Let me start out by saying this. Whenever you read an article by somebody…anybody…especially if they’re spouting off about something that they feel is good, bad or whatever, look for the agenda because everybody has one…yes, even me. My agenda is to sell stuff. That’s how I make a living and I don’t apologize for it. But when I share information, you can damn well be sure that it’s at least accurate and not something that I made up JUST to sell stuff. So my latest rebuttal is to this nonsense that using free WordPress themes is a bad idea. That is just horse hockey.

The author in question is Siobahn Ambrose. The author points out several problems. The two main ones, at least in my opinion are comparability with the latest WordPress version and hidden code. Let me address the first one.

WordPress is meticulous about its free theme listing. Every single theme clearly shows when the last time it was that it was updated and with what version of WordPress is it compatible with. So all you have to do is a little reading and you should have no problem finding a theme that will work for your version of WordPress. So this is a non issue, at least if you’re getting your themes directly from the WordPress directory.

Okay, let me address the hidden code. WordPress also checks each theme for anything that might be malicious. The only code you’re likely to run into is one that has the maker of the theme in the footer and maybe a link back to their site. Certainly they’re entitled to that much for providing you with a theme that you didn’t have to pay for. Aside from that, nothing in that theme is going to do you or your site any harm.

What about ranking? There is a contention that free themes don’t rank well. When people tell you this, again, it is with an agenda to sell you a premium theme that you probably don’t need. Take a look at the end of the article and see if they’re recommending some premium theme that is going to cost you big bucks.

Personally, I have been using free WordPress themes forever and have never had a problem, nor do I foresee having any problems as long as I get them from a reputable site. And yes, they do exist. But you have to do a little research first in order to find them. Contacting the site owner to see if they respond is also a good idea.

Bottom line is this. There is NO reason why you can’t run a WordPress blog with a free theme.

To YOUR Success,

Steven Wagenheim

Sick and tired of spinning your wheels and wasting hours of your time looking for JUST the right plugins and themes for your WordPress Blog? Check out WordPress Confidential and get your hands on 100 must have plugins and 25 killer themes (all FREE) at the click of a mouse. Pick up your copy at http://www.stevewagenheim.com/wordpressconfidential/index.html TODAY!