Summary of steps to convert static HTML and CSS into a WordPress theme

  1. Split index.html into separate template pieces as needed.
    header.php
    index.php
    sidebar.php (if needed)
    footer.php
  2. INSERT THE TEMPLATE TAGS (PHP Calls) to join all template parts together when index.php loads
    index.php, copy this PHP call to a new line at the very top of the file:   
    <?php get_header(); ?> 
    Copy these PHP calls to a new line after the closing article tag:
    <?php get_sidebar(); ?> <?php get_footer(); ?>
  3. INSERT ADDITIONAL TEMPLATE TAGS
    In header.php, copy and paste this PHP call before the closing HEAD tag:   
    <?php wp_head(); ?> 
    Copy and paste this PHP call before the closing BODY tag: 
    <?php wp_footer(); ?>
  4. INSERT PHP CODE to Dynamically Place the title of your site and each page in the browser tab:
    <title><?php global $page, $paged; wp_title( ‘|’, true, ‘right’ ); bloginfo( ‘name’ ); ?></title>
  5. Replace style sheet link in header.php:
    <link href=”<?php bloginfo(‘stylesheet_url’);?>” rel=”stylesheet” />
  6. INSERT Theme Identifier PHP CODE at the top of style.css to allow WordPress to find your stylesheet:
    /* Theme Name: Theme Name Here
    Author: Your Name
    Description: Describe the theme/purpose.
    Version: 1.0 */
  7. PLACE THE LOOP where dynamic content will appear on your page
  8. If your site design calls for a landing page that is different from interior pages, create a front-page.php template file.
  9. CREATE FUNCTIONS.PHP and REGISTER MENUS
  10. ADD AN AREA IN YOUR HEADER.PHP FILE FOR THE CUSTOM MENU TO APPEAR
  11. CREATE AND PLACE A CUSTOM MENU
  12. ADD WIDGET AREAS, if needed
  13. Install, Activate and Configure Plugins, such as NextGen Gallery and Contact Form 7.
  14. Adjust CSS as needed.