Emily Journey | WordPress Training

by Emily Journey on October 11, 2021

WordPress Training in Washington, DC

Manage your website with confidence. Learn WordPress.

WordPress training equips you with the knowledge and skills required to manage your WordPress website with confidence. We’re a team of four WordPress experts ready to help you master this sometimes complicated platform. Watch the video above for details or read on to learn more about our customized WordPress training classes for Washington, DC business owners, nonprofit organizations, administrative staff, and marketing teams.
Office: (844) 972-6224 Contact Us Training FAQs »
Have you ever felt frustrated by the unresponsiveness of a website developer or agency? I know we sure have. If you don’t have control of your website, it could take days (or even weeks) to implement small changes.

In the meantime . . .

your company time, money, and reputation circle the drain while you wait for important website updates. You don’t have to let that happen anymore.

INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM TRAINING?

One-on-One Training Training for our Team

One-on-one WordPress Training Washington, DC

Rachel Pfanz WordPress coach — Rachel Pfanz, WordPress Trainer

Do you need a customized, one-on-one training experience? Then you’re probably looking for our one-on-one WordPress training. Meet virtually or in person with one of our WordPress experts to walk through everything you need to know about managing and building your particular WordPress website.

This training is perfect for:

Independent business owners such as retail shop owners, real estate agents, coaches, speakers, and other service professionals
The staff person who got tasked with managing the website–lucky you!
IT professionals, graphic designers, and marketing professionals who want to expand their skill set

Washington, DC WordPress Training Courses

1-on-1 WordPress Training	More Info
Advanced WordPress Training	More Info
Private WordPress Tutoring	More Info
Private Corporate WordPress Training	More Info

Washington, DC Office

5028 Wisconsin Ave NW #100,
Washington, DC 20016

Washington, DC Training Dates

1-on-1 WordPress Training	October 21-22, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
1-on-1 WordPress Training	November 1-2, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
1-on-1 WordPress Training	November 18-19, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
1-on-1 WordPress Training	November 29-30, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
Advanced WordPress Training	October 25-26, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
Advanced WordPress Training	November 11-12, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
Advanced WordPress Training	November 22-23, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
Advanced WordPress Training	December 6-7, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
Private WordPress Tutoring	October 18-19, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
Private WordPress Tutoring	November 15-16, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
Private WordPress Tutoring	December 2-3, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
Private Corporate WordPress Training	October 21-22, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
Private Corporate WordPress Training	November 1-2, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
Private Corporate WordPres Training	November 18-19, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497
Private Corporate WordPress Training	November 29-30, 2021 9:00 AM-12:00 PM	Live Instructor	$1497

On-site WordPress consulting in Washington, DC

WordPress Consultant — WordPress Instructor, Emily Journey

Do you need two or more of your staff available to manage and update your company website? If so, on-site WordPress training in DC will give your team the skills they need to be successful with this responsibility. Emily will meet with your staff as a group to teach them basic to advanced WordPress–customized for their specific needs and goals.

This training is perfect for:

In-house marketing teams
Your IT department
A group of key staff members

Take back control of your company website.

Do your website change requests seem to have fallen into a black hole? Unfortunately, you’re not the only one. Most employees do not have the knowledge required to make informed decisions about digital assets. Sometimes they end up outsourcing these important decisions to a third party.

Lack of in-house knowledge creates a costly dependency upon website developers.

Remove the middle man with WordPress Training. Your team will be equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to run, maintain, and update the company’s website–all without having to deal with poor communication from third parties.

What to expect from WordPress training

If you’re looking for a lengthy PowerPoint presentation and generic handouts, this probably isn’t the best option for you. When you book WordPress training, be prepared for an interactive, hands-on experience.

Get access to resources for a stronger foundation and preparation.
Two intensive, one-on-one sessions lasting 4-hours each.
Receive the video recordings of your training sessions for review at your convenience (available only with virtual training.)
Receive an additional 3 months of access to your instructor for follow-up questions and consultation.

