💡 KEY INSIGHTS
Ever looked at your WordPress site and thought, 'It's nice, but it could be more me'? You're not alone. Tweaking a WordPress theme with all those online guides and tips seems easy. But when you dive in, you realize it's not just about changing a few colors or fonts.
Want a site that really pops and feels uniquely yours? That's where the pros come in.
In this article, we explore why professional help can transform your WordPress theme from standard to stunning.
Important disclosure: we're proud affiliates of some tools mentioned in this guide. If you click an affiliate link and subsequently make a purchase, we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (you pay nothing extra). For more information, read our affiliate disclosure.
How To Customize Your WordPress Theme
If your newly installed WordPress theme is not entirely to your liking, it's natural to feel exasperated. Fortunately, WordPress themes offer numerous customization possibilities to tailor them to your needs.
Understanding your options is key before altering your theme. Here’s a rundown of these options:
For code editing, options range from the block editor to the Customizer and direct file editing. We’ll explore these in this article, starting with the simplest: plugin installation.
Do You Need to Customize Your Theme?
Sometimes, a plugin installation suffices instead of theme customization.
Themes define your site's design and content presentation. Plugins extend functionality.
Before editing your theme's functions.php file, consider the following:
- Is this functionality something you'd want to retain across different themes?
- If yes, implement it via a plugin, not the theme.
Plugins are apt for tasks like adding widgets, custom post types, custom fields, and additional features like ecommerce or SEO tools.
Customizing Your WordPress Theme via the WordPress Admin Screens
The admin screens might suffice if your desired changes are design-related and straightforward. The Customizer offers various theme-tweaking options, depending on the theme. Avoid the Editor in the Appearance menu, as we’ll explain.
1. Customizing via the Customizer
Access it by clicking the Customize link in the admin bar when viewing your site or by navigating to Appearance > Customize in the admin screens.
Themes vary in customization options, with newer ones typically offering more. Customizing a theme that meets your needs might achieve your desired design and layout.
2. The Theme Editor (and Why to Avoid It)
You might notice the Theme Editor in your admin screens, which are accessed via Appearance > Theme Editor.
However, avoid this approach. Even if you're proficient in CSS or PHP, this method poses risks:
Editing a third-party theme can result in a loss of changes upon theme updates (which are crucial for security). |
Any erroneous change can break your site without a safety net. |
For code edits, use a code editor and test changes on a WordPress staging site. For third-party themes, use a child theme. More on these methods later. |
3. Customizing with Page Builders and Frameworks
Many WordPress themes offer customization via the Customizer. However, theme frameworks and page builders provide further customization capabilities.
4. Customizing with a Page Builder
Page Builder plugins simplify site design through a user-friendly interface.
Install a compatible page builder plugin and design your site to your liking. Elementor is a well-known example, but there are other options.
Page builders facilitate unique, drag-and-drop page designs. They can ease the process if you’re transitioning from a platform like Wix to WordPress.
5. Customizing with a Theme Framework
Theme frameworks are collections of inter-compatible themes. They have a parent theme and various child themes for further customization, often including drag-and-drop interfaces.
6. Editing Your WordPress Theme’s Code
Direct code editing can offer the most control if you’re adept at CSS and/or PHP.
For site-specific themes, edit directly. For third-party themes, create a child theme to preserve changes during updates.
7. Editing Theme Files
Understanding which theme files control specific aspects is crucial.
The Stylesheet (style.css)
contains all the styling codes. Edits here can change colors, fonts, and more. Use your browser’s inspector to understand CSS effects.
The Functions File (functions.php)
is key for theme features. Consider creating a plugin for any added functionality intended to persist across themes.
The Theme Template Files
dictate content output based on the template hierarchy. Editing or adding these files can alter content display.
8. Customizing a Third-Party Theme With a Child Theme
When using a third-party theme on your website and planning to modify its code, it's essential to establish a child theme.
Direct edits to the theme can be lost when updating the theme, which is a recommended practice.
To create a child theme, follow these steps:
- Make a new folder in wp-content/themes.
- In this folder, generate a stylesheet and specify that it's a child theme of your current theme.
