Choosing the right Worpress Theme

Maple77

Hello,


I am currently in the process of setting up an information based website. I have signed up with Bluhost and am trying to decide on a theme. I would prefer to use a free theme but if a paid one gives me many more options for developing the site later ( adding video / galleries etc.) I’d probably go with that if it’s not too expensive.
· How do the various free themes on Wordpress.org compare in terms of functionality ?

• · If I develop a site using one theme and change to another at a later date is transferring the content a major hassle or a smooth and easy process?

• · What are the limitations of free themes as compared with those you pay for and how much are these themes to buy?

• · I’m currently using the theme GamePress to try and get to grips with developing the site – how functional is this theme – can I change the colours /font / add video photos. Is it a theme which can be easily manipulated / changed?

Any information / advice really appreciated.

omega42

Hi Maple

GamePress is fairly basic as a Theme but a good place to start if you're trying to learn Wordpress yourself. Just keep in mind that your site will look like a free wordpress theme but if you're OK with that and you like the design then go ahead.

As for Video, Galleries there are plenty of free plugins for wordpress that will give you what your looking for.

as far of the paid themes go some have more features built in / a better design etc, in most cases you get what you pay for (there are some woful paid themes out there). You get what you pay for, if if want something that fits perfect then you will need a custom design but if you are happy to tailor your view to a existing design then templates will work.

Switching from 1 theme to another is relatively simple, you may run into problems if you have installed a lot of plugin's etc or if you switch from a 2 column layout to say a 1 or 3 column but apart from that the info on your site is stored in the DB and not on the pages so It won't change when you change the design.

Maple77

Cheers Omega,

So far I haven't found the wordpress.org user guides great and have found how to do the few things I've done via trial and error.

Can you recommend any good online guides or sites for beginner wordpress site builders?

Thanks

mayo.mick

Maple77 wrote: »

Cheers Omega,

So far I haven't found the wordpress.org user guides great and have found how to do the few things I've done via trial and error.

Can you recommend any good online guides or sites for beginner wordpress site builders?

Thanks

Some useful links here;

http://www.creativebloq.com/web-design/wordpress-tutorials-designers-1012990

http://en.support.wordpress.com/shortcodes/

http://wpbtips.wordpress.com/list-of-posts/3/

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/