3 Reasons Why it is Time for a New WordPress Theme
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New Year; New Theme?
If you ask yourself this question, the answer is most likely yes.
It’s common for busy business owners to keep their sites as-is for longer than they should. Especially if the website still looks pretty cool and serves its purpose. But is that truly the case?
WordPress has evolved quite a bit in the last year. Improving the Gutenberg block editor, adding features and functionality, and squashing bugs. However, you are on borrowed time if you are not using a block-enabled theme.
When you fall behind in technology, you will never know what opportunities you may have missed. Such as visitors who moved on because your site is missing functionality they are used to and gives a hint of being outdated.
It is not uncommon to find that the same sites with an older look are also not updated regarding content, WordPress, and plugins. But then you look to the footer, and we find a copyright notice from years ago at the bottom of every page. Not good.
Time to Step Things Up
Revamps are often avoided as they seem scary, or the cost may seem prohibitive. Instead, consider the price of lost business because your website has not been kept current.
It is essential to consider the benefit of having a website that is in keeping with current trends. The good news is swapping out a theme is relatively easy and inexpensive now that staging sites are common.
Still not convinced? Think about it this way…
Onliners are traveling the Web from website to website every day. It is not uncommon to land on a site that makes them pause because it looks like sites did years ago. Add to that, upon further inspection, the visible dates and information verify that. Credibility lost.
You probably have experienced this yourself, right? When this happens, you lose trust and confidence that the website is legit. Is that website the one you’ll contact or do business with? Or will you gravitate to the website that looks current and up-to-date?
So, when do you really need a new WordPress Theme?
1. When You Look Dated
If you are reading this article, you most likely know that you are due for a new theme. If it’s been longer than a couple of years — it’s time. A lot has changed in the last year alone, especially with WordPress moving to Full Site Editing.
The fact is that the internet is a visual medium. Anyone actively clicking around the Web will be quickly exposed and get used to the latest looks and trends. This contributes to older site designs (and performance) standing out behind the times.
While your website can still be “nice looking” and functional, it can quickly become outdated in appearance if you do not keep up with trends. This is because the Web evolves and changes rapidly — with or without you.
Too many resist embracing the fact that having a successful business website is not a “set and forget” environment. You need to be aware of the latest trends from a technical, user, and visual point of view. In addition, you want your website presentation to stand out from your perceived competitors.
Your online presence is one of your core marketing tools. So why would you not do everything possible to take advantage of that?
2. When Support is Not Up to Snuff
I can’t stress enough how important it is to invest in a Premium WordPress theme that offers the support and updates you need to rely on moving forward. Did you notice that I said, “invest”?
Nothing is as disappointing as getting a theme in place and then realizing when you have questions or concerns that you cannot receive a response to your inquiries. That is why you must do your due diligence before you spend your hard-earned dollars on a premium WordPress theme.
Email the company/developer before you purchase with any/all questions or concerns you have. Check that the theme is compatible with the current version of WordPress.
See how quickly, professionally, and in detail, they respond. This will be a big-time clue about what you can expect after the sale.
If you are unhappy with the level or type of response you receive, find another company or developer to work with. You shouldn’t have to spend valuable time chasing down answers.
Here are what I call “Warning Will Robinson” signs. If you run into any of these concerns, continue your search.
Your WordPress website’s success depends on theme support.
3. When Your Site’s Performance Metrics Suck
Did you know Google wants to see your site load in two seconds? Two. Seconds. This requires having a well-coded, zippy WordPress theme that contributes to your SEO and rankings.
Many website builders that let you have the layout you want can slow down your site. Not to mention, your site depends on all the custom post types or shortcodes that produce that layout.
While I’m not a fan of “builders,” especially now with Gutenberg and block themes, and primarily because I never found the need to use one, some are better than others. (I talk about builders here.)
Next, you must consider how that desktop layout will translate to mobile devices, as performance metrics on mobile tend to be worse than on desktop. Premium themes provide the mobile-specific tweaking ability that you will need.
Spend Time Now, Save Time Later: Make More Money
Choosing a suitable premium theme is worth it if it’s time for a new look. It saves you the grief of swapping out or switching themes because you made a quick or uninformed decision.
The online business arena is highly competitive. Probably even more than you realize. Your WordPress website theme can help you rise above your competition and increase profits.
For your website to compete, you must be open to keeping up with the latest technology, including changing your WordPress website theme to remain visually relevant and ahead of the game – as often as necessary.
Since this year is winding down, why not use the new year as an excuse to get a new look and take your program to the next level?
At your service,
