WordPress Now Launches with Fresh New Designs
The premium Wordpress themes market has continued to grow and evolve over the past two years, so much so that we’ve started seeing a few complaints that all of the premium themes seem to generally look the same. It seems a few designers are setting the trends while the rest of the designers just follow and release similar themes, causing many of them to just look like variations of the others.
One of the theme designers that recently caught my eye is a team of WordPress theme developers who launched a new website called WordPress Now. Since the website has launched, they’ve already got three themes released, and the have two more which are in their final development stages.
Here are the three designs that WordPress Now currently has for sale:
Bloom Theme
Triumph Theme
Elements Theme
To see the true flexibility of these themes, you can view the live demos of each theme here.
As an added bonus, I spoke to the developers at WP Now and was able to land a couple sneak previews of upcoming premium themes that haven’t been released yet.
Vintmint Blog Theme (Not Yet Released)
Simplista Lifestream Theme (Not Yet Released)
So, what all is included with the purchase of a WordPress Now theme? Your purchase includes a number of features (features differ with each individual theme), a large FAQ for answering questions, tutorials for getting started, and of course theme support!
WordPress Now also offers some impressive price options, offering their themes for as low as $49.00 to start, as well as offering a few WordPress developer options for designers. Their two unreleased themes (shown above) will be available at even lower prices ($29.00 and $39.00 respectively).
If you’d like to learn more about Wordpress Now, you can read more about the features and support information here.
WPZoom.com Releases Custom Zenko Magazine Theme
For a couple years now, the premium themes market has been growing steadily and the competition has been elevated. Designers are pushing each other to be more innovative trying to earn your dollar, which is great for potential buyers like us, but can sometimes be difficult to for a new theme designer to jump in and hold their own.
One guy that has successfully done this, in my opinion, is Pavel Ciorici of WP Zoom. Earlier this year he released his first premium WordPress theme, the Yamidoo theme. The title of the theme is interesting enough that it grabs your attention, then when when you look at the theme, it is hard not be impressed!
Now, Pavel has released his second premium theme, the Zenko theme, which I wanted to mention here. With this new magazine theme, the homepage design is a traditional magazine theme layout, but is designed in a way to feature the most important content in areas where readers will see it. Here is a default sample of how the homepage features your top content:
Zenko Magazine Theme Homepage
The homepage is also very image intensive, which is an important part of a magazine-style homepage to draw the readers attention. For the internal pages, the Zenko theme switches to a more traditional blog page layout with the sidebar on the right side:
Zenko Magazine Theme Post Page
A full live demo of the Zenko theme can be viewed here.
The Zenko theme also includes a number of great features. Some of my favorite parts are the featured content and popular posts on the top of the homepage, the built-in navigation designed to function like the WP-PageNavi plugin, and of course the footer area, which was designed to provide a place for you to put your less important content (footer is a great place to put categories, archives, etc. so they are available for readers that want to find it, but is also out of the way for people not looking for it).
Other features included with the Zenko theme:
- Built in support for Google Analytics and Feedburner
- Integrated Banner Management System
- Custom templates for categories, archives
- Auto-resizing and cropping for images
- Threaded Comments for WordPress 2.7+
- Built-in widgets
- Support for WordPress 2.7.1
- Cross-Browser Compatible - tested on IE (6,7), Opera, Firefox, Safari, Chrome.
- Flickr widget
- Theme Documentation
- Integrated Theme Options
- Tabbed Widgets
- Widgetized Sidebars
- Built-in Gravatar Support for Authors & Comments
- Drop-Down Menus
- Integrated social bookmarking in posts
- Photoshop Files (.psd) included
I also had the privilege of digging through the backend of this theme and was glad to see the code structure is very SEO friendly and well setup for someone who prefers to manually hack their code. Another thing that I really liked was the fact that this theme doesn’t require any WordPress plugins or custom fields to function properly. I always try to find at least one thing missing, and the one feature that I couldn’t find was the option of a traditional blog template for the homepage, which has become a pretty common addition with most premium themes.
Pavel also has a very competitive pricing structure, which allows just about any WordPress user to be able to acquire one of his themes. Currently, the Zenko theme can be purchased for $69.00 (single-use license), $119.00 (for 5 site license), or $149.00 (developer’s license).
Have questions? Want to learn more about this theme? Check out the official Zenko theme page by WP Zoom.
