Theme Application Hierarchy

Understanding the priority order helps you control theme assignments effectively:

Priority Levels (highest to lowest):

1. Assigned Theme (Highest Priority)
   • Manually assigned to specific subdomain
   • Always overrides other settings
   • Most specific control
2. Random Theme (Medium Priority)
   • Automatically assigned if Random Theme enabled
   • Applies when no specific assignment exists
   • Creates variety across network
3. Default Theme (Lowest Priority/Fallback)
   • Used when no assigned theme and Random Theme disabled
   • Applies to regular categories
   • Safety net ensuring all subdomains have theme

Example Scenario:

• Default Theme: Pressbook
• Random Theme: Enabled
• Subdomain “dental-implants”: Assigned Theme = Vogue Blog

Result: dental-implants uses Vogue Blog (ignores random and default)

Another Example:

• Default Theme: Pressbook
• Random Theme: Disabled
• Subdomain “legal-services”: No assigned theme

Result: legal-services uses Pressbook (default)

Default Theme Settings

Purpose: Set fallback theme for all subdomains and categories without specific assignments.

Configuration:

1. Navigate to Default Theme section
2. Dropdown menu displays all installed WordPress themes
3. Select theme to use as default (e.g., “Pressbook”)
4. Click “Update” button

When Default Theme Is Used:

• Regular WordPress categories (not subdomains) – Always use default theme
• Subdomains when:
  • No assigned theme specified
  • Random Theme is disabled
  • Ensures every subdomain has functioning theme

Best Practice: Choose a reliable, fully supported theme as default. Pressbook is often recommended due to its robust compatibility.

Random Theme Settings

Purpose: Automatically assign different themes to subdomains for visual variety across your network.

How It Works:

• When subdomain is created, system randomly selects from installed themes
• Applies to subdomains only (regular categories always use default)
• Creates diverse appearance across private blog network
• Makes network appear less uniform to search engines

Configuration:

1. Navigate to Random Theme section
2. Enable checkbox – Check to activate random theme assignment
3. Click “Update” button

When Random Theme Applies:

• Subdomain is being created
• No specific theme assigned to that subdomain
• Random Theme feature is enabled
• System picks randomly from all installed WordPress themes

When Random Theme Does NOT Apply:

• Specific theme assigned to subdomain (assigned theme takes priority)
• Regular WordPress categories (always use default)
• Random Theme feature disabled

Disabling Random Theme:

1. Uncheck the checkbox
2. Click “Update” button
3. Result: New subdomains will use default theme instead
4. Existing subdomains: Keep their randomly assigned themes (not changed retroactively)

Strategic Use:

Enable Random Theme When:

• Building large-scale PBN requiring visual diversity
• Want search engines to see subdomains as independent sites
• Don’t have time for manual theme assignment
• Testing which themes perform best

Disable Random Theme When:

• Want consistent branding across network
• Using specific themes for specific purposes
• Need predictable theme assignments
• Building themed network (all legal sites look similar, etc.)

Assigned Theme Settings

Purpose: Manually assign specific themes to individual subdomains for complete control.

Highest Priority: Assigned themes override both Random Theme and Default Theme settings.

Configuration Process:

1. Navigate to Assigned Theme section
2. Select subdomain from dropdown list or table
3. Select theme from available installed themes
4. Click “Save” or confirm assignment
5. Assignment takes effect immediately

Managing Assignments:

Adding Assignment:

• Select subdomain without current assignment
• Choose desired theme
• Save assignment

Changing Assignment:

• Select subdomain with existing assignment
• Choose different theme
• Save new assignment
• Theme switches immediately

Removing Assignment:

• Locate subdomain in assignments list
• Click “Delete” button next to assignment
• Subdomain falls back to Random Theme (if enabled) or Default Theme
• Confirmation recommended before deleting

Use Cases for Assigned Themes:

Niche-Specific Theming:

• All dental subdomains: Pressbook News Dark
• All legal subdomains: Vogue Blog
• All real estate subdomains: CoverNews

Client-Based Theming:

• Client A subdomains: Theme 1
• Client B subdomains: Theme 2
• Maintains visual consistency per client

Performance-Based Assignment:

• High-traffic subdomains: Fastest loading theme
• Monetized subdomains: Ad-optimized theme
• Lead generation subdomains: Conversion-focused theme

Testing and Optimization:

• Assign different themes to similar subdomains
• Compare performance metrics
• Roll out best performer to network

Theme Switching and Content

Important Guarantee: Theme changes do NOT affect subdomain content.