- Place the files you wish to alter in the child theme folder and modify them there.
- Enable the child theme on your website.
WordPress prioritizes files from the child theme when presenting content unless the parent theme has a higher hierarchy file. If both themes have the same file, WordPress will use the child theme's version, allowing your modifications in the child theme to supersede those in the parent theme.
Best Practices for Customizing WordPress Themes
When customizing your theme:
Advantages & Disadvantages Of Custom WordPress Themes
As you prepare to develop your WordPress site, an early decision involves selecting the right approach for your site's design. WordPress themes serve as the groundwork for your site, and you have three primary choices:
- Free or paid pre-designed themes
- Theme builders
- Custom-created themes
1. Opting for Pre-designed Themes
Ideal for startups or small organizations with minimal budgets, pre-designed themes are either free or affordably priced, offering immediate deployment. These themes allow customization of colors, images, and content to your liking.
However, these templates might restrict you due to limited features and adaptability, possibly not fully realizing your envisioned design. Also, the ubiquity of these themes means your site may not stand out. Limited in customization without web development skills, you'd often depend on the theme creators for updates or pay for developer assistance or a maintenance plan.
2. Choosing Theme Builders
Tools like Divi, Elementor, and WP Bakery provide a versatile foundation for website construction. They offer customizable templates and rich features like drag-and-drop interfaces and form builders. Yet, if these features are underused, they may overload your site.
The surplus code in theme builders can slow down your website and complicate the admin interface with unnecessary elements.
3. Going for Custom Themes
Custom themes deliver precisely what you envision, from design to functionality, ensuring support and limitless possibilities. Such themes eliminate unwanted elements, ensuring a tailored solution.
Custom themes avoid the excess code associated with theme builders and pre-designed themes, enhancing website speed. However, they require careful development to avoid issues common with other theme types.
Encountering Issues with WordPress Themes
Challenges such as plugin conflicts, outdated plugins, or compatibility issues with new WordPress updates and browsers can arise regardless of the theme type.
Pre-designed Themes: | Support may be scarce, as many are released and not updated. |
Theme Builders: | Often backed by dedicated teams or communities, they may offer better support. |
Custom Themes: | Regular support is a highlight, but remember to factor in a maintenance plan for optimal performance. |
Maintaining Themes
Custom themes offer unparalleled customization and user experience but at a higher cost and development time. They demand ongoing support and updates and may not always align with the latest WordPress versions.
The decision between pre-built and custom themes hinges on your specific needs and budget. Custom themes suit those needing bespoke features and performance, while pre-built options or theme builders are more viable for constrained budgets.
How Toptal Experts Save You Time & Stress
Tackling a WordPress theme customization on your own can quickly become time-consuming and stressful.
This is where Toptal experts come into play, offering a seamless and hassle-free solution.
- Expertise at Your Fingertips:
Toptal's professionals are seasoned in the nuances of WordPress. They understand the platform inside out, ensuring that your customization needs are met efficiently and effectively. This expertise means they can quickly identify the best solutions, avoiding the trial-and-error approach that often accompanies DIY attempts.
- Tailored to Your Vision:
One of the biggest advantages of working with Toptal experts is their ability to translate your ideas into reality. They take the time to understand your vision and goals for your site, ensuring the result is functional and aligns perfectly with your personal or brand identity.
- Time-Saving Benefits:
Customizing a WordPress theme involves a lot of intricate steps – from coding to design. Toptal experts handle all these aspects, freeing up your time. Instead of spending hours (or even days) trying to figure out complex code, you can focus on other important aspects of your business or content creation.
- Stress-Free Process:
With Toptal, you're not just hiring a freelancer but partnering with a professional who takes the stress off your shoulders. They manage the technical challenges and keep you updated, turning what could be a daunting task into a smooth, worry-free experience.
- Quality and Reliability:
Lastly, the quality of work you receive from Toptal experts is top-notch. Their professionals are vetted and proven, ensuring your WordPress site is not only aesthetically pleasing but also reliable and user-friendly.
Toptal WordPress Development Services
Companies and startups use Toptal's WordPress specialists to enhance their development teams, focusing on WordPress theme customization, web development, and various WordPress-related projects.
