The foundation of a successful blog or online presence lies not only in compelling content but also in the technical infrastructure supporting it. Choosing the right WordPress theme, particularly when hosted on a platform like Bluehost, is a critical decision. In 2017, the WordPress ecosystem offered a diverse range of themes, each with varying strengths in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and blogging functionality. This guide delves into the best Bluehost WordPress themes available that year, focusing on features that contribute to improved search rankings, enhanced user experience, and ultimately, a thriving online presence. We’ll explore key considerations, top theme choices, and practical advice for installation and customization.
The Symbiotic Relationship: Bluehost and WordPress Themes
Bluehost has long been a popular choice for WordPress users, largely due to its ease of use, affordable plans, and dedicated WordPress support. However, Bluehost merely provides the hosting environment; the theme dictates the visual appearance and, crucially, the underlying code that impacts performance and SEO. A poorly coded or bloated theme can significantly hinder a website’s ranking potential, regardless of the quality of the content.
Selecting a theme compatible with Bluehost’s servers and optimized for WordPress best practices is therefore paramount. This means prioritizing themes that are lightweight, responsive, and regularly updated. Responsiveness, in particular, became increasingly important in 2017 with Google’s mobile-first indexing initiative, meaning the mobile version of a website became the primary version used for indexing and ranking. A theme that doesn’t adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes would be severely penalized.
Core Features to Prioritize in a WordPress Theme
Before diving into specific theme recommendations, it’s essential to understand the key features that contribute to a successful blog or website. These features aren’t merely aesthetic preferences; they directly impact user experience and search engine visibility.
- Customizability: The ability to tailor the theme to your brand identity is crucial. Look for themes that offer flexible customization options for colors, fonts, layouts, and overall design.
- SEO Friendliness: A well-coded theme with clean HTML and fast loading speeds is fundamental for SEO. Themes that support schema markup, a form of code that helps search engines understand the content on your pages, are particularly valuable.
- Responsive Design: As mentioned previously, a responsive theme is non-negotiable. It ensures your website looks and functions flawlessly on all devices – desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Speed and Performance: Page loading speed is a significant ranking factor. Choose lightweight themes that minimize HTTP requests and leverage browser caching.
- Support and Updates: Regular updates are vital for security and compatibility. Ensure the theme developer provides consistent support and releases updates to address bugs and vulnerabilities.
- Compatibility with Page Builders: Page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder offer drag-and-drop functionality, simplifying the design process. Themes that integrate seamlessly with these builders provide greater flexibility.
Top Bluehost WordPress Themes for SEO and Blogging in 2017
Based on available information from 2017, several themes consistently stood out as excellent choices for bloggers and businesses using Bluehost.
Astra: Frequently cited as the best overall theme, Astra’s lightweight nature and extensive customization options made it a favorite among WordPress users. Its speed and SEO-friendly code contributed to improved search rankings. Astra’s user-friendly interface also made it accessible to both beginners and experienced developers.
OceanWP: Another highly versatile theme, OceanWP offered a wide range of demos and extensions, allowing users to create diverse website designs. Its seamless integration with popular page builders and its fully responsive design further enhanced its appeal.
GeneratePress: Known for its focus on performance and usability, GeneratePress was a popular choice for those prioritizing speed and a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Its modular design allowed users to enable or disable features as needed, reducing bloat and improving loading times.
Divi: While a premium theme, Divi’s powerful drag-and-drop builder and extensive library of pre-made layouts made it a compelling option for those willing to invest. Its built-in A/B testing tools also provided valuable insights for optimizing content.
Neve: A fast and user-friendly theme, Neve offered a streamlined design and easy customization options. It was particularly well-suited for blogs and small business websites.
Here's a comparative table summarizing the key features of these themes:
| Theme | Price | Customization | Speed | SEO Friendliness | Page Builder Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astra | Free/Premium | High | Excellent | Excellent | Elementor, Beaver Builder |
| OceanWP | Free/Premium | High | Very Good | Very Good | Elementor, Beaver Builder |
| GeneratePress | Free/Premium | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Limited |
| Divi | Premium | Excellent | Good | Good | Built-in |
| Neve | Free/Premium | Good | Very Good | Good | Elementor, Beaver Builder |
Beyond the Big Names: Exploring Additional Options
While the themes listed above were consistently recommended, several other options offered unique benefits.
- Writee: A minimalistic theme designed specifically for personal blogs, Writee prioritized content presentation and readability.
- Zillah: A stylish theme ideal for lifestyle bloggers, Zillah featured a sleek interface and a focus on visual appeal.
- Blog Way: A versatile option suitable for various blog types, Blog Way offered multiple layout options and customization features.
- Monstroid2: Offering over 20 customizable skins, Monstroid2 catered to a wide range of niches.
- Creative Agency: Designed for digital agencies, this theme effectively showcased portfolios and services.
- Solute: Ideal for tech businesses, Solute featured modern design elements and user-friendly navigation.
Installing a WordPress Theme on Bluehost: A Step-by-Step Guide
Installing a new theme on Bluehost is a straightforward process. Here’s a quick guide:
- Log in to your Bluehost account.
- Navigate to the WordPress dashboard. (Usually accessible via a "WordPress" tab or link).
- Go to Appearance > Themes.
- Click "Add New".
- Search for the desired theme or upload a theme file (if you have a premium theme).
- Click "Install".
- Once installed, click "Activate".
Customizing Your Theme for Optimal Performance
After activating a theme, it’s crucial to customize it to align with your brand and optimize it for SEO. This includes:
- Setting a static homepage: Instead of displaying the latest blog posts, create a dedicated homepage that showcases your brand and key content.
- Choosing a responsive menu: Ensure your navigation menu adapts to different screen sizes.
- Optimizing images: Compress images to reduce file size without sacrificing quality.
- Installing an SEO plugin: Plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math can help you optimize your content for search engines.
- Leveraging caching: Caching plugins can significantly improve page loading speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (2017 Context)
- Are there free WordPress themes available for Bluehost? Yes, Bluehost offers a selection of free WordPress themes, including Astra, OceanWP, and Hestia.
- What are the best Bluehost blog themes? Astra, OceanWP, and GeneratePress were consistently recommended as top choices for bloggers.
- How to choose the best Bluehost WordPress themes? Consider factors like customizability, SEO friendliness, responsive design, speed, and support.
- What are the best Bluehost e-commerce templates? Monstroid2 and other themes with dedicated e-commerce features were popular choices.
The Bottom Line
Selecting the best Bluehost WordPress theme in 2017 required careful consideration of several factors. Prioritizing themes that were lightweight, responsive, SEO-friendly, and offered robust customization options was essential for creating a successful online presence. Themes like Astra, OceanWP, and GeneratePress consistently emerged as top contenders, providing a solid foundation for bloggers and businesses alike. Remember that a well-chosen theme is not merely a cosmetic enhancement; it’s a strategic investment in your website’s performance, visibility, and long-term success.