Magento theme installation is the process of taking a completely functional and stable Magento theme and correctly installing it into the Magento commerce platform to create a fully functional Magento store.
When referring to Magento theme installation we generally define this as installing a complete and ready to go Magento template as apposed to integrating a Magento template from scratch, that is, from design to HTML and CSS conversion, then to integration and development. I feel it’s important to make this distinction because often the term Magento theme installation is synonymous with Magento theme development and set up, which indeed is quite different. People often refer to this in various ways, but we feel it is important to clarify this.
In our definition and for the purpose if this short educational article, Magento theme installation does not involve the design and development process. It is the process of taking a ready made Magento theme and installing into the Magento eCommerce platform successfully.
Now that we have clarified what we mean by when referring to Magento them installation, let us look at points that are important to understand and consider when deciding to purchase or acquiring a Magento template for installation.
1. Firstly, Magento theme installation will vary complexity and service time depending on the Magento theme being installed. The complexity will also depend on the nature of the Magento store that it is being installed on. The larger and more customized the store, the more complex and time consuming the Magento template instillation process will be. Generally a Magento theme is designed and developed to reflect a standard set of Magenot functions. Most Magento theme templates will adhere to and follow the standard functions and options that are available in the default Magento system. This brings us to another important factor to consider when deciding to purchase a Magento theme, that is, what Magento theme best suits the standard functions of my store, are these based on the default set available in the default Magento theme or does it contain other functions that I do not use or need. Thus we come to another important point.
2. Has the Magento theme been designed and developed according to Magento development best practices? This is essential to avoid template and website errors. A good standard’s based Magento theme will not only make installation easy but will also provide functional stability as well as help you make the most our of the native Magento features and facilities.
3. The maturity of the Magento template being installed will also place a key role in defining how stable it is. Magento theme maturity refers to how long the template has been around and is also likely to reflect how many times the Magento them has been installed and used on successful, functioning websites. The longer the templates life span, the better it is, as the theme will have had a better chance of going through the process of bug testing and refinement to get it stable. Generally newer templates are more likely to more bugs and were as older templates are more stable.
4. The quality and experience of the design and development company that has produced the Magento theme for instillation. The developers understanding of Magento and its intricacies will ultimately ensure the final outcome and template/theme quality. There are indeed many 3rd part companies who will gladly design, develop or supply readily available Magento themes for installation but not all companies will provide the desired quality at the expected world class standard. When our clients are planning to purchase a Magento theme for instillation using our services, we kindly advise them to purchase themes from leading and reputable companies such as Template Monster. This is to ensure they receive the best possible templates and website results. Although we specialize in offering custom designed Magento Commerce solutions, we still encourage Magento theme installation using existing ‘ready-to-go’ Magento templates as this as this method of setting up a Magento eCommerce store does offer many potential benefits. These days there are a very large number of highly professional, functional and attractive Magento templates available from such companies such as Template Monster which makes the process of setting up an eCommerce website very cost effective, fast and easy, and so we encourage our clients to explore this option if it is indeed suitable.
5. How well does the Magento theme being purchased for installation vary in functional and operational layout than the default Magento theme? In other words, how compatible is the theme layout and functionality compared with the standard Magento features and functions. The closer the template matches the standard Magento template in terms of functionality and features the quicker and cheaper it will be to install it into Magento and get it working. The closer the match, the less work we be involved to customize the template and bend it to suit the particular website setup and needs.
6. How well does the template reflect the current layout and nature of your store? It is always advisable to pick a template that best reflects the nature of your store. Naturally the closer it is to the way you want it the less work you will need to make to modify the template. Its always easier with new Magento stores being created as apposed to trying to find a template that will replace what is there. Yet still there are always plenty of options available.
7. How practical is the Magento template/theme? Navigation as well as content layout and structure is critical in all successful websites, so it’s important to consider this when purchasing a Magento theme for installation. I suggest you select a theme that has a good navigation structure and is also able to handle your content requirements well. One that can grow as your needs grow. For example; you may be planning to sell 100 products today, under 10 categories, but if you plan on increasing your eCommerce store product offering to 10,000 products under 500 categories and sub-categories, it would be best that you select a Magento theme for installation that can cater for your requirements both now and in the future. While some Magento templates might look cool, attractive, quirky, and interesting, and may ‘seem’ to be suitable, consider your selection carefully as this will effect the structure and layout of your website as well as its future scalability. Sometimes the ‘coolest’ Magento theme is not always the most practical.
8. How easy it is to mold the Magento theme to suit your requirements? Basically how easy is it to change the theme to suit your needs? It is recommended that you consider what changes you plan to make carefully to ensure that you are able to do these easy enough and with in your budget. Its important to be clear on whether you plan on buying a ready-to-go Magento template/theme, install it and use it verbatim (exactly as is, bar some minor changes to logo, banners), thus do not want to spend any additional money to modify the Magento theme, or you are happy to get a Magento theme and then spend some extra time and money customizing it to suit your needs.
We think that using Magento themes is a great way to set up an eCommerce store and are able to help you with your Magento theme installation requirements. Please contact us today to discuss your needs or to get our advice.
