When Should You Change Your Blog Template?

by on August 30, 2010 · 64 comments ·


Are you happy with your blog template? did you choose the right template for your blog? this is a question i have been asking myself for some time how often should i change my template? is the big question so i decided to write a post about this and engage my readers to get their thought on this one. In my last post evaluating your website one of my reader mentioned that choosing a theme for your blog is more daunting than doing SEO itself food for thought is it and believe me it can and this is what motivate me to right this post.Thanks to Robert for inspiring me to write this post.

I can hear you saying another thought provoking thought from lawmacs, i like that sometimes as a blogger you have to be a bit controversial to get reaction from visitors not too controversial though now back to the main point of this post, every thing we as bloggers do we need to evaluate everything from our web statistics to our earnings. some times we move our ads to different areas of our blogs hoping for more clicks i believe and this is just my belief that there are times when we need to change our blog template and see if this makes any different for our blog.

I don’t know if any one else have the same feelings like i do but it seems that my blog template always needs tweaking and sometimes changing, it may just be me very fussy and like changes. We so often hear the phrase that Content is King but to me the king always needs a castle and that castle is the template, having brilliant content is good and always recommended but you need a good design to top it off. How may time have you been on a blog with good content but the design is not appealing to you it may be too cluttered or hard to navigate and you get turned off.

Changing your Template Can Be easy

For those running Blogger or WordPress as your blogging platform then you have it easy the reason been that there are thousand of templates available for free and paid on these platform WordPress especially has a huge collection of themes available for download but remember to acknowledge the creators wish by leaving the links in the style sheet or where ever. choosing one of these themes may not fully suit your needs however feel free to customize them to suit your needs. I am experience in creating my own theme but i still use from created by some one else why is that? you may asked there are many other things we do as bloggers so why invent the wheel just use one already made and get on with other stuff like promoting your blog. now how often should you change you template share your views here and thanks for participating.

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I am the proud founder,owner and editor in cheif of lawmacs.com an avid blogger whose ambition is to change the world wide web one blog at a time. I love blogging and social networking. You can find me on most popular networking sites or watching football
Gary has written 282 awesome articles for us at lawmacs web design blog

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64 Comments "So Far Add Yours"

  1. Washington Park real estate

    January 17, 2012

    1

    i think it’s ideal to change your blog template every once a year. It’s essential not to make frequent changes in your template as this will sometimes cause confusion in readers end in terms of navigation.

    Reply
  2. Baby Games

    December 31, 2011

    2

    It depends,if my topic is out,I will update the style so that it may appears.

    Reply
  3. Baby Games

    December 23, 2011

    3

    If I have a new idea,I will.

    Reply
  4. Mr MakingUsmile

    October 31, 2011

    4

    Tweaking a template is what I like to do. Major big bang changes are not for me. At some point in time I guess it is just like buying a car, eventually you will need a new one.

    Mr MakingUsmile
    Mr MakingUsmile recently posted..80/20 Rule – Pareto Principle Simplified for Business UseMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Wilma

    September 20, 2011

    5

    i agree that with John that changing shouldnt be done very often as it confuses the users.
    Wilma recently posted..Three Nice Costumes To Wear For Halloween Or Themed PartiesMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Nice Blog

    September 10, 2011

    7

    Favorite Blog…

    This design is spectacular! You definitely know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you p…

    Reply
  7. real hair extensions

    August 31, 2011

    8

    i love your blogs, please teach me how to change templates from time to time.
    real hair extensions recently posted..Hair Color Trends In 2011 For The Modern WomanMy Profile

    Reply
  8. John

    August 15, 2011

    9

    Yes, it is easy to change the template, but it shouldnt be done too often as it may confuse the users.

    Reply
  9. Wordpress Plugins

    August 12, 2011

    10

    WordPress Themes and plugins are the best one that suits your website and changes can be done easily.. In fact it is mandatory to change blog theme to attract bloggers..

    Reply
  10. samsung tablet

    July 21, 2011

    11

    Although I am satisfied with the design of the blog, I think the design in lacking in SEO and therefore I am looking for some good theme. Can anyone suggest me a nice theme matching with the website contents? Thanks
    samsung tablet recently posted..Samsung Tablet PC Accessories Specification and Review of Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Full Size Keyboard DockMy Profile

    Reply
  11. bielizna

    July 19, 2011

    12

    I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Great work!…

    Reply
  12. registry cleaners

    July 4, 2011

    13

    registry cleaners…

    I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Excellent work!…

    Reply
  13. nordstrom dresses

    June 16, 2011

    14

    kosmetyki naturalne…

    Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to be…

    Reply
  14. nordstrom evening dresses

    May 17, 2011

    15

    nordstrom dresses…

    Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where…

    Reply
  15. Web statistics

    March 12, 2011

    16

    I agree with your point that king always needs a castle and that castle is a template.Template doesn’t makes any difference to SEO purpose.But if you provide fresh content in boring and repetitive manner it may loose its impact. Presentation is the first thing.So for me changing templates is good thought.

