“Jeni, Which WordPress themes do you use?”
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me what WordPress theme I use… well, I’d probably spend it on another blog redesign. 😉
The truth is, my go-to engine is Kadence – and it has been for years. I love it for its flexibility, speed, and the fact that it gives me total control over my site without making my developer cry.
But my look? That comes from supporting early and independent blog designers— something I started doing as a “good deed” but quickly realized was also a brilliant business strategy.
Why I Use Kadence (and Why You Might Love It Too)
I’ve tried nearly every theme builder and framework out there over the past two decades, and Kadence is the one I keep coming back to. It’s powerful, lightweight, and endlessly customizable, which means you can grow and evolve your site without ever feeling boxed in.
A few reasons I swear by it:
- Buy once, own forever – No annual “theme tax” just to keep your blog live. (I avoid annual management tasks like old tofu- that workload adds up.)
- SEO-friendly and fast – Google loves a speedy, clean site.
- Easy to customize – Whether you’re a DIY blogger or working with a developer, Kadence plays nicely with both.
I typically buy a Kadence child theme and then layer on customizations from my developer, The Webmaster Company. It’s like building on a solid foundation but decorating it exactly how you want.
The Design: Independent Creatives for the Win
The theme I’m using right now? It’s by Code Confetti, customized with my own branding and tweaks.
Here’s the thing: I’ve spent $8k–$10k per design on my blogs over the years. And yes, it’s an investment — but here’s the fun part. By working with up-and-coming designers I’ve discovered on platforms like Etsy and Creative Market, I often get a high-end look and experience at a fraction of the cost.
It’s not just about saving money (though I’ve gotten $5,000-level customizations for $300 or less). It’s also about building relationships and supporting talented creators who are just starting out.
And honestly? That “good deed” approach has paid off in ways I never expected. Many of those early designers I supported have gone on to become some of the top names in the industry — and I’ve had first dibs on their genius all along.
How to Create Your Own Dream Theme
If you want a site that feels polished but doesn’t break the bank, here’s my simple process:
Note: for this approach, you will need YOUR OWN hosted site- and for this, I recommend using Bluehost for a number of reasons but mainly because they cater to WordPress users and even have an automated turnkey installation setup.
1. Start with the Engine
Get Kadence. Seriously. It will give you the flexibility you need as your blog grows.
2. Shop the Marketplaces
Look for Kadence child themes on Etsy or Creative Market. Search terms like “Kadence WordPress theme” or “Kadence blog design” to find hidden gems.
3. Add a Pro Touch
Hire the designer for setup, or bring in a developer to tailor it to your brand. This is where a $79 theme can start looking like a $5k custom site.
4. Customize Over Time
Don’t feel like you have to get it “perfect” out of the gate. One of the best parts of blogging is letting your brand evolve with you.
Why This Approach Works (and Why I’ll Never Stop)
Supporting independent designers isn’t just a feel-good strategy — it’s also smart business.
- Fresh ideas – New designers often push creative boundaries in ways that bigger studios don’t.
- Lower investment, higher return – You can test different looks without committing $10k every time.
- Relationships that grow with you – When those designers become in-demand, you’ll already have that established trust.
And let’s be honest: when your site looks and feels like you, everything you publish feels more aligned and magnetic.
Final Thoughts
Your blog is more than just a website — it’s your digital home. And just like any home, you want it to feel like a reflection of you.
For me, that means Kadence as my foundation and a rotating lineup of talented independent designers to keep things fresh, functional, and uniquely mine.
If you’ve been holding off on a redesign because you think you need a massive budget, I hope this inspires you to start small, start smart, and create something beautiful right now.
