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WordPress Guide → Themes
What is a WordPress theme?
WordPress makes it easy to build a website, but the look and layout depend on your theme. Whether you’re launching a business site or a blog, choosing the right WordPress theme sets the foundation for your online presence.
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What is a WordPress theme?
A WordPress theme is a collection of files that control a website’s design, layout, and functionality. It determines how content appears and includes elements like colors, typography, page layouts, and more. Themes let you customize your website’s appearance without needing to code.
How a WordPress theme works
A theme works by modifying the way WordPress displays content, controlling both structure and design elements. It includes template files that define different sections of your site, such as headers, footers, sidebars, and individual page layouts.
Style rules dictate the appearance, including colors, fonts, spacing, and overall aesthetics.
Many themes come with additional settings that let you customize menus, widgets, and other interface elements through an intuitive dashboard.
Some themes also offer advanced customization features, such as built-in drag-and-drop editors or support for child themes, allowing for deeper personalization without altering core files.
Types of themes
WordPress offers two main types of themes: classic themes and block themes. Each provides a different approach to design and customization.
Classic themes
Classic themes use the traditional WordPress Customizer for editing. They rely on PHP template files to control the layout and appearance. Users make adjustments through the Customizer or theme settings panel.
Many classic themes support page builders like Elementor or WPBakery for advanced customization.
Block themes
Block themes use the WordPress Site Editor, which lets users design their entire site using blocks.
Block themes use the WordPress Site Editor, which lets users design their entire site using blocks.
Instead of relying on PHP templates, these themes allow drag-and-drop customization with the block editor. This gives users more control over layout and styling without extra plugins or coding.
Themes vs plugins
Themes define how your site looks, while plugins create additional features and functionality.
- A theme controls colors, typography, and layout.
- A plugin extends a website’s capabilities by adding elements like contact forms, SEO tools, security enhancements, or ecommerce features.
Plugins integrate with themes by embedding additional features, again, without altering the site’s core design. Some themes include more built-in functionalities than others, but using plugins gives you greater flexibility and keeps the theme focused on design.
How to choose the right WordPress theme
Choosing the right WordPress theme is a crucial step in building a successful website.
1. Clarify your audience and goals
Start by assessing your website goals and audience. Determine what you want to achieve—whether it’s showcasing a portfolio, running an online store, or providing information through a blog. Understanding your target audience will help you select a theme that resonates with their preferences and expectations.
2. See what you like!
Evaluate the design and usability of potential themes. A visually appealing theme that aligns with your brand can create an immediate connection with visitors. However, aesthetics shouldn’t overshadow functionality.
Ensure the theme is user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and easy to navigate, as these factors significantly influence user experience and retention. Look for customizable features that allow you to tailor the theme to your specific needs without extensive coding knowledge.
3. Evaluate performance
Another major criteria is performance. How performant is your theme? How quickly does it load? Is it optimized for speed with minimal HTTP requests, as well as minified stylesheets and Javascript?
Page metrics such as load speeds are crucial for your user experience and search engine rankings. And research has consistently shown that improvements in page load times correlate with improvements in conversions.
4. Check on developer activity
Lastly, consider the importance of support and updates when selecting a WordPress theme. Reliable support can be invaluable, especially if you encounter technical issues or require assistance with customizations.
Additionally, themes that are regularly updated are more likely to be compatible with the latest WordPress version and security patches, providing peace of mind as you manage your site.
Getting started with WordPress themes
Before choosing a theme, consider your website’s purpose. Do you need an ecommerce store, a portfolio, or a business site? Look for themes that match your goals and provide the customization options you need.
To get started, browse the WordPress Theme Directory or explore premium theme providers. Once you find a theme, install and activate it through your WordPress dashboard. From there, start customizing it to match your brand and content.
And when you’re ready to upgrade your WordPress.org hosting, Liquid Web can help. We’ve been providing premium WordPress hosting for decades—the fastest servers, best support, and unbeatable uptime guarantees.
Click below to explore options or start a chat with one of our WordPress experts today.
Additional resources
What is a WordPress plugin? →
A complete beginner’s guide to WordPress plugins and how to manage them
How to ask WordPress plugin developers for help →
(… and how NOT to.)
How to check if a plugin is safe →
Simple steps to evaluating a plugin before you install and activate it
Ren Ventura is a software engineer here at Liquid Web, with over 12 years of experience developing for the web. He focuses on our managed applications and making Liquid Web’s content and commerce platforms better to build on.
