How is Genesis framework better than a free WordPress theme? (Complete beginner)

[pjrocknlock]

Hello,

I just purchased the Genesis framework a few days ago and installed a free child theme named Diligent. Upon activation of the child theme, I end up with a very basic website that I'm sure many of y'all are familiar with.

I tried searching around the net but couldn't figure out how to configure the theme to fit what was shown in the demo. Instead, I ended up with a Youtube video teaching others how to set up a nice looking website without needing to pay for other items (like Genesis). The video is:

My question is: What benefits does Genesis offer over the free items I've with WordPress and how can I work on my child theme so that I can set up a beautiful looking and effective website as soon as possible? Or is it that I'm finding the Genesis child theme very hard to work with because it's a free theme and premium themes will teach me how to set up my site to look like what appears in the demo version?

Thank you!

[Brad Dalton]

Most genesis child themes include a step by step setup guide.

If you look in the downloads page after purchasing a StudioPress child theme, you'll find the setup guide for each theme.

On top of this, you can use a large range of code snippets to modify the default functionality included in Genesis which you'll find located on the Code Snippets page. You'll also find a large range of tutorials ( both free and paid ) which help you customize different StudioPress child themes. You can search for these using Google.

Comparing Genesis to a free theme like Twenty Sixteen.

Genesis is a parent theme framework which you never need to modify directly. The recommended way to modify Genesis, is to use code snippets in your child theme.

Twenty Sixteen is a parent theme. To modify Twenty Sixteen, you need to create a child theme and then work out how to modify the code via your child theme. In some cases, you can simply copy over a file from the Twenty Sixteen parent theme and modify it in your child theme.

The benefits of using Genesis Versus Twenty Sixteen

Genesis provides a large range of useful resources which help you modify Genesis and your customize your website via a child theme.

Free themes like Twenty Sixteen don't provide a list of resources like this which provide specialist support for the modification & customization of a specific type of theme.

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Tutorials for StudioPress Themes.

[pjrocknlock]

Thanks so much for the detailed response. I really appreciate it.

I don't understand all that you've said right now, but basically the idea is that it is easier to modify Genesis and its child themes in the long run as opposed to those free themes (which I will then need to learn how to code). Did I get that right?

Aside from the official Studiopress child themes, are there other marketplaces which sell premium child themes with detailed set-up guides like those of Studiopress?

Thank you.

[Brad Dalton]

You never modify Genesis directly.

All the custom coding goes in your child theme.

There's also a huge range of Genesis child themes developed by the community to choose from.

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Tutorials for StudioPress Themes.

[pjrocknlock]

I've purchased a theme from StudioPress. Thanks for your help.

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