What Makes a WordPress Theme Premium?
Recently our friend Andrew of WP-Fun.co.uk wrote an interesting post titled A New Name for Premium Themes: Themes. In his post, Andrew attempts to define what a premium WordPress theme is, then compares that definition with the most downloaded themes at the Free WordPress Theme Directory. In my opinion, blog posts like this are great because they really spark some thought on the part of the reader. After reading his post, I felt that the point Andrew is making is that if you look at the designs, feature sets, and quality of the most downloaded free themes from WordPress.org, they are all comparable to at least a few of the premium WordPress themes being sold on the market today.
For those of us that have been using WordPress for at least 2-3 years, the evolution of the WordPress theme is simply amazing. Back in 2007 themes weren’t necessarily even standards compliant, and the idea of widgets was still new and many themes didn’t support them. Now the idea of a control panel being included with your theme, having your theme be widget ready, and having several color options included with the theme have almost become standard, (even with the free WordPress themes available).
I’m sure there will always be some free themes available, but you have to wonder if at some point premium themes will become the standard. I suppose if this is the case, then my next question is, if premium themes simply become themes, then what is next? The top designers begin to release elite themes? If premium is a fancy word for better, it seems that designers will just come up with a new fancy word for best like “elite” and use that as the word for next level of themes. It may never end!
There are also things like Theme Frameworks to consider as WordPress themes continue to evolve. Give us your thoughts in the comments!
How To: Find the Right WordPress Theme
Although WP Hacks was originally setup with WordPress Hacks in mind, based upon our readers needs we’ve invested a lot of time over the past year and a half into researching WordPress themes and providing you with a large selection of WordPress theme galleries.
Back when this website was launched the premium themes market didn’t exist yet, so we had originally placed our focus on the different types of free WordPress themes. The result was a bunch of galleries broken down into types.
Since that time, a second market has emerged known as premium WordPress themes (premium was the term originally used to describe a more advanced or higher quality WordPress theme). Over time we adapted and now offer a variety of both types of theme galleries.
I always felt there is a market for both types of themes in the WordPress community, but some shoppers don’t know which of the two they should be looking at. Add in the fact that too many designers over the past year have released low quality themes under the ”premium” business model, and a lot of people have been left unhappy with their purchases and an overall loss of trust in the premium themes market as a whole.
So, if you were shopping for a new WordPress theme for your website or blog, what should you be looking for? Based upon the individuals needs of the shopper, there are a variety of factors that should be considered, but it mostly boils down to three essential factors:
- Price - Is the theme free? If there is a cost associated with the theme, am I getting the right value for the price? In the price category, free WordPress themes are always going to have an advantage, but there are a few downsides to going this route. Free themes usually require you to leave the link in the footer, while many premium themes do not. Many free themes are also unsupported, so if you aren’t comfortable hacking your own theme, it may be worth the price to purchase a supported theme. There is also minimal risk of sponsored links or malicious code showing up in a purchased theme.
- Quality - Another obvious point of comparison between free WordPress themes and premium WordPress themes is the quality of the themes. There are a number of high quality free WordPress themes and (as mentioned above) there are some low quality premium themes. When looking for your theme, the designer or design companies reputation is everything. Does the theme I want offer control panel options, cross browser compatibility, or widget support? Are there multiple layouts and color choices to choose from?
- Support - Although support isn’t going to be relevant for some people looking who have the ability to customize their own theme, for most shoppers this should be the most important factor. Some free themes offer support from the designer, but most do not. If you decide to purchase a theme, you are usually paying as much for the support as you are for the acutal theme! Does this designer have trustworthy testimonials? Do you know any existing customers who are happy with the support they are receiving?
What do you value most when shopping for the right free or premium WordPress theme for your website or blog? I know most of the WordPress theme designers read this site and will see your feedback, so let us know in the comments!
140+ Free & Premium WordPress Themes Gallery
Updated: March 25, 2009
As WordPress continues to grow in popularity, more and more designers are realizing the potential of building WordPress themes. In addition to the financial benefits, designers can also use WordPress themes to create additional inbound links, improve their reputation as a designer, and of course help generate freelance work.
Because of the huge size of the WordPress theme market, it has become increasingly difficult to find a good way to browse through the available WordPress themes. Unfortunately I don’t have a solution, but I have spent several hours trying to sort through the available themes and create a gallery to display many of the top designs in both the free and premium WordPress theme markets. Currently this page has over 150 WordPress themes, plus a few known theme clubs thrown in at the bottom for people that prefer that route.