What Remains Unchanged:

• All published posts
• Default pages content
• Images and media
• Comments
• Categories and tags
• User accounts
• Settings and configurations

What Changes:

• Visual layout and design
• Color schemes
• Typography
• Navigation structure
• Widget areas
• Homepage layout

Safe to Experiment: You can freely switch themes without worrying about content loss.

Best Practice: Before mass theme changes:

1. Test theme switch on single subdomain
2. Verify appearance and functionality
3. Check mobile responsiveness
4. If satisfied, roll out to additional subdomains

Real-World Theme Strategy Examples

Example 1: Uniform Network

• Goal: Professional, consistent brand across all subdomains
• Setup:
  • Default Theme: Pressbook
  • Random Theme: Disabled
  • Assigned Themes: None
• Result: All subdomains use Pressbook for cohesive appearance

Example 2: Diverse PBN

• Goal: Maximum visual variety to appear as independent sites
• Setup:
  • Default Theme: Pressbook (fallback)
  • Random Theme: Enabled
  • Assigned Themes: None
• Result: Each subdomain gets different random theme automatically

Example 3: Client Segmentation

• Goal: Different themes for different clients
• Setup:
  • Default Theme: Pressbook
  • Random Theme: Disabled
  • Assigned Themes:
    • Client A subdomains: CoverNews
    • Client B subdomains: Vogue Blog
    • Client C subdomains: NewsPaperly
• Result: Clear visual distinction between client projects

Example 4: Niche-Based Theming

• Goal: Theme appearance matches content niche
• Setup:
  • Default Theme: Pressbook
  • Random Theme: Disabled
  • Assigned Themes:
    • Healthcare subdomains: Clean, professional theme
    • Entertainment subdomains: Bold, colorful theme
    • Finance subdomains: Conservative, trustworthy theme
• Result: Visual alignment with content expectations

Example 5: Hybrid Approach

• Goal: Key subdomains have specific themes, others random
• Setup:
  • Default Theme: Pressbook
  • Random Theme: Enabled
  • Assigned Themes:
    • Top 10 performing subdomains: Vogue Blog (best converting)
    • Client showcase subdomains: CoverNews (premium appearance)
    • Rest: Random assignment
• Result: Strategic theming where it matters most, variety elsewhere

Theme Management Best Practices

Installation Strategy:

• Install 5-10 themes from supported list
• Keep installed themes updated via WordPress
• Remove unused themes to reduce clutter in dropdowns

Testing Protocol:

• Always test theme on development/staging subdomain first
• Check desktop and mobile appearance
• Verify all plugin features work correctly
• Test page load speed

Performance Considerations:

• Lighter themes = faster loading
• Avoid themes with heavy animations or effects
• Consider page builder compatibility if using Elementor, etc.

SEO Impact:

• Theme diversity across network may signal independent sites
• Consistent user experience within same niche/client
• Fast-loading themes improve rankings
• Mobile-responsive themes are critical

Maintenance:

• Review theme assignments quarterly
• Update themes through WordPress regularly
• Monitor for theme conflicts with WordPress updates
• Document theme choices for team reference

Troubleshooting:

• Subdomain displaying incorrectly → Check assigned theme, try default
• Navigation broken → Verify theme supports WordPress menus properly
• Widgets not appearing → Confirm theme has widget areas
• Mobile issues → Test theme responsiveness, switch if needed