What is a WordPress theme?
If you think of Core is the heart of WordPress, then a theme can be thought of as its backbone. A theme gives structure to a WordPress installation. It provides the look, feel, and functionality of your website.
A WordPress Theme includes:
- site design
- styles
- typography
- colors
- page and post layout templates
- archive templates
- custom post types
- custom fields
- forms
- animation
- additional stylistic and functional details
Choosing a theme
WordPress comes with several default pre-installed themes, and you can browse the thousands available in the WordPress Theme Repository. You’ll find themes there to help you achieve almost any style or layout for your website. If you’re on a budget, it makes sense to pick a free one and then modify it to suit your purposes.
You can also purchase a premium theme. Paid themes frequently include many added bells and whistles that help enhance your website and provide specific functionality.
Customization
Most themes come with various options that can be changed to alter the look and feel of the site. Depending on your choice, there may be many options or only a few.
If your chosen theme doesn’t have the customization options you’re looking for or provide necessary functionality you might want to modify it. WordPress is infinitely customizable. You can install plugins that add style and functionality, or you can edit page templates, style sheets, or PHP functions manually.
Free vs. Paid vs. Custom Themes
As you might have guessed, there’s a vast array of options available for personalizing or branding a WordPress website. Many are free or low cost. Some aren’t. It takes time to sift through the various alternatives and come up with a solution that fits your brand and individual business needs.
Frequently companies opt for WordPress sites that are 100% their own. Websites that are based entirely on a business’s brand identity and purpose stand out from out-of-box sites and create a unique user experience. A custom WordPress theme can dramatically improve lead generation and sales.
Hungry Ghost Consulting builds specialized, mission-critical themes that showcase your brand and maximize your online potential.
Check out our development packages or give us a call @ (413) 376-5947
