Free or premium WordPress template

This is the first question and one of the most complicated, but I am sure you will leave convinced after my explanation. From my experience, I recommend that you choose a premium template unless you feel like the fascinating process of editing WordPress code, which can be very satisfying (and time-consuming). Why? I recommend a premium WordPress template  because:

• Its prices are laughable: The prices are so low for something so well done, that I would never think of anything else (someone who has played with free templates tells you). We are talking about amounts between € 30 and € 60. In addition to the time you are going to save, the result will be much better with a very similar effort.
• Its features span many configurations: Free templates generally come with basic features implemented, enough for many bloggers just starting out. However, for more advanced functions that we are going to need, it will have to be done through code or plugins. It is much more convenient to have everything included in the control panel.

Adaptive Template Web Design

Regardless of the type of web page or blog that you are going to develop in WordPress, there is a feature that should be mandatory when choosing the template: Responsive Web Design, or what is the same, adaptive web design. Internet users are connecting more and more from their mobile phone or tablet, so web pages must know how to adapt to new connection modalities.

Each terminal has its own characteristics and screen resolutions that make the display of a website different. This involves giving a return to the approach of creating the page web to better anticipate the various constraints related to each bracket. Adaptive web design is currently an inescapable solution if you want to keep a good presence on the internet and whatever the navigation medium used by the netizen.

But how do you know if a theme is adaptable to different devices? Typically, make it clear ” responsive design ” or ” responsive design ” in the featured image or in the template description, although it is best to get wet and try the template demo yourself from various devices (you can use these tools to test a web page on mobile devices ).

If it happens that you had created the website or blog and you need to use a template that is not responsive or you have bought a theme that is not adaptable, there are WordPress plugins such as WPTouch, which create an adapted version of the page to any mobile device (in fact, it has a very interesting PRO version).

Template customization and editing level

If you don’t want to get your hands dirty by editing your WordPress template code, find one that offers all the features you need:

• Easily change the font and colour schemes: Templates are usually very limited in this regard, although there are certain templates that allow you to choose from hundreds of families of GoogleFonts fonts.
• Have sidebars, both on the left and on the right: Depending on how much extra content you want to show through widgets, this point is more important than it seems, especially if you want a dynamic page, with calls to action that invite the user to continue browsing our page.
• Easy customization of the header of your website or blog: It may seem like a “beginner”, but there are still WordPress templates on the market that do not make this step easy and comfortable. You need a WordPress template that allows you to locate your logo and the title of your page well without too many size restrictions.
• Blog section with a modern and functional design: If the home page is great but the blog is in chaos, forget about that template.
• Customizable contact forms and comments: Although this point is not so important, because there are plugins that do a good job in this aspect without too much load for the page, as always it is better to “come from the factory”, which will allow you to have pages faster and receive opinions and connect with your readers in closer and personal way.
• Good support for video and integration with YouTube and Vimeo: It is important that when embedding a video it is adaptable, that the player window adjusts to the size, just like the rest of your responsive template.
• Varied of Shortcodes: The shortcodes are small phrases of code that allow us to present the contents of different visual ways and in a simple way.
• Integration of options for social networks: It is important that the user can easily share the content on social networks.
• Predefined page layouts: When creating a new page, it is important that the WordPress template has layouts ( templates ) that you can choose from to quickly organize the functions: contact page, the home page, portfolio, full-width size page

Support to solve your doubts

This section is practically for the exclusive use of payment templates and not everyone needs it, but there are cases in which it is a critical factor. If you are a person with little experience, surely you need someone who is there to answer your questions when you install and configure your WordPress.

Accessible and complete documentation

Throughout the installation and configuration process, it is normal to encounter problems, especially in templates with many customization options or advanced functionalities. Make sure the topic is well documented so you can move forward without brushing your teeth at every step.
Note: Observe when it was the last time the template was updated, avoid topics that are not updated frequently

Positive reviews and opinions

On paper, the topic may seem better or worse, but there is nothing like reading the opinions of users who have already used it. It will help you know if you have serious problems or if there are major complaints that are not being resolved.