{"id":12467,"date":"2023-05-19T07:00:45","date_gmt":"2023-05-19T14:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/?p=12467"},"modified":"2026-08-25T08:45:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T15:45:01","slug":"how-to-pick-wordpress-theme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/how-to-pick-wordpress-theme\/","title":{"rendered":"WordPress Themes: How to Choose the Right One (18 Pro Tips)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s no shortage of ways to build a website in 2026 \u2014 including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/website-builders\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AI site builders<\/a> that design a page from a text prompt. But WordPress, the open-source content management system first released in 2003, still takes the cake when it comes to customizability. And that customizability starts with your theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A WordPress theme is the collection of templates, styles, and settings that controls how your site looks and how its pages are laid out.<\/strong> You can change themes without losing your content. But because your theme shapes design, speed, and even SEO, it\u2019s one of the most important choices you\u2019ll make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why does WordPress win on customization? There\u2019s a simple reason: Community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more than two decades, an international community of designers and developers has contributed themes, plugins, and other assets to the platform \u2014 the official <a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress.org\/themes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WordPress.org theme directory<\/a> alone lists over 15,000 free themes, and that\u2019s before you count the commercial market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With that many options, choosing well is the hard part. So let\u2019s take a look at some top tips and tricks to help you choose the perfect theme for WordPress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"install\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Install a WordPress Theme<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/beginners-website-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">website up and running<\/a> on WordPress \u2014 complete with its own domain and hosting \u2014 installing a theme is actually very simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just access your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the Appearance &gt; Themes tab. Once there, select the Add Theme button at the top of the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WordPress will then allow you to upload the .zip file that you received after purchasing your theme or download whichever WP theme from the directory that you chose. When the theme is in place, all you have to do is go to the Themes tab and hit the Activate button, and your new theme is ready to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"article-newsletter article-newsletter--gradient\">\n\n\n<h2>Get Content Delivered Straight to Your Inbox<\/h2><p>Subscribe now to receive all the latest updates, delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p><form class=\"nwsl-form\" id=\"newsletter_block_\" novalidate><div class=\"messages\"><\/div><div class=\"form-group\"><label for=\"input_newsletter_block_\"><input type=\"email\"name=\"email\"id=\"input_newsletter_block_\"placeholder=\"Enter your email address\"novalidatedisabled=\"disabled\"\/><\/label><button type=\"submit\"class=\"btn btn--brand\"disabled=\"disabled\"><span>Sign Me Up!<\/span><svg width=\"21\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 14\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M13.8523 0.42524L12.9323 1.34521C12.7095 1.56801 12.7132 1.9304 12.9404 2.14865L16.7241 5.7823H0.5625C0.251859 5.7823 0 6.03416 0 6.3448V7.6573C0 7.96794 0.251859 8.2198 0.5625 8.2198H16.7241L12.9405 11.8535C12.7132 12.0717 12.7095 12.4341 12.9323 12.6569L13.8523 13.5769C14.072 13.7965 14.4281 13.7965 14.6478 13.5769L20.8259 7.39879C21.0456 7.17913 21.0456 6.82298 20.8259 6.60327L14.6477 0.42524C14.4281 0.205584 14.0719 0.205584 13.8523 0.42524Z\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/button><\/div><\/form><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"blocktheme\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, Decide: Block Theme or Classic Theme?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before any of the tips below, make one foundational choice: block theme or classic theme. It determines how you\u2019ll edit your site day to day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wordpress-block-themes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Block themes<\/a> are the modern approach, introduced in WordPress 5.9. A block theme uses blocks for every part of the site \u2014 navigation menus, headers, content, and footers \u2014 and you edit all of it visually in the Site Editor, using the same blocks you write posts with, plus ready-made patterns and style variations you can apply site-wide. Classic themes came first and are still everywhere: they rely on the Customizer, widgets, and menus, they don\u2019t work with the Site Editor, and deeper changes often mean PHP templates or a page-builder plugin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re starting fresh in 2026 and want to customize visually, start your search with block themes. <a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress.org\/documentation\/article\/block-themes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WordPress.org\u2019s