In May 2018 when I decided to actually get my blog off the ground I knew I wanted to start with a beautifully designed feminine theme. A premium WordPress theme was a must for me to make my website look exactly how I wanted. I had heard amazing reviews about Restored 316 themes in the Elite Blog Academy Facebook group. I knew I had to check them out and decide if this was the company I wanted to use to launch my blog with.
A functional website that was feminine but not too feminine was one of the main things I was looking for when choosing a theme. I wanted a website that was mobile responsive and easy to customize. Your theme, after all, is the first impression everyone has of your website. Your website and theme is a reflection of you and your business.
Why use a premium WordPress theme?
There are free WordPress themes and premium WordPress themes. While you can find beautiful free themes, they may not be mobile responsive and may not be updated as frequently as needed to maintain a beautiful and functional website in the ever-changing online space. A premium theme normally offers you updates and customer support. Customer support is critical because if something is not working properly or you have any questions regarding your theme you’ll want an answer. With a free theme, you may not even know who designed it, let alone have a way to contact them.
What is Restored 316?
Restored 316 is a design company founded by Lauren Gaige. Lauren creates beautiful WordPress themes that are easy to use and customizable.
The website states “We create beautiful WordPress themes to help you have a gorgeous web presence without eating up all your dollars. We are on a mission to make the internet beautiful one website at a time.”
Since Lauren at Restored 316 is not a currently building custom websites you can find premade themes at a reasonable price. Currently, the themes are listed for $75. This is on par with other design companies and their theme templates.
Why do I need the Genesis Framework to use Restored 316 Themes?
Think of Restored 316 themes as the decor in your home. Restored 316 makes your home beautiful with its design and colors.
The Genesis Framework is the foundation of your website. While you won’t see the functionality of the Genesis Framework from the front end of your website it makes the back end much easier to work with. The Genesis Framework is what makes your website easy to customize and mobile responsive. A lot of bloggers depend on the Genesis Framework as the building blocks of their website because it is SEO friendly and easy to work with.
Restored 316 Themes are Customizable
Restored 316 Themes are easy to customize with step by step instructions and videos. That is probably my favorite part. I am not very tech savvy when it comes to coding but Lauren gives you easy to follow directions and there is a Facebook Group for added support.
With Restored 316 you are able to customize:
- colors
- categories
- logo
- layout
- navigation menus
- homepage
- custom blog page template
- custom styled heading tags
The Restored 316 theme I am currently using is Captivating. This is what the demo theme looks like:
I have made significant changes to my homepage to make it look exactly how I wanted. I am still making tweaks as I go which is super easy with Restored 316 and the Genesis Framework. Here is a look at my site in November 2018.
As you can see I have gone with more of a static homepage look. There are still a few things I want to add to it like an e-mail opt-in box and when I start Youtube there will be a spot for videos. I like having just a few blog posts in each category showcasing what my blog is all about. Right now I have an extra category showing due to the holidays. I want to showcase my Christmas posts and Restored 316 makes it super simple to add and remove categories from the homepage.
Restored 316 Themes are Responsive
Have you ever been to a website on your phone and it just doesn’t look right? Maybe one whole side of the website is cut off. This means the website is not mobile responsive.
You want a website that is responsive no matter what. If someone is on the computer your site will look gorgeous, the same for a phone or tablet.
Restored 316 themes will automatically adjust to any device your audience is using.
Restored 316 Has Step by Step Instructions and Support
Instructions and support are one of the main reasons I chose to use Restored 316 for my WordPress theme. I am not all that technologically savvy especially when it comes to coding. I knew I needed a company that offered superior customer support.
Each theme has a set of documents that will help you set up your theme out of the box. If you want your website to look exactly like the demo there are instructions for that.
However, if you want to make personalized changes to the website the Restored 316 step by step instructions make that easy too. Lauren shares everything that can be tweaked and exactly what to do to get the look you want. If you need to change a piece of code she even shows you exactly where to do that and what to click. It is honestly foolproof.
If you would like Restored 316 to Install and Set Up your website you have that option as well. It is easy to do yourself but if you need that added support the option is available.
There is also added community support with the Restored 316 Community Facebook group!
How Do I purchase a Restored 316 Theme?
Restored 316 Themes are available at www.Restored316.com
There are currently 16 themes available for sale. (click the theme for a closer look on their website!)
If you are not sure what theme to use for your website Restored 316 offers a free quiz you can use to help you decide. It narrows down the choices based on your needs and preferences.
You can find the quiz here —-> Which theme is best for your website? Quiz
Restored 316 are perfect for new and seasoned bloggers.
While Restored 316 is easy to use out of the box which is great for new bloggers, the themes also offered advanced features like ad space and e-mail CTA sections on the homepage. I love that Restored 316 can grow with me as a bloggers. As my skills advance, I can make tweaks and update my site. If I need a totally different look I can most likely find something I love within the variety of themes Lauren offers on her website.