Get started with one-on-one WordPress training

Step 1: Let’s talk about your goals

First things first. We’ll discuss your website goals and challenges. Understanding what you want to accomplish helps us customize your individual WordPress training for your unique needs. Already know WordPress basics? Great! Your training experience will be more advanced. This first conversation is also a great time to ask any additional questions you have about the process.

Step 2: Set a Date

We’ll get things off the ground by securing a spot on our calendar. Once we have the training date(s) decided, we will provide a payment link via email. You will also get some valuable resources based on your unique goals to tide you over until the big day.

Step 3: Learn by Doing

We are big proponents of kinetic learning – aka, learning by doing! And since you’re seeking some personalized training, it’s pretty safe to assume you’d like that kind of atmosphere too. We’ll meet in-person or via GoToMeeting as you are guided through the steps of managing WordPress.

Stop struggling with WordPress and learn faster.
Contact us today to get started!

On-site Staff WordPress Training in Washington, DC

Give your team the skills they need to be successful

Have your employees ever gotten frustrated or behind schedule due to an unresponsive website developer or agency? You’re not the only one with this concern. Does your sales department consider your company website a valuable asset in closing sales? Too many teams lack internal command of the company website, which affects your bottom line. This lack of control means your staff may have to wait days (or even weeks) to implement changes or new campaigns.

With our staff WordPress training, Emily Journey can help you remove the middle man and give your team control over updates. Each of your team members will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to run, maintain, and update your company website–all without having to deal with poor communication from third parties.

Get started with WordPress training for your staff

Step 1: Let’s talk about your goals

Before we begin, we’ll discuss your goals and website challenges. Understanding what you want to accomplish helps us customize your company’s WordPress training to your unique needs. This is also a great time to ask any additional questions you have about the process. Some of your questions are answered here: frequently asked questions about WordPress training »

Step 2: Schedule the training

We’ll find the perfect times for your staff to get together for training. Once that’s settled, we will arrange for payment. After payment, expect to receive some valuable resources based on your company’s unique goals to prepare you for the training.

Step 3: Put it into action

During your small group WordPress training, we walk through your company website. First, we’ll identify the items that are common to every WordPress website. Then, we’ll get into the unique challenges and structure of your specific website. We will determine what is really possible with your website. And, we will look at workarounds for dealing with difficult areas in your website. Come prepared to get involved, take notes and absorb a lot! Our interactive lessons will equip your team with exactly what they need to make informed decisions and work with confidence.

What to expect during WordPress training in DC

If you want your team to sit through a lengthy PowerPoint presentation and generic handouts, this probably isn’t what you want. Emily provides your staff with an interactive, hands-on experience every step of the way.

Get access to resources for a stronger foundation and preparation.
Your team gets two customized training sessions (4 hours per session).
Receive an additional 3 months of on-going email and phone support after the class.

by Emily Journey on July 26, 2021

Is there a WordPress certification?

Is there such thing as a WordPress certification? Can you become a certified WordPress developer?
The short answer is no. There is no official certification in WordPress. As a matter of fact, suggesting that you are certified in WordPress in a job interview or on your resume is likely to backfire. Any savvy interviewer is going to know that such a certification is bogus.

Learn About your WordPress Training Options Training FAQs »

A certified WordPress developer? Anybody can sell you a certificate in WordPress

Got a printer? Anybody can print a certificate and sell it to you as a WordPress certification. You don’t even have to take a test. There is no official certifying body overseeing any official WordPress certification. There is no official WordPress skills test to become a certified WordPress developer.

The difference between real certifications and worthless certifications

It’s possible to become certified in various technology products. That is because their creators have developed standards and testing for certifications. As the product developer, they are authorized and most qualified to measure competence.

A great example of a valuable certification is the Quickbooks certification offered by Intuit, the makers of Quickbooks. This certification process follows the typical path. First, students get the training classes and materials from authorized instructors. Then, students take an exam from an independent testing center. Students must pass the exam in order to earn certification.

This type of certification just might help you if it is on your resume because it’s recognized as legitimate.

