WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world. It powers millions of websites, including everything from sites for major corporations and small businesses to personal blogs.
The Genesis Framework has become one of the most popular options for creating a unique WordPress website. This framework provides excellent features, a wide variety of theme options, and endless customization possibilities.
Learn more about the Genesis Framework, including how much it costs and why this WP theme framework is so widely used.
What is a theme framework?
Before diving into the details of the Genesis Framework, it helps to understand the basics of WordPress theme frameworks.
A theme framework essentially acts as a platform on which a WordPress site can be created. Think of the framework as the collection of site functions and features which affect performance, such as security and SEO.
The framework is considered the parent theme for a WordPress website. From there, you can apply child themes based on the original framework. This is an easy way to add customizations to a site while still enjoying the performance features of the framework.
Essentially, frameworks provide a strong foundation for your site while still giving you the ability to make adjustments to its design and functionality.
StudioPress: Creator of the Genesis Framework
The ultra-popular Genesis Framework was created by a developer called StudioPress. This web development company has become one of the top resources for premium WordPress themes and plugins.
The Genesis Framework from StudioPress comes with a sample child theme. Users can choose whether they want to customize their site with another theme that’s compatible with this framework.
Benefits of the Genesis Framework
This framework offers a number of benefits for users. Some of the key advantages of using Genesis are described below.
Customization
With Genesis, it’s easy to install new themes to instantly update a site’s look and feel. There are plenty of StudioPress theme packages available for the Genesis Framework, or you can create your own Genesis child theme from scratch with the fonts, colors, featured image and featured post layout, and other design features of your choosing. There are also theme customizers which allow you to tweak page templates and other theme settings.
Layouts
The Genesis Framework comes with a variety of layout options, providing users with options for the placement of their headers, sidebars, and more. Users can add content blocks with the Gutenberg block editor, which makes it easier to visualize how your content will appear on the front-end of your site.
SEO
The Genesis Framework is made to assist with search engine optimization, which means it’s easier for people to find your website online. It features HTML5 markup language and Schema.org code, which boosts search engine rankings and ensures that pages load quickly and efficiently.
Plugins
Genesis is compatible with a number of WordPress plugins, making it easy to extend the functionality of your site. StudioPress has developed a variety of Genesis plugins, but you can also find options from third-party developers. Genesis users can add widget areas to their site as well.
Security
The Genesis Framework has been carefully designed for superior security. This helps protect sites again hacking attempts and other potential threats.
Mobile responsiveness
Genesis is designed to optimize sites for different screen sizes, including browsers and mobile devices. This helps to ensure that the site looks attractive and functions properly across all PCs, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Community support
Many Genesis users provide advice and guidance through community forums and through social media networks like Facebook and Twitter. Because Genesis is so widely used, you’ll have no trouble finding tutorials and demo content online or locating a support team of developers and designers who can provide additional assistance.
Uses for the Genesis Framework
Genesis is incredibly flexible and easy to scale, making it a great fit for a wide variety of website types. There are plenty of theme options available, especially for these popular uses for the Genesis Framework.
Business
The features of the Genesis Framework make it a top choice for businesses who want to have a strong online presence.
eCommerce
Genesis integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce, the eCommerce plugin for WordPress.
Magazine
Choose a template with a visually compelling layout to create an online magazine with captivating features.
Travel
Genesis can be used to document personal travels, create a travel guide, or offer online bookings for travelers.
Personal brand
Genesis can be used by individual bloggers wanting to share their experiences. It also works well for creating online portfolios for professional work.
Genesis pricing
There are two options for using Genesis: a free version and the paid Genesis Pro version.
Free Genesis Framework
You can get the open-source Genesis Framework for free along with the Genesis sample theme. When used with Flywheel or WP Engine hosting, you’ll get access to additional free Genesis themes.
Genesis Pro
If you want all the bells and whistles that this framework has to offer, choose Genesis Pro. This premium plugin currently costs $360/year. That prices includes access to unique features, like the ability to create custom blocks for homepages or any post types, full-page layouts, customizable headers, dynamic landing pages, and more. You’ll also get access to and support for Genesis along with all the StudioPress themes.
If you choose Genesis Pro, you’ll be able to use it on as many sites as you want. You also won’t be limited to Flywheel or WordPress hosting like with the free version; instead, you can choose any web hosting provider you want.
Genesis isn’t just for WordPress developers who want to create custom themes. It can also be a great tool for businesses and individuals who want to build a standout website, and with plenty of pre-designed themes available, you don’t need to be a web developer to take advantage of this framework’s features.