Most highly rated WordPress themes 2017, a time when the WordPress landscape was buzzing with innovation and creativity. Choosing the right theme for your website was crucial, and with countless options available, it was essential to rely on those that had earned the trust and admiration of the WordPress community.
This guide explores the top-rated themes of 2017, examining the factors that contributed to their success and providing insights into the trends that shaped the WordPress theme market.
The “most highly rated” WordPress themes in 2017 were determined by a combination of factors, including user reviews, ratings, popularity, and overall performance. The themes were evaluated based on their design, features, ease of use, and compatibility with the latest WordPress versions.
The criteria used were designed to identify themes that provided a balance of aesthetics, functionality, and user experience.
Choosing the Right WordPress Theme
In the dynamic world of website development, choosing the right WordPress theme is crucial for creating a visually appealing, functional, and successful online presence. A well-chosen theme can significantly impact your website’s user experience, search engine optimization (), and overall brand identity.
In 2017, the WordPress theme landscape was brimming with diverse options, making it essential for website owners to carefully evaluate and select themes that align with their specific needs and goals.
The Significance of Highly Rated WordPress Themes
Opting for a highly rated WordPress theme offers several advantages. Firstly, it indicates that the theme has been tested and validated by a large user base, ensuring its reliability and stability. Secondly, positive reviews provide valuable insights into the theme’s usability, features, and overall performance.
Highly rated themes are typically well-maintained and updated regularly, guaranteeing compatibility with the latest WordPress versions and security patches. Lastly, themes with high ratings often come with excellent support and documentation, making it easier for users to navigate and customize the theme effectively.
Criteria for Determining the “Most Highly Rated” Themes
To identify the most highly rated WordPress themes in 2017, several factors were considered. The primary focus was on user reviews and ratings from reputable sources, such as WordPress.org, ThemeForest, and independent review websites. The criteria included:
- Average rating: Themes with consistently high average ratings from multiple sources were given higher priority.
- Number of reviews: Themes with a significant number of reviews were considered more reliable, as they had been evaluated by a wider user base.
- Recent reviews: Themes with recent positive reviews indicated that they were still actively maintained and relevant to current user needs.
- User feedback: Reviews were analyzed for specific comments about the theme’s features, performance, and support.
The WordPress Theme Landscape in 2017
In 2017, the WordPress theme landscape was characterized by a surge in innovative designs, advanced features, and a growing emphasis on user experience. The availability of a wide range of themes catered to various website niches, from personal blogs and e-commerce stores to corporate websites and online portfolios.
The trend towards responsive design, mobile optimization, and seamless integration with social media platforms was prominent.
Top Rated Themes by Category
The following table highlights the top-rated WordPress themes in 2017 across various categories. These themes were chosen based on their consistently high ratings, user feedback, and overall popularity.
| Theme Name | Developer | Key Features | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divi | Elegant Themes | Drag-and-drop builder, responsive design, customizable layouts, extensive theme options | 4.8/5 |
| Avada | ThemeFusion | Multi-purpose theme, powerful theme options, integrated Fusion Builder, -optimized | 4.7/5 |
| Genesis Framework | StudioPress | Lightweight and fast, -friendly, customizable, extensive child theme support | 4.9/5 |
| Enfold | Kriesi | Multi-purpose theme, responsive design, advanced theme options, powerful slider | 4.6/5 |
| BeTheme | Muffin Group | Multi-purpose theme, over 400 pre-built websites, drag-and-drop builder, responsive design | 4.5/5 |
Business Themes
Business themes are designed to create professional and sophisticated websites for companies, organizations, and entrepreneurs. They typically feature clean layouts, elegant typography, and features that emphasize branding, contact information, and calls to action. Popular business themes often include:
- Customizable header and footer areas for branding
- Portfolio sections to showcase products or services
- Integrated contact forms and social media integration
- Testimonial sections to build credibility
Blog Themes
Blog themes are optimized for content-driven websites, focusing on readability, ease of navigation, and sharing capabilities. They often include features such as:
- Featured post sections to highlight important content
- Category and tag organization for content categorization
- Social media sharing buttons for easy content distribution
- Comment sections for user engagement
Portfolio Themes, Most highly rated wordpress themes 2017
Portfolio themes are ideal for showcasing creative work, such as photography, design, or art. They typically feature a strong visual focus, emphasizing high-quality image displays, clean layouts, and minimal distractions. Key features include:
- Large image galleries and sliders
- Project details sections for showcasing individual work
- Client testimonials and contact information
- Integration with social media platforms
eCommerce Themes
eCommerce themes are specifically designed for online stores, offering features that facilitate online sales and customer management. They typically include:
- Product catalogs and shopping carts
- Payment gateway integration for secure transactions
- Customer account management features
- Shipping and tax calculation tools
Factors Contributing to High Ratings
Several key factors contribute to high ratings for WordPress themes. These factors reflect the overall quality, functionality, and user experience of the theme.
