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7 Best SEO Friendly WordPress Themes (Revised 2019)

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No matter how good your content is, without doing proper SEO you can’t rank your posts on Google or any other search engines. There are several factors that affect your SEO rankings like; backlinks, hosting server, On-page optimization, site speed, and your website template.

Not all WordPress themes are optimized for SEO, but using a well-optimized SEO Friendly WordPress Themes can help you to blow your competitors out of the water. A good SEO-optimized theme will help you to rank your posts on Google search results.

There are probably hundreds of SEO-optimized WordPress themes, but today I’m listing out some of the top Best SEO Friendly WordPress Themes that’ll help you to get good SEO rankings.

Best SEO Friendly WordPress Themes

GeneratePress (Free)

GeneratePress

GeneratePress is one of the popular free theme that comes with the lightweight code and SEO features.

The default WordPress install of GeneratePress theme is less than 30kb. It also comes with premium version where you can have the full access to modules and Site Library.

Another best thing is that you can you use the premium version on as many sites, including your client’s websites.

Features:

  • Secure and stable
  • Lightweight
  • SEO friendly
  • Custom colors
  • Page builder friendly

Schema

Here's a list of Best SEO Friendly WordPress Themes

Schema is World’s Fastest loading (in 2014) SEO Friendly WordPress Theme recently developed by MyThemeShop. Schema is not only the fastest loading WordPress theme. It is also the best SEO-optimized theme and it’s written in code keeping Best SEO Practices in mind.

Schema theme has a built-in review system and comes with pre-configured rich-snippets that’ll help you to increase your CTR on Google Search results.

Schema theme also has a free version that comes with little less features.

Features

  • Secure, Lightweight Code
  • Easily Accessible Content
  • Fast Site Load Times
  • SEO Friendly Design and Code
  • Google Algorithm Friendliness
  • Clearly Identifiable Content and Media
  • Pages That Keep Users Reading
  • Builds Trust and Security in Google’s Eyes
  • Built-in Reviews
  • Social Media Voting Functionality
  • Rich Snippets

Astra

Astra is another responsive SEO optimized theme that can be used to build any websites. It’s very light-weight and needs less than 30 KB of resources.

Astra theme lets you customize everything; from layouts to color & typography.

Also, Astra works flawlessly with page builders like Elementor, Thrive Architect, Divi, etc.

Features

  • Light-weight as feather
  • No jQuery
  • WooCommerce
  • Schema markup
  • Supports all page builders
  • Pre-built website templates

OceanWP

OceanWP is highly optimized free SEO friendly WordPress theme that also comes with premium extensions to support various website features.

It’s a Multi-purpose theme that can be used to build different types of websites. It also works with major page builders.

Features

  • Fully responsive
  • eCommerce ready
  • SEO base built-in
  • Native cart popup
  • RTL ready

Hestia

Hestia is offering a very distinct approach for professionals. You can use it for small businesses, startups will use it too, not to mention that there’s just a single one page design here.

The clean look makes it particularly good for professional use, and the overall experience you get from using it is very well worth the effort. Should you use it? Of course, if you are a fan of high-quality themes for free, this will work nicely for you.

Newspaper

Newspaper’s approach is very distinct for bloggers. It’s a theme that sells very well because it has multiple customizable features. Plus, you can use it for any type of blog that you see fit.

They also added Instagram and other social media support. It even has Google Ads and AdSense support too, which is a very important thing to check out.

Genesis Framework

Genesis is one of the popular WordPress theme frameworks that comes with responsive and SEO friendly design.

Genesis provides many child themes that’s suitable for building blogs, portfolios and corporate websites.

Even though many people might consider Genesis themes to be boring in terms of design, but its minimalist design and clean code helps you achieve great speed and performance.

I’ve been using Genesis framework for the last five years on this blog. You can read my insights here.

Genesis Framework + W3 Total Cache(minify disabled) + WPX Hosting

Currently, I’m using Genesis child theme Monochrome Pro on this blog as well as on my personal domain AdithyaShetty.com

Genesis Framework + W3 Total Cache (minify enabled) + WPX Hosting

As you can see above, my personal site’ homepage size is over 1.6MB, still I’ve managed to increase the speed and performance using the right tools.

