If you’re building a WordPress site, you’ll know how convenient templates can be. With that being said, some templates can make your site appear cookie-cutter, and generic. If you want to avoid this, keep the following tips in mind to help your site stand out!
Focus on the Core Elements of Your Brand
Whether designing a site for yourself or someone else, you must focus on the core elements of the brand you’re working with. Taking inspiration from other sites can be very valuable, as it can help you find different ways to incorporate important page elements.
Take Netflix’s site, for example the site has a sleek and modern design that emphasizes the user experience. Some of the key elements include a clear visual hierarchy, with large promotional images and trailers. This helps to draw attention to new and popular shows, with a responsive layout for desktop and mobile. The site is also fully responsive for both desktop and mobile, with its intuitive menu allowing easy access to various categories. Additionally, Netflix’s iconic red and black colour scheme reinforces brand recognition across the entire site.
Another example would be the page where you can play Adventures Beyond Wonderland live. The page has a vibrant design that helps to mirror the atmosphere you’d expect with a game show. With a focus on entertainment and simplicity, the page highlights the main prize wheel, a primary game mechanic. There is also detail on how players can bet on different segments, with each one connected to a different payout. With RTP information, bonus features and gameplay instructions listed, the page has everything a user needs to know to play, with a visually engaging layout that works well on both desktop and mobile.
Even though these two examples are very different, they go to show that you can have a simple page or a page packed full of information without compromising the design. These pages also showcase how branding elements can stand out without overwhelming the user experience, especially on mobile.
Also Read: Top 15 Reasons To Use A Custom Web Design Over Templates
CSS Media Queries and Accessibility- Make WordPress Site Unique
Most WordPress themes are built to be responsive, and they automatically adjust the layout and the elements on the page based on screen size. While this is helpful, using media queries can further tailor the site’s style to each device. Flexible images, which can be implemented with CSS techniques, can also be used to help prevent overflow. Even with a theme in place, using plugins can allow you to refine your site further, creating a unique and engaging experience for users.
Page builders and plugins, such as Beaver Builder, Elementor and WPBakery, can be used to create a layout with a drag-and-drop feature. You can also use grid systems to display your media attractively. Combine this with dynamic or custom widgets, and you will soon have a way to expand your content variety. If you look at the New Yorker website, you will notice that the site has several custom widgets that display the most popular articles, along with news updates. There’s also a banner for subscriptions, meaning that content can be tailored to meet audience preferences. Remember, utilizing Gutenberg’s block editor is also a good way to display varied content – whether in columns, galleries, or images.
Also Read: The Role of BuddyPress in Building Online Marketplaces and Communities
Flexibility is Key- Make WordPress Site Unique
Templates provide you with a solid foundation, but choosing a flexible theme is key. Look for themes that offer options to customize, that go far beyond that of basic color changes or font adjustments. Premium themes, such as the ones offered by Astra, tend to give you extensive settings that allow you to change the layout, header layouts and more. This gives you the flexibility you need to customize your site, so you can break free from the standard layout templates we see all the time. The option to adjust your site as time goes on also demonstrates that you have a very active brand. This not only showcases your commitment to your customers, but it builds their confidence in you – demonstrating that you’re active can be reassuring to customers who want to know the places they spend their money are operating as usual. It also helps you to stand out from the crowd as a leader within your sector.
Ultimately, there are many ways you can make your WordPress site unique. You don’t need to ditch templates entirely, but you do need to make sure you’re choosing the right template and theme as a starting point, so you can evolve your site to become a unique and well-crafted home for your digital brand!
Interesting Reads:
WordPress Maintenance: Must-Do Tasks To Keep Your Website Running Smoothly
