Why is it better to code a WordPress theme from scratch and not use readymade themes?
WordPress theme determines the appearance and functionality of a WordPress website. Theme allows the admin or the editors to change the look of the website. There are thousands of free and paid themes that one can install and customize to create a website that meets its expectations.
WordPress themes come with a lot of features and options, which allow users to customize various aspects of their website, such as the header, footer, sidebar, and page layout. Themes also provide other functionalities such as widgets, page builders, and external integrations – for example with e-commerce or booking services.
The chosen theme can significantly impact the user experience of a website, so it’s important to choose a well-designed and reliable theme that meets specific project requirements. Well-designed themes come with all required functionalities, so there is no need to use a lot of plugins that make the website more efficient and secure, resulting in a better user experience.
There are some most important reasons why coding a WordPress theme from scratch can be a better option than using a ready “universal” theme:
- customization,
- performance,
- security,
- unique design.
Customization
When you code a WordPress theme from scratch, you have complete control over the design and functionality of your website. You can customize every aspect of your site to match specific requirements, which is not possible with a “universal” theme.
Customizing a website means adjusting it to your brand, business goals, and target group of users. It can help to establish a consistent brand identity, develop brand recognition, generate leads, improve user experience and engagement to give higher conversion rates. Customization can also help differentiate a website from competitors, creating a stronger brand image.
Performance
When you code a theme from scratch, you can optimize the code and eliminate any unnecessary features that make the website faster and minimize bounce rates.
Performance is very important because it impacts user experience, user engagement, and finally, the success of a website. An efficient website loads quickly, respond promptly to user input and is easy to explore. Websites like those create a positive user experience, users are more likely to stay on a website longer and engage with content when the website is easy to use and navigate. Website performance is an important factor in search engine optimization – search engines prioritize websites that load quickly and provide a good user experience. Website performance also impacts conversions – leads, sales, and sign-ups – as well as the brand’s reputation. With an increasing percentage of users accessing websites through mobile devices, website performance on smartphones and tablets is more critical than ever, a website that is not optimized for mobile devices leads to a poor user experience and decreased engagement.
Security
Security is very important, not only in business. Readymade themes are more vulnerable to security threats just because they are widely used and known. By building a theme from scratch, you can ensure that the website’s security is up to the required security standards.
There are a lot of security features that are important to consider when developing a WordPress theme. Here are only a few of the most important security features to include in WordPress theme: include measures to protect against XSS attacks, such as sanitizing user input and escaping output, using secure database queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, limiting the file types that can be uploaded and scanning uploaded files for malware.
Unique design
Be unique, be exceptional and users will remember Your website and talk about it. Readymade themes are used by many websites, making them less identifiable, while custom WordPress themes help to establish brand identity.
A unique design should reflect your brand’s personality and values and should be consistent with your other marketing materials. A well-thought-out layout that is easy to navigate and visually appealing, including a clear hierarchy of information, is also very important. Colors consistent with your brand can be used to evoke emotions, convey information, and create a visual hierarchy. The typography should complement the overall design and be easy to read on all devices. Images should be relevant to the content and add visual interest to the website.
An excellent user experience and accessibility are equally important. It should be easy to use and navigate, with clear calls to action and a responsive design that works on all devices and is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
Conclusion
While using a readymade theme may be a faster and cheaper option, the well-designed and coded custom theme gives exactly what is expected, not less and not more, so it’s the most efficient solution for project requirements, offering more benefits in terms of customization, performance, security, and uniqueness.