own documentation<\/a> calls them \u201ca great solution\u201d if you enjoy building with the block editor and want full control over all parts of your site. Classic themes came first, so many have long track records and huge tutorial libraries. You can build a great site either way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"purpose\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1 What Is Your Website\u2019s Purpose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNever forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tyrion Lannister was clearly on to something here. While he wasn\u2019t talking about WordPress websites specifically, it\u2019s clear that aligning yourself on the purpose and reason behind your website can be just as important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just ask yourself these two very important questions before you do anything else:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What\u2019s the point of my website? (Example: Personal blog, ecommerce store, bragging rights, small business, or educational nonprofit.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who is my intended audience? (Example: Accounting professionals, vintage toy collectors, or kombucha enthusiasts.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"prioritize\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2 Prioritize Performance and Speed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If there\u2019s one thing people hate, it\u2019s a slow website. There are a lot of factors that can affect your site\u2019s speed, but the theme you pick will play a significant role. Some themes are better optimized than others, so they tend to be faster across the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can be hard to gauge a theme\u2019s level of optimization without taking it for a test drive, but you can look at existing reviews and run a speed test (via <a href=\"https:\/\/pagespeed.web.dev\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google\u2019s PageSpeed Insights<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/gtmetrix.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GTmetrix<\/a>) on the theme\u2019s demo website to get a quick idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"competitor\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3 Look through Competitor Websites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many industries, you\u2019ll find that websites tend to share very similar styles. If your audience expects a specific aesthetic, you\u2019ll need to consider whether you want to provide what they\u2019re looking for or try to give them something unexpected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re all out of inspiration, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.awwwards.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Awwwards<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lapa.ninja\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lapa.Ninja<\/a> for some award-winning websites specific to your industry and space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But it\u2019s not enough just to look at these websites. Examine their design aesthetic and look for patterns in their visual style. For example, here are some things to be on the lookout for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Color schemes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Typography choice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graphic design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visual hierarchy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Important functionality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"seo\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4 Check for SEO Friendliness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/schema-markup-beginners-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Search Engine Optimization (SEO)<\/a> is key to your website performing well in search results. The quality and consistency of your content and the optimization of your metadata affect your page ranking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"glossary-term\">\n\t<div class=\"glossary-term__above-title\">\n\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\"><path d=\"M320 32c-8.1 0-16.1 1.4-23.7 4.1L15.8 137.4C6.3 140.9 0 149.9 0 160s6.3 19.1 15.8 22.6l57.9 20.9C57.3 229.3 48 259.8 48 291.9v28.1c0 28.4-10.8 57.7-22.3 80.8c-6.5 13-13.9 25.8-22.5 37.6C0 442.7-.9 448.3 .9 453.4s6 8.9 11.2 10.2l64 16c4.2 1.1 8.7 .3 12.4-2s6.3-6.1 7.1-10.4c8.6-42.8 4.3-81.2-2.1-108.7C90.3 344.3 86 329.8 80 316.5V291.9c0-30.2 10.2-58.7 27.9-81.5c12.9-15.5 29.6-28 49.2-35.7l157-61.7c8.2-3.2 17.5 .8 20.7 9s-.8 17.5-9 20.7l-157 61.7c-12.4 4.9-23.3 12.4-32.2 21.6l159.6 57.6c7.6 2.7 15.6 4.1 23.7 4.1s16.1-1.4 23.7-4.1L624.2 182.6c9.5-3.4 15.8-12.5 15.8-22.6s-6.3-19.1-15.8-22.6L343.7 36.1C336.1 33.4 328.1 32 320 32zM128 408c0 35.3 86 72 192 72s192-36.7 192-72L496.7 262.6 354.5 314c-11.1 4-22.8 6-34.5 6s-23.5-2-34.5-6L143.3 262.6 128 408z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t<span>DreamHost Glossary<\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n    <h3>Metadata<\/h3>\n    <p>Metadata refers to \u2018data about other data\u2019. It is information within files that explains what type of file you\u2019re dealing with. Common examples of metadata include file size, modification dates, who created the file, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why does rank matter? Higher placement can make your pages more visible and increase their opportunity to