Custom WordPress Development: | Through custom WordPress development, the full potential of WordPress is unlocked by creating custom plugins and API integrations. Their team of experts assists in building from the ground up or integrating into existing teams to craft world-class websites. |
Design and Front-end (Themes): | The importance of excellent design is paramount in attracting online users and customers. Toptal’s designers specialize in optimizing user interface and user experience, incorporating each company’s brand and vision into their website designs. |
WordPress Security: | A primary concern is the safety and security of websites. Toptal’s security consultants offer services such as code audits and vulnerability scans, collaborating with teams at any stage of the development process. |
Multisite: | Toptal’s senior developers are adept at creating networks of sites or blogs, and can also assist in accessing other Multisite networks. |
BuddyPress: | BuddyPress offers a suite of components essential for social network functionality. It stands out for its excellent add-on features and customizability, and is designed with an emphasis on extensibility. |
WP Engine: | WP Engine specializes in managed WordPress hosting, handling a significant portion of online traffic. Its use results in enhanced security, faster response times, and reduced downtime. |
Expertly-Matched Talent
Toptal assembles teams comprising top software developers, designers, and project and product managers from its global talent network, tailored to meet specific business needs and processes. Each individual is chosen based on their expertise and years of experience in managed teams.
- Developers: They provide senior software engineers, coders, and architects proficient in many technologies.
-Ryan Rockefeller, CEO, Radeeus
- Designers: Their team includes expert UI, UX, Visual, and Interaction designers, as well as a variety of illustrators, animators, and more.
Toptal gave us access to the best designers out there. They’re not easy to find. Those designers integrated very quickly with our existing teams. They very quickly understood our business case and the value of our solution. Toptal really allowed us to focus on building the best possible product and save a lot of time on the typical administrative pains that goes with it – specifically, finding the best talent. Toptal designers were very responsive, always online – and that made life very easy for us. We have ambitious goals on how to grow the application and already Toptal has been a key contributor to that success.
- Project Managers: They offer digital and technical project managers, scrum masters, and others experienced in numerous project management tools, frameworks, and styles.
John has been so great to work with! He has met all our requirements, done a speedy job with excellence, and has completed everything we’ve asked him to. Working with him has been a great experience.
- Product Managers: Their product managers and scrum product owners possess expertise in various industries like banking, healthcare, ecommerce, etc.
Tripcents wouldn't exist without Toptal. Toptal Projects enabled us to rapidly develop our foundation with a product manager, lead developer, and senior designer. In just over 60 days we went from concept to Alpha. The speed, knowledge, expertise, and flexibility is second to none. The Toptal team were as part of tripcents as any in-house team member of tripcents. They contributed and took ownership of the development just like everyone else. We will continue to use Toptal. As a startup, they are our secret weapon.
Toptal's Process
- The process begins with defining all system requirements, initial technology decisions, and capturing user roles and personas.
- They then establish the initial design and feel of the product, model the user experience and journey, prioritize features, and plan the release.
- The next step involves moving forward with detailed, development-ready specifications, time and cost estimates, a launch plan, and a team of Toptal experts prepared to execute the plan.
- During the product development phase, they maintain oversight of quality assurance, DevOps, and deployment updates, utilizing the project management tool preferred by the client.
Here's a short walkthrough:
Quick WordPress Hacks For A Standout Website
Recall the era when website design demanded manual coding?
Many complex web designs still do, but now, for most individuals or small businesses, WordPress simplifies website creation and design.
With WordPress, constructing attractive websites is straightforward, whether you're inexperienced in webpage creation or a designer who prefers not to code manually.
If you're considering a new website or updating your current one, you'll find that using WordPress is quick and cost-effective. Discover how WordPress can help your website excel in its competitive landscape.
WordPress Advice and Insights
- Select a Versatile Theme:
After setting up your web hosting and WordPress, the initial step is choosing a theme. Themes are pre-designed web pages or sites where you can incorporate your content. Selecting the ideal theme is challenging among the thousands available, each with unique purposes.
