Lance Jensen

Lance is a talented and accomplished writer who has made a significant impact on the literary world. With a passion for words and a keen understanding of storytelling, Lance has crafted compelling narratives that resonate with readers. Their work spans across genres, from thought-provoking literary fiction to captivating fantasy adventures, demonstrating their versatility and creative range. Through their eloquent prose and profound insights, Lance invites readers on a journey of self-discovery, challenging conventional wisdom and igniting the imagination. With a growing body of acclaimed works, Lance continues to inspire and captivate audiences with their literary contributions.

How to Get Free WordPress Themes: A Complete Guide for 2024

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Looking for free WordPress themes can feel overwhelming, but I’ve discovered it doesn’t have to be complicated. The WordPress.org theme repository offers countless GPL-licensed themes that are safe, reliable, and completely free for both personal and commercial use.

While it’s tempting to search for “free” premium themes online, I must caution against this approach. Premium themes distributed without proper licensing often contain malicious code or hidden backdoors that can compromise your website’s security. Instead, I recommend sticking to officially reviewed themes from WordPress.org that typically load faster and achieve higher Google Page Speed scores due to their lightweight nature.

I’ll show you how to find legitimate free WordPress themes that work great for blogs, business sites, portfolios, and online stores – all while maintaining top-notch security and performance standards.

Understanding Free WordPress Themes

Free WordPress themes offer GPL-licensed software distributed to bloggers and website owners at no cost. These themes provide essential features for creating functional websites while maintaining compatibility with popular WordPress plugins.

Types of Free WordPress Themes

  • Blog Themes: Built specifically for content-focused websites with organized post layouts
  • Portfolio Themes: Designed to showcase creative work through galleries and image displays
  • Business Themes: Equipped with homepage sections features for company websites
  • E-commerce Themes: Optimized for online stores with WooCommerce integration
  • Multipurpose Themes: Adaptable designs suitable for various website categories
Feature Free Themes Premium Themes
Cost $0 $30-$200
Updates Basic Priority
Support Community forums Direct developer support
Features Essential functions Advanced functionality
Customization Basic options Extended options
  • Design Options
  • Free: Limited color schemes and layout variations
  • Premium: Multiple design variations with advanced customization tools
  • Technical Support
  • Free: Community-based support through WordPress forums
  • Premium: Dedicated support channels with faster response times
  • Feature Integration
  • Free: Basic plugin compatibility and essential features
  • Premium: Advanced integrations with specialized plugins and tools
  • Documentation
  • Free: Basic setup guides and documentation
  •  

Best Sources for Free WordPress Themes

Discovering safe sources on how to get wordpress themes for free requires understanding which platforms offer reliable options. The following platforms provide secure access to free WordPress themes.

WordPress Theme Directory

The WordPress.org theme directory stands as the most trusted source for free themes, offering over 10,000 reviewed options. Each theme undergoes rigorous security checks before approval, protecting users from malicious code or hidden advertisements. The directory features a built-in search system with filters for specific features, layouts or industries.

Reputable Theme Marketplaces

Several established marketplaces curate collections of free WordPress themes from verified developers. These platforms include:

  • Theme directories that link directly to WordPress.org downloads
  • Marketplace sections dedicated to GPL-licensed free themes
  • Community-driven platforms with peer-reviewed themes
  • Design communities offering select free versions of premium themes
  • Direct downloads from developer platforms
  • Regular updates through developer channels
  • Access to basic documentation support
  • Integration with standard WordPress features
  • Compatible with popular page builders
Source Type Number of Themes Security Level
WordPress.org 10,000+ High
Marketplaces 1,000+ Medium-High
Developer Sites 500+ High

How to Choose Quality Free Themes

Selecting the right free WordPress theme requires careful evaluation of several key factors. The selection process focuses on three critical areas that determine a theme’s long-term viability.

Essential Features to Look For

Free WordPress themes offer varied functionality levels based on specific website needs. Look for responsive design that adapts to mobile devices mobile-first design principles. Check for customization options including:

  • Header image adjustments color schemes
  • Layout variations (grid boxed wide)
  • Widget areas in strategic locations
  • Social media integration capabilities
  • Built-in SEO optimization features
  • Translation readiness for multiple languages

Security and Code Quality

The code foundation determines a theme’s security reliability performance. Evaluate these technical aspects:

  • Regular security updates maintenance patches
  • Clean validated HTML5 CSS3 code
  • Compatibility with latest WordPress versions
  • Proper error handling methods
  • No embedded malicious code scripts
  • Compliance with WordPress coding standards
  • Optimized loading speeds minimal bloat

Support and Documentation

A quality free theme includes comprehensive resources for implementation maintenance:

  • Detailed setup documentation guides
  • Active support forums or channels
  • Regular theme updates changelog
  • Clear installation instructions
  • Troubleshooting documentation
  • Demo content import options
  • Video tutorials setup guides

The evaluation ensures selecting a free WordPress theme that balances functionality security maintainability. Focus on themes from reputable sources with established track records of consistent updates support.

