How to Choose Your WordPress Themes

WordPress Themes as an over all subject can get pretty deep fast. Keeping the Newbie in mind I am going to make it as simple as possible for you to get started.

The WordPress blogging format provides the meat and bones of your blog. A WordPress theme gives you the look and function you want.

What to consider when choosing your theme.

• Purpose of your blog: If you are blogging to make money you will want to make sure your theme has room for ads in the side bar

• Color: By survey, the color of a blog is the most important feature. Look for a color you like or one that fits your niche. With some technical help you should be able to change the color of any theme.

• Navigation: Check closely at how well the theme navigates. How easy is it to get around on the blog? Where are the features you want to stand out? View the theme as if you are a reader coming to your blog.

• Browser Friendly: Will the theme work with all of the well known browsers; Saffari, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Netscape.

• Reputable Designer: You want to choose a theme that comes from a reputable designer. How a theme is coded is as important as how the theme looks

• Growing: Can you grow with this theme? As you ability grows is there room for you with the theme you choose?

Free Themes vs.Premium Themes.

I asked Maki of Dosh Dosh, What makes a Premium theme?

“A premium theme is usually a theme that comes with support (the theme producer might be more willing to answer questions about it). There is absolutely no problem with using free WP themes. Many of them are very well coded and can be easily customized.

I recommend checking out the WordPress Theme Directory: http://wordpress.org/extend/themes/ “

WordPress Theme Directory has 812 Free WordPress themes available. These free themes have been checked out and approved by WordPress.

Check out the different themes. Remember to keep in mind what you like in a theme and how a reader will view and use your site. Be sure to use the Demos to find the theme that is right for you.

If you feel you need support, pick a premium theme.

For Premium themes I recommend:

Woo Themes – “At WooThemes you will find some of the most cutting edge WordPress template, packed full of features, presented beautifully with clean layouts, slick colour palettes and neat typography.” All premium themes are buy one and get the second theme for free. You will also find some really great free themes.

Elegant Themes – Some of the most beautiful themes with all of the back end coding you could ask for. Such a great deal! You can choose from a gallery of themes, and use as many themes as you like for only $19.95 a year. This is much better that going for most free WordPress themes.

When you are checking out themes look for features you want on your blog. Remember to keep in mind how your readers will view and use your blog. Get in and use the Demos of the themes.

To your success,

Sheila

P.S. Dosh Dosh has a really good free theme, especially if you are putting up niche sites with adsense.

P.S.S. Now I have to admit I am a Thesis Theme nut. I love my theme. It is easy to work with and the support forum is great! More on Thesis in the future. Have fun choosing your WordPress Theme.

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