Genesis Themes and the Genesis Framework

The Genesis Framework

In 2009, I started building WordPress websites professionally. I was very fortunate to purchase a package of Genesis Themes. I say I was fortunate for three main reasons. Firstly because it was excellently coded. Secondly, the WordPress Themes on the framework were incredibly well-supported. Thirdly, the focus of the web design was based from the beginning on sound marketing strategies.

I have been working with Genesis for almost 10 years.

In 2009, Nathan Rice, along with Brian Gardner, released the Genesis Framework for WordPress — fundamentally altering the way themes are designed and implemented on WordPress. The Genesis Framework continues to evolve. ~ What Every #GenesisWP Developer Must Know about the Genesis Framework

We use the Genesis framework:

Here are the three main reasons why we continue to use the Genesis Framework:

Sustainability: Updates for security and changes in WordPress can be done without affecting the site's design. This means you can update without the expense of digging into the code or losing any customisations in the "child theme". The framework is consistently updated to reflect best coding practices and has always focused on security. Consequently, I can almost always update to the latest version without any problems. Note: Genesis was purchased by WP Engine and continues to be supported. (Updated July 2023)
Flexibility: Genesis provides an excellent foundation and enables the development of additional functionality. There is nothing worse than having developed a website only to find out that you have hit a brick wall when you want to take it to the next level. Genesis has a lot of features that you can turn on or off.
Functionality: There is a great deal of customisation information, technical information and available dedicated plugins just for the framework.

My clients over the years have either chosen a suitable child theme which I have customised to their needs or I have created a unique child theme.

There are lots of child themes to choose from.

Here are some places to find Genesis Child Themes online (many of them offer me a developer discount, so ask before purchasing.

Compatibility of the Genesis Framework

Woocommerce

The Framework is compatible with Woocommerce using the Genesis Connect for Woocommerce plugin. Many child themes have already been styled for a Woocommerce shop. If you have a theme that is not yet styled or wish to customise the style, do not edit the woocommerce.css file. Otherwise, when Woocommerce is updated, you will lose your styling changes. You have 2 options:

Firstly: Make a copy of the woocommerce.css file, rename it style.css and place it in your child theme’s woocommerce folder, and make all your edits in this file.

Secondly, I prefer that you add your own WooCommerce styles to your child theme’s stylesheet. You should disable the WooCommerce built-in stylesheet: either uncheck the “Enable WooCommerce CSS styles” checkbox in the WooCommerce Settings page > General tab, or a better option, add this code to your child theme’s functions.php file:

define( 'WOOCOMMERCE_USE_CSS', false );

Or use the Genesis Style Trump plugin. My preference is the Genesis Style Trump because it enables the child theme styling to "trump" any plugin's styling, not just Woocommerce.

Page Builders

Beaver Builder is compatible with the Genesis Framework. When you turn it off, you do not end up with a mess of shortcodes.

I would particularly recommend the following as sources of information for those that want to learn more:

I offer WordPress Services for your WordPress Website.