Customising your WordPress site is essential to make your blog stand out and attract readers. A well-designed blog not only looks professional but also makes it easy for readers to navigate and find the content they're looking for. This blog post covers how you can customise your WordPress site to give it your unique style.
WordPress Themes
One of the first things you can do to customise your WordPress site is to choose a theme. A theme is a collection of templates and styles that define the layout and design of your website. WordPress offers a wide variety of themes, both free and paid. When choosing a theme, check that it is responsive, meaning it will adapt to different screen sizes based on your reader's device. Select a theme that is compatible with the latest version of WordPress, one that has received good reviews and ratings. Also, look at whether support is provided for the theme by its author.
WordPress Dashboard > Themes Learn how to install a WordPress theme
Once you have chosen a theme, you can start customising it by adding your own logo, changing the colour scheme, and creating custom pages and posts. You can also add widgets to your sidebar and footer, which adds functionality and makes it easier for readers to find what they're looking for. Some of the most popular widgets include a search tool, a list of categories, and links to your most recent posts.
Plugins
Another way to customise your WordPress site is to install plugins. Plugins are small software programs that enhance the functionality of your website. There are thousands of plugins available for WordPress, both free and paid. Some popular plugins include Rank Math SEO, which helps you optimise your posts for search engines, and Akismet, which enables you to fight spam comments.
Custom Pages & Posts
Finally, you can customise your WordPress site by creating pages and posts that are visually appealing and easy to read. Use images, videos, and infographics to break up text and make your content more engaging. Additionally, use headings, subheadings, and lists to make your content easier to skim and read, as well as more SEO-friendly.
Page Builder Plugins
WordPress page builders are plugins that enable users to create custom pages and layouts on their WordPress website with no coding required. They provide a visual, drag-and-drop interface for users to design their pages easily.
In contrast, WordPress themes are pre-designed templates for WordPress websites, which control the overall look and feel of the site. While some themes come with their own page builder, most rely on the default WordPress editor or require the use of a separate page builder plugin.
There are several popular WordPress page builders available, each with its own set of features and advantages. Some popular examples include Elementor, Beaver Builder, and Divi. These page builders vary in terms of their user interface, the number of modules and widgets they offer, and the level of customisation they allow.
This site uses the Elementor Pro page builder.
Page builders are a powerful tool for creating custom pages; they can also complement compatible WordPress themes. A well-designed theme can provide a foundation for a website's design, while a page builder can be used to create custom pages that go beyond the limitations of the theme.
Choosing a responsive theme, adding your logo, customising pages and posts, installing plugins, and creating visually appealing content are just some of the ways you can make your blog stand out.
Want to start your own blog today? Check out our step-by-step guide.