If you’re building a WordPress site in 2025, learning how to customize beyond the basics is non-negotiable. Whether you’re working on a personal blog, a portfolio, or something more ambitious, a little technical control can go a long way.

This post walks through four essential areas:

Changing your WordPress theme
Using HTML tags to structure content
Applying custom CSS for design changes
Setting up Google Analytics to track site activity

Each section includes clear steps and code examples so you can follow along.

1. How to Change the WordPress Theme

Changing your theme updates the overall look and feel of your website. It’s also one of the easiest ways to make your site feel more like you.

Steps:

Go to Appearance > Themes
Click Add New to open the WordPress theme library
Browse or search for a theme that fits your purpose
Click Install, then Activate

Lightweight themes like Astra, Neve or GeneratePress work well for speed and flexibility.

2. Using HTML Tags in a Blog Post

WordPress blocks are great, but sometimes you need more control. Switching to the Text (HTML) editor gives you that flexibility.

Use this sample code inside a WordPress Code Block:

<h1>Main Heading: WordPress Customization</h1>
<h2>Subheading: HTML Basics</h2>

<p>This is a <em>highlighted</em> sentence for demonstration.</p>

<ol>
  <li>Install WordPress</li>
  <li>Set up theme</li>
  <li>Add content</li>
</ol>

<ul>
  <li>Typography</li>
  <li>Color palette</li>
  <li>Navigation menus</li>
</ul>

Preview of the above code:

Main Heading: WordPress Customization

Subheading: HTML Basics

This is a highlighted sentence for demonstration.

Install WordPress
Set up theme
Add content

Typography
Color palette
Navigation menus

3. Using Custom CSS

Themes often don’t give full control over design. Custom CSS helps you change spacing, fonts, and layout details without touching theme files.

Steps:

Go to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS
Add your CSS in the editor
Click Publish to save

Sample CSS Code:

/* Background color */
body {
  background-color: #f5f5f5;
}

/* H1 styling */
h1 {
  font-size: 32px;
  color: #222;
  font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;
}

4. Installing Google Analytics

Google Analytics gives you insight into how visitors interact with your site. You can install it using a plugin or manually with tracking code.

Option 1: Using a Plugin

Go to Plugins > Add New
Search for MonsterInsights or GA Google Analytics
Install and Activate the plugin
Connect it to your Google Analytics account

Guide:
How to Install Google Analytics in WordPress (WPBeginner)

Option 2: Add Code Manually

Sign up at Google Analytics
Copy your tracking code from the Admin > Data Streams panel
In WordPress, go to Appearance > Theme File Editor
Paste the code before the </head> tag in header.php
Save the file

Only use this if you’re comfortable editing code and have backed up your theme.

Recommended LinkedIn Learning Resources:

Customizing WordPress doesn’t require advanced skills. Once you understand how to use themes, apply basic code, and track user activity, your site becomes easier to manage and more effective. These are the basics — but they make a real difference.

A Practical Guide to WordPress Customization: Themes, HTML, CSS and Analytics