Themes: Difference between revisions

33 bytes added ,  11 years ago
→‎How to pick a theme: formatting and grammar
(→‎How to pick a theme: formatting and grammar)
Line 3: Line 3:
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], "A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right." <ref>Digital Business Consultancy</ref> Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all the options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], "A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right." <ref>Digital Business Consultancy</ref> Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all the options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.
===How to pick a theme===
===How to pick a theme===
[http://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-themes/selecting-the-perfect-theme-for-wordpress/ Selecting the perfect theme] for a blog is vital to the future success of that blog. The first thing a blogger should consider when choosing a theme is the focus of the blog. For example if a blogger is working on a "How to" blog then they will want to pick a blog that is compatible with uploading pictures or video. A good example of a compatible theme for this kind of blog is a [http://www.cssigniter.com/ignite/themes/molly/ Molly Blog WP theme]. If a blogger is looking for a theme that will support a lot of text then a [http://www.elegantthemes.com/gallery/dailyjournal/ Daily journal WP theme] would be ideal because it adapts to any screen's size making it more scan-able and easy to read on any device. Picking a simple yet compatible theme is recommended for easy use in updating and ensures that it will work with multiple browsers. Functionality is key. Busy themes might look good, but they are hard to modify and not always compatible with every browser.
[http://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-themes/selecting-the-perfect-theme-for-wordpress/ Selecting the perfect theme] for a blog is vital to the future success of that blog.The main points to keep in mind when choosing a theme for your topic are compatibility with your focus, search engine optimization, and functionality. Keeping these in mind will help any blogger pick a theme that is right for their topic to provide a successful starting point.


Another thing a blogger must consider is the way a theme will appear in a search engine. Keeping search engine optimization in mind when picking a theme will give web users a better first impression of that blog.
'''The [[Narrowcasting|focus of the blog]]''' is the first thing a blogger should consider when choosing a theme. For example if a blogger is working on a "How to" blog then they will want to pick a blog that is compatible with uploading pictures or video. A good example of a compatible theme for this kind of blog is a [http://www.cssigniter.com/ignite/themes/molly/ Molly Blog WP theme]. If a blogger is looking for a theme that will support a lot of text then a [http://www.elegantthemes.com/gallery/dailyjournal/ Daily journal WP theme] would be ideal because it adapts to any screen's size making it more scan-able and easy to read on any device. Picking a simple yet compatible theme is recommended for easy use in updating and ensures that it will work with multiple browsers. Functionality is key. Busy themes might look good, but they are hard to modify and not always compatible with every browser.


A custom, theme is recommended if you want a little more design while still maintaining functionality. A free theme with a simple, professional design, which can be easily modified, is best when picking a theme. However, be aware of the terms of service. Picking a free theme has its advantages but if you're looking for more support, picking a commercial theme will provide more benefits for a one-time fee.  
'''Another thing a blogger must consider is the way a theme will appear in a search engine.''' Keeping search engine optimization in mind when picking a theme will give web users a better first impression of that blog.
 
'''If you want to maintain functionality while creating a little more design''', choose a custom theme. A free theme with a simple, professional design, which can be easily modified, is best when picking a theme. However, be aware of the terms of service. Picking a free theme has its advantages but if you're looking for more support, picking a commercial theme will provide more benefits for a one-time fee.  


The main points to keep in mind when choosing a theme for your topic are compatibility with your focus, search engine optimization, and functionality. Keeping these in mind will help any blogger pick a theme that is right for their topic to provide a successful starting point.


[[File:Screen Shot 2013-04-24 at 5.19.28 PM.png|thumb|upright=2.6|Theme details display specs]]
[[File:Screen Shot 2013-04-24 at 5.19.28 PM.png|thumb|upright=2.6|Theme details display specs]]


====Widgets====
====Widgets====
Many, but not all, Wordpress themes allow for the use of [http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-widget.htm widgets]. All themes do not offer the same amount of widget space on a blog page. Depending on the nature of a blog, this can be problematic. When browsing through, read the details of themes that fit the style of your blog. Check that widgets are supported, how many are available, and where they may be placed.  
Many, but not all, Wordpress themes allow for the use of [http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-widget.htm widgets]. All themes do not offer the same amount of widget space on a blog page. Depending on the nature of a blog, this can be problematic. When browsing through, read the details of themes that fit the style of your blog. Check what widgets are supported, how many are available, and where they may be placed.  


====Color & Background====
====Color & Background====
Line 20: Line 21:


====Menus====
====Menus====
Bloggers generally have two options for adding menus to a blog site. Some themes come with menus set in specific areas by default. If this is not an option, many themes support the creation of custom menus. This information is generally included in the [http://theme.wordpress.com/themes/bonpress/ theme details]. To create a custom menu or check for menu support, got '''Appearance -> Menus''' and make the desired changes.
Bloggers generally have two options for adding menus to a blog site. Some themes come with menus set in specific areas by default. If this is not an option, many themes support the creation of custom menus. This information is generally included in the [http://theme.wordpress.com/themes/bonpress/ theme details]. To create a custom menu or check for menu support, go to '''Appearance -> Menus''' and make the desired changes.


====Browser compatibility====
====Browser compatibility====
twitter
161

edits