In my last post, Website Set Up: Choosing a Theme, I mentioned there are some drawbacks to choosing a free theme for your WordPress blog.

Typically, you will get less support for a free theme and may struggle with customizing your blog. You may fall in love with a really great free theme and later realize that many other sites are using it too. And you run the risk that your free theme will not be upgraded when WordPress upgrades (this happened to me last month on one of my blogs.)

Before You Purchase a WordPress Theme

You should read the terms of use on the developer’s site before you make a purchase so you are certain you understand what is offered with your theme. These are the things you should look for when purchasing your WordPress theme:

Support – Do they offer support for your theme? Some websites have forums where you can ask questions about the theme and troubleshoot problems that arise. Others use a blog format. Taking the time to browse the forums and/or blog on a developer’s website will give you a sense of the support offered for your website set up. If basic questions go unanswered or the theme was sold “as is,” you may want to look for a more supportive developer.

Updates – Do they offer updates? When the WordPress platform updates, themes built for earlier versions of WordPress do not always work on the updated platforms. Will this vendor offer updates or patches that keep your theme workable on newer versions? Without guaranteed updates you risk having to either change your theme or choosing not to upgrade your WordPress to take advantage of improvements.

Customization – Is this theme going to be easy for you to make unique? You probably do not want to spend a lot of money on a theme that looks like everyone else’s website. You probably also do not want to pay someone else to take your paid theme and make it special. Typical customization features include adding your own logo, changing the color schemes, and adjusting page elements like side bars and columns.

Here are a couple of the more popular options out there if you decide to purchase a WordPress theme. Both of these sites offer developer packages for webmasters who manage multiple sites. Please note that these are affiliate links and I will receive compensation if you purchase a theme.

Thesis Theme for WordPress

The Thesis theme features:

• Search engine optimized code and design.
• Many simple options for customizing your website set up.
• Thirty day money back guarantee.
• Free lifetime updates with purchase.

You owe to yourself to visit this site and check out their videos before you buy anyone else’s theme.

WooThemes for WordPress

WooThemes offers two ways to purchase themes:

• You can purchase a theme outright and receive two bonus themes. This option includes lifetime updates for these themes.
• You can join their subscription club and receive access to all their themes, plus two new ones each month. This option includes updates only for as long as you are a member.

WooThemes is a good choice if you like the idea of having the flexibility to completely change your website set up without investing a lot of your time in developing a new design.

Whether you purchase a WordPress theme or opt for a free theme the next step in your website set up is to download and activate plugins.

Once you have your website set up, you need to choose a theme for your site. A theme will provide the look and also some of the framework for your site.

Many people find it easier to view and evaluate different themes if they have loaded a few posts into the site first.

You needn’t worry, the content you enter is separate from the theme. This means that if you decide to change the theme, the posts and pages you have already entered will not disappear. Think of your theme as the clothing your website wears and the content as the body.

To begin choosing a theme and completing your website set up, go into your website’s dashboard and look at the menu on the left side of the screen.

Scroll down to Appearance.

Click Themes.

You should see Manage Themes in the top center of screen. Click Add New button.

You will see several options for searching for themes. There are options for Upload, Featured, Newest, Recently Updated. You may also check off characteristics like color schemes or features to limit the themes you review.

Check off any features you want to select or leave all boxes unchecked to browse all themes. Click on Find Themes button at the bottom of page to bring up the Install Themes pages and see samples of the themes.

When you see a theme that interests you, click on Preview to learn more about it. Note: to close a preview window click the x on the top left of the window.

These themes you are reviewing are all free themes and you should be aware that not all free themes are ideal.

Pros of choosing a free theme

• Can’t beat the price.
• You can test a variety of different looks.
• You can change your look without feeling you lost your investment.

Cons of choosing a free theme

• You may have little or no support.
• Your website will be less unique.
• Everything may not work as well as it appears.

I know I am not saying the popular thing here, but if you have come this far setting up your website on your own, I recommend trying a few free themes at least until you are certain what you want for your site.

I worked with a passionate business owner a few weeks ago who went through so many themes it wasn’t funny. Maybe she would have stopped sooner if there had been money already spent.

Or maybe she would have miserable about the money she spent.

At any rate, I am confident that now she knows exactly what she wants when she is ready to purchase a theme.

In my next post I will explain what you should consider if you purchase a WordPress theme. For now, let’s finish setting up your website by installing a theme.

When you have chosen a theme you prefer, click on Install.

This will bring you back to the Themes page. If you go down to the lower part of the page you should see your new theme. Click the word Activate to apply this theme to your page.

Each theme has different settings you will be able to adjust.

Unfortunately, I can’t know now what those are on the theme you choose.

If you scroll down the left side your dashboard to Settings you should see the settings you are able to customize for your theme.

However, as you start using your ability to customize your website setup, you will also have many questions.

I find the WordPress.org forums to be an invaluable resource when I have questions or a problem arises. The best place to start is with the WordPress Quick Start Guide.

A few things to keep in mind when you visit the forums.

WordPress.org and WordPress.com are not the same. If you host your WordPress blog on your own domain, then WordPress.org is the site that will support you.

Always remember you aren’t paying for the support you receive in the WordPress.org forums. Treat all information provided as a gift and be sure to express your gratitude.

Take some time to search the forums to see if answers have already been posted for your question before you ask.

If you have a question about a plugin or theme, check the readme information and see if there is information about contacting the creator directly.

If you do have to ask a public question about a plugin or theme, name it in the tags. Many creators visit the forums and search for questions about their work by the name of the item.

Be patient, sometimes it can take a few days for the right person to read your question and provide an answer.

Need help completing your website setup?

You may e-mail me (tammi at tammikibler.com) and I will help you find the information you need.

Getting your website set up exactly the way you want it may take some time. Fortunately, by running a WordPress blog you have the support of the WordPress.org forums and the many developers who have designed themes and plugins.

If you have any questions or suggestions please comment below.

I will never sell your e-mail address and every message you receive will contain a simple unsubscribe link at the bottom of the e-mail.

Thanks for stopping by.

Cheers to your success!