Important note: No matter how light-weight your theme is, without a stable server, you won’t get the desired speed and performance. Before migrating to WPX Hosting, I was using Hostgator, SiteGround and the likes. These hosting companies were not specially optimized for WordPress. On the other hand, WPX Hosting has its very own custom built CDN for WordPress called WPX cloud. I highly recommend WPX Hosting for SEO.

Final Words

Above themes are some of the Best SEO Friendly WordPress Themes that’ll help you increase your Search engine rankings with their inbuilt SEO functionality.

You can choose any one of the above listed Best SEO Friendly WordPress Themes to beat your competitors.

About Adithya Shetty

Adithya Shetty is the creator of The Blog Metrics, a site which is dedicated to WordPress, blogging, and marketing since 2013. He's a Minimalist who loves to read and write. Find him on Twitter.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. archana says

    Hi Aditya,
    Nice to visit your blog again. The themes that you provide are really marvelous and most important thing is that you have provided diverse category of themes. I am eagerly want to use the Pixeldom right now.

    Reply

  2. Nikhil ganotra says

    Great Themes Indeed!

    Adithya, you shared some of the best SEO Friendly themes, I would gonna buy, then I would go for Thesis.

    Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Nikhil,

      Yes, Thesis is also one of the best SEO friendly premium WordPress theme! you can surely buy it!

      thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

  3. Manik says

    HI Adithya,

    All themes are really awesome and thanks for sharing this list.
    I’m already using Eleven40 Pro Theme for one of my blog as well as our company website blog. Find it very easy to use and customize as well as SEO Friendly.

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Manik,

      Yes, Eleven40 Pro Theme is one of the best SEO optimized Premium WordPress Theme.

      Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂

      Reply

  5. Prince Ramgarhia says

    eleven 40 is one of the best one of my friend use this theme i can see that his site is seo friendly and good looking too…

    Reply

  6. suraj singh says

    Hi Aditya, all nice themes you have shared, i want to purchase any best SEO friendly theme + mobile ready for a lyrics based site. Is Eleven40 Pro theme is a good option for such type of content?

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Suraj,

      Yes, Eleven40 pro theme is mobile responasive as well as SEO friendly. Go for it!

      Thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply

  7. sivan says

    Hi Adithya,

    Thanks for the list. By the way, if we use any of the themes, do we need to install any additional seo plugins. if so, can u suggest any good seo plugins.

    Thanks

    Sivan

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Sivan,

      Yes, you need to install SEO plugins for better results; WordPress SEO by Yoast is the best and recommended free SEO plugin.

      Thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply

  9. Swami says

    Hey,

    These themes are really awesome. Now a days seo is wooed in everybody’s mind. That is the reason why people prefer the seo friendly themes more than other.

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Swami,

      Yes, using SEO Friendly themes are essential to get higher ranks.

      I’m glad you liked the list, thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply

  10. Sahil Garg says

    hi Adithya
    this is great article, i really appropriate your efforts in it, these themes are so good, hope soon i will purchase any of this, surely use your discount coupon.

    Reply

  13. Michael says

    Hi Aditya,
    First of all thanks for the wonderful list of SEO Friendly Themes. I also checked Passive Blog Tips Theme and I it uses Genesis… If I purchase Genesis Framework will that be enough or I need to purchase anything along with it?
    Thank You
    Michael

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Michael,

      Yes, You can purchase Genesis Framework if you like, and there are lots of free child themes for Genesis that you can try. . .

      Thanks for Reading! 🙂

      Reply

  14. Ayan says

    Hii Adhitya,
    Thanks for your informative list. I think Schema would be the best choice. I have read good praises of this theme. Also, it is developed by mythemeshop team and trust me they have the best development team which can help you at any aspect for free. Thanks a lot again. 🙂

    Reply

  15. Bobby Chahal says

    Everybody is talking about Schema here. How about Cassions by Grovepixal.com? The theme is quite impressive and load time is unbelievable. What do you say guys?

    Reply

  16. Naved Khan says

    Great post for choosing the best theme for SEO….I am currently using Thesis on my site and like it but after reading your post i think Schema will be perfect for SEO….What do you think which will be better for higher rankings in the search engine – Thesis or Schema ?