Safely Downloading Free Themes

The WordPress.org theme repository offers secure access to free WordPress themes. Following specific verification steps ensures protection against malicious code and potential security threats.

Verifying Theme Legitimacy

The legitimacy of a WordPress theme starts with its source location. Download themes exclusively from WordPress.org’s official theme directory to ensure they’ve passed security reviews and coding standards. Here’s what to verify:

  • Check the theme’s rating based on user reviews and downloads
  • Review the last update date to confirm active maintenance
  • Examine the developer’s profile and other published themes
  • Verify GPL license compliance documentation
  • Look for consistent theme documentation and changelog records
  • Scan downloaded theme files with security plugins before installation
  • Back up your website before installing new themes
  • Install themes only through WordPress admin dashboard
  • Delete unused themes from your installation
  • Enable automatic updates for active themes
  • Monitor theme behavior after installation for unusual activities
  • Verify theme compatibility with your WordPress version
Security Metric Requirement
Theme Reviews Minimum 4-star rating
Update Frequency Within last 6 months
WordPress Compatibility Latest 3 versions
Install Base 1000+ active installations

Installing and Customizing Free Themes

The installation process for free WordPress themes follows a straightforward path through the WordPress dashboard. Customization options allow for personalized adjustments to match specific website requirements.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

  1. Access WordPress Dashboard:
  • Log in to your WordPress admin panel
  • Navigate to “Appearance” > “Themes”
  • Click “Add New”
  1. Install the Theme:
  • Search for your downloaded theme by clicking “Upload Theme”
  • Select the ZIP file from your computer
  • Click “Install Now”
  • Wait for installation confirmation
  • Click “Activate”
  1. Verify Installation:
  • Check the front end of your website
  • Confirm all elements display correctly
  • Test basic functionality
  • Review mobile responsiveness
  1. Access Theme Settings:
  • Navigate to “Appearance” > “Customize”
  • Explore available customization panels
  1. Essential Customizations:
  • Update site identity (logo brand colors)
  • Modify header layout
  • Adjust typography settings
  • Configure menu positions
  • Set featured images dimensions
  1. Layout Options:
  • Select sidebar arrangements
  • Choose content width
  • Adjust footer columns
  • Configure homepage sections
  • Set blog post layouts
  1. Advanced Settings:
  • Enable custom CSS
  • Set up widgets
  • Configure social media icons
  • Customize button styles
  • Set up color schemes

Conclusion

Getting free WordPress themes doesn’t have to break the bank or compromise your website’s security. I’ve shown you the safest ways to find customize and install these themes while maintaining high standards for your site.

Remember that WordPress.org remains your best friend for finding legitimate free themes. By following the guidelines I’ve shared you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your theme selection and keep your website secure.

Whether you’re building a blog portfolio or online store there’s a perfect free theme waiting for you. Start exploring the official WordPress theme directory today and transform your website with confidence.

 

How Weird Stock Photos Became a Standard in Content

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Most people know stock photos to be professional portraits of everyday concepts. They help bring value to your content and increase conversion rates. So, how did weird stock photos steal their spotlight? First and foremost, these non-conventional stock photos are, well, weird. They are so bizarre that they capture just about everyone’s attention. They even make zero sense. But, they prove to be visually appealing and commercially successful.

When did it all start?
Social media mostly fueled the trend of funny visuals as a way of communication. Photos of people laughing and enjoying bring positive feelings and real-life moments that many can relate to. Memes also started to circulate on Facebook and Twitter to describe ideas of passing value. One of the most famous examples is Bad Luck Brian, which is a picture of a young lad in braces wearing a tartan vest and cheeky smile.

Today, many content creators use weird stock photos to widen their reach. Cheesy stock images of men in business suits no longer appeal to the masses, especially the younger demographic. So, creatives and brands inject humour to their content to set a fun and straightforward tune.

When should you use them?
Bizarre stock photography may be motivated by curiosity, but it is a design goldmine waiting to be exposed. Weird stock photos have plenty of possible uses, but they are most valued in the social media realms. They appeal to the millennials’ sense of humour and drive to share crisp images. You can use them as a smart strategy to engage your audience with your brand and strengthen your online presence. Read more here!

Social platforms refresh so fast that they consume content by the second. That gives you minimal time to catch your audience’s attention, deliver your message, and impart a long-lasting impression. Funny and weird stock photos help you achieve this by leaving users laughing and enjoying your punch lines. You can also use them to lighten the mood of your most serious customers. The right photo captures their hearts and makes them smile.

Where can you find weird stock images?
Funny stock imagery has become a standard in content that many stock image sites offer them at great prices. Photocase brings the most value for your money with their awkward but unique and fun-loving images under Royalty-Free license. Yes, you may find free photography on social media sites. However, they may not be licensed, which means you can’t just use them for professional and business purposes.

