Should i use a theme framework for WordPress ?
This question raises to many webmasters that want to start a new website using wordpress. There is not an universal answer, it depends on what you want to do with your website. It also depends on you technical skills.
If you want just to kick off a simple blog to post your toughts or you are unsure what you want to do you can go with a simple theme, but if you want to start a serious website and you don’t have high programming skills you should seriously think to use a theme framework.
What are the advantages of using a Theme Framework:
- You can set advanced features like menus, breadcrumbs, featured post slider, social bookmaking directly from admin panel without changing a line of code
- They provide advanced functionality that replace most common plugins
- You can edit a lot of things directly from admin panel
- You website will be well optimized for search engines ( SEO ) without using additional plugins
- You can easily set to see an welcome page as homepage where you can describe your website before you send your visitors to your main content.
- You can easily set up a website that is not looking blog-like.
Disadvantages for using a theme framwork
- If you are a tech savvy you will find it hard to change things that are set trough the admin panel
- Some things cannot be changed easily from code
If you want to give a try to a theme framework i recommend Genesis Theme Framework. You can also read a comprehensive Genesis Theme Framework review.
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August 24th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
I used Thesis for 5 months or so and I found that it was good framework, but it wasn’t easy to edit because they use custom hooks and I didn’t feel like dealing with it. I use Flexsqueeze right now, and although it’s not really considered a “framework” it’s customizable and flexible enough to work with.
I’ve heard a little bit about Genesis, but I haven’t looked into it beyond whatever info is available at face value. Thesis kinda turned me off to frameworks that use custom hooks.
October 6th, 2010 at 4:01 am
I used Thesis for awhile and have since moved on to custom themes that meet my needs. I prefer to work with Hybrid now when I get a chance but often refer people to Elegant Themes and Genesis. I put together my thoughts on Genesis and how it could save you money in the long run from hiring a developer.
http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-make-site-with-wp