There are a couple of different approaches to choosing a WordPress theme:
1. Try to find a theme that looks just how you want it straight out of the box (or with a few small tweaks). Then just add your own text and images
2. Choose a plain looking, but flexible, theme as a starting point and customise it to look just as you want it to.
I favour the 2nd approach, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.
Here are the steps I take when setting up a self-hosted WordPress website. I’ve included links to some of the plugins I use, and to helpful articles with more comprehensive instructions.
UPDATE: This article was written before the release of the WordPress block editor (a.k.a. Gutenberg).
Page Builders have become so popular that sometimes new WordPress users get the impression that they are expected to use one. My own view is that it’s best to keep things simple and use a page builder only if you have a need for it.
Buckby Directory is a WordPress website, using the GeneratePress theme. It lists small businesses and organisations in my home village.
Family portrait photographer, Julie Pease, wanted a clean and simple website design…
Some friends and I ran an online community for photographers. My task was to set up a WordPress section of the site with a blog, a directory and various information pages…