earn clicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And you guessed it: your theme matters when it comes to SEO. WordPress sites that perform quickly, are responsive (see tip #17), and are built with clean code are great for SEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"easy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#5 Ascertain Ease of Use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A user-friendly backend allows you to manage and update your website content more efficiently. This saves time and lets you focus on other aspects of your business or project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you may want to buy that fancy-looking multipurpose WordPress theme with a live customizer built in, it\u2019s much better to look for something simple and functional if you are new to WordPress. Keep it simple, smarty! Make sure that your theme is complementary to your level of expertise and comfort with WordPress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"plugin\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#6 Confirm Relevant Plugin Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plugin compatibility issues can manifest in many ways. If you are picky about the theme and plugins you use, these problems should be few and far between. That being said, if you have specific plugins in mind for powering key functionality on your website, it\u2019s worth checking to ensure your top theme options are compatible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, if you want to start an online store, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/create-woocommerce-child-theme\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WooCommerce theme integration<\/a> is a key consideration (more on that in tip #12).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/best-wordpress-plugins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">popular WordPress plugins<\/a> and features that you might want to consider include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Elementor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MemberPress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BuddyPress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LifterLMS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1092\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes.jpg.webp\" alt=\"5 Ways to Customize WordPress Themes\" class=\"wp-image-40465 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes-300x205.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes-1024x699.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes-768x524.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes-1536x1048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes-600x410.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes-1200x819.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes-730x498.jpg.webp 730w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes-1460x996.jpg.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes-784x535.jpg.webp 784w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes-1568x1070.jpg.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/5-Ways-to-Customize-WordPress-Themes-877x599.jpg.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/1092;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"customization\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#7 Look for Customization Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Usually, the first thing you\u2019ll notice about a theme is what it looks like \u2014 if it fits your idea of what you want for your website. In most cases, you\u2019ll need to make some changes to any theme you choose in order to get it looking just right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s say you\u2019ve done your research and found a theme that\u2019s 90 percent perfect. For instance, you like the layout of the pages, how the menus function, and the overall theme design, but the fonts aren\u2019t quite what you had in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fear not, it still might be a good choice for your website. One of the great things about WordPress sites is that they are incredibly customizable, especially when you use plugins. Check out our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wordpress-templates-template-parts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">customizing a WordPress theme<\/a> to get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"analyze\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#8 Analyze Reviews and Ratings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A theme\u2019s reviews and ratings are a valuable indicator of what to expect. When it comes to popular themes, you\u2019d be surprised at how many user ratings you can find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All themes in WordPress.org\u2019s Theme Directory are ranked from one to five stars and feature customer reviews. Look for themes that speak to your site\u2019s purpose and aesthetic ideal, then read the reviews to see what people are saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"developer\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#9 Confirm Regular Developer Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you run into any issues with your theme, it\u2019s always nice to know that you can turn to its developers for advice on how to solve it. Ideally, your theme\u2019s developers should provide you with multiple support channels, actively trying to help their user base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But support isn\u2019t limited to customer service. WordPress