With WordPress, there is no official managing body overseeing training and testing for competency in WordPress. The WordPress Foundation, the nonprofit organization behind the free WordPress software, does not currently endorse WordPress certifications.

Here’s something to consider: offering certification is a for-profit venture. Many technology product creators offer certification in their product for two reasons.

To protect the reputation and quality of their brand
To earn money from their technology product

Professional WordPress development courses

WordPress training with an expert professional is a valuable investment to improve your WordPress skills or become a professional website developer.

Learn about our unique method of WordPress Training:
Online One-on-One WordPress Training WordPress Training for your Team

Avoid shady organizations that over-promise and under-deliver. Do your research and work with the best. Finding a WordPress consultant who can mentor you into confidence with the WordPress software requires a little bit of research. If you’re serious about learning quickly and comprehensively, then I recommend talking on the phone with your prospective instructor before making your decision.

by Emily Journey on July 10, 2021

Blog writing ideas for your business

Blogging is a great way to connect with your existing customers, strengthen your brand, and bring new customers to your business website. The real challenge is coming up with ideas to write about on your business blog. You might already suspect your topic ideas for your business blog are boring. Despite the infinite number of options, some business blog topics will be more effective than others in helping you gain traffic, exposure, and profit from your blog.

Get ideas for your Business Blog Topics

Follow these steps to brainstorm writing ideas for your blog.

Start by creating a list of everything your business offers or can offer to your clients. This includes product descriptions, your various service descriptions, your special announcements and press releases…

Once you’ve gotten this list out of your system, set it aside. Don’t worry—you’ll get back to it. But, this is not where you want your mind to be when generating blog post ideas that will actually interest your customers.

Writing topics that focus on your products or services are very important for attracting prospects who are already interested in what you have to offer, but they are also low-hanging fruit. (If you’re unsure of the best way to write a post about one of your products or services, read how to make your blog post attractive to Google and other search engines. Then, come back and read this article.)

What about those people who don’t even know your product or service exists?

To find a blog post topic that’s engaging and interesting to all of your readers, you should never focus only on your products and services—instead, you should think about delivering value.

Office: (844) 972-6224 Meet Our Team

Blog writing ideas that deliver value

What exactly does this mean? Valuable to whom? Valuable to your customer. Remember that your readers want your writing to be all about them–not you.

This is where it’s easy to veer back into our own STUFF. We start babbling about our products and services and how great they are. Don’t do it. Of course your stuff is valuable. Here’s the problem: Your prospect doesn’t know that yet. And, they don’t want to be convinced. At least . . . not yet.

Instead of talking about the value of your products or services, start with the information your prospect already values. Things like:

inside information on changes in their business field—not yours
information about their competitors—not yours
inspirational/funny stories
proven time savers
their hobbies—not yours

People want to be understood, and they want answers to their business problems—not “solutions.” Everyone has solutions. That’s just code for “products and services.” If you don’t know the real answers to the unspoken business questions your customers have on their minds, then you might not have much credibility with them.

This is where really knowing your ideal customer really pays off. The better you know your ideal customer—down to the type of car they drive—the easier it is to understand their concerns and to write something that will resonate with them.

As my friend Jeffrey Gitomer says, “People don’t want to be sold, but they love to buy!” Make it easier for your prospective clients to buy with blog post topics that add real value to their lives—and not just from your product or service. When you provide consistently high-quality writing on topics your customers already care about, you build trust and sell your business.

One-on-one SEO Training is also available in person and on-site.
Office: (844) 972-6224 Meet Our Team

Conducting an Interview for Your Business Blog Post

One of the easiest ways to create value-adding content for your blog is through interviews. Interviewing you? No way!

You’re going to interview two types of people:

Your happy customer
People your prospects are already interested in

Interviews for blog posts are not difficult. There’s no need for recording devices or quick notetaking. Follow these steps to create a successful interview-based blog post:

Create 5 or fewer interview questions: imagine what your prospects might like to know about this person.
Send these questions to the interviewee: Ask for their permission to publish an article about them.
Make it as easy as possible: They should respond to your questions in writing and even have the option of making up their own!
Showcase your interviewee: An interview post should always feature a photo of the person being interviewed.