    Reply
  16. Web Designing

    February 10, 2011

    17

    I have visited your site and I would like to thank for posting such a valuable info. I am sure your visitors find your site as useful as I did.

    Reply
  17. Wedding songs

    December 20, 2010

    18

    There are certain situation why a blogger must change it’s template..Maybe because of some traffic issues, the viewer might not happy with how the way the blog looks like…anyway thanks for sharing..I really Appreciate it…

    Reply
  18. Wedding favors

    December 20, 2010

    19

    I guess it depends if the blog doesn’t gain visitors at all..maybe they are tired of the way it looks..so it would be time to change the template…Thanks for sharing…(^_^)

    Reply
  19. gufix

    December 5, 2010

    20

    Hello…

    Nice share. I think your website should come up much higher in the search results than where it is showing up right now….

    Reply
  20. Lance

    December 3, 2010

    21

    Themes and Templates truly is one of the stuff you must consider on making you orwn blog attractive. No matter how simple it is, for as long as you worked hard for the contents and the environment of your blog it’s worth it. This post is very informative for bloggers like us. Thanks for the share!

    Reply
  21. 22

    Since I only started blogging lately, I think the best time to change your theme is every week. This span of time is already enough to have that “retention” to those who visit your site and leave some comments. Changing it weekly can attract more bloggers and visitors to read and keep update with your posts. I mean the more colorful and timely your site is, the more people who will be persuaded to read it. Although, this is just my theory, but I believe your followers can really appreciate your site once who have that week by week changing of themes. They can appreciate it more that way.

    Reply
  22. Tierportrait

    December 1, 2010

    23

    This is another good post I have seen today as I browse the web and surf for related blogs to my site.. Yes, indeed themes are really important. This gives additional flavor to the entire blog. This rather compose percent of the total view of a blog. Nice one.. I think one should change theme as necessary, like finding more appropriate and more suitable theme for the blog and its content. Thanks for this..Cheers!

    Reply
  23. Payday Loan

    November 26, 2010

    24

    Basically, themes are of importance in blogging. These make up to the total elements of a particular blog. I love this post, very informative and it gives sense to those who engage in blogging. Well, it will always go back to the idea that indeed simplicity is beauty rather than intricate themes. Thanks! more power!

    Reply
  24. Dianne

    October 14, 2010

    25

    Thanks for your blogging advice, actually I do spent more time in choosing the right template for my blog. Although it’s time consuming for me but I really enjoy choosing and thinking if which template is truly fitted for my blogging venture.

    Reply
  25. Daphe

    October 14, 2010

    26

    It’s basically a need in order to fit it from the topic of your blogs and of course you need to be exert your creative efforts to make it attractive to readers and of cause striking to their sight. Unusual templates or the unique ones usually create curiosity to the readers and therefore it end up making your visitors hooked up in your blogs.

    Reply
  26. Printed Paper Bags

    October 9, 2010

    27

    I am a blogger and I believe that choosing the right template for our blogs is a very important factor to be able to gain a lot of visitors. No matter how informative the content is, the first thing that every visitor will notice is the design of your blog and it affects in the decision making whether to read it or not. Simple yet attractive and unique template will likely to catch visitors attention. Thanks for the post!

    Reply
  27. Web Design Los Angeles

    October 6, 2010

    28

    Template is an important factor which should considered while creating a blog. Visitor would like to read your blog if its design is more attractive and eye catchy. There are many templates available on the web free and paid as well. Of course, content of the post is more important than design but you can get more visitors to your blog if it’s design is unique, nice and impressive. you should change your blog’s template time by time to get your blog updated and everyone always love to see something new.

    Reply
  28. Wordpress Blog Setup

    Udegbunam Chukwudi from Wordpress Blog Setup

    October 4, 2010

    29

    The right template will get the right folks to stick around. That said I don’t think it’s such a cool idea to keep changing templates frequently.

    It took me three template changes to arrive at my present one and I don’t plan on changing it anytime soon.

    P.S: Do please try to install the subscribe to comments plug-in. Can you please holla when you do? Thanks ;-)

    Reply
  29. Florida computer services

    September 23, 2010

    30

    The template you are using in your blog is a very important factor that may affect the number of visitors that would visit and read it. Having a presentable blog depends on how you choose the right template. Choosing the right template could be challenging and at the same time fun. Excellent post. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  30. used pickup trucks

    September 16, 2010

    31

    If i like any theme i never change until i found new theme which is better than this theme.I feel it’s easy to change the theme.But,it’s very difficult to find theme which will really satisfy us.I change my blog template almost twice in year.

