If you’ve made it to this page, it’s probably because you’ve heard so many other bloggers and entrepreneurs talking about the Genesis Framework and how great it is. You’re curious because, well, you don’t even know what it is, let alone why it’s so great. Well, you’ve found the right resource! I’m going to fill you in on what the Genesis Framework is and why exactly you need it, along with a Restored 316 Theme!
The links in this post contain affiliate links. This means I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking my link. Don’t worry, you won’t be charged any extra, and I’ll earn a little to help support my coffee habit. Winning for all!
So what is the Genesis framework?
The Genesis Framework is basically the foundation of your website. It’s the underlying code that runs your site and allows you to easily build and design your site within WordPress. It ultimately gives you so much more flexibility and customization on the front end!
The Genesis Framework is also referred to as the “parent theme.” Think of it as the heart of your website. I’ve also heard a lot of people use the car analogy. Genesis is like the framework of your car. It gives it a foundation and structure. But you can’t drive around your car if you just have the frame! You also need all of the other parts- leather seats, paint for the body, rims, steering wheel, etc. So in comes the “child theme.” The child theme (I use the Captivating theme from Restored 316!) is like the other parts to your car that make it drivable. The child theme gives your site the aesthetics you desire and the functionality you need!
Now, you need both the parent theme and the child theme for them to work properly… you can’t have one without the other!
Why should I use the Genesis framework?
If you’re a tech novice like I am, then you don’t have the knowledge, the will or the desire to code your own website. You also don’t have the funds to have a web developer on payroll full time. You want something that is plug-and-play, but also something that is professional, functional and pretty too! So let’s go through the main reasons you are going to want the Genesis Framework running your site.
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Search engine optimized
If you want readers to be able to find you on search engines like Google, then your site needs to be SEO! This means lightweight code for fast performance and loading, which I certainly don’t know how to achieve on my own! Genesis is fully SEO, so you don’t have to worry about it, and your fans can easily find you!
Instant, unlimited free updates
You won’t have to worry that updating your site will cause it to lose functionality, or worse, crash. Updates with Genesis are super easy- one click and you’re done!
Responsive, turnkey designs
This is the plug-and-play part. With Genesis and a child theme, all you have to do is start creating content! Having a responsive website means that it can be viewed optimally on any device- desktop, mobile device, or tablet. Most of your traffic will come from mobile devices and you don’t want your readers super frustrated because they can’t easily read your content on their mobile device.
Unlimited everything
You won’t have to pay for updates, support or additional domains. Which is awesome, because again, tech novice here, and it’s very likely I will need customer support during my blogging journey. And I don’t want to pay for that!
Security
I’ve heard plenty of stories from other bloggers about their sites being hacked and brought down. I would have thought that my inconspicuous little mom-blog wouldn’t be the target for hackers, but there are plenty of horror stories out there that say otherwise. Security is so important! You don’t want your hard work destroyed by some jerk-wad.
Gutenberg ready
Gutenberg is basically the new editing experience that was introduced by WordPress. Some bloggers love it, some hate it. Genesis is Gutenberg compatible, so you won’t have to worry about whether or not your site will be compatible with the newest WordPress updates.
easy customization
Genesis not only makes customization easy, but it won’t sacrifice the speed of your website either. Without Genesis, more customization means more code, which means slower loading speeds. And this drives away your readers!
- Widget Ready
- Comment Functionality (including Gravitar integration… you know those little pictures that appear next to reader’s comments on blog posts!)
- Auto-sized Featured Images
- Theme options- Restored 316 has 18 different themes that are all user friendly, sleek, professional, and pretty! We will talk about these more later!
- Advertising Ready
- Tutorials, tutorials, tutorials! Yay!!
Do I NEED ANY SPECIAL SOFTWARE TO USE gENESIS fRAMEWORK?
You do need two things, both of which are super simple!
- Self-hosting with your own domain
- Have WordPress installed on your site
That’s it! And you should already have both of these if you went through my Complete Guide to Starting Your Own Blog! If not, let’s do that now!
Alright girl, I’ve purchased Genesis! Now What??
So, now you need a Theme! StudioPress offers a ton of themes, BUT I strongly recommend a theme from Restored 316!
Themes
When I first started researching themes, I was completely overwhelmed. I wanted a theme that was pretty yet professional, had all of the functionalities that I would need to run my blog, to include recipes, and to have the ability to open an e-commerce store somewhere down the road. But I had no idea where to find all of these things in one theme! **Insert mind-blowing, crying, angry face emojis!**
And then I found Restored 316!
Restored 316 specializes in Feminine WordPress Themes for the Female Entrepreneur. They have 18 feminine themes that can be customized to match your brand colors, so all you have to do is start creating content! Their themes have different functionalities to meet the needs of your blog or business too! They were exactly what I needed, both from an aesthetic and functional standpoint!
AND, they have a super simple quiz to help you find which theme will best fit your needs! I was SOLD! My site runs on the Genesis Framework and Captivating Theme.
With the purchase of your theme, you also will have access to their step by step Installation Guide for Genesis and your new Restored 316 Theme! There is also a Setup Guide for each individual theme that will walk you through step by step how to set up every last detail! I used their installation and set up guides and had zero issues! And remember, I’m the least techy person you will probably ever meet! But just in case you do run into any issues, you will also have access to online support and a private Facebook Group to answer any questions you might have!
So, you’ve made it through my Complete Guide to Starting Your Own Blog and this Genesis Guide. Now all you need to do is make a decision on a Restored 316 Theme and get down to business!
The Genesis Framework and my Captivating Theme from Restored 316 have made all the difference in helping me create and run my Partying with Twins blog! It has saved me so much time and headache, and enabled me to do what I LOVE, which is creating content for y’all to ready! I hope these guides have given you the encouragement and motivation to take that leap of starting your own website! I was scared at first too! But I’m so glad I jumped in with both feet!
Get them for yourself here:
Genesis Framework
Premium Restored 316 Themes
I’d love to check out your blog too, once you get it up and running! So be sure to come back and share your blogs in the comments for me to check out!
With love, Amanda
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Your Complete Guide to Starting Your Own Blog
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