For a successful post example targeting comic book readers, read my interview with Max Ink at Best of Columbus.

Imagine yourself creating and delivering interesting content tailored specifically to the interests of your prospects. Then, think about the tired and sales-y content that your competition churns out.

When your prospect sees an email in the inbox from both you and your boring competitor, which email do you think is getting opened? Which one is getting deleted? I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see what your next blog post is going to be!

Now that you have some great topic ideas for your business blog, you may be wondering how to actually write a post. What should you include? How should it be structured? What shouldn’t you do? For some actionable advice on these questions and more, read my tips on how to write an engaging blog post.

Office: (844) 972-6224 Contact Us About SEO Training

SEO and Business Blog Post Topics

If you are going to invest the time and energy into selecting a topic and writing your business blog, you are going to want to do so in such a way that gives you the biggest bang for your buck. Writing your business blog so that it is optimized to generate more organic search engine traffic to your website is really critical if your intent is to bring new customers to your website. Search Engine Optimization is the process of improving the quality and quantity of website traffic to a website or a web page from search engines.

We are search engine experts and offer comprehensive customized training to help you get the most out of your business blogging. What follows below is is a general syllabus for the SEO training we offer both in person or virtually via Zoom. The actual training experience may be more advanced or different based upon you or your company’s specific needs and each participant’s skill level.

This course is comprehensive and requires just one training session with follow-up sessions to review your work.

1. Demonstration of how SEO really works

We start by clearing out the smoke and mirrors to discover how search engine optimization really works. Real-life examples are provided.

2. Customer Profile Research and Development

You and your team know your business better than any agency. We will research and unearth the search behavior of your ideal prospects.

3. Hands-on, formula based content creation

Has anyone ever said to you, “Just blog and it will all turn out fine!” We say NO to that. Learn and practice the step-by-step strategy that actually works.

4. Using Google Search Console

A great Google tool for communicating directly with Google Search. Valuable for direct requests for indexing of website content and for evaluating the results of your efforts.

5. Getting the most out of your Google My Business location

There’s a little more to this than just getting on the map! Learn how to take advantage of what Google My Business has to offer.

6. The impact of social media and email marketing on SEO

Does social media really work? Do I need to be hounding my customers with frequent emails? Let’s have this discussion so that you can take the correct actions with confidence.

7. Creation of your step-by-step execution plan for SEO

This is what it’s all about. By the end of training, you will be crystal clear on how search engine optimization works. You will be equipped with the skills you need to confidently move forward with your business SEO plan.
Office: (844) 972-6224 Contact Us About SEO Training

by Emily Journey on July 10, 2021

How to write a blog post that engages your readers

When was the last time you wrote a blog post that truly engaged readers? I’m talking social shares, comments, and emails raving about the content you crafted. Most of us, I dare say, don’t have that experience very often. (And some of us don’t even have a business blog! If you don’t have one yet, find out why you really do need a business blog.)

A truly successful blog post combines strong writing and even stronger marketing. It’s that 1-2 punch that will help you gain raving fans.

And while I could talk about both, today I want to talk about the first punch: strong writing.

I’ve been a writer for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, it was my preferred method of communication – especially when expressing deep feelings. As a teenager, I used it to avoid a fast food job by working as a freelance writer. And today, I’m consulting with some great brands, helping them produce better content.

Over the years, I’ve observed web writing – what works, what doesn’t. And in that time, a few key elements of successful posts have repeated themselves. Writing a blog post that engages may seem difficult, but it’s worth learning: high-quality writing is essential to selling your business.

So let’s take a look at what makes a blog post successful.
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Use your first impression to engage blog post readers

You never get a second chance at a first impression.

The introduction – sometimes called a lede – is the first impression you make with the reader. I like to start this interaction with an engaging question. Something that piques your interest and captures your curiosity.

For example, I started this article with, “When was the last time you wrote a blog post that truly engaged readers?” If I did my job well, that question made you think.

