5 things to consider when choosing a WordPress theme

A few weeks ago we rolled out our new blog design—and we hope you love it as much as we do! But a surprising amount of work and time goes into choosing a new WordPress theme. You have to consider your audience, the purpose of your website, performance, and more to make an informed choice that will benefit your site. Whether you are choosing a theme for a brand new website, or you just want to give your current one an update, there are several questions you should ask yourself before making design changes to your blog.

1. Does this theme focus on user experience?

It doesn’t matter how beautiful your WordPress theme is if it makes it difficult for your user to navigate your website. Consider things like typography and font size, navigation, and search function—all of these should be optimized so you can keep your visitors interested and engaged with your content. Page loading time is also important to think about. If your website is stuffed with plugins, sliders, and full-sized images, it’s going to slow your site down. And a slow website means that some visitors will navigate away from your website before the page even loads.

2. Is this theme appropriate for my content?

The type of content you put on your website is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a theme. If you have a website dedicated to showcasing your art portfolio, a theme that uses large images and has great gallery options would be your best bet. But if you use your website to sell merchandise, it is essential to choose a theme that is made for eCommerce purposes.

3. Does this theme match my brand image?

Your website is a direct representation of your brand, and is often the first impression that a website visitor will get about you or your business. Thats why it’s important to choose a WordPress theme that represents you well. For example, if you want to convey a professional, corporate image, you probably don’t want to use purple Comic Sans for your main website font. (Actually, do us a favor and don’t ever use purple Comic Sans. Ever.)

4. Is this theme updated regularly? Does it offer user support?

WordPress themes require regular maintenance so that they will continue to function properly as the platform undergoes updates and changes. Before making a purchase, look at when the theme was last updated and if comments are responded to in a timely manner. If the last updated was in November of 2006, you’re going to be better off choosing a different theme that receives more frequent attention from the developer. Themes that offer support are also helpful in case you stumble across issues that you cannot revolve on your own.

5. Is this WordPress theme responsive?

Having a responsive theme is absolutely essential for every individual and business. Increasingly more people rely on phones or tablets for internet browsing, and websites that are not optimized for that format can be difficult to navigate. If that isn’t incentive enough, websites that are not mobile-friendly will also be penalized in Google search engine rankings, decreasing your chances of being discovered by visitors through organic search.

Choosing a WordPress theme requires careful consideration about appearance, function, and dependability. Make your website a great resource for visitors by choosing a blog design that compliments your website rather than hindering it.