My Go-To Best WordPress Themes For Beginners (or Anyone!)
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If you’re not familiar with WordPress themes, just know that there are thousands of them out there. And why is a theme even important? Your theme is like your website’s clothes! You want to make sure that your site is always dressed properly:) After trying plenty myself, I’ve narrowed it down to two favorites that I keep coming back to: GeneratePress and Kadence.
Both offer free starter versions (so you can test them out without spending a dime) and premium upgrades if you want more features later. Best of all, they’re fast, flexible, and don’t bloat your site with unnecessary extras.
Key Takeaways
- GeneratePress and Kadence both offer free and paid versions.
- They use clean code that keeps your site speedy and search-engine friendly.
- Both are highly customizable without needing to be a designer.
- They’re beginner-friendly but powerful enough to grow with you.
Why I Love Generate Press
GeneratePress is one of the lightest themes available. That means:
- Fast load times: Clean code = better performance.
- Beginner-friendly: The free version gives you all the basics to get started.
- Premium flexibility: Upgrade for access to layouts, elements, and advanced styling.
It’s a solid choice if you want a no-fuss, “just works” theme that won’t slow you down.
Why I Love Kadence
Kadence has quickly become a favorite for anyone who wants flexibility without the complexity.
- Drag-and-drop header and footer builder: Perfect for customizing your site’s look.
- Great design options: Even the free version comes with sleek starter templates.
- Performance-focused: Despite its flexibility, it doesn’t weigh your site down.
If you want more design options right out of the gate, Kadence is a fantastic choice.
Smart Online Journey uses the Kadence theme.
Themes That Are Free to Start, Easy to Upgrade
One of the biggest perks? Both themes let you start for free.
- GeneratePress → upgrade to GP Premium for full design control.
- Kadence → upgrade to Kadence Pro for advanced customization.
That means you can get your site live today, start publishing, and only invest in premium features if (and when) you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best WordPress Themes For Beginners
Which WordPress theme should I pick as a beginner?
If speed and simplicity are your top priorities, either Generate Press or Kadence will be a great choice. If you want more design options right away, Kadence is my go-to recommendation.
Can I switch themes later?
Yes – but switching can mean reworking your layout. That’s why I recommend starting with a solid theme you can stick with long-term.
Do I need the paid versions?
Not at first. The free versions are plenty to get started. You can upgrade later if you want more control. My personal preference is to be on the paid versions because they include more design options and upgraded customer support. But you can easily remain on the free version with no problem for a while.
Conclusion
Your theme is the “look and feel” of your website – but it also impacts performance and SEO. That’s why I stick with Generate Press and Kadence. They’re fast, clean, and flexible – exactly what a beginner-friendly business site needs.