Office: (844) 972-6224 Meet Our Team

Utilizing questions to engage your blog post readers

Or maybe you already knew the answer: “Never.” Either way, you’re here now and curious about how to write a blog post that engages. And here you are, engaged.

Choosing engaging questions to open your blog post doesn’t have to be tricky. In fact, the best way to make a good first impression—and keep your readers’ attention far beyond the lede—is to write about something your reader already cares about. Learn more about using your blog to deliver value to your readers by checking out some helpful topic ideas for your business blog.

But it’s not just your opening sentence. Other elements that also impact the overall first impression from readers include:

The headline
Your featured image
The design of your website
How fast the page loads

As you can see, there are several elements to keep in mind. But start with that opening question. I’ve found that even with a weak headline, an engaging lede that relates to your audience’s interests and values can redeem the first impression.

Blog post writing for the web: Keeping your readers engaged

Did you know that we have shorter attention spans than goldfish? Seriously, goldfish.

Web writing is a particular skill set. It’s a never-ending balance of adding immense value while keeping things as simple as possible.

Some of the key things to web writing:

Keep sentences short.
Use powerful action verbs.
Don’t use jargon or $5 words.
Make paragraphs 1-3 sentences long.
Use italics and bold for emphasis.
Add bullet and numbered lists.
Section topics using sub-headings.

People aren’t going to be engaged enough to read a blog full of long sentences, fancy vocabulary, and chunky paragraphs. They just aren’t. The web is a place to get the most information in the least amount of time. Help your readers achieve that, and you’ve won.

Office: (844) 972-6224 Learn more

Engaging blog post readers with credibility

I’ll only believe it if I see it for myself.

Even if no one reads the sources, linking to external articles adds to the overall credibility of your post. People enjoy seeing that you actually took the time to research, instead of just rambling on about your thoughts and opinions. (We get enough of that on Facebook.)

Now, this doesn’t mean you need to go read academic journals before writing a post.

Sometimes it’s really as simple as incorporating quotes from an article on a similar topic or just including a link that helps someone learn more about what you’re talking about.

It’s helpful and adds value – which is what we’re aiming for in everything we do in a blog post.

Office: (844) 972-6224 Get Started with SEO Training

A picture says 1,000 words: Engaging your readers with images

Show me; don’t tell me.

Images are really great, especially in research-heavy topics. In my experience, screenshots add the most value. Graphs, charts and other visual forms of data are great ways to break up text.

But what about when you’re writing something that isn’t research-heavy? Well, you just need to get a bit creative in how you incorporate images.

One of my favorite tricks? When quoting advice found in another blog post, grab a screenshot instead of typing it out. It adds that visual element without needing to create something custom or gather a lot of data.

Incorporating calls-to-action in your blog to engage readers

If a tree falls in the forest – but no one is around to hear it – does it really make a sound?

You’re not doing yourself, or your audience, any favors by ending the blog post without a call-to-action. Listen, we’re all skimming articles. Think about it: you read the headlines, get the gist, and move on. That’s just how online reading typically works.

So, when someone actually reads the conclusion – capitalize on that, my friend.

That person has given you their attention. Don’t waste it. Our attention is the most valuable asset any of us give, perhaps even more than money itself.

Identify what you want the user to do. Some popular call-to-actions include:

Pose a question to elicit comments.
Encourage readers to sign up for your email list.
Offer an eBook or free download.
Link to your products or services.
Ask readers to follow you on social media.

Get creative with it! If you want to ask them to Snapchat a picture of them reading your blog post, do that. Whatever your heart desires.

Including a conclusion in your blog post to engage readers

So go do it! Stop reading about it and start being about it.

As someone who writes professionally, I know all about writer’s procrastination. Honestly, I’d rather be tweaking my new web design right now instead of finishing this article. But you’ve got to set aside the excuses and start typing.

