Lost in the maze and don’t know how to customize a WordPress theme? Let us be your compass. With a proven track record of 10,000 projects for over 600 clients, White Label Agency brings a streamlined approach to managing WordPress projects. From understanding theme customization to accessing expert support, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
What is theme customization?
As the name suggests, customizing the WordPress theme isn’t just a simple task; it’s an involved process. While it might initially sound like creating a custom WordPress theme from scratch, it’s more commonly about working with an existing theme to set up a WordPress website.
When we talk about “customization,” we’re talking about making changes to something that already exists – like the theme you got from a place like ThemeForest or Elegant Themes. When you get hold of a theme, you’ll have a selection of templates to choose from. These templates often come with user-friendly page builders that let you move sections around within them. Your customization process involves creating the pages you need using these templates and adding your own content and images.
Advanced knowledge of how to customize a WordPress theme means diving into the use of plugins. These tools give you extra features that aren’t included in the standard WordPress theme.
Now, let’s make things a little more complex. The “something that already exists” could also be a custom WordPress theme that needs further changes – in other words, customization. Imagine you’re working on a client’s website. They might want an extra page, a small design update, or a new feature like a reservation system. In these cases, you’re not just making edits – you’re becoming a developer, shaping the theme to fit the client’s specific needs.
The range of theme customization
Let’s explore how theme customization varies from simple to more advanced options.
Drag-and-drop website builders
Starting on the “simplest” end, in this case, no prior experience on how to customize a WordPress theme is required. We encounter websites that even someone without technical expertise could set up within a matter of hours. You can use WordPress.org or non-WordPress platforms like Wix or Squarespace, which provide user-friendly drag-and-drop functionality.Starting on the “simplest” end, in this case, no prior experience on how to customize a WordPress theme is required. We encounter websites that even someone without technical expertise could set up within a matter of hours. You can use WordPress.org or non-WordPress platforms like Wix or Squarespace, which provide user-friendly drag-and-drop functionality.
Theme customizations
Moving on, there is also customizing WordPress themes. By selecting and buying a theme (or opting for a free one), you gain the freedom to host your website anywhere you choose and have more access to plugins and freelance developers to help you. As WLA’s CEO Einar suggests:
“This means you can lower your monthly hosting cost, and do a bit more custom work than you get with the hosted drag-and-drop tools.”
Custom themes
In the third category, there are custom WordPress themes. Instead of relying on a standardized template that might make your website resemble others, custom themes offer tailored solutions for your specific business needs. But you might need help from pros if you lack development skills. On the bright side, this route ensures expert guidance, resulting in a website that markets your products or services well.
Within this category, you’ll also encounter various Content Management Systems (CMS) like Drupal, Joomla, and Magento.
If you need further information on selecting either a custom or pre-made theme for the website, you can check these blogs:
- Choosing Between a Custom WordPress Theme and a Premium Theme
- How Much Does a WordPress Website Cost?
- Custom WordPress Theme: The Pros and Cons
Finding assistance for WordPress theme customization
When you’re seeking help with WordPress theme customization services, there are a few options. Whether you’re customizing a theme yourself or getting professional support, the process involves understanding your business, picking a theme, making it yours, and launching your site.
Getting help with theme customization
If you’re not going for a special theme just for your business, you might choose to customize an existing one. In this scenario, you can either roll up your sleeves and dive into customization on your own, or if you don’t know how to customize a WordPress theme then seek assistance. Many freelancers, small design and development agencies, as well as outsourcing companies, are equipped to offer support in this.
Getting help with custom WordPress themes
When it comes to creating a truly unique custom theme, Einar shared his insights on the approach our end clients often take:
“If you’re looking for a custom theme, you’ll need to have someone design it first. The most effective approach is to collaborate with a local digital agency that can handle both the design and development aspects. Or you can hire a freelance designer for the design part and a freelance developer to bring it all to life. But remember, this might come with some challenges.”
To be ready for challenges while working with developers you can read through our articles:
- 5 Tips for Effective Collaboration with Remote Developers
- Essential Mistakes to Avoid When You Hire WordPress Developers Remotely
While we do custom WordPress development on a daily basis, our role is primarily that of subcontractor for digital agencies and cannot assist individual customers directly. But, if you’re an agency seeking additional developers, our team is here to support you in building the websites for your clients. Get in touch to see how we can work together to achieve digital excellence.