is a platform that undergoes regular updates, some of which massively change the functionality of the core platform. Themes need to be updated on a regular basis to keep up with these changes. The block editor and Site Editor have both evolved substantially in recent releases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"multilingual\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#10 Check for Multilingual Functionality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a lot of tools you can use to translate your WordPress pages and create a multilingual website. However, for this to work, you\u2019ll want to use a theme that\u2019s translation ready. Try and look for compatibility with the following plugins to get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>TranslatePress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Polylang<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>WPML<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weglot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>MultilingualPress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">English is the content language of <a href=\"https:\/\/w3techs.com\/technologies\/overview\/content_language\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">only about half of all websites (49.5%, per W3Techs, August 2026)<\/a>. If any meaningful slice of your audience reads in another language, multilingual support is a feature that\u2019s worth investing in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"design\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#11 Prioritize Accessible Design Practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WordPress websites that prioritize accessibility are a win-win for everyone involved. Look for themes built to create a user-friendly experience for people with disabilities, keeping in mind things like color contrast, typography choice, and visual hierarchy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"glossary-term\">\n\t<div class=\"glossary-term__above-title\">\n\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\"><path d=\"M320 32c-8.1 0-16.1 1.4-23.7 4.1L15.8 137.4C6.3 140.9 0 149.9 0 160s6.3 19.1 15.8 22.6l57.9 20.9C57.3 229.3 48 259.8 48 291.9v28.1c0 28.4-10.8 57.7-22.3 80.8c-6.5 13-13.9 25.8-22.5 37.6C0 442.7-.9 448.3 .9 453.4s6 8.9 11.2 10.2l64 16c4.2 1.1 8.7 .3 12.4-2s6.3-6.1 7.1-10.4c8.6-42.8 4.3-81.2-2.1-108.7C90.3 344.3 86 329.8 80 316.5V291.9c0-30.2 10.2-58.7 27.9-81.5c12.9-15.5 29.6-28 49.2-35.7l157-61.7c8.2-3.2 17.5 .8 20.7 9s-.8 17.5-9 20.7l-157 61.7c-12.4 4.9-23.3 12.4-32.2 21.6l159.6 57.6c7.6 2.7 15.6 4.1 23.7 4.1s16.1-1.4 23.7-4.1L624.2 182.6c9.5-3.4 15.8-12.5 15.8-22.6s-6.3-19.1-15.8-22.6L343.7 36.1C336.1 33.4 328.1 32 320 32zM128 408c0 35.3 86 72 192 72s192-36.7 192-72L496.7 262.6 354.5 314c-11.1 4-22.8 6-34.5 6s-23.5-2-34.5-6L143.3 262.6 128 408z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t<span>DreamHost Glossary<\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n    <h3>Typography<\/h3>\n    <p>Typography is a process of arranging a typeface in variations of font, size, and spacing. This involves making text\u2019s appearance, style, and arrangement readable and visually pleasing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A lot of these things can be adjusted when customizing your theme, but it still helps to have a good starting point. Also remember to test your chosen theme for compatibility with screen readers and keyboard navigation, since integrating these features into a theme that doesn\u2019t already support it can require a lot of effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"ecommerce\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#12 Search for Ecommerce Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WooCommerce is the biggest name in WordPress ecommerce \u2014 it runs on 19.8% of all websites that use WordPress, <a href=\"https:\/\/w3techs.com\/technologies\/details\/cm-wordpress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">per W3Techs (August 2026)<\/a>. Look for explicit, current WooCommerce support, then verify compatibility with the extensions you need and test the shop, cart, checkout, and account pages before launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should be looking for dedicated inner pages and templates to showcase your products. Even if your theme doesn\u2019t mention WooCommerce specifically, check to ensure that the theme\u2019s demo website contains ample examples of ecommerce content like a shopping cart and checkout page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"850\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Search for Ecommerce Support\" class=\"wp-image-40466 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support-300x159.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support-1024x544.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support-768x408.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support-1536x816.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support-600x319.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support-1200x638.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support-730x388.jpg.webp 730w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support-1460x776.jpg.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support-784x417.jpg.webp 784w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support-1568x833.jpg.webp 1568w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/smush-webp\/2019\/06\/Search-for-Ecommerce-Support-877x466.jpg.