That’s the only real way to start engaging. Just do it!
Office: (844) 972-6224 Contact Us About SEO Training

by Emily Journey on July 10, 2021

WordPress Training

WordPress training equips you with the knowledge and skills required to manage your WordPress website with confidence. We’re a team of WordPress training experts ready to help you master this sometimes complicated platform. Watch the video below for details or read on to learn more about our customized WordPress training classes for business owners, IT staff, administrative staff, and marketing teams.

Office: (844) 972-6224 Contact Us Training FAQs »

Have you ever felt frustrated by the unresponsiveness of a website developer or agency? I know we sure have. If you don’t have control of your website, it could take days (or even weeks) to implement small changes.

In the meantime . . .

your company time, money, and reputation circle the drain while you wait for important website updates. You don’t have to let that happen anymore.

INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM TRAINING?

One-on-One Training Training for our Team

WordPress Training | Online and In Person

Virtual WordPress Trainer — WordPress Trainer, Rachel Pfanz

Do you need a customized, one-on-one training experience? Then you’re probably looking for our one-on-one WordPress training. Meet virtually or in-person with one of our WordPress experts to walk through everything you need to know about managing and building your particular WordPress website.

This training is perfect for:

Independent business owners such as retail shop owners, real estate agents, coaches, speakers, and other service professionals
The staff person who got tasked with managing the website–lucky you!
IT professionals, graphic designers, and marketing professionals who want to expand their skill set

In person WordPress consulting for corporate teams

Do you need two or more of your staff available to manage and update your company website? If so, on-site corporate WordPress consulting with Emily Journey will give your team the skills they need to be successful with this responsibility. Emily will meet with your staff as a group to teach them basic to advanced WordPress–customized for their specific needs and goals.

This training is perfect for:

In-house marketing teams
Your IT department
A group of key staff members

Take back control of your company website.

Lack of in-house knowledge creates a costly dependency upon website developers.

Remove the middle man with WordPress Training. Your team will be equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to run, maintain, and update the company’s website–all without having to deal with poor communication from third parties.

Contact Us Course Details Training FAQs »

What to expect from one-on-one WordPress training

If you’re looking for a lengthy PowerPoint presentation and generic handouts, our way of teaching probably isn’t the best approach for you. When you book WordPress training with us, be prepared for an interactive, hands-on experience.

Get access to resources for a stronger foundation and preparation.
Two intensive, one-on-one sessions lasting 4-hours each.
Receive the video recordings of your training sessions for review at your convenience (available only with virtual training.)
Receive an additional 3 months of access to your instructor for follow-up questions and consultation.

Get started with one-on-one WordPress training

Step 1: Let’s talk about your goals

Step 2: Set a Date

Step 3: Learn by Doing

On-site Staff WordPress Training

Give your team the skills they need to be successful

Get started with WordPress training for your staff

Step 1: Let’s talk about your goals

Step 2: Schedule the training

We’ll find the perfect times for your staff to get together for training. Once that’s settled, we will provide a secure payment link via email. After payment, expect to receive some valuable resources based on your company’s unique goals to prepare you for the training.

Step 3: Put it into action

During staff WordPress training, we walk through your company website. First, we’ll identify the items that are common to every WordPress website. Then, we’ll get into the unique challenges and structure of your specific website. We will determine what is really possible with your website. And, we will look at workarounds for dealing with difficult areas in your website. Come prepared to get involved, take notes and absorb a lot! Our interactive lessons will equip your team with exactly what they need to make informed decisions and work with confidence.

What to expect during WordPress training

Get access to resources for a stronger foundation and preparation.
Your team gets two customized training sessions (4 hours per session).
Receive an additional 3 months of on-going email and phone support after the class.

by Emily Journey on July 1, 2021

Top 2 themes used by WordPress developers

Two WordPress themes dominate the field of professional WordPress website development. As a WordPress instructor, I train staff members on their brand new company website. During training, I get to see the theme chosen by the original developer. Eight out of ten times, I guess the theme correctly without seeing it in advance. Just two themes are most commonly used by WordPress developers. They are Divi by Elegant Themes and Avada by Theme Fusion. The WordPress Theme for your website is one of the most important digital asset decisions you will make. The right theme can stay with you for years, strengthening your influence as your brand develops. Choose a theme already proven to be flexible and popular.
Learn to use these website themes quickly with Advanced 1-on-1 WordPress Training. Contact our office at (844) 972-6224.

