Changing a WordPress theme can completely transform your website’s look and functionality. However, switching themes without careful preparation can lead to broken layouts, lost customizations, and decreased website performance. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to plan ahead and follow best practices. In this guide, we’ll discuss 12 Things You Should Do When Changing WordPress Themes to avoid mistakes and maintain a seamless user experience.
1. Backup Your Entire Website
Before making any changes, the first step is to back up your website. This ensures that if anything goes wrong during the theme change, you can quickly restore your site to its previous state.
Backup tips:
- Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy
- Include all files, databases, and media
- Store backups offsite or on cloud storage
Backing up your website protects your content and prevents potential data loss during the theme switch.
2. Check Theme Compatibility
Not all themes are compatible with every plugin or WordPress version. Before switching, verify that the new theme supports your existing plugins, widgets, and page builders.
Compatibility checks:
- Review theme documentation
- Test in a staging environment
- Confirm compatibility with essential plugins
Ensuring compatibility prevents conflicts and functionality issues after the switch.
3. Review Your Current Customizations
Custom CSS, theme options, and widget settings may be lost when changing themes. Document any customizations to replicate them in the new theme.
Tips for reviewing customizations:
- Copy custom CSS and scripts
- Note widget placements and settings
- List theme-specific features you currently use
Being aware of your customizations helps maintain design consistency after the transition.
4. Create a Staging Site
A staging site is a clone of your live website where you can test the new theme without affecting your users. This allows you to identify and fix issues before going live.
Benefits of a staging site:
- Safe testing environment
- Identify layout, plugin, or functionality issues
- Allows design experimentation without risk
Many hosting providers offer one-click staging, making it easy to test the theme safely.
5. Evaluate Website Performance
Changing themes can affect page load times and performance. Check your current site speed to use as a benchmark for the new theme.
Performance tips:
- Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix
- Compare load times before and after the switch
- Optimize images and scripts if needed
Maintaining fast load times is crucial for SEO and user experience.
6. Prepare Your Widgets and Menus
Widgets and menus may not transfer automatically when you switch themes. Document their current setup to recreate it later.
Steps to prepare widgets and menus:
- Take screenshots of menu structures
- Note widget placements and content
- Ensure the new theme supports the same widget areas
Proper preparation avoids broken navigation and layout issues post-switch.
7. Test Responsiveness
Your new theme should be fully responsive across all devices. Mobile usability is critical for user experience and search engine rankings.
Responsiveness checklist:
- Test on smartphones, tablets, and desktops
- Adjust settings or custom CSS for mobile optimization
- Verify that all content is readable and accessible
Responsive design ensures your website looks great on every device.
8. Check SEO Settings and Metadata
Themes can affect SEO if title tags, meta descriptions, or schema markup are altered. Ensure your SEO plugin settings remain intact.
SEO tips:
- Backup SEO plugin settings
- Check that meta titles, descriptions, and structured data are preserved
- Verify URLs remain consistent to avoid broken links
Maintaining SEO ensures your site retains its search engine rankings after the theme change.
9. Plan for Visual Adjustments
Every theme has its own typography, color scheme, and layout. Plan how to align these elements with your brand identity.
Visual planning:
- Adjust colors, fonts, and headings to match branding
- Preview homepage, blog, and landing pages
- Customize templates using the theme’s options or page builder
Consistency in visuals maintains professionalism and user trust.
10. Review Plugin Functionality
Some plugins may not work correctly with your new theme. Test all critical plugins in the staging environment.
Plugin testing tips:
- Check contact forms, sliders, and eCommerce plugins
- Update plugins if necessary
- Replace incompatible plugins with alternatives
Ensuring plugins function properly avoids loss of essential website features.
11. Monitor Analytics and Traffic
Changing themes can impact user behavior and tracking codes. Ensure that Google Analytics, Tag Manager, and other tracking scripts continue working.
Monitoring tips:
- Verify that tracking codes are intact
- Test goal conversions and events
- Use staging to ensure analytics accuracy
Maintaining analytics ensures you can monitor performance and make data-driven decisions.
12. Plan for a Post-Launch Check
After switching themes, perform a thorough check to identify any issues that may have been overlooked.
Post-launch checklist:
- Test all pages for broken layouts and functionality
- Check forms, links, and buttons
- Review site speed, responsiveness, and SEO
- Solicit feedback from users to catch any unnoticed issues
A post-launch review ensures a smooth transition and maintains a positive user experience.
Conclusion
Changing your WordPress theme can revitalize your website and improve functionality, but it must be done carefully. Following these 12 Things You Should Do When Changing WordPress Themes ensures a smooth, risk-free transition. From backing up your website and testing in a staging environment to verifying plugin compatibility, SEO settings, and mobile responsiveness, these steps prevent errors, maintain your SEO rankings, and enhance user experience.
By planning ahead and implementing these best practices, you can confidently switch WordPress themes, improve your website’s appearance, and deliver a seamless experience for your visitors.