Whats the difference betwee a free, premium and custom wordpress theme?

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:44:17 +0000

As a developer, I will tell you that WordPress is one of the most flexible ways to get some web presence. However, for novice users, the design, look and feel is often a mystery. Users will download free themes from the WordPress repository only to find they do not like the fonts, or download a premium theme from a developer and find the set-up is beyond their skill set.

So whats the difference and what is the best choice for a person who knows nothing about code?:

Free Themes:

These are themes that designers in the WordPress community have posted as their contribution. Only download from your WordPress admin interface or from WordPress.org/extended.

For those that have no budget.
For those that need to get their site up and running quickly (Is 5 minutes fast enough for you?).
The light weight standardized code may not look great to you, but Google will LOVE IT
For those who can tolerate security issues (if the theme is D/Led directly from the internet).

Tips for Free WordPress themes:

Only download through your admin interface Appearances –> Themes. or from WordPress.org/extended. Downloading of the internet invites security issues. I have seen some major bad stuff happen.

Premium Themes:

For those that have a small budget. $50 – $160.
For those that need to get their site up and running quickly (Is 5 minutes fast enough for you?).
The theme may come with functionality and advanced features, not allowed by WordPress.org
The theme may have a built in “framework” where you may have advanced options to change the look
Customer support maybe included. Although I have never been able to get answers, you might have better luck
Other companies maybe using the same theme, so you must be ok with that fact.
You will receive updates as to your theme if the theme maker creates updates..

Tips for Free Premium themes:

Stick with companies with good reviews. if possible. Some of the major ones are Theme Forrest, Woo Themes, Store Front Themes, and many many more.
Some people may like features from one Premium Theme

Custom Themes:

Now we are talking my language.

For those that have to have their site be unique. No one else will have your design.
Custom Themes that do NOT allow clients to change things like layout and fonts in their admin will be lighter weight and therefore may rank better on the search engines.
The theme’s admin will be customized for your needs.

Wordcamp (WordPress Confrence) Las Vegas

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:31:03 +0000

As always, I go to Wordcamps to catch-up on the latest developments, but always walk away with great memories of the people. This was my first time at Wordcamp Las Vegas, but I have been fans of the folks at 9 Seeds, who were our Wordcamp hosts.

This year was an excellent excuse to catch-up with friend Andy Startton from Baltimore, see our local WordPress Meetup organizer Natalie Mac break it off and met new friends, Josh Ellis and Rosalie Miletich-Ellis.

Also of note, as many of you know, I work with Mike Cremean at Quadshot. Mike is an old friend of mine who has moved to Las Vegas and although we talk on Skype for work everyday, seeing him in person is even better.