When creating a WordPress website for a business, one of the first steps is to choose a free, purchased, or custom theme. A WordPress theme is the basic structure, layout, and functions of your site. The selected theme will affect the site’s functionality, appearance, flexibility, security, ease of use, and speed. In our vast experience building and updating WordPress websites, we’ve learned why custom themes are the best option for most businesses.
Why Choose a CUSTOM Theme
When building a WordPress sites, in our experience, custom themes are best because they’re “lightweight”. This means the site will be fast and uncomplicated to update and use, easy to customize, and easy to add features. Custom themes enable us to marry technology, design, and control of content:
- Apply the needed technology and programming for the website to run well
- Build the site to scale for growth and changing needs
- Incorporate specific design preferences and branding requirements
While free and purchased themes may work well for some websites, we have found distinct disadvantages to them. Free themes can have security vulnerabilities and increase the chances of the website getting hacked. Purchased, pre-set themes may include non-removable features you do not want, which can cause the site to be “bloated” and run slowly. These themes can limit functionality and design, complicate updating, and restrict adding features down the road.
Adding Ecommerce or Other Advanced Functions
Unlocking advanced functionality for your WordPress site is easily achievable through a myriad of plugins. Whether it’s for SEO optimization, ecommerce, memberships, enhanced security, forms, galleries, or many other functions, these versatile add-ons cater to diverse needs, offering seamless customization without extensive coding.
For example, WooCommerce, a powerful WordPress plugin, is a versatile and user-friendly ecommerce solution. Seamlessly integrating with WordPress, it transforms websites into fully functional online stores. With a range of customizable features, including product management, secure payment gateways, and flexible shipping options, WooCommerce empowers businesses to create and manage their online presence efficiently. Its extensive library of extensions further enhances functionality, making it a popular choice for businesses seeking a reliable and scalable ecommerce solution within the WordPress ecosystem.
January 19, 2023
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