Free vs Premium vs Unique Themes

Category: Web Development Author: User Image

Gary R. Hess

I was asked if there were any benefits to buying a premium or unique theme as opposed to using a free one. For this, we must look at your intentions of the blog.

This covers themes made by someone else.

Blue Evening
Photo by gary.baldi

Questions to ask yourself:

Is the blog for corporate or personal use?
Are you trying to make money off the blog?
- Is it a get rich quick scheme or a long-time investment?

If your blog is for corporate use, you should go with at least a premium theme. Although there are some advantages to free templates, a corporation should in no way or form be associated with spam.

If you are trying to make money off a blog by using a get rich quick scheme (pyramid scheme, spam, etc) a free template should do justice. There isn’t much reason to throw money at a theme you are going to get rid of in a few weeks.

On the other hand, if you are in it for the long haul, a premium or unique theme is the way to go. Being associated with other websites, large or small can hurt your brand in an unimaginable sense.

Questions that should be asked when choosing a theme:

Customizable?
Widget ready?
Compatible with the newest WordPress?
How many others use it?

Free Themes

No money money can be spent on advertising, etc.
Anyone can use it.
Possibility of your theme being associated with spam.

Premium Themes

Less people use it.
Less cost than unique.
Small possibility of your theme assiciated with spam.
If a larger blog uses the same theme, possibility of getting accused of stealing it.

Unique Themes
No one else has it, easy to brand