How to Install a WordPress Theme

Choosing the right theme for your WordPress blog is crucial for creating a visually appealing and user-friendly website. In this tutorial you will learn how to install a WordPress theme on your site that makes you fall in love with your blog all over again!

If you run into any issues reach out to your theme provider and they will usually have support after your purchase.

This blog post contains affiliate links. The opinions are wholly my own from my own experience. I may earn a small commission from clicks through to the websites that end in a purchase.

If you are just getting started, check out my FREE Blog Kickstart Email Course or this post with step by step instructions on How to Start a Blog (and Make Money).

What is a WordPress Theme?

A theme in WordPress defines the overall design, layout, and aesthetic of your website. It controls how your site looks to visitors, including colors, typography, and the arrangement of various elements on the page.

Essentially, a theme is a collection of files that work together to create a graphical interface for your website without altering the underlying software.

The Difference Between Framework, Building Blocks, and Themes

When building a WordPress site, it’s important to understand the roles of the framework, building blocks like Gutenberg blocks, and the theme itself.

Framework

The framework serves as the foundation for your site, providing essential functionality and structure upon which themes and plugins operate. Popular frameworks include Genesis and Underscores. The framework ensures that your site is stable and secure, and it often includes built-in SEO features and other enhancements.

Gutenberg Blocks

Gutenberg blocks are the content building blocks introduced by the WordPress Gutenberg editor. They allow users to create and arrange content on their pages and posts easily. Each block represents a different type of content, such as text, images, videos, or buttons. Blocks can be customized and moved around to create a unique layout, making it easy for beginners to design their pages without needing to know any code.

Themes

The theme works on top of the framework and uses these building blocks to present a cohesive design. It dictates the look and feel of your site, but it relies on the framework for core functionality and on Gutenberg blocks for content creation. Themes can be free or custom-made, and they come with various levels of customization options.

Free WordPress Themes vs. Custom Themes

Choosing between a free WordPress theme and a custom theme is an important decision. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is best for your blog:

Feature	Free WordPress Themes	Custom Themes
Cost	Free to use	Can be expensive, depending on the complexity and designer rates
Design	Basic design, limited customization options	Fully customizable to match your brand and specific needs
Support	Limited support, often community-based	Dedicated support from the developer
Updates	Updates may be infrequent or dependent on community input	Regular updates and maintenance included
Uniqueness	Many sites may use the same theme, leading to a lack of uniqueness	Unique design, ensuring your site stands out
Functionality	Limited features and functionalities	Tailored functionalities to meet specific requirements
Learning Curve	Easy to set up and use, ideal for beginners	Requires professional development skills
Performance	May not be optimized for performance	Optimized for performance and speed

Free WordPress Themes

Free themes are great for beginners and those on a budget. They offer a quick and easy way to get started with your blog. However, they come with limitations in terms of design, functionality, and support. Since many websites might use the same theme, your blog may not stand out as unique.

Custom Themes

Custom themes, while more expensive, provide a tailored solution that can be fully aligned with your brand. They offer unique designs and enhanced features that cater specifically to your blogging needs. Custom themes come with dedicated support and regular updates, ensuring your site remains secure and up-to-date.

Installing a Theme for Your Blog

Once you have set up WordPress, the next step is to choose and install a theme for your blog. A theme determines the overall design and layout of your blog, making it crucial to select one that aligns with your niche and personal style.

One highly recommended provider for beautiful and functional WordPress themes is Restored 316.

Why Choose Restored 316?

Restored 316 offers a range of stylish and customizable themes designed specifically for female entrepreneurs and bloggers.

These themes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also built with SEO (search engine optimized) best practices and easy customization options in mind.

By choosing a theme from Restored 316, you ensure that your blog not only looks professional and stylish but also provides a great user experience for your readers.

Listen in to this podcast interview with the owner of Restored 316 Lauren Dierschke.

How to Install a Theme

1. Purchase and Download Your Theme: Visit the Restored 316 website, choose your desired theme, and complete the purchase process. Once purchased, download the theme file to your computer.
2. Upload and Install the Theme:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Appearance > Themes.
• Click the Add New button at the top.
• Select Upload Theme and choose the theme file you downloaded from Restored 316.
• Click Install Now and then Activate once the installation is complete.

3. Customize Your Theme: After activating your theme, navigate to Appearance > Customize to start customizing your theme. Restored 316 themes typically come with detailed documentation to help you set up and customize your new theme.

If you are just getting started, check out my FREE Blog Kickstart Email Course or this post with step by step instructions on How to Start a Blog (and Make Money).