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/850;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"prebuilt\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#13 Check Pre-Built Template Variety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pre-built templates and block patterns provide ready-to-use designs for various page layouts, such as the home page, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/product-landing-page-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landing pages<\/a>, blog pages, or contact pages. This can save you significant time and effort when setting up your website, as you won\u2019t need to create these layout options from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When evaluating a new theme for your website, look for the number of pre-built templates and block patterns available within the demo content. Then, prioritize themes with a good collection of templates that match both the layout and the aesthetic you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"reputable\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#14 Stick to Reputable Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Themes from reputable sources are less likely to contain malicious code, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/secure-your-wordpress-website\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">security vulnerabilities<\/a>, or hidden backdoors that could compromise your website\u2019s safety. Reputable theme developers also invest more time and effort into creating high-quality themes that adhere to design and coding best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few examples of reputed websites for purchasing and downloading themes for your WordPress site:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>WordPress Theme Directory: <\/b>The WordPress.org repository lists over 15,000 free themes, and every submission must meet the directory\u2019s theme requirements before it\u2019s listed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Established theme shops: <\/b>Vendors like Astra, Kadence, and GeneratePress all keep free versions of their themes in the WordPress.org directory, so you can try before upgrading.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Elegant Themes: <\/b>The creators of the Divi theme and page builder offer a collection of premium themes \u2014 read the support and refund terms before you buy, as with any premium theme.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"afford\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#15 Evaluate Affordability and Pricing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to WordPress themes, one of the most critical decisions you need to make is whether to go with a free or a premium option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Premium themes tend to pack in a lot more functionality to justify their price tags. But, WordPress.org really does offer a plethora of great themes in its directory. WordPress volunteers do an excellent job of vetting these themes, which are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/guide-to-developing-a-wp-theme\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">submitted by third-party developers<\/a>, to make sure that the code is up to, well, code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get started, do a search to find free themes that match your site\u2019s criteria and then check out their demos to get a sense of how the theme would look with your content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you are going to invest in a paid theme, established vendors like Elegant Themes, Astra, and Kadence offer <i>excellent<\/i> options. Just be sure to read through the developer\u2019s refund policy and know what level of support you can expect before you go and make your purchase decision. On that note\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"refund\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#16 Double-Check the Refund Policy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re going to invest in a premium theme, it\u2019s important to check the refund policy before you purchase. Note the length of the window \u2014 you want enough time to test the theme with your own content and contact support should you encounter issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same goes for theme builders, too. Look for a free trial or a clear return policy when reading through their features and terms before you commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"mobile\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#17 Take a Mobile-First Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Responsive design is a must-have feature for most bloggers and website owners, but the mobile-first approach takes it one step further. By designing your WordPress theme for mobile devices first, you can ensure that the devices with the trickiest design requirements, with a huge variety of screen choices and hardware options, get the most attention from your design team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While not all industries necessitate a mobile-first approach, it\u2019s still a great feature to be on the lookout for to ensure that mobile users have the best user experience possible when accessing your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"browser\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">#18 Ensure Modern Browser Compatibility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although most people use the same popular browsers \u2014 such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari \u2014 they\u2019re far from the only options. There are dozens of browsers you can choose from, and not