Due to the size of this post, I have broken the themes contained within this post into 6 categories for easier navigation. Simply click the link which applies to the type of WordPress theme you are looking for and you’ll be directed directly to that section!
- Blog WordPress Themes
- News/Magazine WordPress Themes
- Small Business WordPress Themes
- Portfolio WordPress Themes
- Video WordPress Themes
- WordPress Theme Clubs
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Blog WordPress Themes
Vintage Theme
Blues Theme
Shades of Blue Theme
Typebased Theme
PassionDuo Theme (3 Colors)
Green: Demo | Download, Red: Demo | Download, Blue: Demo | Download
WP Freemium Theme
SimpleWP Theme
Evolution Theme
Source | Download | Demos: Blue, Green, Red
GlossyBlue Theme
Color Paper Theme
StudioPress Theme
Blak Magik Theme
Several3 Theme
Mag on Wood Theme
Simply Ornate Theme
Agregado Theme
Notepad Chaos Theme
Source | Download | (Unable to Locate a Demo)
WordPress Fun Theme
Source | Download | (Unable to Locate a Demo)
Daily Press Theme
Curious Theme
Rewire Theme
Pixeled Theme
Source | Download | (Unable to Locate a Demo)
Daily32 Theme
Digital Statement Theme
Curved Theme
Accord Theme
Webby Green Theme | Webby Blue Theme
Source | Download (Green) | Download (Blue) | Demo (Green) | Demo (Blue)
Maggo Theme
iPhone Theme
Firebug Theme
Padangan Theme
Free Revolution Theme
Black and White Theme
Xplosive Theme
Xplosive Reloaded
Blog oh Blog Theme
Langit Theme
Blue Block Theme
Dark Zen Theme
Tomodachi Theme
Blue Dream Theme
BizFresh Theme
Simple Red Theme
Source | Download (Requires free registration) | Demo
True Blue Theme
Source | Download (Requires free registration) | Demo
Resurrection Theme
WP Premiere Theme
Silveray Theme
Rhea Theme
Aspire Theme
Velocity Theme
Techicon Theme
Biz Theme
Quadruple Blue Theme
Lightsource Theme
Comes with $20.00 subscription to Elegant Themes Club!
Flexx Theme
- Over 1,000 Possible Layout Combinations!
Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($249.95)
Gotham News Theme
Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)
Blog Theme
Single-Use ($40.00), Developer’s ($90.00)
Omni Social Networking Theme
Single-Use ($79.99), Developer’s ($199.99)
Over Easy Theme
Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)
Blubs Theme
Single-Use ($49.95), Multiple-Use ($99.00)
Killian 1.0 Theme
Personal ($49.00), Developer ($159.00)
Thesis Theme
Personal License ($87.00), Developer’s License ($164.00)
——————————————————————————————————————————–
Magazine/News WordPress Themes
OpenBook Theme
Options Theme
Hamasaki Theme
Structure Theme
Massive News Theme
Visionary Theme
Mimbo Theme
Morning After Theme
Forte Theme
The Studio Theme
Arthemia Free Theme (Premium Version Also Available)
Source | Download | Demo | Premium Version of Arthemia
Guzel Magazine Theme
Newsweek Theme
Studio WordPress Theme (Available in Blue, Green, & Red)
Transparency Theme
Slick Press Theme
Cellar Heat Theme
MonarTech Theme
Premium News Theme
Small Magazine Theme
Source | Download | (Unable to Locate a Demo)
Revolution Church Theme
Revolution Lifestyle Theme
Revolution Office
One Theme (5 Color Choices Included)
Single-Use ($99.95), Three-Use ($199.99), Developer’s License ($299.95)
Thick Theme (20 Color Combinations)
Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)
Open Air Theme
Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)
Gemini Theme
Single-Use ($60.00), Developer’s ($120.00)
Pass It On Theme
Single-Use ($85.00)
Fresh News Theme
Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)
WP-Magazine Theme
Basic (Single License $99.00), Premium (Multiple Use $199.00), Developer ($299.00)
Papercut Theme
Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)
Live Wire 2.0 Theme (Available in Green, Red, and Blue!)
Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)
WP Vybe Theme
Basic (Single License $99.00), Premium (Multiple Use $199.00), Developer ($299.00)
Shiva Pro Theme
Single-Use ($89.00), Multiple-Use ($149.00)
Tauren Pro Theme
Single-Use ($69.00), Multiple-Use ($128.00)
Chimera Theme
Single-Use ($59.00), Multiple-Use ($109.00)
Flash News/Magazine Theme
Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)
Premium News: Gazette Edition
Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)
Deep Blue Theme
Single-Use License ($50.00), Developer’s Pack License ($199.00)
Citrus Theme
Single-Use ($79.00), Multiple-Use ($99.00), Developer’s Pack ($149.00)
Scarlett Theme
Arthemia Premium Theme
Single License ($70.00), Five Licenses ($140.00), Developer’s Pack ($240.00)
Traveler Theme
Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($179.95), Developer’s License ($279.95)
Celebrity Press Theme
Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($179.95), Developer’s Pack ($279.95)
Celebrity Gossip Theme
Single-Use ($35.00), Multiple-Use ($95.00)
MagNews Theme
Single-Use License ($49.00), Developer’s Pack ($199.00)
Newspaper Theme
Single-Use ($59.00), Mutiple-Use ($159.00), Developer’s License ($259.00)
NewsPro Theme
Single-Use ($59.00), Mutiple-Use ($159.00), Developer’s License ($259.00)
Suvi Theme
Single-Use ($59.00), Mutiple-Use ($159.00), Developer’s License ($259.00)
iTeam Theme
Single-Use ($59.95), Multiple-Use ($149.95)
iNews Theme
Single-Use ($49.95), Multiple-Use ($79.95)
Springs Theme
Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($150.00)
bSocial Theme
Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($150.00)
Ultimate Blogging Theme
Single License ($67.00), Unlimited License ($97.00)
Credit Crunch Theme
Single License ($70.00), Unlimited License ($249.00)
——————————————————————————————————————————–
Small Business WordPress Themes
Essence Theme (6 Colors to Choose From)
Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($249.95)
Coldstone Theme
Comes with $20.00 subscription to Elegant Themes Club!
WP-Remix Theme
Personal ($75.00), Multiple-Use ($275.00)
Titanium WordPress Theme
Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($149.95)
WP Realtor Theme
Single-Use ($79.99), Multiple-Use ($149.99), Developer’s Pack ($349.99)
Colonial Real Estate WordPress Theme
Single-Use ($59.95), Multiple-Use ($149.95)
iRealEstate WordPress Theme
Single-Use ($49.95),Multiple-Use ($59.95)
Deep Order Theme
Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($249.95)
eCommerce Theme
Single-Use ($49.00), Multiple-Use ($199.00)
Industrial Series Themes (Includes 6 Different Colors)
Single-Use ($49.95), Multiple-Use ($99.95)
Deep Stack Poker Theme
Single-Use ($79.95), Multiple-Use ($199.95)
——————————————————————————————————————————–
Portfolio WordPress Themes
Viz | Biz Portfolio Theme
Single-Use License ($79.95), Multiple-Use License ($150.00)
WP Showcase Theme
Single-Use License ($59.00), Multiple-Use License ($99.00), Developer’s Pack ($159.00)
Simple Site Theme
Single-Use License ($49.00), Multiple-Use License ($149.00)
VibrantCMS Theme
Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)
Cassiopeia Theme
Single-Use ($80.00), Developer’s Pack ($150.00)
Fresh Folio Theme
Single-Use ($70.00), Developer’s ($150.00)
eGallery Theme
Comes with $20.00 subscription to Elegant Themes Club!
eVid Theme
Comes with $20.00 subscription to Elegant Themes Club!
——————————————————————————————————————————–
Video WordPress Themes
Revolution Album Theme
Revolution Elements Theme
Revolution Charred
Revolution Chrome
Revolution Black Canvas Theme
Revolution Video
——————————————————————————————————————————–
WordPress Theme Clubs
Theme Hybrid Club
All themes are free with limited support. $25.00 for full support!
Single Subscription (3 months = $150.00 or 6 months = $250.00), Developer Subscription (3 months = $225.00 or 6 months = $375.00)
iThemes Theme Club
EVERY iThemes release for only $399.95!
Elegant Premium Themes Club
EVERY premium WordPress theme for only $19.99! Optional yearly renewal.
huge list.. pretty nice..! 
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