Beginner’s Guide: How to Choose the Right WordPress Theme and Website Builder

Congratulations on your new website!

Now that you have purchased your hosting and domain with SirsteveHQ, it’s time to start building your website.

One of the first steps in creating a successful website is choosing the right WordPress theme and website builder. With so many options available, deciding which one to use can be overwhelming.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through selecting the perfect theme and builder for your website, so you can get started on the right foot. Let’s dive in!

Introduction to WordPress

WordPress.com is a widely-used content management system that powers millions of websites worldwide. One of the key features that make WordPress so popular is its ability to use themes to change the look and feel of a website.

WordPress themes are pre-designed templates that can be customized to suit the needs of a website owner. They are designed to give website owners a quick and easy way to create a professional-looking website without hiring a designer.

Why Choosing the Right WordPress Theme Matters

First impressions are crucial for websites as well.

Did you know that users form an opinion within a mere 50 milliseconds? This initial impression can make or break the user’s decision to stay on or leave the site altogether.

The theme you choose will play a significant role in determining your website’s success. An appealing and user-friendly theme can attract more visitors, keep them engaged, and ultimately help you achieve your online goals. On the other hand, a well-designed or appropriate theme can lead to a fast, attractive, and clear website that drives potential customers away.

Moreover, WordPress themes are well-coded, contributing to faster loading times, better search engine rankings, and improved user experience. Investing time and effort in selecting the ideal theme that aligns with your website’s purpose, content, and target audience is essential.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a WordPress Theme

1. Simplicity and Readability

Theme: Antonia

A clean and simple design can help visitors navigate your website easily, access the information they need, and have a pleasant browsing experience. Avoid themes with complex layouts, excessive animations, or cluttered elements, as these can confuse and overwhelm users. Prioritize readability by opting for themes with legible fonts, appropriate font sizes, and well-organized content.

2. Responsiveness

Theme: Peak

With the increasing use of mobile devices for browsing, choosing a responsive WordPress theme is essential. A responsive theme automatically adjusts its layout and design based on the screen size and resolution of the user’s device. This ensures that your website looks great and functions seamlessly across various devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

3. Customization Options

Theme: Outdoor Adventure

The ability to customize your theme is crucial for creating a unique and personalized website. Look for themes that offer a range of customization options, such as color schemes, font choices, layout options, and widget areas. Some themes also include a drag-and-drop page builder plugin, making it easier to modify the design and structure of your site without needing extensive coding knowledge.

4. Plugin Support

Plugins are essential for enhancing the functionality of your WordPress website. Ensure that your chosen theme is compatible with popular plugins and supports essential features like social sharing, e-commerce, contact forms, and advanced SEO optimization.

Luckily, we have a complete guide for all of our recommended plugins. The best part? They are all completely free! We also have some great tips on how to pick plugins safely and effectively.

5. SEO-Friendliness

A well-coded, SEO-friendly theme can boost your website’s search engine rankings and improve its visibility. Check the theme’s code quality by running its demo URL through the W3C Markup Validator. Additionally, look for themes that follow the best practices for on-page SEO, such as optimized headings, clean URLs, and schema markup.

6. Performance and Speed

A fast-loading website is crucial for retaining visitors and achieving higher search engine rankings. Opt for lightweight themes that minimize the use of unnecessary features or effects, and ensure that the theme’s code is clean and well-optimized for speed.

7. Updates and Support

Regular updates are essential for maintaining the security and functionality of your theme. Choose a frequently updated theme that offers reliable customer support, including setup instructions, documentation, and access to support forums.

Where to Find WordPress Themes

The first place you should go to find WordPress themes is the Official WordPress Theme Directory: The WordPress.org Themes Repository. It offers a wide range of free and premium themes, all of which have been reviewed and approved by the WordPress team.

However, some more websites offer a wide range of free/premium themes that aren’t available on the WordPress.org theme repository:

1. ThemeGrill: ThemeGrill is a premium WordPress theme marketplace with various pricing tiers available. Premium theme users receive access to a support team that responds to queries within 24 hours.
2. ThemeForest: ThemeForest is another popular marketplace for WordPress themes that allows you to sort by industry or niche. Each theme listing includes information about its last update, ensuring you choose a regularly maintained theme.
3. StudioPress: StudioPress offers a curated selection of clean and professional WordPress themes. While the search features are limited, the themes available are high-quality and optimized for performance.

How to Install a WordPress Theme

Once you’ve found the perfect theme, follow these steps to install it on your WordPress website:

To install a WordPress theme, there are two options:

Option 1: Installing a theme from the WordPress library

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.

2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes.
3. Click on the “Add New” button at the top of the page.

4. Browse the available themes or use the search bar to find a specific theme.

5. Once you have found a theme, click the “Install” button.

6. After the theme is installed, click the “Activate” button to activate the theme.

Option 2: Uploading a theme from a zip file

• Download the theme’s zip file from a trusted source.
• Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance > Themes.
• Click on the “Add New” button at the top of the page.
• Click the “Upload Theme” button at the top of the page.

• Click the “Choose File” button and select the theme’s zip file.

• Click the “Install Now” button.
• After the theme is installed, click the “Activate” button to activate the theme.

Now you can customize your theme and add content to create a stunning website.

