One of the greatest benefits to using WordPress is being able to tap into the open source community. WordPress themes are everywhere – a lot of the time, for free! So, if you’ve decided that WordPress is your blogging platform of choice and you want to make your new site all pretty and whatnot, read on. This blog post will introduce you to some of my favorite sources for WordPress themes.
Free WordPress Theme Resources
- WordPress free theme directory is the first place I go to look for themes. This extensive directory can be searched by keyword and filtered by tag. There is also a list of most popular and newest themes in the right hand column.
- Smashing Magazine is one of my favorite sources for WordPress themes. In particular, they have two posts I really like – 100 WordPress Themes and WordPress Themes for 2009
- Search on Google – By adding some specific keywords, you can find really targeted themes using Google. Try searching using specifics about your blog’s topic. For example, if you’re going to start a website about finances try searching on Google for “free finance WordPress themes.” If you run a charity, search “free WordPress charity themes.”
Premium WordPress Themes
If you are new to blogging, choosing to buy a professionally designed theme isn’t always a bad idea. If you choose a free theme, you might have to pay to have it customized or learn how to make changes to your theme yourself. Sometimes paying for a theme can actually be cheaper than using a free template. If you can’t find a free template you like as is, here are some companies that sell professionally designed theme templates. Themes can start for as little as $20.
Disclaimer: I am an affiliate of these theme design companies. I have chosen to become an affiliate of these particular companies because I believe in the quality of their work.
- Elegant Themes – ‘Each WordPress theme comes expertly coded in valid XHTML and CSS, and all are made compatible with the latest version of WordPress. I make sure that each template performs flawlessly in each of the most widely used browsers to ensure maximum functionality. Furthermore, all sidebars are made widget ready for your convenience.’
- Woo Themes – ‘Our themes are all built on a solid code framework which we have fine tuned over time. With a new backend to let you easily control the theme options and multiple theme styles to every theme, it won’t take you long to get up and running.’
- Studio Press – ‘StudioPress themes are a perfect solution for small businesses or individuals looking to establish their online presence with a WordPress blog or website.’
- Headway Themes – ‘Tired of WordPress themes promising to be easy to use, but never living up to that promise? We hear you. Headway fulfills that promise with visual layout tools that are as easy to use as desktop software. Headway is “everyone easy” not just “designer easy.”‘
- Thesis Theme – ‘The Thesis Theme for WordPress is a high-quality template system that you can use to improve your site immediately.’
