Full Site Editing changed WordPress, but the real win is not using more blocks. It is defining a stack that keeps frontend output lean, the editor manageable, and future maintenance predictable.
This is the same logic behind my Gutenberg and FSE development service: use native WordPress capabilities where they help, and keep the stack intentionally lean.
Today, WordPress is a modular publishing platform. For agencies, the key distinction is no longer just theme versus plugin, but which layer controls layout, which layer manages content, and how much editorial freedom you want to preserve after handoff.
1. THEMES (The "Frame" of the site)
The theme today primarily serves to handle what lies outside the page content: Header (logo and menu), Footer, and global settings like color palettes and fonts (Design System).
- Blocksy: The theme I recommend for most projects. It's excellent, modern, lightweight, and offers granular control without bloating the database.
- Kadence (Theme): The direct competitor to Blocksy. Very solid and performant, ideal if you plan to use the full Kadence ecosystem.
- GeneratePress: The "father" of modern performance-based themes. It's the lightest of them all, ideal for those seeking maximum Core Web Vitals scores, though the free version is very basic.
If performance is a non-negotiable KPI, this setup works best when combined with dedicated WordPress performance and SEO work rather than adding random optimization plugins later.
2. BLOCK PLUGINS (The "Engine" of the pages)
These plugins extend the Gutenberg editor by adding advanced blocks to create complex layouts (Hero, CTA, Forms, Carousels) that WordPress core doesn't yet offer in an advanced way.
Kadence Blocks (The "All-rounder")
It's the best choice if you want a complete showcase site without installing 10 different plugins. It already includes everything: from Forms to maps, from carousels to basic animations. Extremely reliable.
GenerateBlocks (The "Minimalist")
Created by the authors of GeneratePress, it offers only a few basic blocks (Container, Grid, Button, Headline, Image, Query Loop). It's made for those who want to build everything from scratch with surgical precision and zero unnecessary code.
Greenshift (The "Animator")
A plugin focused 100% on performance and advanced animations. It allows you to create "Apple-style" effects with very technical container management. Great for adding that "wow" touch to landing pages and dynamic sections.
3. Essential Utilities for Governance
For a truly professional setup, especially from an agency perspective, you need tools that provide total control over data and visibility:
- Meta Field Block: Fundamental for displaying custom fields (ACF/Meta Box) directly in the block editor. Available here.
- Advanced Block Controls (ABC): A toolkit that enhances WordPress core blocks with advanced design controls, making FSE much more powerful. Available here.
- Block Visibility: Allows you to show or hide blocks based on conditions (logged-in user, date, device type, etc.), essential for marketing and dynamic content.
Conclusion: Which one to choose?
There isn't a single answer, but a proven approach:
- Use Blocksy as your base theme for its flexibility.
- Choose Kadence Blocks for development speed or GenerateBlocks for clean code.
- Add Greenshift only for sections where animation makes the difference.
Splitting responsibilities between theme and plugin will allow you to change design in the future without losing content or block logic, keeping a fast, secure site ready for the SEO challenges of 2026.