18 things to consider when choosing a WordPress website template
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1. Determine the purpose of your website
The first step in choosing a WordPress websites template is to clarify what your website is meant to achieve. Whether you are creating a blog, an online store, or a portfolio site, your template should align with your primary goals. A template designed for a blog may not be suitable for an e-commerce site, so it’s important to consider how well the template fits the intended function of your site.
2. Assess template responsiveness
Next, check if the template is responsive, meaning it should look good on both desktops and mobile devices. As more people browse the web on their phones and tablets, it’s important that your template adjusts smoothly to different screen sizes. A template that isn’t responsive can make your site hard to navigate on smaller devices, which could drive visitors away.
3. Consider design and layout flexibility
Look into how flexible the design and layout options are with the template. A good template will offer various customisation options so you can adjust the layout to better suit your needs. If you need to move things around or change the design, having a template that allows for these adjustments will be beneficial.
4. Review template performance and speed
The performance and speed of the template are also important factors. A template with poorly written code can slow down your website, affecting how quickly pages load. Fast-loading pages help keep visitors on your site and improve overall satisfaction, so it’s worth checking how the template performs in this regard.
5. Check compatibility with WordPress versions
Make sure the template is compatible with the latest version of WordPress. As WordPress is updated regularly, using an outdated template can lead to functionality issues or conflicts. Templates that are regularly updated are likely to be better maintained and more reliable.
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6. Look for SEO-friendly features
SEO-friendly features are another aspect to consider. Some templates come with built-in tools that help with search engine optimisation, such as clean code or structured data. These features can make a difference in how well your site ranks in search engine results.
7. Evaluate support and updates
Consider the level of support and updates provided by the template developer. Good support can help you resolve any issues that arise, while regular updates ensure that the template remains compatible with the latest WordPress changes. Check if the developer offers support and how frequently updates are released.
8. Investigate plugin compatibility
It’s also worth checking whether the template is compatible with popular plugins. Plugins extend the functionality of your site, so having a template that works well with them can be very useful. Look for templates that support essential plugins you might need.
9. Examine customisation options
Review the customisation options available with the template. Some templates allow for extensive changes to colours, fonts, and layouts, while others may be more rigid. Depending on how much control you want over the look of your site, choose a template that offers the right level of customisation.
10. Test for browser compatibility
Browser compatibility is another important factor. A template should work well across various browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Testing how the template looks on different browsers will help ensure that all visitors see your site as intended, regardless of their browser choice.
11. Review template documentation
Good documentation can make setting up and managing your template much easier. Check if the template comes with clear and comprehensive guides or tutorials. This will help you understand how to use and customise the template effectively.
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12. Consider the template’s design and style
The design and style of the template should align with your brand’s identity. Choose a template that reflects the look and feel you want for your site. A well-chosen design can support your brand and make your site more memorable to visitors.
13. Assess pricing and licensing
Look into the pricing and licensing options for the template. Templates can be free or come with a cost, and it’s important to understand what you are getting with each option. Check what the licence covers and whether it suits your needs.
14. Check for included widgets and shortcodes
Templates that include widgets and shortcodes can offer added functionality. Widgets might help you display extra content or features, while shortcodes can simplify the process of adding elements to your pages. Evaluate what is included and how it can benefit your site.
15. Review user feedback and ratings
User feedback and ratings can provide valuable insights into the template. Reading reviews from other users can reveal potential issues or advantages you might not have considered. Pay attention to what others are saying to get a better idea of the template’s performance.
16. Test the demo version
Testing a demo version of the template is a good way to assess its suitability. Many templates offer demo versions that let you see how they work in practice. Explore the demo to get a feel for the template’s features and how well it meets your requirements.
17. Evaluate the quality of customer support
The quality of customer support is an important factor to consider. Look into the types of support available and how responsive the team is. Reliable support can help you resolve any issues quickly and keep your site running smoothly.