The wrong theme choice causes increasing headaches and loss of money over time. That’s why it’s so important to make the right choice from the beginning. As a developer who has worked with WordPress since 2012, I have my favorites. But before I share those, let’s look at some things you should consider while making the choice.

Choose a theme used by WordPress developers

There are thousands of theme options on the market today. It’s easy to get really overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing one for your brand. How are you supposed to know which one will work and which ones won’t?

You don’t.

There are simply too many to consider. Most WordPress developers use the Avada theme or the Divi theme for ALL of their client websites. But, if theme research is an area you want to spend time…

All web devs have struggled with this process. I’ve put together six things to consider when choosing a WordPress theme. By examining themes with these elements in mind, you’ll see a few candidates rise to the top.

Price

There are both free and premium WordPress themes. Free themes are unpredictable and not well supported. And, if you don’t think you will need support, then you are kidding yourself. 🙂 Purchase a theme from a company that creates themes as their primary business. Do not purchase a theme from a website development company that also happens to make themes on the side.

Speed

This is an important element in terms of both SEO and user experience. You don’t want a bloated theme that has too much weighing it down. A slow website can turn people off before you ever get them reading the page. If a WordPress theme requires a bunch of plugins to function, then keep looking.

Design

Website developers like to use themes with brand flexibility. Business brands have different design needs. You should be able to customize the theme’s design to match your client brand specifications. But beyond that, the theme should have solid design bones that makes customization as simple as possible. There shouldn’t be any need to write or edit code to get the look and functionality you want.

Responsiveness

You’ve got to have a responsive website. If you’re not on mobile, you’re not only losing potential mobile views, but you could get dinged by Google in terms of SEO. Make sure the theme is responsive. These days, almost all WordPress themes are responsive and mobile friendly. But, some look better than others on mobile. Check it out.

Customization

Business clients have specific ideas regarding every detail of their websites. Total customization is possible by digging into code. But, most businesses want their staff to be able to make changes directly from the WordPress dashboard. Coding up the website backend is not a good idea. Instead, Website developers look for themes that allow for customization and flexibility directly from the WordPress dashboard.

Age

Seriously. How old is it? Did you look? Just because it looks new to you doesn’t mean it isn’t on the verge of old age in terms of it’s latest update. WordPress themes need to be updated often in order to stay compatible with WordPress security updates. These important updates are not just for kicks. They are for security gaps. When you are considering a theme purchase, look at the update history. It will be public and should be visible on the sales page. The most recent update should be less than three months ago. If it has been more than 6 months since the last update, then the theme may have been abandoned by the original creator. Steer clear.

The balance of these 6 elements makes for a complete theme. The themes I suggest below are strong in each of these areas. Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose the best thing for your brand – whether it’s one of these or something else.

My top themes used by WordPress developers

Marketer’s Delight (Great for copywriters and authors)
Authority Pro (perfect for business coaches and real estate agents)
Divi (Flexible and highly customizable. Comes with excellent documentation and creative options)
Avada (ideal for complicated websites needing unlimited functionality. The most flexible theme on the market.)

I also recommend the following theme providers:

Each of these themes are built well. You’ll find each of my 6 preferred selection elements prominent in each choice.

Choose the best WordPress theme for you

Ultimately, the thing that matters most: actually choose a WordPress theme. Don’t fall into selection paralysis by becoming overwhelmed by your options.

I wished I had somebody to just tell me which theme to use when I was just starting out! Instead, I spent too many weekends fiddling around with themes that looked nice but didn’t make the cut.

Choose a theme that meets most of your criteria and move on to bigger and better things.

Advanced WordPress Training

Learn to use these website themes quickly with Advanced 1-on-1 WordPress Training. Watch the video below for details or contact our office at (844) 972-6224.