How Much Can You Customize WordPress?

Customizing WordPress to fit what your company needs may seem like a daunting task. It might be because of all the tools used to customize and the options to add new features. You could also be telling yourself that you need to know coding language to achieve the image of the website you have in your head. Although these overwhelming feelings are normal, it is time to take the next step.

Overcome these WordPress fears and make your website exactly how you want it.

WordPress Overview

WordPress is a website builder that can help translate the personality of your brand over to your website. Your website has an impact on your brand. You can tweak an already existing website or build your own. Whatever you choose, WordPress is a commonly used website. It can be used by anyone with all levels of experience from beginner to expert.

In fact, WordPress is the number one website builder. That is why 40% of websites are run through it. That’s a lot of websites! It makes it easy to learn how to customize and make your website your own.

How to Customize WordPress

If you are wanting to get the most out of WordPress, knowing what you can customize can save you time. If you are wanting to customize your WordPress account, with the right tools, you can make it happen. WordPress is very user-friendly. Changing different parts to fit your brand can be done easily once you know the basics.

Customize Screen Options

By default, your WordPress screen settings can seem like a lot is going on. You can change how this appears by going to “screen options” at the top of your dashboard. You can then decide what widgets you want to appear by checking the boxes. After selecting the widgets you want to appear, your dashboard should look refreshing.

You can move around the boxes and stack them vertically or put them in a column. However you prefer to look at your page, you can make it look the way you want.

Add Your Logo

If you have a logo, you will want to add it. This is a part of your branding process to get people to recognize where they are. Under “customize” you can edit your header. There will be a selection where you can add your logo. This will appear as the icon for the tab of your website.

Theme

A theme is the design or layout of your website. By having a theme, you can customize it. By default, your website comes with a theme. You might like it and want to change little features about it, or you might want a totally new one. If you want a new theme you have several options:

• Select a theme from the WordPress theme directory
• Download a third-party theme
• Create your own

Whatever option you choose, you can add customizations to all of them. Don’t worry, when you switch your theme, all your content is still there. This includes your images, posts, and pages. If you have customized menus, widgets, or CSS, it is always a good idea to check those when switching your themes.

WordPress Customizations

If you are wanting to start with small customization changes, these little effects can make a big difference.

• Change colors and fonts
• Use different page layouts (if available)
• Change the header and footers
• Select another theme from WordPress

You can find where to change these aspects of your website in the Customizer on your WordPress admin bar. Once you start playing around with your theme, you might feel that the theme doesn’t do what you want. If you have tried tweaking the colors and layouts of the theme and it still isn’t what you want, think about adding some different elements to your website.

If you are wanting to go beyond the basics, there are many ways to advance how you customize your WordPress Theme.

How to Customize a WordPress Theme

When you customize a WordPress theme there are a variety of routes you can take to achieve the vision you have in your head. No matter what route you take, to start customizing your website you will need to be logged in to your WordPress account when you visit your website. After making sure you are logged in, you will be able to edit your site.

Using Customizer

You might be able to change your website to what you want in the Customizer. You are given a variety of options to be able to tweak the theme. By clicking customize in the admin bar and then selecting appearance, you can then start to customize your theme. Different themes have different features.

This means if you found the right theme, but not all the qualities you like, you can change some of those qualities by using the Customizer.

Install a Plugin

A plugin allows for more functionality to be brought into your website. These can include features like adding social media buttons, navigation menus, or contact forms to your website. Plugins won’t change the overall design of your website. Don’t install a plugin if you are looking for the design to change. Unfortunately, plugins can stuff up your website, making it run slower than it should.

If you are looking for an all-in-one plugin, consider using a page builder. WP Page Builder is a plugin that can add a lot of functionality to your website. It has tools that include:

• The ability to add a variety of features to your website with a simple to use “drag and drop” page builder
• Able to edit in real-time
• It won’t clog up your website to make it slower
• Includes many add-ons like video pop-ups, forms, or feature boxes

Framework Themes

These are themes that have the basics taken care of for you. To use it and make the theme your own, you can add child themes to your website. The framework themes can help establish your own style. This theme is like building a house. It has the structure done, but the child themes make the website special.

Although frameworks might be difficult for the average user, they can be a great way to build your website. It allows you to add personality or change as your brand grows because of interchangeable child themes. It is best to talk with people who know what they are doing if you are wanting to use this method.

If you already have a website set up and are wanting to relook at its setup, you can consider using this for updating your website.

