch in 2017. Born out of the need for a truly great free WordPress theme, Astra offers lightning-fast performance, easy customization options, and versatility for all kinds of websites.

With Astra’s Starter Template plugin, you can import premade demo sites with all the right pages already set up. It plays well with popular page builders like Elementor, SeedProd, and Beaver Builder, making it perfect for beginners who want a beautiful website without diving deep into WordPress design.

4. OceanWP

OceanWP is a true multipurpose theme. You can use it to build a blog, business site, portfolio, or even an eCommerce store. Its theme customizer lets you tweak almost every aspect of your site’s appearance without touching code.

Built with performance in mind, OceanWP is lightweight and optimized for speed. While the core theme is free, some advanced features are part of the pro version.

Pro Tip: If you’ve seen a site with a theme you like and you want to find out what theme they’re using, you can use free tools like WPBeginner’s Theme Detector or IsItWP. Simply enter the website’s URL and the tool will tell you which theme they’re using.

For more popular picks, here are roundups of the best themes:

Now let’s tackle questions which many of our users have asked us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Choose the Best WordPress Theme

1. What should I consider when choosing a WordPress theme?

When selecting a WordPress theme, consider the following factors:
– Purpose and niche of your website
– Responsive design for mobile devices
– Customization options
– Loading speed and performance
– SEO-friendliness
– Compatibility with popular plugins
– Regular updates and support
– User reviews and ratings

2. Should I choose a free or premium WordPress theme?

Both free and premium themes have their advantages:

Free themes:
– No cost
– Good for beginners or small projects
– Generally limited features and support

Premium themes:
– More features and customization options
– Regular updates and dedicated support
– Generally better code quality and security

Choose based on your budget, needs, and long-term goals for your website.

3. How can I ensure the theme I choose is compatible with popular plugins?

Look for themes that explicitly state compatibility with popular plugins like WooCommerce, AIOSEO, or page builders like Elementor. You can also check user reviews or contact the theme developer to inquire about specific plugin compatibility.

4. What role does page speed play in choosing a WordPress theme?

Page speed is crucial for user experience and SEO. Choose a lightweight theme with clean code. You can test potential themes using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to ensure they don’t negatively impact your site’s loading time.

5. How often should a WordPress theme be updated?

Look for themes that are updated regularly, ideally every few months. Regular updates indicate active development, ensuring compatibility with the latest WordPress version and addressing potential security vulnerabilities.

6. Is it better to choose a multipurpose theme or a niche-specific theme?

This depends on your needs:

Multipurpose themes:
– Offer versatility for various website types
– Generally have more features and customization options
– May be more complex to set up

Niche-specific themes:
– Designed for particular industries or website types
– Often include industry-specific features
– Usually easier to set up for their intended purpose

Choose based on your specific needs and technical expertise.

7. How important is theme documentation and support?

Good documentation and support are crucial, especially for beginners. Look for themes with comprehensive documentation, video tutorials, and responsive customer support. This can save you time and frustration when setting up and maintaining your site.

8. Can I change my WordPress theme later?

Yes, you can change your WordPress theme at any time. However, it’s best to choose a theme you’re happy with from the start to avoid potential issues with content formatting and layout when switching themes later.

Remember, the best WordPress theme for you will depend on your specific needs, technical skills, and the purpose of your website. Take your time to research and compare different options before making a decision.

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That’s the guide on how to choose the perfect WordPress theme for your site.

To help you launch your site for free, we’ve also put together lists of the Best Free Web Hosting Companies and Ultimate Guide: 40+ Top WordPress Plugins You Need.

Also, you’ll want to read our Ultimate WordPress Toolkit: Everything You Need For Your Website.

How to Choose the Best WordPress Theme (Dos and Don’ts)