WordPress provides an easy-to-use platform for managing themes. Yet, choosing a new theme and getting it up and running isn’t always as easy as it appears. How to Change Your WordPress Theme
On W1Beginner, we’ve created numerous WordPress theme guides in the past 16 years and suggest planning your theme updates carefully to prevent any problems.
In this piece, we’ll delve into the steps for changing a WordPress theme safely. We’ll tackle questions from readers regarding keeping the website operational and attracting visitors, and offer a detailed guide to help you navigate a seamless change.
Why Change a WordPress Theme?
Changing a WordPress theme can give your website a fresh look and feel. It can also improve user experience by making your site more visually appealing and easier to navigate.
Additionally, updating to a newer theme can provide better compatibility with the latest plugins and technologies, ensuring your website remains functional and secure.
When changing a WordPress theme, it’s important to consider factors such as responsiveness, speed optimization, and overall design aesthetics. A well-chosen theme should not only enhance the visual appeal of your website but also contribute to its functionality and performance.
Testing the new theme thoroughly before making it live is crucial to ensure that it aligns with your branding, maintains consistency across different devices, and provides a seamless user experience.
How to Change WordPress Theme on a Live Site
After you’ve tried out your new theme, it’s time to begin the procedure of changing the theme on your WordPress site.
To accomplish this, go to the Appearance ยป Themes page located in the WordPress admin sidebar.
When you arrive, simply move your mouse over the theme you wish to apply and then press the ‘Activate’ button to alter the WordPress theme.
Summary
Having a theme is crucial, and many users tend to remain loyal to a single WordPress theme for an extended period. Small details like breadcrumbs and schema mark-up are critical to remember, as they can significantly alter your website’s user experience and search engine rankings if you make sudden changes.
It’s not surprising, then, that changing themes can lead to significant issues. To ensure a smooth transition when switching WordPress themes, I suggest adhering to these five steps: How to Change Your WordPress Theme
- Create a backup version of your website
- Install the new theme and test it out
- Activate the new theme
- Fix any issues and add any missing components.
- Launch your backup website.