    Reply
  31. Ajinkya

    September 9, 2010

    32

    Yeah ,i agree . Its always nice to change the theme so that your readers wont be bored seeing same theme again and again . But you again need to tweak your theme in terms of SEO or it might hamper your SERP .
    Nice theme :)

    Reply
  32. JK

    September 8, 2010

    33

    Certainly right…the king always needs a castle and that castle is the template…it should be attractive easy to navigate….

    Reply
    • lawmacs

      October 3, 2010

      34

      Thanks for your coment i like your terminology that the king needs a content and that is the template. i totally agree with you that a template should be easy to navigate.

      Reply
  33. Swamykant

    September 8, 2010

    35

    Currently I am using thesis and meanwhile working on a unique theme for it. Once it is done, I will make sure that it is not changed until there is any demand

    Reply
  34. Nev

    September 8, 2010

    36

    Hi, this is such an enlightening post. Completely agree that content and template should complement each other. I believe there’s a need to level up. As you said a king must have a castle. The same is true in changing template.No matter how compelling your content is but your template is not engaging then i would say that your blog is a mess.

    Reply
  35. trucking insurance

    September 7, 2010

    37

    I love blogging and indeed it is very important to choose the right template in order that visitors will be interested in reading your blog. I often choose template that are simple yet easy to read. Thanks for your helpful tips.

    Reply
  36. Tampa Attorney

    September 4, 2010

    38

    I do have a passion also for blogging and I have a tougher time in choosing for the right template because for me it is really important because it is one of the ingredients that attract visitors and it’s also the one who can contribute to the decision making process of whether to read the blog or not. Thanks for your post, where in your tips are really useful and you proved that choosing templates can be easy and fun.

    Reply
  37. Follow Friday: Must-Read Posts and My Dad on Facebook

    September 3, 2010

    39

    [...] When Should You Change Your Blog’s Template? Given that I change my blog’s design more often than Sarah Jessica Parker changes her hair color, this post caught my attention. Lots of people like to add their opinions about this. While the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it… Tia’s saying goes… dude, if it IS jacked up, fix it. [...]

    Reply
  38. Sam

    September 2, 2010

    40

    I haven’t changed my template yet since I started blogging. I wish I could but I am afraid to mess it up.

    Reply
    • lawmacs

      September 2, 2010

      41

      It is not that diddicult sam to change your template and if you do so and it does not work properly then you can revert bact to the old one thanks for your support hope to see you more often.

      Reply
  39. Waqas

    September 1, 2010

    42

    WordPress especially has a huge collection of themes available for download it will be help full for me.

    Reply
    • lawmacs

      September 2, 2010

      43

      That is one of the beauty about WordPress there are a huge collection of template available out there for you to choose from and this can save you time as the saying goes why re-invent the wheel.

      Reply
  40. Aswani
    Twitter:

    September 1, 2010

    44

    I haven’t changed my blog’s template from long. Its been 2 years now. I think I have got the right template though there have been mixed reviews on the same. Most of the times, its been positive. One thing which I have never thought of seriously – to give my blog a professional look. This is something which I haven’t done at all. Before choosing my existing theme, I had tried and tested more than 50 templates. Finally, I decided to stick with my present template which I believe has a very catchy look and feel. I think I can make it look more professional by doing some customization and tweaks. Yet still, I am not in a mood to change my template for the time being. For me, one should change template only when its absolutely necessary. Getting a better designed template should always be a top priority and you must be able to differentiate between a personal and professional design. Make it all look simple yet attractive. No change is required if you are doing well with the content and the much required traffic. Maybe if you could just tweak it for banner ads or go for some designs which have support for the same.

    Reply
    • lawmacs

      September 1, 2010

      45

      Nothing is wrong with not changing your web template for a long time the point is that if you are happy with it and it suits your needs then by all mean keep it but if it is not what you want then you can change it.

      Reply
  41. Blogging Tips

    Sahil Kotak from Blogging Tips

    September 1, 2010

    46

    You can never ever be satisfied with your theme, In my opinion. I have tried several themes whether they are free or paid. But, I always go on tweaking in them and then keep it for sometime and again tweak it. :)

    Reply
    • lawmacs

      September 1, 2010

      47

      you are totally right i have changed my template so many times it is as if i will never be satisfied with it however i try to keep the heading color the same.

      Reply
  42. Affiliate Marketing Blog

    Jason from Affiliate Marketing Blog

    September 1, 2010

    48

    I’m actually planning to change my theme this coming weekend, though I’m still hesitating. My original plan is to purchase a thesis theme, though I’m not yet prepared to engage in that much of investment (for now). If only I have the talent to customize templates, that’s one of my major frustrations at the moment.

