How to Have a WordPress Website that Looks Like Mine
Every time I change my site design, I get asked about the products and services I use. Introducing website version: July/2021.
My last change was in January 2019, so this is the longest I've gone without switching this site's design. When I do a switcheroo, I share with you what the bones of my site are as of right now.
I constantly review my stats (I wish I could do it more) before a redesign to focus on visitor intent — not just what I want them to know. This data contributes to the homepage layout and menus that cater to that.
The homepage is only a scroll-and-a-half (one screenshot and half of another) featuring only the most sought-after info. Same with the menu –not every page, area, or topic that exists — just the top areas of interest.
New Look & Focus
I never know when I'm going to flip my look. So no matter how much in love I was with the latest theme, it will eventually start bugging me. In addition, this time, I needed an updated theme that would cater not only to the layout that the data indicated visitors were looking for, but we also have the Google Page Experience Update algo rolling out through August to consider. And let's not forget WordPress 5.8 coming out later this month.
Over the last 18 months, I noticed a direct shift in the type of clients seeking me out, probably due to the pandemic. However, there was also a transformation in the level of support they wanted and knew they needed to succeed.
The difference was so dramatic that I go in the direction that the data and direct communications dictate. However, this approach required that I cut a lot off the home page and menus to make things simpler and more focused. You can click on the site image above to see specific notes about the changes I made.
PREMIUM WORDPRESS THEME:
I am currently sporting:
Previously on TheIStudio.com:
- Genesis By StudioPress
- Authority Pro: A child theme for Genesis offered by StudioPress
I used to exclusively use StudioPress' Genesis Framework with a Child Theme for all my sites and recommend the same to my clients. Until I discovered Kadence *, you can read about why here.
The Genesis and Child Theme combo is still a viable and recommended solution. However, I tend to move forward when I've been in the same space for a while.
KADENCE PLUGIN LINEUP:
PREMIUM WORDPRESS PLUGINS FROM WPMUDEV
PREMIUM WORDPRESS PLUGINS
PLUGINS FROM THE WORDPRESS PLUGIN DIRECTORY
The above is the basic setup and what I have integrated as of now. I'm still tweaking as I play with Kadence as it is so feature-rich on a block level that I've yet to discover all the options available. And the kind of stuff I call fun.
At your service,