all of them render content and images in the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good developers know this, and ensure that their themes play nicely with most browsers by following established best practices for coding and design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1478\" height=\"1064\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/global-browser-market-share-july-2026-dreamops-23e9ff5f143aed7b55e5c9de.webp\" alt=\"Bar chart: global browser market share, July 2026, per StatCounter \u2014 Chrome 68.22%, Safari 16.47%, Edge 5.37%, Firefox 3.34%\" class=\"wp-image-87045 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/global-browser-market-share-july-2026-dreamops-23e9ff5f143aed7b55e5c9de.webp 1478w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/global-browser-market-share-july-2026-dreamops-23e9ff5f143aed7b55e5c9de-300x216.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/global-browser-market-share-july-2026-dreamops-23e9ff5f143aed7b55e5c9de-1024x737.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/global-browser-market-share-july-2026-dreamops-23e9ff5f143aed7b55e5c9de-768x553.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/global-browser-market-share-july-2026-dreamops-23e9ff5f143aed7b55e5c9de-600x432.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/global-browser-market-share-july-2026-dreamops-23e9ff5f143aed7b55e5c9de-1200x864.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/global-browser-market-share-july-2026-dreamops-23e9ff5f143aed7b55e5c9de-730x526.webp 730w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/global-browser-market-share-july-2026-dreamops-23e9ff5f143aed7b55e5c9de-1460x1051.webp 1460w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/global-browser-market-share-july-2026-dreamops-23e9ff5f143aed7b55e5c9de-784x564.webp 784w, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/global-browser-market-share-july-2026-dreamops-23e9ff5f143aed7b55e5c9de-877x631.webp 877w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1478px) 100vw, 1478px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1478px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1478\/1064;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: StatCounter Global Stats, gs.statcounter.com\/browser-market-share (July 2026, all platforms)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chrome dominates \u2014 68.22% of the worldwide browser market in <a href=\"https:\/\/gs.statcounter.com\/browser-market-share\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">StatCounter\u2019s July 2026 data<\/a> \u2014 but that still leaves roughly 3 in 10 of your visitors arriving in something else: Safari (16.47%), Edge (5.37%), Firefox (3.34%), and more. A well-built theme should look right in all of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">WordPress Theme FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should I use a free or premium WordPress theme?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start free. Themes in the WordPress.org directory are reviewed against its theme requirements, and many premium themes offer free versions. Upgrade when you need a specific feature, dedicated support, or more templates. That\u2019s when a premium theme\u2019s price tag earns its keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I look for in a WordPress theme?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Five things matter most: speed, recent updates from an active developer, compatibility with the plugins you need, good reviews, and a design close to what you want (so you customize less). Everything else refines those five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the most popular WordPress theme?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s no single official winner, but WordPress.org\u2019s Popular list is the closest thing: as of August 2026, it\u2019s led by the default Twenty Twenty-Five theme, alongside Hello Elementor, Astra, Kadence, OceanWP, and GeneratePress. Popularity means more reviews and tutorials to lean on \u2014 but fit for your site\u2019s purpose matters more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I get free WordPress themes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress.org\/themes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WordPress.org theme directory<\/a> is the safest starting point, with over 15,000 free themes. Many commercial vendors \u2014 including Astra, Kadence, and GeneratePress \u2014 also publish free versions of their themes there. Skip pirated \u201cnulled\u201d premium themes from random download sites; you can\u2019t trust their code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a block theme better for beginners?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Usually, yes. Block themes let you edit everything visually in the Site Editor, without touching code or installing a page builder. If you\u2019d rather follow the biggest ecosystem of tutorials and prebuilt designs, a popular classic theme is still a safe pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I change my WordPress theme later?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Your posts, pages, and media stay put, but menus, widgets, and theme-specific settings usually need redoing, and your site\u2019s look changes completely. Test the new theme on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/features\/wordpress-staging\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">staging site<\/a> first, then switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"summary\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Is it So Important to Choose the Best WordPress Theme?