    Reply

  17. Raja Sulap says

    Hi Adithya

    Thanks for your informative post. I once purchased theme from envato market as well : the retailer

    but i think that is too heavy if one want for a simple and lightweight site to use with. So i browse and found this useful posting of yours.

    Now I’m falling with love with Avada. May I ask you, have you ever tried those 8 themes that your recommended ?

    Maybe some opinion about Avada ?

    Thanks for your awesome work

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Raja,

      I’ve tired and checked all MyThemeShop themes, they’re all blazing fast. Avada is also good, since it’s updated and maintained regularly.

      Reply

  18. Sebastian says

    Hello, i have a question, how can i be sure the template is friendly for SEO, I bought the template over one year ago and my website is not visible in google, means is but even i have good backlinks and i do update very week still cannot help me be on the forst page in google. How to check it?

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Sebastian,

      To Rank a particular keyword, Google Considers over 200 Signals; Using a Well-coded and fast theme is one of them, A SEO friendly theme alone can’t bring your site to top page.

      Make sure you’ve added sitemap and Google webmaster tools to your site, and also make sure Googlebot can access your site.

      Reply

  19. Jackson says

    Hi Adithya,

    I’m interested in buying the eleven40 theme or the magazine one. Which one of these 2 themes do you believe is best for SEO ?
    Also, I’d like to know, do they include the french language ? If not, is there any solution to translate it into french ?

    Thanx in advance.

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Jackson,

      I prefer Eleven40 theme because I’m using it on this blog since very long time, and its pretty good.

      If you want to translate your blog content, I think there are some free Translation plugins on WordPress directory; check it out!

      Thanks for reading!

      Reply

  23. Jagdish Kashyap says

    First of all thanks for the wonderful article, i must say nice stuff you have here!
    well, I like “Thesis” personally but it’s too expensive!
    I didn’t knew about “Eleven40 Pro” It’s also nice, loading time is prefect for my needs and i’m really thankful!

    Cheers!

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Jagdish, Yes, Eleven40 Pro is very good. I’ve been using this theme since couple of years!
      Thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply

  24. Gunawan says

    Thanks for sharing important news for seo friendly themes. I want to use one of them now for my website. Is there a seo friendly themes that free?

    Regards,

    Gunawan

    Reply

  25. Morinda says

    I do not aware for this time to use seo friendly themes. After read this articles I decide to use one of them.

    Thanks for sharing this good news.

    Reply

  27. Bright Joe says

    Hi Adithya bro,

    The themes you’ve listed are really nice and clean. Each of the themes are awesome and I’ve checked all of their demos. Still confused which theme to choose. Anyways, I’m using the Magazine Pro Theme which is a Genesis child theme. It too performs quite well and is Adsense ready.

    Thanks for sharing those themes! And I’m a 14-year old guy who has been learning about blogging and SEO from the age of 12. But I couldn’t buy a domain or didn’t start any blog till now, but used WordPress.com which is free.

    I just started my blog a month ago which is running on Godaddy hosting. That’s really awesome!

    I love reading your blog posts. They’re really engaging and so nicely arranged. Just trying to copy your skills. xD! Never mind, take care bro! 🙂

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Joe, Sorry for late reply, I’ve been little busy with other things! hope you’re doing well with blogging!
      Let me know if you need any help! 🙂

      Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Yes, SEO by Yoast is plugin is best and must use. In terms of speed and mobile responsiveness, wp theme plays a major role!

      Reply

  29. James Lenfers says

    Hi Adithya

    LOL

    I know I need a really good premium theme. I just kind of find it funny though in this sense. In almost all instances when I see someone blog a post about the best SEO friendly themes, that post is near the top of Google and how you end up seeing it.

    Then you go down to the bottom or if you have to do it, run a theme and plugin checker, and 9 times out of 10, no matter what they have recommended, the theme is generally either custom designed, or they are on Genesis platform with a child theme.

    But I do like Schema from what I see. I will have to check further into it though. It is pretty weird when people that can afford to use any one they want, oh, like Harsh Agrawal for instance, or Rakesh at Binary Note, or Enstine Muki, Darren Rowse all tend to A: custom B: Genesis.

