Is A WordPress Theme Framework For You?
Written by Nile | Posted in WordPress | Posted on 
27-04-2012 | 
52 Comments
Tags: web design, wordpress framework
A lot of people I have heard from like the idea of using a framework to use as a base to design their website. There are quite a few free and premium frameworks out there available that are great. However, it might not be for everyone.
The pros for using these are that these frameworks work and have been developed carefully. They can be applied to themes, however, if your has a big difference in design elements, you might have to move code or even add code to get what you want. Premium frameworks usually have become commercially GPL supported – meaning that you have someone that can coach you through and help you if you run into problems. Freebie frameworks, you might be able to get some forum support with the developer.
However, the huge con that you might run into is that if you choose a framework, your site might look like another cookie cutter layout. It is kind of like two actresses wearing the same gown to the Oscars – not cool and you definitely want to change right away.
If you have a layout design you want to convert to WordPress, frameworks might not always work in your best interest, especially if you are not code savvy enough about the framework and about WordPress coding. You may need to apply certain WordPress functions and some frameworks might interfere with your coding or even plugins. Of course, you can always get the framework, alter it and use it how you want. You could browse the WordPress theme directory, choose a theme that best suits what you are looking for, leave the credits intact. There are perfectly good layouts there.
However, if you are a designer, you may want to create a fresh theme with a fresh framework that you can personally market to those who are looking for a framework. Be unique! Make sure your framework offers different types of choices in navigation or features for the content. Offer different alterations of your framework to show your potential clients the flexibility of your layout.
Do you like to use a particular framework when designing a WordPress-based site or do you like to code as you go? What frameworks do you like best and why? What frameworks would you tell people to avoid, and of course – why?
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Twitter: Elena__Anne
says:
This is so true. I really want to avoid looking like a cookie cutter website. I want to have a look and feel that is all my own and completely different.
Elena Anne recently posted..Native Remedies Coupon Codes
I tend to code as I go, and frankly, I have to laugh when I do because I can do a theme for three of my blogs and all three will look the same with different color backgrounds, links, and graphics when I am finished. I am not even trying to do that and I still do it.
Charity recently posted..May Is Almost Upon Us
Great Post ! Its very valuable info for me. thank you so much for sharing this post in your blog.
abhinav recently posted..Diametric New Joomla Template by RocketTheme
Thanks Nile for this WP frame work ideas and theme. I was looking for the same. Thanks again
Atishay jain recently posted..When You Are Unhappy with Your Life – A Thought from Stillness Speaks
Twitter: howtospecialist
says:
I usually don’t use frameworks to design my blogs, but for the future I consider testing this technique.
Jack Sander recently posted..How to build a gazebo
I couldn’t agree with you more. You want to be unique and express yourself. If you look like a cookie cutter site, then that does not good for you. Thanks for posting.
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Twitter: Gadgetbit
says:
Great post, thanks for the info.
Only just starting out with WordPress and didn’t know frameworks existed. Will take a look around and see if I need one or code a style myself.
Leslie recently posted..US looks to ban cell phone use while driving
Twitter: TechInitio
says:
No matter how much you change a framework, it will always be similar to others. Creating an original and unique design is a head start for your blog to succeed.
Rashmi Sinha recently posted..Google Drive – Review at techinitio
Twitter: evangelist32
says:
WordPress has always been good to me. The ease of plugins help you with all sorts of things. I will always be a WordPress fan!
Wade recently posted..Getting Started in the Ministry
Twitter: MiamiLuxHomes
says:
Keep in mind that, if you need to add a custom feature to your website, you may not be able to have the flexibility with WordPress.
Jenny recently posted..4 Beds, 2 Baths, Miami FL
Nile,
For me it was easier to hire a technical person to set up my blog sites. For one site, I found a great theme but it did not look good as the complete page. So my tech guy put that complete theme, in a smaller version, into a different theme that took up the whole page. The coding for that was too complicated for me to attempt alone.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..Be You – Everyone Else is Taken
Twitter: TechInitio
says:
I agree that having a technical person to help with these things is crucial. You might pay him , he might help as a friend but it is totally worth it. I can’t code complicated stuff as well
Rashmi Sinha recently posted..Google PR – very fast for Your Blog
Themes are also important for WordPress and it is better to choose the best one for us that suits our needs. Great tips!
Dhyann recently posted..WAVs
Yes, agree with you Dhyann. In the wordpress, theme does matter. Well if any body wants to use the frameworks, several plugins are available with wordpress. Need to check.
Thanks for this great article.You really helped me.Keep Going..
akhil recently posted..Google Drive : Drives You To The New World Of Online Storage
Twitter: JimiAntoniou
says:
I usually find a wordpress theme that I like, I look at its license and if I have the right, I modify it to suite my own needs.
For really custom stuff I tend not to use frameworks. I believe they sometimes tie my hands.
