By

For many, the process of setting up a website theme may seem like an elusive task. Sure, setting up a website theme can prove to be a bit time consuming, but it can also be broken down into an easy to understand process.

 

Here’s how the typical process of setting up a website theme works:

  • Since WordPress is an engine that powers your website, the theme itself is comprised of coding and stylized features.
  • Once we download the theme, we can then upload it to your web hosting setup (Media Temple).
  • The look of your website will be completely blank to start with because there is no website content (pages, pictures, blog posts, etc.).
  • We will then go into WordPress and start to build out the website (to fit your specific needs/wants) using the WordPress tools and the building framework provided by the author of the web theme.
  • Once the website has been initially set up to both of our expectations, we can either continue making edits to the site as you see fit (i.e. regular maintenance or product additions) or we can provide documentation that will help you to take over the management of your website.
 

Please refer to Maddux Theme which will be used as an example theme to explain the following details of the customization process.

 

Most themes are made so they can be shifted around and customized to fit your tastes. The Maddux Theme demo was created to showcase an ideal look and framework and was meticulously designed to give you ideas on how this particular theme could look. For example, when you take a look at Maddux Theme be sure to mouse over the “Home” button to view slight variations of this theme’s Home Page, then click on any one of the three Home Page options (Home – Alternative 1, Home – Alternative 2, Home – Alternative 3). Other types of pages can be found by mousing over and clicking on page options listed under tabs like News and Post Layouts. These pages contain different features, layouts, and individual sections that can be intermingled and combined with custom made pages throughout your own website. Basically, the Maddux Theme demo is there to show you what’s possible with this specific website theme.

If you’ve never tried a Google Image search before, just right click on an image that you find online then select Copy Image URL. In a new tab, pull up Google.com, then go to Images. Click on the camera icon (to search by image). Paste the URL that you previously copied in the search field, then click “Search by Image.”

The pictures (shown on each website theme demo) unfortunately do not come with the theme (most of the time). However, if the images used are stock images, it may be possible to do a Google Image search, using the Image URL, in order to be able to find and use the original sized image. If the desired image(s) cannot be found or the photo(s) in question is not a royalty free photo or stock image, it will be necessary to use other pertinent stock photos.

If you would like to begin the process of setting up a website theme, please provided us with more information using our Services Questionnaire. Please be sure to select the web pages that you would like to start with. Please keep in mind that we can always add more pages later if you feel the need. Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to begin writing and preparing your website content for the main sections of your website which may include the following pages.

Web Page Examples with Content Guidelines:

  • Home Page
    • Think about the different sections within the home page. Remember you can always fill in small sections of info after your basic website is set up.
    • Please let us know if you will be using your own landscape style photos or stock photos.
  • About Page
    • This page needs to be the most substantial. Be sure to include information like:
      • Lots of details about your business or program
      • How your company began
      • Where you are located (city/state)
      • Types of products and/or services offered
      • Employee or product spotlights
  • Events Calendar
    • Most of the content on this page will be located within each event snippet. However, you may wish to include an introductory sentence or two about your events, near the top of the page.
  • Shop/Store
    • Most of the content will be located within each item profile but you may wish to include an introductory sentence or two on the Shop Landing page.
  • Call To Action (Donate/Volunteer)
    • Be sure to include information like:
      • How people can get involved
      • Merchandise that is available for purchase
      • How donation funds are used
      • Types of programs offered
      • What types of volunteer opportunities are available
      • Products or items that are needed through donations
  • Contact Us
    • You do not have to include lots of written info on this page but you can include a few sentences if you would like to along with a map or photo(s) of your location(s).

If you need help with how to write your website content in relation to getting the best Search Engine Optimization results, please visit my blog – being sure to read the blog post titled “Writing Better Website Content.” Once you’ve written your website content if you need us to help we can make some slight edits which will help with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) at an additional fee.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

About the Author

Laura Freeman currently lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She began her career in design by working at her husband's small web development firm. Today, she uses her eye for art and symmetry to effectively design print and web media for clients across the United States.

Related Posts

There are three main points to consider when thinking about SEO: Write useful content Try to get...

Pinterest Helps With SEO?

After recently helping a client set up their social media pages (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,...

File Size vs. Resolution Size

Hey readers! Just wanted to pass along some helpful information regarding the difference between...