If you’re considering giving your WordPress website a fresh look, you’re not alone. It’s a common scenario, and with the flexibility WordPress offers, updating your site can be both exciting and manageable—even if you’re not a tech expert. Let’s walk through the key steps and considerations to help you approach this project with confidence.
Understanding Themes and Their Role
One of the standout features of WordPress is how it separates your content from the design elements through the use of themes. Your site’s content—like blog posts and page text—lives in a database, while the theme controls the overall design, including the header, footer, sidebars, and other structural elements.
With over 12,000 free and premium themes available on the WordPress Theme Repository, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle update or a complete overhaul, you can easily find a theme that fits your vision. However, it’s crucial to understand that WordPress only allows one active theme at a time. This means that while your content remains intact during a theme change, the styling—like fonts, colors, and the arrangement of elements—will be transformed according to the new theme.
The Power of Visual Builders
For those who want more design flexibility without diving deep into code, WordPress offers Visual Builder Plugins. These plugins enhance the default content editor, providing more control over the look and feel of your pages and posts. Visual builders like Elementor, Divi Builder, WPBakery, and Beaver Builder allow you to see your changes in real-time, making the design process more intuitive and faster.
However, it’s important to note that Visual Builders aren’t interchangeable. If you start with one and later switch to another, you’ll need to rebuild and restyle your pages within the new builder. Some themes come with a specific builder in mind, so it’s wise to check whether your current setup includes a Visual Builder and which one it is.
Preparation is Key: Backup Your Site
Before making any changes, there’s one non-negotiable step: Backup your site! This cannot be stressed enough. Having a full backup ensures that if anything goes wrong during the refresh, you can restore your site to its previous state without any headaches.
Taking Stock: Evaluate Your Current Setup
Once your site is backed up, take the time to review your current theme and plugins. Here’s how you can do that:
- Find Your Current Theme:
Navigate to Appearance > Themes in your WordPress dashboard to see which theme is currently active. This is your starting point for understanding what your site is built on. - Check for a Visual Builder Plugin:
Go to Plugins > All Plugins to see if you’re using a Visual Builder. Common ones include Elementor, Divi Builder, WPBakery, and Beaver Builder.
Knowing your current setup will help you make informed decisions as you explore new themes or builders.
Define Your Goals for the Refresh
Are you looking to simply tweak the visuals—like updating colors or fonts—or are you aiming for something entirely different? If it’s the latter, it’s helpful to spend some time researching and gathering inspiration. Look at other websites you admire, and sketch out a basic design to clarify what you want to achieve.
Moving Forward
Once you’ve backed up your site, assessed your current theme and plugins, and defined your goals, you’re ready to explore your options. There are plenty of themes and Visual Builders to choose from, both free and paid. Some of my personal favorites are the Astra Theme paired with Elementor, or the Divi Theme and Divi Visual Builder. Remember, if you’re already using a Visual Builder, it might be easier to stick with a theme that supports that builder, avoiding the need to rebuild everything from scratch.
Finally, remember that you don’t have to do this alone. Whether you choose to DIY or seek help, knowing these basics will give you a solid foundation to make the best decisions for your WordPress site.
If you need guidance or support as you navigate your website refresh, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out or join the conversation in our WordPress Help Hub—where non-techies can ask questions and share experiences.
Big Love from Oz,
Natalie Crowe – WordPress Expert