Restored 316 Theme Descriptions and Recommendations

Here are the theme choices currently available from Restored 316:

1. Anchored Theme
   • Description: A versatile and chic theme with a clean design, ideal for various types of blogs and business websites.
   • Best For: Lifestyle bloggers, business coaches, and service-based businesses.
2. Beloved Theme
   • Description: A soft, feminine theme with a beautiful layout and elegant design elements.
   • Best For: Wedding planners, event coordinators, and personal bloggers.
3. Blush Theme
   • Description: A vibrant and playful theme with bold typography and striking visuals.
   • Best For: Beauty bloggers, fashion influencers, and creative entrepreneurs.
4. Captivating Theme
   • Description: A modern and minimalist theme with a focus on readability and user experience.
   • Best For: Writers, authors, and content creators.
5. Darling Theme
   • Description: A sophisticated and stylish theme with a polished look and customizable options.
   • Best For: Lifestyle bloggers, photographers, and creative professionals.
6. Delightful Theme
   • Description: A fun and colorful theme with a whimsical design and engaging layout.
   • Best For: Parenting bloggers, food bloggers, and craft enthusiasts.
7. Divine Theme
   • Description: A classic and timeless theme with elegant typography and a refined design.
   • Best For: Coaches, consultants, and service-based businesses.
8. Farmhouse Theme
   • Description: A rustic and charming theme with a homey feel and cozy design elements.
   • Best For: Home and garden bloggers, DIY enthusiasts, and small business owners.
9. Faith Theme
   • Description: A serene and calming theme with a focus on simplicity and clarity.
   • Best For: Faith-based bloggers, inspirational speakers, and non-profit organizations.
10. Feminine Theme
    • Description: A delicate and graceful theme with soft colors and a beautiful layout.
    • Best For: Beauty bloggers, fashion influencers, and lifestyle bloggers.
11. Graceful Theme
    • Description: A refined and elegant theme with a sophisticated design and customizable options.
    • Best For: Wedding planners, event coordinators, and high-end service providers.
12. Glam Theme
    • Description: A bold and glamorous theme with striking visuals and a high-fashion feel.
    • Best For: Fashion bloggers, beauty influencers, and luxury brands.
13. Inspire Theme
    • Description: A motivational and uplifting theme with an inspiring design and engaging layout.
    • Best For: Motivational speakers, coaches, and personal development bloggers.
14. Journey Theme
    • Description: An adventurous and dynamic theme with a focus on travel and exploration.
    • Best For: Travel bloggers, adventure enthusiasts, and lifestyle influencers.
15. Lovely Theme
    • Description: A sweet and charming theme with a romantic design and soft colors.
    • Best For: Wedding bloggers, personal bloggers, and event planners.
16. Refined Theme This is the theme I started with and it was fabulous!
    • Description: A polished and professional theme with a sleek design and versatile layout.
    • Best For: Business coaches, consultants, and professional bloggers.
17. Sage Theme
    • Description: A fresh and modern theme with a clean design and minimalist layout.
    • Best For: Health and wellness bloggers, nutritionists, and lifestyle influencers.
18. Savory Theme
    • Description: A delectable and inviting theme with a focus on food and culinary content.
    • Best For: Food bloggers, chefs, and culinary professionals.
19. Simply Chic Theme
    • Description: A stylish and trendy theme with a chic design and modern layout.
    • Best For: Fashion bloggers, beauty influencers, and lifestyle bloggers.
20. Sprinkle Pro Theme
    • Description: A fun and playful theme with a whimsical design and engaging layout.
    • Best For: Parenting bloggers, party planners, and creative entrepreneurs.
21. Uptown Theme
    • Description: An urban and sophisticated theme with a contemporary design and sleek layout.
    • Best For: City bloggers, lifestyle influencers, and fashion enthusiasts.
22. Create Theme This is the theme I have over on my blog Southern Crush at Home
    • Description: A dynamic and versatile theme designed for creative entrepreneurs and businesses.
    • Best For: Designers, artists, and creative agencies.
23. Limoncella Theme
    • Description: A bright and refreshing theme with vibrant colors and a lively design.
    • Best For: Food bloggers, travel bloggers, and lifestyle influencers.
24. Homestead Theme
    • Description: A cozy and welcoming theme with a rustic charm, perfect for showcasing home and lifestyle content.
    • Best For: Home decor bloggers, DIY enthusiasts, and lifestyle bloggers.

Whenever you’re ready:

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#2 Learn How to Start a Blog:

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