    Theme/template plays a huge part in internet marketing, and most of us know that well. It instills brand and identity to your visitors and it also helps in converting traffic.

    Reply
    • lawmacs

      September 1, 2010

      49

      That is the idea i relly love thesis themes but at this moment i don’t believe it is worth the price and another thing i like chopping and changing and i don’t believe i will have that flexibility with thesis so for now i will stick with what i have.

      Reply
  43. Sourav

    August 31, 2010

    50

    I am never satisfied with my blog’s template. Though at present I am using a free theme, but I am sure that even if I use a premium theme, I will never be satisfied. I will go on tweaking it from time to time and then change it after a year or so (but make sure that the branding remains the same, ie, the logo, header etc). But too frequent theme changes can distract the regular visitors.

    Reply
    • lawmacs

      August 31, 2010

      51

      Your made a very important point about branding and that is the reason why i keep the logo and the same color in the heading as not to cause too much distraction, you made some valuable point here.

      Reply
    • Tatiana Abud

      September 1, 2010

      52

      I not never satisfied with my blog’s template either. I checked on some premium themes and I don’t quite think they fit my industry- dallas web design industry. If there would be a website that we could customize colors to go with our logos, that would be great!

      Dallas web design

      Reply
  44. Lifestyle Design
    Twitter:

    Steve from Lifestyle Design
    Twitter:

    August 31, 2010

    53

    Having a solid blog template is pretty important. I have actually been toying with changing mine for a while. MIne is good enough now, but there are minor changes I want (like a “Best of” posts)

    I am not quick to make changes though, so will be a while before I fix it..it is on my “fix when I return to the US” list

    Once you get a template and theme “right” in my opinion it is something you should never have to deal with again.

    Reply
    • lawmacs

      September 1, 2010

      54

      I strongly believe that some time our blog out grow its theme by that i meant we might need to change from a two column to a three column to get more room in the sidebars depending on its circumstances but istill agree with your point by the way ilove your theme steve it is cool and clean

      Reply
  45. Web Designing

    August 31, 2010

    55

    Thanks for sharing nice information regarding changing blog templates. Nice piece of information.

    Reply
    • lawmacs

      August 31, 2010

      56

      Thanks for stopping and engaing in the conversation you input is very much appreciated here hope to see around as long as you wish

      Reply
  46. Shabnam Sultan

    August 30, 2010

    57

    A good SEO-optimised theme is very important for a blog.Right now i am using a free theme but looking for a better one.

    I appreciate the changes which you have done with your theme :) your blog looks cool now.

    Reply
    • Bishwajeet

      August 31, 2010

      58

      Shabnam you can use Comppress theme ,which is also free and made by us ,bt it looks professional .

      Reply
    • lawmacs

      August 30, 2010

      59

      Thanks for the compliments about the new look Shabnam i am always looking for new ways to improve my theme the good thing about it is that i can do it myself and yes you are totally right a well optimized need is what we all need.

      Reply
  47. Nicola

    August 30, 2010

    60

    When I started my first blog I used a free blog template without widget. Only after a few month I understood the importance to have a theme that allows me to change layout and design in a simple and fast way. Also a good template must be easy to read, and including a great support for any of your problem.

    Reply
    • lawmacs

      August 30, 2010

      61

      That is so true Nicola having great support for the theme you are using is very important that is the very reason why i learn to tweak and personalize the themes i used. Thanks for your comment Nicola

      Reply
  48. Robert

    August 30, 2010

    62

    Believe it or not, I’m still looking for just the right theme. :-) What makes it even more “daunting” than I first stated is the fact that I’m unable to preview a theme with my current WP install. I’m not the only one with that problem and the support people are unable to find a solution. I have a test blog to play with but I would like to preview my current blog with a different theme.

    The main reason I want to change my theme is because I’m tired of looking at it. Nobody has complained about it except me. :-) I’m always looking to make my readers visits as pleasant as possible and that includes content and theme.

    In answer to your question, I think changing a theme is a matter of personal preference unless of course your visitors are complaining about it or it can’t be optimized for Mr. “G”. ;-)

    Always a pleasure when I inspire someone to write a post.

    Reply
    • lawmacs

      August 30, 2010

      63

      Thanks Robert i do hope you get that problem solved soon and for the inspiration you are good at that i can see that we share the same passion the reason why i change my theme is the same reason why you want to change yours Bro Great minds think alike. Thanks for you Comment.

      Reply
    • Bishwajeet

      August 31, 2010

      64

      Why don’t you try your theme on wamp server of your local host or try in other blogs before testing it on main blog. Yah theme is personal sort of choice, I had really crappy theme before but changed that as I thought I need something better.

      Reply

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