18. Consider the template’s scalability
Finally, think about how scalable the template is. As your website grows, the template should be able to handle increased traffic and additional content. Choose a template that can accommodate future changes and expansions without compromising performance.
Selecting the right WordPress template involves careful consideration of various factors, from responsiveness and performance to design flexibility and support. By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, you can find a template that fits your needs and helps your website succeed.
For more insights on creating an eCommerce website, finding a good WordPress web designer, or understanding the cost of WordPress website design, check out the relevant resources. Additionally, learning how to make your WordPress site look professional and exploring various WordPress services can help you achieve your goals. If you are interested in creating a website using HTML, there are specialized experts available to assist. Understanding the benefits of using WordPress templates can also aid in making informed decisions.
FAQs WordPress websites templates
How to create WordPress website templates?
Creating WordPress website templates involves designing custom layouts and styles that can be reused for different pages or websites. This typically requires knowledge of HTML, CSS, PHP, and WordPress theme development. You can start by designing the layout, then coding the template files, and finally integrating them into a WordPress theme.
What steps to create WordPress website templates?
To create WordPress website templates, follow these steps:
- Plan the Design: Sketch out the layout and design of your template.
- Set Up a Development Environment: Use tools like XAMPP or MAMP to create a local WordPress installation.
- Create Template Files: Use HTML, CSS, and PHP to create the necessary template files. Common files include header.php, footer.php, and page.php.
- Integrate with WordPress: Use WordPress functions and hooks to integrate your template files into a WordPress theme.
- Test Your Template: Ensure that your template works correctly on different devices and browsers.
- Package and Distribute: Package your template as a theme or plugin for distribution.
Who can create WordPress website templates?
WordPress website templates can be created by web designers and developers with knowledge of HTML, CSS, and PHP. Experienced WordPress developers, web design agencies, and freelancers are typically capable of creating custom templates. Additionally, DIY enthusiasts with some technical skills can also create templates using page builders and theme frameworks.
Why create WordPress website templates?
Creating WordPress website templates allows for consistent design and functionality across multiple pages or websites. It saves time by reusing design elements and ensures a cohesive look and feel. Templates also provide flexibility, making it easier to update and manage the design of your website without starting from scratch each time.
How to create a WordPress website template?
To create a WordPress website template, you need to design the layout using HTML and CSS, then convert it into PHP files that WordPress can use. Start by creating a basic HTML structure, style it with CSS, and then break it into parts like header, footer, and content. Integrate these parts with WordPress functions and hooks, and save them as .php files in a theme directory.
What would create a WordPress website template?
Creating a WordPress website template involves using tools like a code editor (such as Visual Studio Code), a local development environment (like XAMPP or MAMP), and a basic understanding of WordPress theme structure. It also requires knowledge of HTML, CSS, and PHP to build and customize the template files.
What are the best tools to create WordPress website templates?
The best tools to create WordPress website templates include:
- Code Editors: Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, or Atom.
- Local Development Environments: XAMPP, MAMP, or Local by Flywheel.
- Design Tools: Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma for designing the layout.
- WordPress Theme Frameworks: Underscores, Genesis Framework, or ThemeForest starter themes.
- Page Builders: MaxiBlocks, Beaver Builder, or MaxiBlocks for creating templates without extensive coding.
WordPress itself
Official Website
wordpress.org – This is the official website for WordPress, where you can download the software, find documentation, and learn more about using it.
WordPress Codex
codex.wordpress.org/Main_Page – This is a comprehensive documentation resource for WordPress, covering everything from installation and configuration to specific functionality and troubleshooting.
WordPress Theme Directory
wordpress.org/themes – The official WordPress theme directory is a great place to find free and premium WordPress themes. You can browse themes by category, feature, and popularity.
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Kyra Pieterse
Author
Kyra is the co-founder and creative lead of MaxiBlocks, an open-source page builder for WordPress Gutenberg.
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