Focus on Blogging
 

 

Wordpress Templates

Wordpress comes with one or two basic templates already installed but most people tend to want something with a little more pizzazz, something a little more custom, something a little more them. There are thousands and thousands of WordPress templates available with just a little searching, from free templates, to paid and it's not difficult to find someone to even build you a custom template.

If you know a bit of code, PHP, you can even take open source templates and customize them yourself relatively easily. This is the route I usually go but I will be honest, if you're a complete novice, it's going to take some serious time for you to learn the ins and outs of working with template. If you have the time and inclination though, go for it!

To find available Wordpress templates, just do a search on the internet, you will be amazed at what you find and installation of a new theme is very easy.

Installing a new Wordpress theme/template;

1. Download the theme to your computer

2. Unzip the theme

3. Upload ( FTP) the theme to your site - domain name → blog → wp-content → themes

4. Go into the Admin Panel of your blog under the design menu and you should see your new theme, just click on it to activate it and load it.

It's just that easy!!

Customizing Wordpress Themes

I'd love to be able to offer a 'crash course' in customizing Wordpress themes but it's not that easy. Every theme is different and some are much more customizable than others. The more familiar you are with themes, the easier it will be to find themes are you can customize and be able to customize them.

I keep a selection of themes that I've found to be easily customizable and work with them so if you go from one of my blogs to another, they all have their own look, feel and style.

Bottom line, it all boils down to time, skill and financial resources.  If you have the skill and time, you can do just about anything you want.  If you have the time but not the skill, you can learn.  If you have neither the time nor skill but some financial resources, you can find someone to do for you.  If you have none of the above, just stick with a basic template, there are thousands and thousands to choose from that you should be able to find something that you can live with.