Consider your site's function, usage, and required features. Restaurants and eCommerce sites, for instance, have different needs. If a perfect theme eludes you, numerous plugins can supplement your requirements. Remember to review and trial themes before customizing.
- Implement a Page Builder Plugin:
A page builder plugin simplifies website customization on WordPress, altering images, backgrounds, fonts, logos, menus, and more. These plugins vary in interfaces and functionalities, with free versions offering basic tools and pro versions for advanced designs.
- Embrace SEO:
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) enhances your website's visibility on search engines. Identify relevant keywords, use them naturally in your content, and avoid overstuffing. Quality content that's shareable boosts your site's reach. SEO plugins can further refine your site's optimization.
- Design a Static Homepage:
Your homepage, often the first point of contact for visitors, should reflect your brand and purpose. A static homepage builds trust and showcases your site's intent. Ensure design consistency, including contact methods, social media links, and calls to action for better engagement.
- Personalize Your Site:
Beyond selecting a theme, personalizing your site is crucial. Customization involves adding unique imagery, selecting fonts, and integrating your content. This distinguishes your site, reflecting your brand's identity. Choose legible, brand-aligned fonts, and maintain a simple, user-friendly design for a better visitor experience.
Why Custom WordPress Themes Are Worth The Investment
The growth of online businesses is relentless, with a current estimate of 12 to 24 million ecommerce sites globally. This proliferation offers consumers abundant choices but intensifies competition for business owners to distinguish themselves.
Revamping your website's appearance is a practical step towards differentiation. The platform offers over ten thousand free, pre-designed themes for WordPress users ready for immediate use. These themes can enhance your website's look, aligning with your brand's image.
However, to truly elevate your brand, consider investing in custom-designed WordPress themes. These bespoke themes bring numerous benefits beyond what pre-designed options offer.
Why Invest in Custom Themes for Your Business?
Custom WordPress themes come with a price ranging from $75 to $115,000, based on your requirements. This doesn't include the ongoing maintenance costs.
Yet, the investment is worthwhile. Here's why:
Click the buttons to navigate through the slides!
Who Should Opt for Custom Themes?
Consider custom themes if:
- Your budget allows.
- Your business's branding is well-defined.
- Your business has unique requirements that pre-designed themes can't fulfill.
Creating a Custom Theme: Key Considerations
When discussing custom themes with a developer, consider the following:
Testing Your Custom Theme
Before going live, rigorously test your custom theme for functionality, performance, compatibility, and security. Don't rely solely on your developer; engage in the testing process yourself.
How to Test a Custom Theme?
Use a WordPress staging environment to test your theme safely. This lets you identify and fix issues without impacting your live site or SEO. Setting up a local development site is an alternative but more time-consuming option.
Why Your Business Should Choose A Custom WordPress Theme
WordPress is the leading global content management system two decades after its debut. Presently, version 6.3 boasts over 53.5 million downloads, a testament to its increasing popularity.
WordPress's flexibility makes it ideal for various websites, from personal blogs to ecommerce sites. Major brands like Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, and Bloomberg utilize it.
Its success stems from being open-source, easy to use and manage, and having robust community support. WordPress's wide array of plugins and themes caters to diverse business needs.
For businesses, the design and functionality of their WordPress theme are crucial. This post discusses the advantages of opting for a custom theme over standard free or paid ones.
Exploring Theme Types: Understanding the Basics and Variations
WordPress themes, comprising CSS, templates, images, JavaScript, PHP files, etc., define a site's look and structure.
Themes are available through:
- Free downloads from the official WordPress site.
- Purchasing premium themes from various sources.
- Custom creation by professional designers and developers.
- Customizing a theme from the ground up offers significant business advantages, unlike merely modifying an existing one.
Key Advantages of a Custom WordPress Theme for Your Project
- Alignment with Your Business Goals and Vision
A custom theme ensures alignment with your business objectives, unlike modifying off-the-shelf themes that might not fully represent your goals. This process involves careful planning and professional development.
