As a seasoned website developer with over a decade of experience, I can confidently attest to the immense value of WordPress themes. These templates serve as an invaluable resource for projects of all scales, eliminating the need to start from scratch and reinvent the wheel with each new build.
The key to unlocking their potential lies in selecting the right theme. It’s no secret that the theme marketplace is flooded with subpar options, often burdened with unnecessary bloat from page builders like Elementor or Visual Composer. This bloat can significantly impact website performance, slowing down load times and frustrating users. Moreover, many of these page builders lack a class-based system, making design changes a tedious and time-consuming process. As developers, we don’t want to waste precious hours making individual adjustments every time a client requests a minor colour tweak.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless themes and page builders, including Oxygen Builder and Bricks Builder. While each has its merits, I’ve found that in 2024, the most efficient and effective approach is to steer clear of page builders altogether.
Now, some purists might argue that true developers build everything from the ground up or rely on their own custom frameworks. While there’s merit to that approach, time is a precious commodity. If I encounter a pre-built solution that surpasses anything I could create myself, I’ll gladly leverage it and customise as needed. Why reinvent the wheel when a perfectly good one already exists?
Most websites, at their core, share similar functionalities, with variations primarily in design and specific custom post types. With that in mind, let’s explore my top recommendations for WordPress developers in 2024.
Recommended Themes
- GeneratePress (Top Choice): If you prefer working close to WordPress’s core functionality, GeneratePress is a fantastic option. It offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to craft any design you envision, and boasts exceptional speed. Consider pairing it with GenerateBlocks for a library of pre-built, customisable blocks that streamline development. While it might take a bit of getting used to, its close proximity to core WordPress and clean output make it a winner. GeneratePress also shines in its ability to achieve a lot without writing extensive CSS. For those who prefer it, tools like WPCodeBox can further enhance CSS and Sass management. And with its affordable pro version, GeneratePress won’t break the bank.
- Pinegrow: For developers who revel in coding from scratch, Pinegrow is a powerful theme builder. It requires proficiency in HTML and CSS, offering deep customisation and integration with tools like Tailwind CSS. Pinegrow is particularly well-suited for projects where hand-coding is a necessity or when you need to push beyond the capabilities of other themes.
Remember, the best theme ultimately depends on your individual preferences and project requirements. However, by opting for lean, clean, and developer-friendly options like GeneratePress or Pinegrow, you’ll set yourself up for success in 2024 and beyond.
Feel free to share your own favourite WordPress themes and development strategies in the comments below!