1. graphicallydesigning

2. Working with themes & plugins
Susan Ramsey

3. AGENDA About Me Introduction Themes Frameworks Child Themes
Plugins: Free
Plugins: Premium
FAQs
Helpful Links
Q&A

4. About Me Susan Ramsey Fort Worth, TX Owner, Graphically Designing
Where you’ll find me online:
Pretty Darn Cute Design – Theme Support & Customizations
StudioPress Community Forums – Moderator/Volunteer

5. Introduction What is a Theme?
A theme provides the user a way to control the look, design, functionality and presentation of their website.
It’s sometimes called the “skin” of a website, but it’s much more than that.
It’s a collection of files (“template files”) each of which provides different functionality.

6. Default Themes
Each WordPress install comes loaded with three default themes.
Even if you don’t use one of these themes, keep one in your dashboard. Ideal for Troubleshooting

7. How to Choose A Theme
Select a Theme which is suitable for your business and/or niche
A theme which is designed for someone who blogs about their family is going to look and feel different than a theme design for an insurance company.

8. How to Choose A Theme Keep it Simple
Choose a theme which provides you with the functionality you need, rather than one which has all the “bells and whistles”
Responsive or non-Responsive?
Check Browser Compatibility
Check Terms of Service

9. Free Themes
Available through WordPress.org (or via your site’s Dashboard)
Support provided via WordPress volunteer support forums
Available through Third Party Developers
Support may or may not be provided

10. Frameworks
A Theme framework is a foundation for WordPress development, designed to be used with a Child Theme.

11. “Child” Themes
A child inherits the functionality of another theme, called the parent theme
Child themes allow you to modify, or add to the functionality of that parent theme
Updates to a child theme will not be wiped out when the parent theme is updated.
Easier for new users to modify

12. Plugins
Plugins are scripts which add to the functionality of WordPress. They enhance existing functionality, or new functionality.
There are currently over 33,000 plugins in the WordPress Repository.
Spam Blockers
SEO
Forms
E-Commerce
Photo Galleries
Events Calendars
Newsletters
Social Media
Social Sharing

13. How to Choose a Plugin Determine Need – don’t add unnecessary plugins.
Rating – check the rating and popularity of a plugin; how often has it been downloaded?
Support – who provides the support? Is it free, or an additional cost? Check the support forum for the plugin – how quickly are support tickets responded to?
Updates – when was the plugin last updated? Is it compatible with the latest version of WordPress?

14. Akismet – Spam Blocker

15. Yoast SEO

16. Free Plugins & Premium Plugins
Free plugins are available through the WordPress Repository, or may be available outside of the repository.
Many plugins off both a free version and a premium version.
Premium version offers more functionality, including “add-ons”
Dedicated support

17. Questions?