Introduction to Website Builders

A website builder is a tool that simplifies the process of creating and designing a website without the need for extensive coding knowledge. These tools offer a user-friendly interface, pre-designed templates, and drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy for beginners to create professional-looking websites. Some website builders are standalone platforms, while others are available as plugins for popular content management systems like WordPress.

Benefits of Using a Website Builder

Using a website builder has numerous benefits, including:

1. Cost-effectiveness: Website builders are free for those who want to create a website without breaking the bank. They eliminate the need for costly web development services and can be used by anyone, regardless of their budget. They always have advanced features available for pricing, but anyone can easily create a simple website with a free website builder.
2. User-friendliness: Website builders are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces that make it easy for even non-technical users to create a website. They offer drag-and-drop functionality and pre-built templates that simplify the website creation process.
3. Customizable templates: Website builders offer a range of templates, allowing users to create a unique website that reflects their brand. Various features like global colour themes, font, and content blocks of these templates can be easily modified to suit individual needs, making it easy to create a professional-looking website without hiring a designer.
4. Enhanced functionality: Website builders offer a range of features that enhance website functionality, such as e-commerce capabilities, social media integrations, and search engine optimization tools. For example, the Elementor website builder integrates with various SEO plugins, so you can manage website SEO while building it.
5. Time-saving: With a website builder, users can create a website in hours rather than days or weeks. This can save time and effort, allowing users to focus on other aspects of their business or personal life.

Popular Website Builders for WordPress

There are several popular website builders available for WordPress, including Elementor, Beaver Builder, Divi, and WPBakery:

1. Elementor: Elementor is a powerful and the most used page builder for WordPress that offers a wide range of templates and widgets, making it easy to design unique and engaging websites. It also comes with a drag-and-drop feature and full website designs.
2. Beaver Builder: Beaver Builder is another popular WordPress page builder that provides a user-friendly interface, pre-built templates, and various customization options.
3. Divi: Divi is a versatile WordPress theme and visual page builder that allows beginners to easily create stunning websites. Its advanced design features and a vast library of pre-made layouts make it popular among beginners and professionals.
4. WPBakery Page Builder: Previously known as Visual Composer, WPBakery Page Builder is another popular drag-and-drop editor for WordPress that offers various design elements and templates to help you create unique and professional websites.

How to Choose the Right Website Builder

Choosing the right website builder can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Templates and Design Options: When choosing a website builder, it’s important to browse through their template library to find the perfect design for your website. These templates serve as a foundation for your site and can save you time in the design process.
2. Ease of use: Check for drag-and-drop functionality, pre-made blocks, and other features that make it easy to create a professional-looking website.
3. Plugin Compatibility: If you plan to use plugins on your WordPress website, make sure the website builder you choose is compatible with popular plugins and supports essential features.
4. Scalability: As you start with a free template, check if the website builder can handle the growth of your website, especially if you plan on expanding your business.
5. Pricing: All four builders mentioned offer free plans, but these come with limited functionality. If you require advanced features or customization options, upgrading to a paid plan is worth considering. Evaluate your needs and budget to choose the right pricing plan for your website.

Steps to Design a Website with Elementor Website Builder

To develop a website with a theme using Elementor, follow these steps:

1. Install and activate Elementor: Start by installing the Elementor plugin from the WordPress plugin directory. Once installed, activate the plugin on your WordPress website.
2. Choose a compatible theme: Select a theme that is compatible with Elementor. Many themes are built to work seamlessly with Elementor, offering a wide range of design options and flexibility. Astra is one such free Elementor-friendly theme that comes with various templates.
3. Install and activate the chosen theme: Install and activate Astra or your selected theme. You can do this by going to the “Appearance” section in the WordPress dashboard and selecting “Themes.” Then, click on “Add New” and upload the theme file or search for the theme in the WordPress repository.

4. Customize the theme with Elementor: Once it is activated, you can start customizing it using Elementor. Go to the page or post where you want to make changes and click on the “Edit with Elementor” button.

5. Build your website using the drag-and-drop editor: Elementor provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to create and customize your website visually. You can add sections, columns, and widgets to your page and easily rearrange them to achieve your desired layout.

6. Customize the theme’s design: With Elementor, you can customize various aspects of your design, such as fonts, colors, backgrounds, and spacing. Use the options provided by Elementor to style your website according to your preferences.
7. Add content to your website: Elementor allows you to easily add and edit content. Using the available widgets, you can add text, images, videos, buttons, and other elements. Customize the content to match your branding and desired layout.
8. Preview and publish your website: After making the necessary changes and additions, preview your website to see how it looks. Ensure that everything is displaying correctly and adjust any elements if needed. Once satisfied with the design, click on the “Publish” button to make your website live.
9. Continuously update and optimize your website: Regularly review and update it to keep it fresh and optimized. Elementor makes it easy to make changes and improvements whenever necessary.

Conclusion

Finding the right WordPress theme and website builder is essential for creating a professional and engaging website. By considering factors like simplicity, responsiveness, customization options, and plugin compatibility, you can select the perfect theme and website builder for your needs. Investing time in research and exploring different options will ensure you create a visually appealing and high-performing website that delivers results.

Remember, you don’t need to be an expert developer to create an outstanding website. With the right tools and guidance, even beginners can build a fantastic online presence that reflects their brand and engages their target audience.