Which is better? Thesis or Headway?
I am constantly asked my opinion on what the best WordPress theme is, what do I use or what would I recommend so I have decided to share my take on these two top of the line themes. I can’t help but laugh when I hear very sincere and enthusiastic people declare their ‘expert’ opinions on Thesis and Headway. The only problem is that the rest of us need a clear, what it means to our business comparison of these two super-star themes.
Which one is right for your business?
If you haven’t heard yet, these two full-service themes for the WordPress platform offer the best SEO optimized function, better than all other themes combined. Without question if you were to ask me for the bottom line on getting your website recognized on Google and found by Search Engines, no other theme makes the cut. Without special tweaks or added plugins both Headway and Thesis create instant, powerful SEO integration for blog posts and pages.
Maybe it’s because this wasn’t always a feature we easily found in themes that the evangelists of Thesis have remained very loyal. And for some good reasons. Thesis is dependable and simple when it comes to exposing your content to a large audience across the Internet.
In my opinion, however, there is a BIG additional advantage that Headway brings to the table that sets it heads and shoulders above Thesis.
Without sacrificing any SEO functionality, Headway brings some easy advanced design elements into the reach of anyone regardless of their experience level. This means that the average DIY'er can buy a copy of Headway and design a kick butt site without any additional skill sets.
Maybe you have noticed that Thesis themes tend to look rather uniform. I have heard from many clients who are surprised by the limitations on customization that they are left with after investing in Thesis. To put it simply, unless you know CSS coding your website will look basic and uniform just like every other Thesis based site. The goal, from a branding perspective, is to stand out, not blend in. You do not want to look like every one else and if the theme you choose limits and/or forces you to look like every one else without some serious coding, you might want to reevaluate your theme choice.
As many of you may be aware, I have a design background and resisted moving to WordPress but now I would not use anything else! In my search for the perfect theme, I tried all the major themes and without question, I confidently recommend Headway for simple customization. Without sacrificing one bit of the built in SEO advantages of Thesis, Headway has a killer visual editor that allows everyone to design a customized, spectacular site without learning any custom CSS coding!
The dashboard inside Headway features a unique visually-based editor that allows customization of every detail of your website. From colors, to fonts, to images and backgrounds, Headway makes the special details that will make your website shine accessible to you no matter your coding expertise—or lack thereof. You can make the changes and see them in real time before publishing the changes.
Additionally, Headway offers skins – the option to transform the look and layout of your site without having to come up with all the specifics from scratch! Thesis has only one basic look and no skins.
For those of you who love widgets (me too, by the way!) Headway is fully widgeted, except that the footer doesn’t allow widgets. This is a very small sacrifice to make considering the amazing versatility of Headway along with all the SEO functionality you’d ever want!
So let’s finish breaking down the differences between these two super-star themes.
Both are similarly priced. Both Headway and Thesis offer excellent SEO value, customer support and load up very quickly once installed. Additionally, both offer a 30 day money back guarantee.
Bottom line, Headway is an easy and visual way to build a custom site that stands out. Thesis requires more skill to design and customize.
Interesting to note…look who's using Headway on their own sites; Mari Smith (Social media expert and trainer), Rank Tracker (Website Traffic Services) and Security First (Security programs for workers) to name a few.
Check out Headway when you get a minute. I don't think you will regret it!
About Kim
Great article Kim! I have the Thesis theme but after reading your article it makes me want to get the Headway theme as it sounds like it is very user friendly. For now guess I will stick with Thesis. Thanks for the comparison.
Glad you focused on these two. I own both and have been considering trying out Headway's new version on a blog that will be forthcoming. I've really liked Genesis and the Studio Press child themes that I have been working with and am probably the most comfortable with. It's always good to get another opinion.
Hi Kim, thank you for this wonderful information I was actually shopping for a new theme for my main site and will def follow the link above to see what Headway has to offer. Have a great day : )
Thanks Kim great comparision. Just what was needed
You must have read my mind. I was wondering about this! Thanks for the information.
This is great info to have Kim! Thank you for the honest comparison. I am all about easy and simple!!
My husband and I are going to do a web site together. Thanks for this great info!
I liked this article! had me thinking a new strategy – to be honest, I am using a zero cost template and wonder if that is hampering my success rates? thanks and great job today!
Good article kim!
thanks. I will check it out!
Kim, I am thrilled that I have someone like you who can explain all of this information so that it makes sense to me. I tend to be afraid to try new things if I don't totally understand them, but you have encouraged me to look more into the Headway theme…thanks for sharing your expertise as always.. Very excited about what I might be able to do with Headway!
I wish I had known.. and listened to you LOL I tried Genesis and hated it so much I asked for my money back ..got one where with that. Then took my forever to figure out thesis and I like it okay but wished I had known about headway as I'm not the best with design. I will be trying it soon and comparing the two. I know wordpress is the way to go to get great SEO!
Thanks for the comparison. I am always looking around at Word Press themes!
Great comparison Kim! I have never used Headway, I do have experience with Thesis and now Genesis. Admittedly, my knowledge is limited as I often outsource anything past a few plugins, pages and categories. I will pass this on!
Great post Kim! I love the comparison as it is so easy to understand and see what the advantages are as this was something I was wondering about! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us!
Well, that settles the debate. I will be looking into HEADWAY themes when building new client's sites. This was great information, Kim. Really don't need the CSS coding! Thanks!
Thanks for the info Kim! I actually had these questions in my mind and I needed someone to break it down in regular language.
Thanks Kim, I'm referring everyone I work with to this post! I have Thesis on my site now, but have purchased Headway and agree with you that it is much easier. Even though I don't do my own website design, I like the options it offers and the fact that it's easy for me to change if I want (without having to pay someone to make the changes!). I'm re-doing my website now and will be installing Headway, thanks!
Hi Kim,
thanks for your article, like many others, I have to choose between thesis oder headway, What is your recommendation referring to a STATIC site with 3 columns, only using pages? The only complicated thing will be a CSS-dropdown-navi with submenus leading to pages.
I read a lot about bugs with HW3. Everything fixed in the meantime?
Great info, I will be launching a WordPress Website that will sell 10 to 20 products online, shopping cart style. Does Headway support this? Thanks for your help…
your article is very much effective and informative. i am hopeful you will keep sharing more content like this.
Glad it was helpful!
All great ideas Valuable input – thank you for sharing.
Glad to hear this was helpful!
I don't believe Headway has a trial period ( You can't get your money back). But they do have a demo site that you can play on http://demo.headwaythemes.com/ and there are lots of vids on the basics. I'm thinking of buying it because I love the concept and agree with your comments. The only thing I would like to find out: 1. Do most standard plugins work with it?, and 2. what would it take to make it "responsive". If anyone has any advice, I'd love to hear it.
Thanks for the advice recommendation on Headway Kim!
I think that website design is very important to webmasters!
It certainly should be
I am definitely going to try Headway. Looks awesome. I already own thesis though and in no way disappointed with it but will give Headway a try. Great post Kim!
Thesis is a good theme but Headway is easier to work with from a design standpoint…in my opinion of course.