Thank you!
Jim Antoine recently posted..Time to go Freelance
I am not really sure how efficient these themes will be, However I am willing to try it out.
Samuel recently posted..Component Video Cable: Choosing the Right Component Video Cable for Your Needs
Twitter: meltingposts
says:
Only just starting out with WordPress and didn’t know frameworks existed. I will explore this further.
Aliosha Kasin recently posted..Brydge Turns Your iPad Into A Laptop
Frame sounds great idea, this is completely new for me. Everything you wrote here sounds inviting and excellent tips.
Twitter: AcardAday
says:
Nile,
I had a friend help me get my blog up and running. I’m pretty sure I’m using a word press theme. I just liked the ocean wave. lol. I have seen other peoples sites that I like. Maybe someday, I’ll get help to make me a site that’s really cool!
Tom
Tom Burt recently posted..What is Quercetin?
Twitter: seewhatyouneed
says:
I like the simple design theme, and cost is become a consideration to me. I have a tight budget to run my business from my blog.
So, I definitely pick a simple and low cost theme (free if possible).
thanks for your post, it so real case for bloggers
Twitter: arsalan_1101
says:
Great post like it Thanks Nile for this WP frame work ideas and theme.
Muhammad Arsalan recently posted..How to make money with coupon code sites
I couldn’t agree with you more. You want to be unique and express yourself. If you look like a cookie cutter site, then that does not good for you. Thanks for posting.
This is so true. I really want to avoid looking like a cookie cutter website. I want to have a look and feel that is all my own and completely different.
lilyg recently posted..Clicker Training
I’ve used Thesis Framework a few times and found it very very good for ease of use and SEO value. The support is also top notch.
Twitter: antonrsa
says:
Great topic to blog about – There is a lot of programs that allows you to use Pre-based HTML themes to build your own – or even when buying a theme – there is sooooo many wordpress websites out there, Even if a thousand people bought the same theme as you the chances are they won’t notice if you just make the basic changes to the theme bought like colours and fonts etc.
Overall – Awesome post, the comments made for a terrific read as well. Thanks for sharing the awesome post.
Anton Koekemoer recently posted..How to protect your online reputation
Twitter: TechInitio
says:
Maybe a thousand people will have the same template with you but you can always add a personal touch in it. If the budget is low and you can’t afford a professional to design your blog, at least try to be original and unique.
Rashmi Sinha recently posted..Google Pagerank Matters:- TechInitio is PR2!
Twitter: AllCanCook
says:
A very helpful post. Thanks alot. I have used both WordPress, Joomla and Drupal and I think WordPress is great for starters as its easy to understand and use. Joomla is very future-rich and Drupal is the most customizable of all.
I also use framework and get a great value my site. some people are disappointed but why?
Mike Jones recently posted..Lifestyle comparison. Truck License vs no license.
Twitter: startwpblog
says:
I prefer using a framework and a customized child theme. It makes life so easy…
Oh by the way, your blog is looking super cool!
Subodh Gupta recently posted..Setting up pretty permalinks in WordPress Blog
Hi Subodh! Thanks. I have a question: did you contact the WordPress Foundation to see if you can use the word “WordPress” in your domain’s URL?
Twitter: theapptimes
says:
I use the Genesis framework for my blog and I have to say that with no coding knowledge, I have been able to get the site up and running in no time at all. Sure, your blog may end up looking like a lot of other blogs, but with the variety of child themes that are available in the StudioPress gallery, chances are, you may still end up with a unique look. There’s great support, the customization options are actually pretty easy to do once you get the hang of it, and there are many experts to customize it for you, if you ever need something special. After working with the Genesis framework, I simply cannot go back to individual themes.
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Thanks for sharing such a valuable information. It’s really amazing and helpful for us.
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Twitter: opportplanet
says:
Hi Nile, there are so many great premium themes to choose from and so many ways to customize it. I personally use thesis framework combined with a thesisawesome skin…
Kostas recently posted..Free WordPress Installation Service – Start Blogging Now
I have worked with thesis awesome. Not a fan of Thesis or Thesis awesome… Thesis awesome- some coding in there that is not clean and I have had to fix for clients constantly. Also, I am not allowed to promote products that are nothing shorty of 100% GPL as I speak at the WordPress conferences.
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I just use a standard out of the box theme for my WP blog. I would love to make it a bit more personal. I’m no techie so I’ll have to get my website guy to sort it.
I lways thought a plug in was a type of air freshner
thank u iam searching this type of themes ,I usually don’t use frameworks to design my blogs, but for the future I consider testing this technique. thank u!
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Thanks for the post. As usual you have shared very useful information for those of us who would like to improve our sites. I am not much of a technical person but will consider the tips you gave and will keep them in mind for the improvement of my blogs and sites.
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Your style is so unique compared to other people I’ve read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this web site.
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