Which Themes Should a Beginner Use?

  • I’m a complete newbie to web design/Wordpress as of today, so please excuse my ignorance. I want to start a website that I can hopefully use and customise with basic WordPress skills, but don’t know which theme to use. I would like an attractive looking theme with most of the functions I need and I’m prepared to pay for a premium one with the features I’m looking for.

    The only custom additions I would foresee would be some affiliate search boxes. Should I use ThemeForest themes for a site? The WordPress themes gallery? I’ve also heard about Thesis and Studiopress/Genesis and found some nice themes. Are they still relevant in 2015? I’ve also heard about Woo Themes.

    Once I have downloaded the themes are they difficult to install and customise? Do I need to learn code?

    Once again apologies for my ignorance. Go easy on me!

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

  • Hey there abracadabra2015,

    Hope you’re well! ??

    Most of the themes are install in same way but some of it requires a plugin to achieve all functionality. My suggestion is you pick one that you think will meet your needs ( a free one ) then just learn as you go. Fortunately, there are lots of tutorials / guides for people who want to use WordPress.

    Also don’t forget that if you want some functionality like affiliate then you can visit the www.ads-software.com plugin repository to look for a plugin that will match your needs.

    Let me know if it helps! ??

    Take care,
    Calvin

    Hello abracadabra2015,

    I can understand your predicament, was in similar position myself when I started as there are tons of information and recommendations that could be found online.

    As you are new to WordPress, may I suggest you explore with the free wordpress.com so that you can get a feel and be familiar with the platform and terminology used.

    Then you can progress to see which framework would suit you, maybe Genesis or Thesis or some other. It is good to work within a framework as it separates the “skin” (or most commonly known as child themes) of your website from the engine that runs the wordpress site. Some considerations beyond the beautiful themes that they produce, do consider:

    1. Support – Is it still being supported by the framework/theme developer? Check our their support sites and forums.

    2. Pricing Strategy – Some require yearly subscription, whilst others require a one time payment. There are also free themes!. Pick something that fits your budget.

    3. Security/Update – Is the framework and theme being updated frequently and consistently?

    Hope this helps!

    Thread Starter abracadabra2015

    (@abracadabra2015)

    Dear Calvin and joygerm,

    Thanks very much for your helpful tips. I think your suggestions are right that – it’s probably best to learn to walk before I can run! I will perhaps look at starting with the 2015 theme as I’m already using www.ads-software.com and have bought hosting with Blue Host.

Viewing 3 replies - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • The topic ‘Which Themes Should a Beginner Use?’ is closed to new replies.