Choosing a WordPress theme for SEO optimization helps you improve the site’s search visibility. Along with SEO efforts, choosing a promising Theme is equally essential.

In this resource, the importance of an SEO-optimized theme is highlighted. Specifically, you’ll learn how to choose a WordPress Theme for improved SEO.

Let’s proceed to address the subject in more detail.

Choosing a WordPress Theme for SEO (Things to Consider)

Let’s address details about factors That help users determine if a Theme carries SEO worth. Before you’ve chosen a WordPress plan, the following key points allow you to carry out tests, assumptions, and maneuvers to verify the SEO aspects of a WordPress Theme.

1. Speed

The speed of a page is considered as a ranking factor. Simply put, a fast-loading page ranks well compared to a slow-loading webpage.

Before you’ve chosen a WordPress, you can check if it loads faster. Although the official resource contains speed highlights, you can check if Things seem promising. In this case, GTMetrix helps you test, highlight, and improve a Theme for speed.

2. Size

A lightweight WordPress theme is better than a pack of junk, unnecessary files. When choosing a Theme for SEO rankings, obtaining sizing information weights equal importance.

A theme’s official resource provides size information. However, one can quickly see if the size of a Theme is affecting the site’s rankings. For example, when a blog post has been published with textual content, observing its size with GTMetrics will develop actionable advice. Similarly, Google Drive can help you find a zip’s actual size. Once uploaded a zip package to Google Drive, you can see the sizing information of the Theme’s files. 

3. Responsiveness

A WordPress Theme’s responsiveness is undeniable. In this case, responsiveness means – that a Theme loads correctly on various screen sizes.

For example, when viewing a site on mobile, a Theme should automatically adopt a display for mobile screen size.

4. Google Search Console Errors

A Theme with SEO issues can be tracked by errors in Google Search Console (GSC). In this case, if you see errors in indexing, LCP, and speed, you need to change your site’s Theme in the first place.

In such scenarios, you can check a Theme with tools before choosing a Theme. For example, on Google, you can find Tools to help you narrow your theme for errors, code standards, and SEO stats.

5. Test on a Staging website

A staging site helps users verify WordPress assets. After you’ve tested a Theme, using it on a live site becomes a safe journey.

In this case, activating free WordPress themes on a staging site; one by one – would become more enjoyable, safe, and result-oriented.

For example, you can also see if the Tools -> Site Health page in the dashboard highlights a Theme’s information. Here on this page, you can see if a specific part of a WordPress site needs attention, such as updating PHP. 

6. Theme Updates

A WordPress Theme’s updates depend on a working license. In most cases, free themes don’t allow premium updates, while on the other hand, premium Themes are updated automatically.

Here, the point of impact is simple. If a WordPress theme is up-to-date, its SEO-specifics align with search engine rules. However, only expect results if a Theme provides automatic updates.

7. Free or Paid (Support)

Unlike free ones, premium Themes provide 24/7 support to its customers. If something goes wrong, the fixing routine is supervised by Theme developers, representatives, and official resources.

In this scenario, developers’ assistance is vital when optimizing a Theme for SEO. In most cases, while optimizing a Theme’s code standards for SEO, you can ask for premium support if they can help you cross the road.

8. SEO optimized stats

There is a difference between a Theme optimized for SEO and the one overlooked.

According to official resources, a Theme is equipped with SEO stats if it satisfies speed, responsiveness, and code standards. In this case, pay attention while deciding on a Theme for your website.

If a Theme’s stats are promising on its Theme Forest page, you can proceed and buy the Theme.

9. Support for WordPress Plugins

Conflicts between WordPress assets damage a website. For example, disagreements occur in a WordPress website if a Theme or plugin doesn’t share compatibility. In such scenarios, conflicts keep a site from touching high limits regarding SEO.

So, while looking for an SEO-optimized Theme, check if a theme is compatible with other assets, such as plugins in WordPress. If yes, you’re good. If not, for example, you need to change your site’s theme.

As described above, one way to track if a Theme is creating problems is to look for errors in the Google Search Console. Several mistakes in GSC indicate insights to change your site’s Theme for improved SEO stats.

10. Knowledge Base

Themes carry diverse attributes, and so is the case with SEO.

Needless to say, we prefer using Themes that provide unparalleled support for SEO. This includes a knowledge base, on-page tweaks, and live chat support for setups. In this case, an example of a knowledge base is WordPress’ official forums, helping users quickly cover WordPress infrastructure with no prior experience.

Wrapping up

Choosing a WordPress theme for SEO, what’s the point?

Undoubtedly, using an SEO-optimized theme helps users travel the extra mile for SEO. These days, having a piece That promises value is a fingertip away.

For example, when CMS infrastructures were uncommon, coding a Theme required extensive resources. Nowadays, one can cover gaps by spending a few bucks for a premium SEO theme.

For more information on covering SEO aspects for a WordPress site, read more tutorials on our Blog or contact us for more details on WordPress themes, maintenance, and unparalleled support.