Considerations before development include:
Your website's business objectives (representation, lead generation, sales). |
Main page content. |
Understanding your target audience and their reasons for visiting your site. |
A custom theme is developed after detailed business analysis and understanding of specific needs, something not always achievable with premade themes. |
- Distinctiveness from Competitors
Using a common theme, even with modifications, can blur your website's distinctiveness. Despite customizing a premium theme, many others might use similar layouts and features, as five premium themes dominate nearly a quarter of the market.
A custom theme, including for WooCommerce, helps distinguish your site, enhancing brand recognition and customer engagement, leading to better sales.
- Enhanced Security
Security is vital, and WordPress’s popularity makes it a target for hackers. They often exploit vulnerabilities in common themes. A custom theme offers better protection by keeping your code private, though it doesn't guarantee complete immunity from cyber attacks.
- SEO Optimization
To rank well on search engines, an SEO-friendly structure is crucial. While many themes come with SEO features, a custom theme allows for a more conducive structure to search engine indexing.
- Speed and Performance
Premium themes often include superfluous features that slow down your site. Custom themes, tailored to your needs, are lightweight and faster, providing a better user experience and aiding in SEO.
- Direct and Immediate Support
With a custom theme, you receive immediate, direct support from the developer, unlike with widely-used themes where you might face long waits for assistance.
- Easy Updates
Regular updates are simpler with a custom theme. Unlike premium themes that lack timely updates, custom themes ensure your site is always current with the latest features and security measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Customize a WordPress Theme?
Customizing a WordPress theme can be done in several ways:
- Using the WordPress Customizer: Most themes can change colors, fonts, and layout settings.
- Child Themes: Create a theme to modify the design and functionality without affecting the original theme.
- Plugins: Use plugins to add new features or modify existing ones.
- Custom Coding: For more advanced customizations, you can directly edit the theme's CSS, HTML, and PHP files.
Why Should I Choose a Custom Theme Over a Pre-Made One?
Custom themes provide a unique design that stands out from pre-made templates, aligning perfectly with your brand identity. They also offer better performance, security, and specific functionalities tailored to your business needs.
How Much Does a Custom WordPress Theme Cost?
The cost varies based on the complexity, features, and expertise of the developer you hire. It can range from a few hundred dollars for simple designs to several thousand for more intricate and customized solutions.
Is It Difficult to Maintain a Custom WordPress Theme?
Custom themes can require more maintenance than standard themes, especially if they have many unique features. However, proper coding standards and regular updates can make the maintenance manageable.
Can I Convert My Existing Website to a Custom WordPress Theme?
Yes, converting an existing website into a custom WordPress theme is possible. This process involves creating a new theme, replicating your current site's design and functionality, and then migrating the content.
How Long Does It Take to Develop a Custom WordPress Theme?
The development time varies depending on the complexity of the design and features. A simple custom theme might take a few weeks, while a more complex project could take several months.
Are Custom WordPress Themes SEO-Friendly?
Yes, custom themes can be very SEO-friendly if they are properly coded. Good coding practices, responsive design, fast loading times, and proper use of HTML semantics contribute to the SEO friendliness of the theme.
How Do I Choose the Right Developer for My Custom WordPress Theme?
Look for a developer with a strong portfolio of custom WordPress themes, positive client reviews, and a clear understanding of your requirements. Communication skills and adherence to deadlines are also important factors.
Can I Update a Custom WordPress Theme Myself?
Yes, you can update a custom theme if you have basic WordPress and coding knowledge. However, it might be better to consult with the developer who created the theme for significant changes or updates.
Wrapping Up
Embarking on the journey of customizing your WordPress theme can be exciting and daunting. While DIY might seem tempting, it often leads to unexpected challenges and time-consuming hurdles. That's where bringing in the professionals really makes a difference.
Enter Toptal – your go-to solution for turning your WordPress vision into a reality. With their team of top-tier experts, you're not just getting a service; you're investing in peace of mind, quality, and a website that truly reflects your unique style and brand.
So, if you're ready to elevate your WordPress site, consider contacting Toptal. With their expertise, you can transform your online presence into something extraordinary without the stress and time constraints of going alone.
In the world of WordPress customization, having a professional by your side isn't just a luxury—it's a smart, strategic move to ensure your site stands out in the digital crowd.