Why I choose the Genesis Framework and Child Themes for my WordPress blog. Pretty much a no-brainer choice for professional bloggers!
When I first started Home Made Lovely over three years ago, I did what many bloggers do. I started on a free site, with a free theme. I didn’t choose Blogger – because even back then I knew that eventually everyone goes to WordPress anyway. But I did start on WordPress.com. I blogged there for about two months before I saw the error of my ways. I kid. Mostly.
When I did the big export and import and started afresh on my own domain (www.akadesign.ca) via WordPress.org, I bought a theme that sort of had what I wanted. Because it was what I could afford at the time.
It was pink. Fuschia pink.
Anyway, the next theme I bought was pretty good, but still not quite “good” enough.
Then I found Genesis…and Child Themes.
And I wondered what pile of sand I had had my head buried in!
So What’s the Big Deal?
Don’t get it? Maybe even slightly offended that I speak so highly of something perhaps you’re not using yet?
Basically there’s an analogy that says WordPress is like the engine of your car (including all the little parts that make it go). Genesis is the frame and body. And the Child Theme you choose is like the paint job that make your car stylin’.
Or for you DIYers out there – Worpress is the guts of your house, the plumbing and wiring, the things that keep it running. Genesis is like the walls and the roof and the security system. And the Child Theme you choose is your furniture and accessories and paint – all the pretties that make it yours.
Genesis makes running a blog significantly easier. And that’s a good thing for busy frazzled bloggers.
Why I Choose the Genesis Framework – My Top 3 Reasons
- It’s Cheap. Like well under $100. Once you purchase Genesis, you have it. Forever. Including unlimited support and all updates too! No recurring fees. Ever. How cool is that?
- It’s optimized. Somehow the geniuses behind Genesis have made sure that all the info and work you put into your blog is optimized and fully searchable – SEO at it’s best (Copyblogger calls it spoon-feeding Google your content). Genesis is also ready for widgets and ads. Totally a blogger’s dream!
- It’s Flexible. Genesis themes are optimized for soooo many things: social media, widgets, newsletter signups, etc. But my most favorite feature is that I can change the look of my site on a whim without messing with the basic setup under the hood just by swapping out my Child Theme. It makes me feel uber creative!
My Favorite Places to Browse Child Themes
I can’t help it. I love to look at pretty themes. Must be a leftover from when I was a graphic designer years ago.
Regardless, here’s where I like to spend time drooling.
Tips for Genesis Beginners
I highly recommend reading the Genesis Guide for Absolute Beginners. Click here to download The Genesis Guide for Absolute Beginners (PDF – 1.4 MB)*
You can also read all about the features of Genesis here.
Final Words
If you’re not “there” yet, or if you are perfectly happy with your theme, feel free to ignore me. But if you’re wishing for something more for your blog or if you’re just beginning – I highly recommend Genesis Framework with a gorgeous Child Theme to go with it!
What theme do you currently use? What platform do you blog on? Who is your favorite Theme designer?
xo,
Shannon
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