If you’re just getting started with WordPress, you might be wondering what the difference between paid and free themes is. Usually, the question we hear from customers is why should they pay for a theme when the free ones work perfectly fine? And, they have a point.
Many of the free themes on WordPress work great for people who are wanting to start a new blog or website while keeping costs low. But, this isn’t the best mindset to have long term. As your business grows and your website becomes more popular, it may be worth it to invest in a premium WordPress theme.
Let’s cover the differences between paid and free WordPress themes and which one to choose for your site.
Free Themes on WordPress
You can find free WordPress themes from the directory or other sites like CyberChimps. The nice thing about choosing a theme on WordPress is that it’s officially approved. However, some people find the selection of free themes to be limited.
Here are some benefits to choosing a free theme:
- Great for businesses who are just starting out or wanting to try something new without spending a lot of money.
- Free themes in the WordPress directory are officially approved, so you can expect them to be fast, fluid and optimized.
- These themes tend to have minimalist design because they lack premium features and widgets. This improves speed and technical SEO.
- Built for beginners, making them simple and easy to use. They’re also compatible with most WordPress plugins.
Even though free themes have many advantages, they aren’t for everyone. They tend to have limited features and may have a lack of support, poor coding and infrequent updates. Plus, many free themes are so commonly used, your site won’t look unique.
Paid, Premium Themes on WordPress
Premium WordPress themes don’t have to be expensive, and you can have higher expectations for what you want them to do. As with free themes, you can find premium themes in the WordPress directory or from third party sites.
Here are the advantages of choosing a paid theme:
- Offers more features and customization options to support your business.
- Includes regular updates and support to ensure you’re always taking advantage of the latest features and technology.
- Less frequently used compared to free themes, helping your business stand out.
- Responsive WordPress themes are compatible across all browsers.
Of course, you still need to do your research when choosing a paid, premium theme. Some have too many features and are weighed down because of them, while others have poorly written code or cross over into plugins domain.
There are pros and cons to both paid and free WordPress themes. At the end of the day, it’s important to choose a theme that meets your needs and expectations, offers reliable support and fits your budget. For recommendations on WordPress themes, as well as help building or redesigning your site, contact Magna Technology.
