How to Change WordPress Theme Properly
If you want to change WordPress theme it is easy to do so. You should, however, remember that changing the appearing of your site is a major event. There are a number of things you have to keep in mind before changing the theme of a live website.
Copy snippets from the current theme
The first thing you need to do before you change WordPress theme is to copy snippets from your current theme. Intermediate users customize their sites by adding code snippets in the functions.php file of their theme. It is easy to forget about these snippets since you only do it once. If you had made these changes you need to note down the additional code you added previously. This will help you add them later after installing the new theme.
Test load time
The last thing you want is not to be aware that the new theme significantly slowed your website down. That is why it is important that you check the load time of your site before you change the theme. This will help take note of the load speed difference once you install the new theme. Always keep in mind that the speed of your website is a crucial factor in both SEO and user experience.
Don’t lose tracking codes
It is not uncommon for users to add analytics tracking code in their theme files. Some WordPress themes allow you to add Analytics and AdSense code in the settings panel. The common mistake beginners make is that of overlooking these codes. Copy the tracking codes so that you can add them to the new theme.
Make a full website backup
Something can go wrong as you change WordPress theme. That is why you need to make a backup of your complete website before you get started. Back up the images, plugins, posts and your database before you install the new theme. There are WordPress backup plugins you can use to create a backup. Download the backup to your computer before you get started.
Sidebar content
Sidebars are for adding widgets like advertisements, social links, contact forms and subscription forms. You need to take note of these changes and copy any code you may have added to the widget.
Keep your website on maintenance mode
Last but not least, before you get started you need to keep your website in maintenance mode. The last thing you want is for a visitor to see the under construction message. You can use the SeedProd plugin for the purpose of keeping your site on maintenance mode.
It is not complicated to change WordPress theme. However, if you are not sure of what needs to be done it is imperative that you work with an experienced web designer. The last thing you want is to mess things up when your website is doing really well.