Web Substance Meets Style

Ok tinkerers. Now it’s your turn. You know a little about CSS. You’re pretty sure you can follow some basic instructions. You understand your blog should not look like every other one on Blogger or WordPress. You drew this kick-ass picture you just have to use for your header. You read the first step to Finding the Perfect Blog Theme—your notes are ready and your blog elements list is at hand.

But you have no idea where to start. We are here to help. Keep reading to find your almost-perfect blog theme (YOU are going to make it perfect).

One

The first step to finding your perfect blog theme is the same for you as it is for the blogger who wants an out-of-the-box (OOTB) theme. Google. Search. Browse through the tons of blogs devoted to blog themes. The difference between you and the OOTB blogger is that you are not looking at the actual look-and-feel of the theme, you are looking at the layout of the theme. You are looking at how the blog elements are presented. Your concern is the positioning of navigation, content, ads, graphics, widgets, etc. Remember, you aren’t afraid to edit the CSS, nor do you fear changing the design elements.

While you are browsing, keep track of the themes you like. Write them down, bookmark them, whatever. (Does this sound familiar?) Just keep track of them. You will drive yourself crazy trying to find them later, and the one you decide you want will be the one that you didn’t keep track of.

For a starter list of free WP and Blogger themes, check out the Resources page.

Two

Once you have your themes bookmarked, review each one again. This time, however, compare the blog elements (widgets and gadgets and footers and stuff) to your blog elements list. Disregard Any theme that doesn’t support your basic requirements. You will also need to disregard any theme that isn’t compatible with your blogging platform version (this is very important for WP users). Once you’ve weeded out the unworthy, you will have your short list.

THIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST OVER-LOOKED STEP, so pay attention!

Go thru your short list, visit the designer’s blog/site, and read the comments of the people who have downloaded the theme before you. (You will not be the first to select this theme, nor will you be the last.) Following this step will save you literally HOURS of frustration trying to fix bugs, activate plug-ins, or troubleshoot other various problems. Let those who have gone before you be your guide!

Use the comments and the forum (for more popular themes) to help you whittle away at your list. Things to be wary of:

• Multiple comments pointing out the same problem, but no solution from the designer or anyone else.
• No comments from the designer.
• 404 pages while trying to find help.
• Comments pointing out how difficult the theme is to modify.
• No support at all.
• Extra, required plug-ins, whether included or not.
• Your gut. You’ll know what you can handle and what you can’t.

Nothing on the list above has to be a deal-breaker. Just be sure you know what you are getting into. Now take some time, review your short, short list, and make a decision already!

Three

It’s obvious, but now that you’ve picked the theme, download it. Unzip it. Read the readme.txt file. Make note of any updates, copyright requirements, or other general information. And most importantly FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS GIVEN TO APPLY THE THEME. 90% of a blogger’s problems would be alleviated if they would just read the instructions.

Four

Now is the time to tinker. Change the colors. Change the header. Change the icons. Move the widgets. Make the theme your own, but make sure you are still providing a link to the original designer. They built it, after all. You just re-dressed it.

While you are tinkering, keep these tips in mind:

• Always keep a backup. The original zip folder is always great, however, when you make important changes that are final, make another backup.
• Keep the blog colors handy. Jot down somewhere, keep them up in a visual CSS editor, something. This will also save you time when you are changing and playing with the colors. (I know this from experience!)
• Don’t make all of your changes at once. Tackle one area at a time. Check it. Check it in every browser available to you. When it’s final, make your backup and move to the next change.
• Don’t make all of your changes at once. This is so important I’m listing it again. If you change the CSS, then go in and modify the PHP to move things, then upload a new header, without checking each step, you are just asking for trouble. Odds are you will break something down the road. If you don’t check after every step, you’ll spend a lot of time going back through and trying to fix what you broke.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Bloggers, in general, are a friendly lot and we love to give our opinion and provide direction. Like the others before you, post comments and ask questions. Then, when your blog is perfect, share the love. Comment back and help fellow bloggers.

Speaking of comments, anyone who has other tips or suggestions for finding and creating your perfect blog theme, list them below. I’d love to hear what you think.

Related Posts

Finding the perfect blog theme, step 1
Finding the perfect blog theme, step 2a

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