Ready to make your new blog stunning? After installing WordPress, the next step is to pick a theme for how your site will look and function.
There are a lot of things you could do first when you’re starting a blog, but my favorite is to install a theme. A WordPress theme adds structures, functions, and visual displays to your WordPress Blog. The appearance is the first impression readers have of your blog. I know your mom always said, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but when it comes to your blog having a good looking site will make a big difference in your success.
When it comes to WordPress themes, there are free options and premium options.
To find a free theme that fits your needs and desires log into your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance > Themes and start your search.
If it’s in your budget, I highly recommend purchasing a premium theme ($59 – 129) for your blog. I love and use Genesis themes because they are beautiful, responsive, HTLM 5 current, and SEO enhanced. If you need help choosing a theme, read my or, check out my
Picking out the perfect theme for your blog
Picking a theme is easier said than done. There are so many to choose from and so many things to consider! I’m here to help you out! Check out these indepth guides:
tips for picking out the ideal theme for your blog
top 10 favorite Genesis Child themes for bloggers.
5 free and beautiful Genesis child theme for your blog + biz
How to Install a Premium Theme for WordPress
Once you have purchased your theme and downloaded the .zip file, it is time to upload it to your WordPress account. Head over to your WordPress dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin On the left-hand side, navigate to Appearance > Themes > Add New
Next to Add Themes, click Upload Theme Click Choose File and then browse your computer to find the .ZIP file you downloaded when you purchased your theme and then click Install Now.
Once the upload is complete, hit activate and your theme is live. Follow your theme setup instructions to get everything looking the way you want it. Have fun with this part! You now have your site set up and can work on getting things ready to go live.
What’s next in the Start a Blog series?
Set up a coming soon page and work on getting followers. That way, when you go live people will actually read your blog. Keep that page up while you work on the next steps
Can we start a blog without this and add it later? I am so new to all of this I can barely understand all this lingo 🙂 I want to eventually make money off blogging
Hi Karina! With WordPress, you need some sort of theme. Whether it is a free one or a premium on like Genesis. You can alway start out with the default 2013 theme (it comes already installed with WordPress) and then upgrade to Genesis when you’ve been blogging a while.
I am really confused about this…why do we need to purchase this if the host thing has everything you need there?
Hi Lysa. You don’t have to purchase a premium theme, but it is an inexpensive way to have a very professional looking blog and it gives added SEO perks that don’t come with basic WordPress or hosting.
I have been wanting to host my own blog because I am not happy with the layout of mine on Blogger but really do not know much about hosting. I know the bare minimals of code. How much do they cost generally?
The beauty with a Genesis theme (the theme is the way your blog looks and functions), is you don’t have to know code – if you don’t want to. For first time hosting, I recommend Just Host. Their cheapest plan is $99 for 3 years. The Genesis theme is also $99. So for $200 you have 3 years of hosting and a lifetime design. I have some services I offer to move from Blogger to WordPress, I’ll send you a persona email about it!
Helpful tips, Kristie! I’ve been using Genesis for awhile, too, and love them.
Yeah, the theme makes it so easy to have a great blog layout! Is your blog the foodie theme?