Question: Who is the King of the Blog Empire?
A: Content is the King
Q: Where is the Queen?
A: @#$%!
Oh boy! Design is the Queen!
In my view, a Blogger is successful when (s)he realizes that “Content is the King and there is not substitute for that”. And if you are one of them, you are already successful!
You can spend thousands of dollars on advertising, and plenty of hours on social networks promoting your links, you will get the traffic but people would just leave if they get nothing of value.
“Hey, why are you telling this to me? I already know that”
Sorry, that was just an appetizer. 😛
There is a second part to a blog that many often neglect. The Queen of the empire, THE DESIGN!
A theme is a backbone of the blog on which the body is built. A good theme helps you in SEO and more importantly, a unique theme helps in Standing-out of-the-rest.
Chris Pearson is arguably one of the top theme designers. (Yes! He designed the Thesis theme.) He explains the functions of a good theme as one that’s accessible, flexible, and usable and of course Search Engine Optimized.
I would say that a theme has more work to do…
- A good theme acts as an eye-catcher and helps in impressing the reader. Remember, netizens scan first before reading.
- A well chosen theme should high light your work and give your blog a professional look.
- It should set the mood of the reader and should make him stay longer on your blog.
Thankfully, there are lots of free WordPress themes available, but how do you choose one for your blog? The thumb rule is; YOU should be happy about your theme. Along with that, consider these.
Finding the Right Theme for Your Blog
Choose a theme that matches the style of your blog. Make sure that it can project your work. For example, if yours’ is a photo blog, pick one that can showcase your pics as an image gallery.
Check if the basic H1, H2 tags are in place. This guide on WordPress Header Tags should help you decide better.
Pick a unique Theme, that’s not so popular on your niche. This is going to be an issue, because even premium themes are highly over used. Try to get something as unique as possible.
Make sure it meets your needs. If you plan to use 125 x 125 button ads, see if there are place holders for the button ads.
Consider reading this guide on choosing a WordPress Theme. (Authored by Lorelle!)
I would say that you go for a Premium theme. Premium themes are designed for the demanding users and come with great support and frequent updates.
Make sure frequent Updates are available. Why are updates important? It would be so painful to find that a latest feature on WordPress is not supported by your theme when a new version of WordPress is out. Most premium themes don’t have this issue and some free themes like the Vigilance Theme and the Freemium Theme are regularly updated.
The Ultimate Solution?
If you can afford it, hire a custom designer. Someone who can design a custom theme for you to match all your needs, that would be awesome. It solves the issues of uniqueness, flexibility and the availability of updates.
Whatever theme you choose, make sure that every part of the theme is complete. Don’t leave the default pages and place holders as such. Customize it to the best of your limits!
Did I miss any? Please tip me guys 🙂
My friend, Ajith is looking for a new WordPress theme; if you have any suggestions for a theme that suits him, please have your say.
(P.S.: I have kept it as a goal for the coming year to hire a designer to build on the current StudioPress Church theme and give it an ultimate facelift. If you are someone who can do that, or you know someone, please be in touch)
I am a WordPress product developer and creator of Image Attributes Pro. I am passionate about solving problems and travelling the world.
From my experiences i also learned that it is the theme that is the backbone of the site. I too agree. Nice article Friend.
Great, I saw the site just now, looks good. A good theme has a definite role in a bloggers success 🙂
Thanks Friend.
@ Amal Roy : I liked your theme. Your theme was my second choice. First was Revolution/Studiopress Church !
Cheers ! 😉
You are always welcome!
Queen is the design ! 😀
I’m wondering when I’ll get Studiopress Church theme for free….
I dont think they will ever give it free anymore. Its not good for the premium buyes 😀
A free theme with premium support is no better than a Free Theme. you see…
@ S Pradeep Kumar If you need METRO of StudioPress i can give you free. I have it with me with full customer support. I would be happy if you wish to wrap your blog in it.
Wait till Brian hears this 😛
The metro theme is a good one, and ofcourse you can share it, but I dont think you will be able to pass on customer Support unless you give him access to your account 🙂
@Pradeep: Wow man, you got an offer there 😛 😀
Ha Ha Brain is a good friend of mine….but yes he definitely would not like to see such public offers. (RE: Access I’m ready to pass on it too.)
Hmm.. I dont know him really well, but as far as I know him and have read about him, he would take it lightly. OMG, Pradeep! Why are you not responding? You have a big offer there 🙂
Sorry for the late reply guys ! 😉
@ Arun : I’m back ! 😀 I like Metro.. but Church still rocks !
@ Shankar : If Mr.Brain good friend of yours, can you ask him permission for letting HellBound Bloggers to interview him ! 😀 Seriously…
There is nothing like a late reply I guess, everything is early 🙂 😀
Guess your exams are done, good to have you back here 🙂
Do you have Studiopress Church ? 😛 😀
I disagree…content was never the king 🙂 If it was, you would be the most popular blogger right now 🙂
I guess the Kingship has been over thrown by Democracy, The petty politicans win, not the king 😀
this article is just what I needed since I’m trying to choose a theme for my blog. many thanks my dear friend.
You are welcome! Glad that I could be of help to you 🙂
And its good to see you here, Thanks for dropping by 🙂
I completely agree with Anand,Million Clues has become one of the top blog in it’s niche due to varieities oftopics and contents.Keep going Arun
Thanks man! Thats really supportive, I guess thats the fuel 🙂
Arun,
Caption is excellent .. and nothing to say about your images !
As i said earlier you are a bloody designer man..
Yeah, I remember the post, you said that before on the post related to Stats. Thanks for the words mate, Really matters esp. from you!
Be a learner, use photoshop everyday for say 30 mins, try something new, read some online tutorials, you will be better than the best in no time.. 🙂