3 Reasons Why It’s Time for a New WordPress Theme
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How old is your current design?
If you ask yourself this question and the answer is more than a couple of years, it would be a good idea to consider an update. Online, looks are everything, and you don’t want to be left behind.
It’s common for busy business owners to keep their sites as-is for longer than they should, especially if the website still looks cool and serves its purpose. But, be honest, is that truly the case with your website?
WordPress has evolved quite a bit in the last several years. Improving the Gutenberg block editor, adding features and functionality, and squashing bugs. If you are still not using a block-enabled theme, you definitely need to update.
When you fall behind in technology, you will never know what opportunities you may have missed. For example, visitors may have moved on because your site lacks the functionality they are used to, which suggests it is outdated.
It is not uncommon to find that the same sites with an older look are also not updated in terms of content, features, or plugins. 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 because they seem scary or because the cost may seem prohibitive. Instead, consider the cost of lost business from your website not being kept current and appearing outdated.
It is essential to consider the benefits of a website that aligns with current trends, which far outweigh the costs of inaction. The good news is that swapping out a WordPress theme is relatively easy and inexpensive now that staging sites are common.
Still not convinced? Think about it this way…
Online users are traveling the Web from website to website every day. It is not unusual to land on a site that makes them pause because it looks like a site from years ago. Add to that, upon further inspection, the visible information verifies that. Credibility lost.
You probably have experienced this yourself, right? When this happens, you lose trust and confidence in the website’s legitimacy. 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 you are due for a new theme. If it’s been longer than a couple of years, it’s probably time. A lot has changed in the last few years, especially with WordPress moving to Full Site Editing.
The Internet is a visual medium. Anyone actively clicking around the Web will be quickly exposed to and get used to the latest looks and trends. This contributes to older site designs (and performance) standing out as 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 perspective. 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 capitalize on it?
2. When Support is Not Up to Snuff
I can’t stress enough how important it is to invest in a Premium WordPress theme (not wise to consider free themes) 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 that when you have questions or concerns, you cannot receive support. That is why you must do your due diligence before you spend your hard-earned dollars on a premium WordPress theme.
Before purchasing, email the company or developer with any questions or concerns. Also, 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 clue about what to 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 the “Danger Will Robinson” signs. (From the 1960s sci-fi television series Lost in Space, when the robot would warn of impending danger — yeah, I just dated myself.)
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 your site to load in 2-ish seconds? Two seconds. This requires a well-coded, zippy WordPress theme that will improve your SEO and rankings.
Many website builders that let you customize the layout without any knowledge or understanding can often slow down your site. 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 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 mobile performance metrics tend to be worse than desktop. Premium themes are responsive on mobile platforms.
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 having to swap out or switch 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 stand out from the competition and increase profits, but only when properly set up.
For your website to compete, you must be open to keeping up with the latest technology, including updating your WordPress theme as often as necessary to stay visually relevant and ahead of the game.
Why not stop right now and investigate getting a new look so you can take your program to the next level?
At your service,
