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An evaluation of multiple WordPress themes using a decision matrix to select the most effective theme for a traditional blog.
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This lesson focused on evaluating and selecting an appropriate WordPress theme based on a website’s intended purpose. Since my website is designed as a traditional blog, performance, responsiveness, and customization were the most important factors.
I evaluated Astra, Twenty Twenty-Four, and OceanWP using a decision matrix that measured responsiveness, customization, performance, plugin compatibility, and ease of use. Astra scored the highest overall due to its lightweight structure, extensive customization options, and strong compatibility with the WordPress block editor and plugins.
Themes can be obtained from several sources, including the official WordPress Theme Directory, third-party marketplaces such as ThemeForest, and developer websites. The WordPress directory offers free themes that are reviewed for quality and security, while third-party sources often provide advanced features but require careful evaluation for updates, support, and licensing.
A valid WordPress theme must include style.css and index.php. Common additional files include functions.php for theme functionality, header.php and footer.php for layout structure, and single.php or page.php for content display. These files work together to control the site’s appearance and behavior.
Based on my evaluation, Astra was selected and installed via the WordPress admin dashboard. Its flexibility ensures the theme can adapt as the website grows and new features are added.