How to Choose the Best Wordpress Blog Templates

So you’ve created your blog. That default blue Kubrick’s theme isn’t really doing it for you and you want to add some style and personality to your blog. There are literally thousands of blog templates out there to choose from and it’s easy to waste time browsing through them all. Before you go hunting for the perfect blog template here are some key questions you should ask yourself.

Will You Be Using Widgets?

Widgets are best described as add-ons to your blog’s template. They can display a calendar, show previous posts or comments or just provide you with a blank space for text or advertising. Most bloggers use widgets for one purpose or another but not all blog templates are “widget ready”. It is highly recommended to choose widget ready templates as they make adding these helpful little extras so much easier.

Will You be Using Adsense to Monetize Your Blog?

While you can place your Adsense code in any text widget there are some wonderful blog templates that do all the hard work for you. A wonderful one to use is the Prosense blog template . As you can see at this recipe blog , which uses the Prosense theme, it strategically places blocks of Adsense code on your blog and blog posts for optimum viewing (and hopefully clicking) by your visitors.

All that is required is you enter your personal Adsense ID into the coding of the various Adsense units you plan on using and the theme serves them up with your ID encoded. The theme is widget ready and SEO friendly to boot.

Do You Want Complete Control?

If the idea of having a cookie-cutter blog template sends shivers down your spine there’s an incredible blog theme available that gives you complete control over your blog theme’s appearance. The blog template is called the http://www.flexibilitytheme.com/ " target="_blank">Flexibility Theme .

It uploads to your Wordpress themes folder like any other blog theme but that’s where the similarity ends. Coupled with the design details is an extensive control panel that allows you to customize every aspect of your blog’s template. From background color to template width you’re walked through a long list of options that make creating your own unique blog template a breeze. You don’t need to know any HTML or PHP coding and you can leave as many of the defaults in place as you feel comfortable with.

Other Considerations When Choosing Blog Templates

Factors such as how many columns and header size may not seem important when choosing blog templates but they do have an affect on your blog’s functionality. If you plan on using more than one Adsense block, showing affiliate banners or selling advertising from outside companies space is going to be an issue.

A three column blog template gives you the maximum amount of space for both your own blog functions and that required for advertising. A three column blog is comprised of one wide column which contains your blog’s posts plus two narrower ones that will display any widgets you choose to use plus advertising.

It is also worthy of noting that some blog templates come pre-built with very large headers. While these headers may be beautiful in design, if you plan on monetizing your blog that large header is taking up valuable virtual real estate.

The most effective way to generate income through advertising, no matter which method you use, is to place your ads above the fold. Above the fold is considered to be any space that is seen on your blog before the visitor is required to scroll down. Don’t waste this valuable space with an enormous header. Instead choose premade blog templates with narrower headers or themes, such as the Flexibility theme, which allows you to design and upload your own custom header.

In the end choosing the best blog templates for you blogs comes down to knowing your needs and choosing accordingly. When you know what you need it’s much easier to find what you want.

For more information on blogging please feel free to check out my other blog related articles on Bukisa:

Make Money Blogging
How to Choose a Good Blog Hosting Provider