So many WordPress themes, so little time!
WordPress is known for the vast number of components you can mix and match – from plugins that add bits of functionality to themes that can beautify any site in an instant.
When it comes to your site’s looks, you can’t afford a design that’s generic, plain or something that simply mismatches your brand’s message. Appearance is a huge part of user experience and your authority in the online space. If you don’t want your brand to come off as cheap or just another copycat, you shouldn’t cut corners at any point during the construction of your website.
Below are some of the best, exclusive WordPress resource sites you can visit if you have no time for subpar themes:
#1. StudioPress
First off, StudioPress isn’t just a place for themes; it is a comprehensive resource site tailored to the needs of WordPress users. Their services are built on the Genesis Framework, which ensures optimal performance,
However, you don’t need to sign up to one of their premium plans for a professional-looking site. You can head straight to the built-in store for themes in categories like eCommerce, photography, and business. To see if a particular theme is right for you, refer to this post from Carrie Dils who specializes in the WordPress Genesis Framework.
#2. Elegant Themes
Although Elegant Themes lacks the value-added services that StudioPress provides, it does offer a more diverse theme library. There are themes with integrated app-like functionalities, themes that can highlight multimedia assets, and more. Just remember that certain themes also come with special features like ad management, contact forms, and widget areas.
Another key difference between StudioPress and ET is that the latter uses Divi, while the former uses Beaver Builder. Both are capable as page builders, but Divi is slightly ahead regarding features and customizability.
#3. MyThemeShop
MyThemeShop is another go-to place for WordPress themes that balance looks and functionality. Interestingly, it’s one of the few resource sites on this list that includes a search bar right from the homepage – a useful feature in case you already have a raw idea of what your site should look like.
The advantage of MyThemeShop over StudioPress and ET is a simple fact that it has more available themes. But then again, there’s nothing wrong with browsing multiple sites for themes that can match your brand’s personality.
#4. ThemeForest
Building a WordPress site on a budget? ThemeForest is the best site around if you’re looking to buy affordable themes without sacrificing visual appeal. It is part of the Envato Market, which enables independent publishers to sell their home-brewed web development resources; not only themes, but also plugins, audio files, and various visual assets.
ThemeForest also permits live previews for each theme, but sometimes issues may arise as you incorporate new plugins and modifications along the way. To ensure a reliable purchase, a good strategy is to refer to the weekly best-selling themes list and make your decision from there.
#5. Themify
The best thing about Themify is that it allows users to upload their designs using the resources available on the site, which are quite plentiful, to say the least. In addition to themes, you can also find an assortment of plugins, icons, page builders, and other add-ons that can spice up any site.
You can take full advantage of Themify by submitting your design as means of gathering feedback from the community. The site is also packed with useful blog content that can benefit web designers and aspiring site owners alike.
#6. MeridianThemes
There are WordPress theme clubs that try to offer designs that make your site look like royalty, and there are those are just do. Meridian Themes is part of the latter that effortlessly provides WordPress owners with beautiful and stunning premium WordPress themes to choose from. Whether you’re running a blog or a magazine site, you can guarantee to find a responsive design that puts your content in the forefront and provides a seamless user experience for your visitors.
With over 5000 users, you can sign up for a single theme at $49 or a one-year membership at $89 where you gain download and deploy to all of the themes available at Meridian Themes for all your sites.
#7. FancyThemes
FancyThemes is more than just a theme shop. While they don’t have a large collection of premium themes, they do have a good number of free WordPress themes available in the WordPress directory.
It also features useful articles and resource guides about all things WordPress to help dissect how to customize your site and make it look stunning, such as how to choose the best WordPress hosting, What is WordPress, and more.
#8. Layers
This WordPress theme club is relatively new to the party but is meant to change the game.
In essence a drag and drop builder, the Layers Pro framework lets you create design content and elements by choosing tons of useful widgets for full customization. Also, you don’t need to have coding experience to create a beautiful design for your site. Changing the look and appearance of your header, blog section, footer, and other areas that you can’t normally customize using a different theme is possible with Layers. On top of this, you can download themes that complement the functionalities of the Layers framework to supercharge your site design and performance.
Conclusion
In the end, remember that it’s unwise to begin the site-creation process with the components. Focus first on your goals so you can make guided decisions on what to choose. Good luck and happy site-building!