    Sorry Adithya I really didn’t come to shoot the messenger. but when Genesis platform wasn’t on the list of 8 and so many highly successful top ranking bloggers use it, I really couldn’t resist mentioning, umm, isn’t something missing on that list? Like the one almost all of the best ranking ones use.

    James

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi James,

      Double-Check the list again, I’ve mentioned Eleven40 Pro Theme in the 3rd spot. And obviously Eleven40 Pro Theme works on Genesis framework. I’m using this theme before the launch of Schema…

      In terms of SEO, Genesis is very good and runs smoothly, but one thing that Genesis lack is customization option, non-technical bloggers might find it very difficult to edit or even to change a color.. But on themes like Schema, you can do it with one click..

      Thanks for Stopping by! 🙂

      Reply

  31. Stockarcs says

    Hi guys,

    I have been using avada for few of websites say roughly around 5 to 6 websites , I would say really its a worth investment and its really easy for you make the website speed as per google guidelines and would say its a really easy thing to rank medium competitive keywords when things are done perfectly in the avada theme.

    Reply

  33. ray says

    I have been using Eleven40 Pro theme and it turned out to be very good in terms of SEO, it ranked very well in google. Highly recommended

    Reply

  34. Brad says

    Thanks for sharing an amazing collection of WordPress themes. They look fresh and all of them have a different feel about them. I hate it when I see several themes that I fancy. It’s hard making the choice! I would share some other latest amazing WordPress Themes .

    Reply

  35. ASD says

    I think X themes is better than Avada for SEO, but if we talking about something else like feature, then Avada is better.

    Reply

  36. Adsapt says

    Avada is one of the best wordpress theme. Its very user friendly and easy to customize whatever we want. Its very helpful for seo purpose, fast and decent look. Thanks

    Reply

  37. John Smith says

    Thanks for sharing such an amazing knowledge. I agree these are the best WordPress themes. But You can check that there are some WordPress Themes which are not good for Website speed. I have a suggestion for all visitors, You can use “TheWest Free Multipurpose WordPress Theme”. It is good for website spped. Because I am also using this theme.

    Reply

  38. Odira says

    Nice one. I have always heard that studiopress theme are the best when it come to SEO put I don’t like them much because they are not always good looking. I will check out you number suggestion (Schema) out to see what it has to offer.

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Odira,

      I agree, Studiopress themes doesn’t look much attractive design wise, but it’s considered good for SEO and I’m using it on this blog since three years.

      Thanks for your comment! 🙂

      Reply

  39. Anil says

    YAr all are paid themes, can you suggest some free seo friendly themes which can be helpful for starters.

    Reply

  40. Pronob Kundu says

    Fresh list of Seo friendly WordPress theme.Though I have not tried any from the above list but I have heard that Schema is doing really good.
    Thanks for your post. :).

    Reply

  44. Panos says

    I’ve seen great results on my SEO using the NewsPaper theme by TagDiv. The PixelWars theme are also pretty great, I’ve used them in some of my clients and their posts are high in search results (first page to be exact). What is your opinion about those themes?

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Hi Panos,

      I’m not familiar with PixelWars theme. Personally I use Genesis Framework, but many people find it less attractive! I also don’t think high ranking solely depends on themes; there are 100s of other factors that Google considers before ranking a page.

      Reply

      • Panos says

        Genesis Framework is by far one of the best themes available today, but you have to know basic HTML and CSS to make it even more attractive (from the visual prospective). PixelWars has great minimal themes, you should check them!

        When I am talking about a theme’s SEO, I always consider the speed, the code, how can you minify the CSS and JS scripts etc.

        Reply

  49. Mark Henry says

    Magnificent collection of themes. All the themes are pretty good.
    I also want to share one SEO related WordPress theme called FoodFork. This theme comes with WooCommerce support that you can use to create your business websites like restaurant, cafe, coffee shop, fast food or pizza store. It is compatible with a bundle of plugins like Avartan Slider, Blog Designer, All in One Reservation plugin, etc.

    Reply

  50. BoGdaN says

    Do you know anything about SEO CRAWLER theme? Many web sites describes it as a optimizes SEO theme. Big thank and I love your posts!

    Reply

    • Adithya Shetty says

      Honestly, I haven’t heard of it until now, but based on the reviews, theme looks good enough to use!

      Reply

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