Theme editor

Under the appearance tab, you will find the theme editor. Theme editor allows you to go directly into the coding of your website. This is something only developers should touch. We recommend you stay away from trying to edit or paste code here. You can crash your website if done incorrectly. Your changes also don’t automatically save.

Even if you know how to write code, be careful with how you use this feature. WordPress even gives a warning before entering this part of editing your website.

Editing Code Directly

If you know coding language, then you have the most control over how your website can be customized. With coding, you can direct exactly how your website looks. Be careful with this one, because even though you have the most control, it is also the riskiest. If you made your own website without using a third-party theme, feel free to edit.

Otherwise, if you are wanting to edit a third-party theme, consider using a child theme so you don’t lose changes next time you update your theme. If some of these words are new to you, don’t play around with copying other coding and trying to place it on your website. You can still achieve the look you want with other kinds of features.

WordPress Customizing

However you want to add customization to your website, Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your website to be user-friendly. Increasing SEO gives your brand more attention because you want your website to rank high on result pages. Having good SEO allows your website to climb search engine results pages.

To make sure your website is user-friendly, you can add menus that help users better navigate around your website. You might also check your page speed and other on-page SEO.

Start Building the Website of Your Dreams!

Do you have a vision in your head, but don’t know how to get there? SEO Design Chicago can help your vision become a reality. If you’re looking for a helping hand and want to be fully trained on WordPress we can help guide you. We also have a team of experts that can build your website for you.

No matter what you choose, we want your business to be successful. We would love to be a part of your journey.

I’ll create a comprehensive FAQ section based on your blog post about customizing WordPress. Here are 8 FAQs with shorter answers:

 

FAQs about Customizing WordPress

How much can I actually customize WordPress without knowing how to code?

You can customize WordPress extensively without coding knowledge. WordPress is very user-friendly and allows you to change colors, fonts, page layouts, headers, footers, add your logo, and select different themes—all without touching any code. Using the Customizer and page builder plugins like WP Page Builder, you can create a professional website through simple “drag and drop” features. Only advanced customizations require coding knowledge.

What is a WordPress theme and can I change it?

A theme is the design or layout of your website. WordPress comes with a default theme, but you have options: select from the WordPress theme directory, download third-party themes, or create your own. Don’t worry—when you switch themes, all your content (images, posts, pages) remains intact. However, check customized menus, widgets, or CSS after switching to ensure everything displays correctly.

What are the easiest customizations I can make to start?

Start with simple changes that make a big difference: change colors and fonts, use different page layouts if available, modify headers and footers, add your logo, and select another theme from WordPress. Find these options in the Customizer on your WordPress admin bar. You can also customize screen options on your dashboard by selecting which widgets appear and arranging them vertically or in columns.

What is a plugin and should I use one?

Plugins add functionality to your website like social media buttons, navigation menus, or contact forms—but they don’t change overall design. Be cautious since too many plugins can slow down your website. For comprehensive functionality, consider an all-in-one page builder like WP Page Builder, which offers drag-and-drop features, real-time editing, various add-ons, and won’t clog up your site or make it slower.

What are framework themes and child themes?

Framework themes have the basic structure done for you, like a house with its foundation built. You add child themes to make the website special and uniquely yours. This allows you to add personality or change designs as your brand grows through interchangeable child themes. While powerful, frameworks can be difficult for average users, so it’s best to work with professionals if you choose this method.

Should I use the theme editor to customize my WordPress site?

No, stay away from the theme editor unless you’re an experienced developer. Found under the appearance tab, it allows direct access to your website’s coding. You can crash your website if done incorrectly, and changes don’t automatically save. Even WordPress gives a warning before entering this editing area. Use safer customization methods like the Customizer or page builders instead.

Can I edit the code of my WordPress website directly?

Only if you know coding language. Direct code editing gives you the most control over your website’s appearance but is also the riskiest approach. If you created your own website without a third-party theme, you can edit freely. However, if using a third-party theme, use a child theme to avoid losing changes when you update. If coding terms are unfamiliar, don’t experiment—you can achieve great looks through other features.

How does customizing WordPress relate to SEO?

Customization should enhance user-friendliness, which improves SEO. Good SEO helps your website rank higher on search engine results pages, giving your brand more attention. Add menus that help users navigate easily, check your page speed, and implement on-page SEO best practices. A well-customized, user-friendly WordPress site naturally supports better SEO performance and helps your business succeed online