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have any friends who use WordPress \u2014 and with <a href=\"https:\/\/w3techs.com\/technologies\/details\/cm-wordpress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">40.7% of all websites running on it (per W3Techs, August 2026)<\/a>, you probably do \u2014 ask them how long they\u2019ve been using their current theme. In most cases, the answer will number in years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Changing your WordPress theme can be tricky, as it will radically alter the appearance and even the functionality of your site. That\u2019s why it\u2019s better to make a great choice the first time around and stick with it as long as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Themes are one of the key features that make WordPress an amazing platform. You have literally thousands of themes that you can choose from. Astra, Kadence, and OceanWP \u2014 all near the top of WordPress.org\u2019s popular themes list \u2014 are some great examples to look into, if you don\u2019t know where to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is not a decision to be taken lightly. Your choice of WordPress theme will impact your website\u2019s SEO, visitor experience, conversion rates, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you ready to start using your new theme? You\u2019ll first need to pick a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/wordpress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WordPress hosting<\/a> service that plays well with the platform\u2019s unique requirements. Fortunately, we have plenty of plans for WordPress users to choose from!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div\n\tclass=\"article-cta-shared article-cta-small\"\n>\n    <div class=\"tr-img-wrap-outer jsLoading\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-img-lazy \" src=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/blog2018\/assets\/img\/lazy-loading-transparent.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/blog2018\/assets\/img\/article-small-ad-cta-placeholder.webp 1x, https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/blog2018\/assets\/img\/article-small-ad-cta-placeholder-x2.webp 2x\"  alt=\"Ad background image\" \/><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  <div class=\"content-btm\">\n    <h2\n      class=\"h2--md\"\n    >\n      Do More with DreamPress\n    <\/h2>\n    <p\n      class=\"p--md\"\n    >\n      DreamPress managed WordPress hosting includes 1-Click Staging, so you can test new themes safely before your visitors ever see them.\n    <\/p>\n\n            <a\n            href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/wordpress\/managed\/\"\n                        class=\"btn btn--white-outline btn--sm btn--round\"\n                                    target=\"_blank\"\n            rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\n            >\n                            Check Out Plans                    <\/a>\n\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s no shortage of ways to build a website in 2026 \u2014 including AI site builders that design a page from a text prompt. But WordPress, the open-source content management system first released in 2003, still takes the cake when it comes to customizability. And that customizability starts with your theme. A WordPress theme is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1062,"featured_media":40463,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"How to Choose a WordPress Theme in 2026 - DreamHost","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"How to choose a WordPress theme that shapes your site's design, speed, and SEO \u2014 a practical guide to picking the right one.","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"How to Choose a WordPress Theme in 2026 - DreamHost","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"How to choose a WordPress theme that shapes your site's design, speed, and SEO \u2014 a practical guide to picking the right one.","toc_headlines":"[[\"install\",\"How to Install a WordPress Theme\"],[\"blocktheme\",\"First, Decide: Block Theme or Classic Theme?\"],[\"purpose\",\"#1 What Is Your Website\u2019s Purpose?\"],[\"prioritize\",\"#2 Prioritize Performance and Speed\"],[\"competitor\",\"#3 Look through Competitor Websites\"],[\"seo\",\"#4 Check for SEO Friendliness\"],[\"easy\",\"#5 Ascertain Ease of Use\"],[\"plugin\",\"#6 Confirm Relevant Plugin Support\"],[\"customization\",\"#7 Look for Customization Options\"],[\"analyze\",\"#8 Analyze Reviews and Ratings\"],[\"developer\",\"#9 Confirm Regular Developer Support\"],[\"multilingual\",\"#10 Check for Multilingual Functionality\"],[\"design\",\"#11 Prioritize Accessible Design Practices\"],[\"ecommerce\",\"#12 Search for Ecommerce Support\"],[\"prebuilt\",\"#13 Check Pre-Built Template Variety\"],[\"reputable\",\"#14 Stick to Reputable Sources\"],[\"afford\",\"#15 Evaluate Affordability and Pricing\"],[\"refund\",\"#16 Double-Check the Refund Policy\"],[\"mobile\",\"#17 Take a Mobile-First Approach\"],[\"browser\",\"#18 Ensure Modern Browser Compatibility\"],[\"faqs\",\"WordPress Theme FAQs\"],[\"summary\",\"Why Is it So Important to Choose the Best WordPress Theme?\"]]","hide_toc":false,"show_updated_at":"1","footnotes":""},"categories":[13119,550,696],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12467","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-getting-started","category-tutorials","category-wordpress"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - 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