User Reviews and Feedback
User reviews and feedback play a pivotal role in determining a theme’s rating. They provide valuable insights into the theme’s strengths and weaknesses, helping potential users make informed decisions. Positive reviews indicate that the theme is reliable, user-friendly, and meets the needs of its target audience.
Constructive criticism from users can also lead to improvements in future updates.
Theme Documentation, Support, and Updates
Comprehensive documentation, responsive support, and regular updates are essential for a positive user experience. Well-written documentation guides users through theme setup, customization, and troubleshooting. Prompt and helpful support ensures that users can resolve issues quickly and efficiently. Regular updates address security vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, and enhance the theme’s functionality.
Themes with strong support and update policies are more likely to receive high ratings.
Popular Theme Features in 2017
In 2017, several features gained popularity among WordPress themes, reflecting evolving design trends and user preferences. These features aimed to enhance user experience, improve website performance, and provide greater flexibility for customization.
Responsive Design and Mobile Optimization
Responsive design became a standard feature in 2017, ensuring that websites displayed correctly on all devices, from desktops to smartphones and tablets. Mobile optimization was crucial for reaching a wider audience and improving user experience on mobile devices.
Drag-and-Drop Builders
Drag-and-drop builders gained widespread adoption, simplifying the process of creating and customizing website layouts. These intuitive tools allowed users with limited coding experience to easily build professional-looking websites without writing complex code.
Page Builders
Page builders offered advanced customization options, allowing users to create unique and engaging website layouts. They provided a wide range of content elements, such as sliders, galleries, and call-to-action buttons, enabling users to build complex pages without coding.
Integration with Popular Plugins
Themes that integrated seamlessly with popular WordPress plugins, such as WooCommerce for e-commerce, Yoast for search engine optimization, and Contact Form 7 for contact forms, provided a more streamlined and efficient website development experience.
Considerations for Choosing a Theme: Most Highly Rated WordPress Themes 2017
When selecting a WordPress theme, it’s essential to consider several factors that align with your website goals and target audience. These considerations will help you choose a theme that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Theme Performance
Theme performance is crucial for website speed and user experience. Choose a theme that is lightweight, well-coded, and optimized for speed. Avoid themes with excessive bloat or complex scripts that can slow down your website.
Theme Security
Security is paramount for any website. Select a theme that is regularly updated with security patches and follows best practices for code security. Look for themes developed by reputable developers with a proven track record of security updates.
Theme Compatibility
Ensure that the chosen theme is compatible with your current WordPress version and any plugins you plan to use. Check for compatibility information on the theme’s website or documentation.
Theme Customization
Consider the level of customization you require. Some themes offer extensive customization options, while others are more limited. Choose a theme that provides the flexibility you need to create a unique and personalized website.
Theme Support
Evaluate the theme’s support options. Look for themes with responsive customer support, detailed documentation, and a dedicated community forum.
Examples of High-Performing Themes
The following are examples of highly rated WordPress themes from 2017, showcasing their features and capabilities.
Divi
Divi is a multi-purpose WordPress theme known for its powerful drag-and-drop builder, responsive design, and extensive customization options. It features a wide range of pre-designed layouts and templates, making it easy to create professional-looking websites. Divi’s intuitive interface and advanced features make it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
Avada
Avada is another popular multi-purpose WordPress theme that offers a wide range of features and customization options. It comes with a powerful theme options panel, allowing users to fine-tune every aspect of their website’s design and functionality. Avada’s integration with the Fusion Builder provides advanced page building capabilities, enabling users to create unique and engaging website layouts.
Genesis Framework
Genesis is a lightweight and fast WordPress framework that provides a solid foundation for building high-performing websites. It is known for its -friendliness, customizable layouts, and extensive child theme support. Genesis’s minimalist design and focus on speed make it an excellent choice for websites that prioritize performance and .
Final Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of WordPress, staying informed about the latest trends and updates is crucial. While the themes highlighted in this guide were highly rated in 2017, the WordPress ecosystem is constantly evolving. Keep an eye on the latest themes, explore new features, and always prioritize user experience and website performance when making theme selections.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using a highly rated WordPress theme?
Highly rated WordPress themes offer several benefits, including proven functionality, a strong user base, regular updates, and often extensive documentation and support.
How often are WordPress themes updated?
The frequency of updates varies depending on the theme developer. Some developers release updates regularly, while others may update less frequently. It’s essential to choose a theme that is actively maintained and receives regular updates to ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress versions and security patches.
Are there any free highly rated WordPress themes available?
Yes, there are many excellent free WordPress themes available. While free themes may have fewer features than premium themes, they can still provide a solid foundation for your website. Popular free themes include themes like Astra and OceanWP.