How to pick a CMS theme
A website must have a template or several depending on your desires. This is basically the background of your site, the main theme. The theme will allow you to decorate and format all the pages of your website. Each page can have a different layout. And before continuing, when we talk about a CMS (Content Management System), we mostly mean WordPress. Here are some pointers on how to pick a CMS theme.
Choose wisely
Is the purpose of your site to expose services? In this case, choose a showcase template, which will allow you to highlight them, create a contact page, present your activity and your staff. Do you want to showcase products with a catalog? An e-commerce template will be the most adapted to your needs. Do you want to highlight written content, reviews, recipes? Then a blog template is recommended. There is a large choice of templates, there is bound to be one that will meet the basic needs of your business.
Do you have the know-how?
Many WordPress themes already have built-in configuration options, so there’s no need to modify the source code. Make sure you can get your hands dirty before choosing your theme. Also, choose a theme that has been recently released or updated to be compatible with the most recent version of WordPress and to ensure that your website is secure and working properly.
Your WordPress theme must offer an optimized navigation. Avoid superfluous graphic elements that slow down page loading time and drive visitors away. Choose a theme that is compatible with the main browsers. It is also essential that your site displays perfectly on smartphones and tablets. It’s easy to say but not always easy to do. Your site must be designed to adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions.
How to pick a CMS theme: the paying option
Although some CMS offer free basic packages, the more your project has particularities or if you want to stand out from the crowd, you will have to put a certain budget for certain items. Thus, graphic themes, plugins or particular functionalities can cost you. Some CMS go as far as offering monthly subscription packages. If you have the budget, go for it.
Remember: Your WordPress theme plays a crucial role in the SEO friendliness of your site. A beautiful theme can still generate poorly done HTML code, which could affect your site’s performance on search engines