Hi! I have a question. I wanna make a blog site about the applications of ML and AI in chemistry using WordPress. I plan on monetizing it through subscriptions/memberships, selling some stuff, and possibly offer some services as well.
My question is, should I build the site by purchasing a theme in themeforest, or start building it entirely from scratch using Bricks Builder?
I tried using the Bricks Builder option, but it's taking me a lot of time to setup the website, plus I also need to setup the membership stuff. I would like to use the theme from themeforest (purchased already) because it will let me set things up right away, and then install some membership plugins. The only thing is, I am limited by the design of the theme, and probably page speed as well, but at least it will let me start things right away. My thought process was I could use the theme for now, and probably reconfigure the site down the road once I have enough money and resources to hire someone to build it for me. Is that a wise decision? Thank you for your answers 😅
You could check out these starter sites which are all (except the few paid ones) included with the free Blocksy theme: [**https://creativethemes.com/blocksy/starter-sites/**](https://creativethemes.com/blocksy/starter-sites/)
When installing Blocksy, it gives you the option to install a starter site and one of them should look close to the layout you envision. If not, there are other themes with starter sites but I only use Blocksy.
Do you have any development experience?
You can use pre made themes. There are so many of them that are good. Divi, SeedProd, Neve, OceanWP, Ultra, etc. i look into these [top WordPress themes](https://www.wpbeginner.com/showcase/best-wordpress-themes/) list whenever I want to pick one.
I had 0 experience developing besides a Udemy course on the basics of HTML, CSS, JS, PHP, etc.. and I took a crack at making a WordPress website with Breakdance plugin and it works great.
Takes a few hours to get everything down but it has everything from drag and drop to custom code blocks and integrates nicely with most WP native features.
You can try the free version and it’s good. I use Pro for the bonus elements like Ez menu builder and such.