Can I make a non-WPD theme into a WPD one?

[ishabluebell]

I've got to the stage where I really have to use a theme outside the WPD gallery.

Here's my question: is there a way to do this that will ensure that I keep all the SEO optimization that WPD has, plus all the Content Management software etc?

ie can I make a non-WPD theme into a WPD theme?

The blog is hosted by hostgator, and it's already a WPD blog.

If a WPD expert could reply I'd be grateful. I'm sure it's something that a lot of people have been wondering.

Thanks in advance.

Isha

[Vilas]

Yes, a non-WordPress theme can be used as a WordPress theme. There is a good tutorial available at WPDesigner (link) (http://www.wpdesigner.com/2007/02/19/so-you-want-to-create-wordpress-themes-huh/). For non-technical people, the best option is to hire a WordPress Theme Designer (link) (http://www.elance.com/php/search/main/eolsearch.php?matchType=profile#page=1&matchKeywords=wordpress theme designer&catFilter=100).

[ishabluebell]

Yes, a non-WordPress theme can be used as a WordPress theme. There is a good tutorial available at WPDesigner (link) (http://www.wpdesigner.com/2007/02/19/so-you-want-to-create-wordpress-themes-huh/). For non-technical people, the best option is to hire a WordPress Theme Designer (link) (http://www.elance.com/php/search/main/eolsearch.php?matchType=profile#page=1&matchKeywords=wordpress theme designer&catFilter=100).

Vilas, I'm not wanting to use a non-WP theme.

I'm asking a WPD question (WordPressDirect). I want to know whether a WP theme that is currently a non-WPD theme can be made into a WPD theme, keeping all the optimization & other stuff that WPD has. I hope my original post is clear. I can't afford to hire a designer.

Isha

[Vilas]

Hello,

Are you familiar with FTP? You can upload the files to your /themes/ directory and then activate the theme through wp-admin.

[ishabluebell]

Yes, Ftp is fine.

Since it's not originally a WPD theme, will all the Managing Contents items be there, and all the other clever things that normally come with WPD themes?

This is still what I'm not clear about, and it's what I asked in my first post:

"I really have to use a theme outside the WPD gallery. [...] is there a way to do this that will ensure that I keep all the SEO optimization that WPD has, plus all the Content Management software etc?

ie can I make a non-WPD theme into a WPD theme?"

Also, if I have to activate it through the wp-admin, does that mean I would only be able to use my blog via the wp-admin?

I realise that you're answering the "how" bit of my question, but I really want to know if "that will ensure that I keep all the SEO optimization that WPD has, plus all the Content Management software etc?" and will it make the theme into a WPD theme?

I can't work out what's preventing a straight answer to this question.

:confused:

[admin]

Hi Isha,

I apologize for not checking in as often as I would like. To use a theme outside of our gallery is fine, you'll have to upload the theme folder from your hard drive to the following directory on your FTP account:
public_html/wp-content/themes. Then go into wp-admin, then design and activate it. For the SEO benefit, you need to activate the plugins on the "manage plugins" section of your WPD account. If they do not activate, then you either need to edit the code, or if that is not possible, choose a new theme that will allow the plugins to activate.

Hope this was helpful, but if not, let us know asap and we will get the answers you are looking for, right away.

[ishabluebell]

I deduce from your reply that once the theme is activated I *would* be able to use the WPD interface.

Would I still have access to the Content Management software (which I've now asked a few times ;))?

Isha

[IMStrong]

Hi Isha,
Could you rephrase the question?

Ho ho ho. just kidding.

And "Widget Ready" wordpress theme will work.
To clarify, all the themes in the WPD gallery are Wordpress themes.
Yes, your AIM will work.

[tim27487]

Hi Ishabluebell

Did you manage to find out the easiest way to use a non-WPD theme whilst keeping all the SEO features the same?

I have the exact same issue but everyone seem to have a different method.

The options were:
1. Using cpanel in your hosting account
2. Using Wordpress
3. Using your FTP account.

Which one is best for a person like me who only knows html?

Your opinion would be much appreciated.

[ishabluebell]

Tim I'm sorry I didn't see your question earlier - I have the forum setting to receive instant email notification whenever someone adds to subscribed threads, but that doesn't seem to be working.

I actually managed to find a WPD theme that suited my needs at that time, so I don't know the answer to your question. I also know very little html alas.

I wouldn't even know how the options you listed make a non-WPD theme work like a WP one. If you find anyone who's good at explaining it in one fell swoop instead of offering tantalising crumbs then a good blog post about it would get tons of visitors IMO.

[WildAmbitions]

I think the confusion is in the semantics of these questions.

1. You can use WP and WPD at the same time.

2. The SEO is controlled by the plug-ins and the themes that are optimized for it. Pick an SEO optimized theme and you have a theme that will be SEO optimized. The All-In-One SEO plug-in will work regardless for your "on page optimization". Note: The themes and the plug-ins complement one another, they are not really "effected" by one another. It is your files and how they communicate that determines the effect.

3. The content management in WPD is not controlled or effected by themes.

4. FTP is not code, it is file transfer protocol. It simply moves files from one place to another based on what you tell it to do.

You should learn to at least understand cPanel, WP/WPD and FTP and how they fit together. WP and WPD are very similar.

cPanel is a user control panel to see the different directories or levels of files that your site has. Think of it like a big filing cabinet. In the filing cabinet are folders and individual papers. In cPanel, folders are folders and papers are files. Some are at the main level (root directory) and others are at other levels under that main level. Try to think like a computer and as basic and logical as you can and it will make some sense.

The main difference between WP and WPD is that WPD has a set of plugin-ins already selected for you that help with SEO. WP has them available too, but you have to pick them and install them. The SEO features of WPD themes are all the same because of the plug-ins (or an upgrade to gold membership). Adding a WP theme does not change the plug-ins that are already activated so it has no adverse effect on the WP theme, however, there may be a theme that is not widget ready and that WILL have an effect. Note: You can even add more plug-ins to your site using WP and the wp-admin area that can make your site even more automated and they will work even on the WPD themes.

The most important thing to know about FTP is at where you are moving files to, and from. It is imperative to place the files at the correct level (hence the need to understand cPanel) in order for the files to be able to communicate with one another and thus get the desired display.

Let me know if this helps at all.