When is it Time for a New WordPress Theme?
Your WordPress theme can make or break your site’s success. Just as important is how your theme is supported.
It is becoming a common occurrence, now that more folks are jumping on the “WordPress Consultant/Developer” bandwagon (reminds me of back in the day when everyone with FrontPage was a “Web Designer”), that onliners are not getting what they “think” they are paying for.
They are ending up with themes that have no support that are just hacked up versions of Premium themes. Why would you buy a hacked up version of a premium theme from a developer that offers no ongoing support or forums? The answer is, if you do your homework — you don’t.
You know it is time for a new WordPress Theme when….
- The developer of your theme has non-existent support.
- Your free theme doesn’t offer the layout of functionality you desire. That last thing you want to do is end up spending allot of time and money on customizing a theme that has minimal if any support. Then what happens the next time WordPress has a substantial update and the theme breaks?
- Your theme has questionable non-editable links in the footer other than that of the author’s Web site.
- Your theme author blames your hosting company when theme specific options do not work. While this could be the case, if you are on a host like HostGator, this excuse is just that.
- When you post to support forums or open a support ticket, it takes days for a help.
- If your theme author does not update the theme as necessary when WordPress updates or when a bug is discovered.
Your WordPress Site Success Depends on Theme Support!
I can’t stress enough how important it is to invest in a Premium WordPress theme that offers the support and updates you will need to rely on moving forward.
Nothing stinks more than getting a theme in place and then realizing when you have questions or concerns that no one is home to respond to your inquiries. I see this happen every day…
That is why it is so important to do your due diligence before you spend your hard earned dollars on a premium WordPress theme. E-mail the developer before you purchase with any/all questions or concerns you have. Make sure the theme has the features and functionality you desire. See how quickly, professionally and in detail they respond. This will be a big-time clue as to what you can expect after the sale.
If you don’t like the level or type of response you receive, then only purchase Premium Themes directly from the company that offers the themes. If you purchased a modified premium theme from anyone other than the original developer, you are not the customer and therefore do not have access to the theme forums from the original developer. Believe me, these forums are chock-full of information and resources you will need.
Now, I’m not saying there are no reputable developers out there who support their work — they do exist. Unfortunately, I don’t hear about them. When my phone rings I am increasing helping folks dig out of misrepresented themes and platforms.
So the onus is on you, the Web site owner, to make the effort to find the good guys/gals and not fall for the hypey sales pitchy blah-blah-blah. It is worth your time to take your time when choosing the right premium theme — including who you choose to purchase it from.
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