Photocase has hundreds of weird stock photos in their library. You can find an image of a pretty girl sitting inside a box, an artist covered with Christmas lights, or a young woman asking for silence. You can download these incredible images via Direct Purchase and Credit Bundle. The former is short and painless, while the latter is cheap and convenient. So, choose your weapon wisely.

EXPLORE AND EXPRESS YOUR CREATIVITY
Bizarre stock images take you out of your comfort zone. They give you a chance to have fun in any concept and express your creativity. Best of all, they deliver results. They serve as killer visuals that increase your social following base. So, explore the funny photos from Photocase and license them. Who knows, you can even get viral!

 

 

 

What can You Get with an iStock Promo Code?

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For years, iStock has been a pillar of high quality in the stock photo industry. Pioneering the crowd-sourced industry, it has become the original source of user-generated stock images, vectors, illustrations and video clips. Today, the stock photography site remains an industry leader and key destination for creative professionals around the world. With millions of high-images, illustrations and video clips, it has a wide range of content for every creative need.

iStock features a user-friendly and easy to navigate stock photography website. You can simple browse stock images and royalty-free images to find the perfect photos for your creative projects. You can browse photos by categories, or use the advanced search tool. Some photo categories included in the website include:

  • Nature and Landscape
  • Science and Technology
  • Backgrounds
  • Business and Finance
  • Healthcare and Medicine
  • Architecture
  • Sports and Recreations
  • Jobs and Career
  • Fitness and Wellness
  • Fashion and Beauty
  • Travel Destinations, and many more

If you want to make a big impact without breaking the bank, iStock is the one of the best stock photo agencies to subscribe to. You will find high quality photos, vectors, illustrations and video clips in the stock photo website. All of which are available at flexible pricing. You can purchase high-quality images through credit packs or subscription plans, too.

Do you want some greater news?
iStock promo code – these three words are like music to the ears of creative professionals. Coupons provide you with greater opportunities to save on high-quality images. Gone are the days when you have to worry about your budget. It’s now safe to say that you can get the perfect stock images for your creative projects. iStock is included among the many stock photo agencies affiliated with Stock Photo Secrets.

Here’s what you can get with a promo code from the stock image website:

  1. Access to millions of high quality stock images. iStock has over 10 million high quality images in their library, covering almost all categories. If you want to move the world without going beyond your budget, be sure to subscribe to a plan or purchase credits packs from the stock site. iStock offers 2 collections – Essentials and Signature. Essentials is a budget-friendly collection, while Signature is the high-end version. Every size is the same price.
  2. 15% off everything for all customers. Old or new, all customers can enjoy a 15% discount on everything with a promo code. Only over a month is left on this time-limited offer, so you have to hurry. If you want to save on credits or subscriptions, redeem it now!
  3. Lowest prices. Aside from Stock Photo Secrets, iStock offers some of the lowest prices in the market. You can download their stock images with credit packs or subscription plans. Purchase credits to get any file on demand or subscribe to a plan to get the best rate.

With an iStock promo code, you can gain access to one of the largest stock photo collection in the market and download images at the lowest prices. So, what are you waiting for? Get your promo code from Stock Photo Secrets and jump start your next creative projects with the best images online.

The Importance of Video Backgrounds on your Website

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People are drawn to things that move. They are easily distracted by anything that moves. That’s human nature. That’s why video backgrounds are almost impossible not to notice. If used properly, they can help you capture your website visitors’ attention. They are one of the web design trends that will surely stay. They make websites look modern and they provide a sense of artistry that still images can’s simply do. That’s why marketers love them.

Here are other reasons why video backgrounds are important to your website:

  • Increased conversion. Video backgrounds help make visitors stay longer. They also encourage them to sign up to the product or service you offer. A 10% or 20% improvement in conversion and engagement can be seen when you use them in your website, which means more sales and higher brand awareness.
  • Increased sales. Many businesses have succeeded by using video backgrounds on their websites. They have seen their sales increased as they capture the attention of their website visitors. You can also take advantage of this feat, even with no professional help. You just have to do use this web design trend the right way.

If not used properly, video backgrounds can also hurt your overall website design and experience. That’s why it is important that you understand the basic rules to avoid basic mistakes. Here are a few tips on how to use them properly and improve your web design effectively.

  1. Use them with a purpose. Video backgrounds help reinforce your branding and convey your message. When choosing one, make sure that it is relevant to your client’s business or it represents who they are. Only then you will be able to highlight their business successfully. Furthermore, make sure that it complements what the homepage is trying to achieve.
  2. Don’t let the video compete with content. On top of the video backgrounds, you will likely put text or some kind of content. When choosing a background, make sure it does not hurt the readability of your content, or else your visitors will have a hard time reading. Choose a contrasting color, so your content does not blend into the background.
  3. Use overlay. Overlay your video backgrounds with light or dark colors to mellow down details that make your content hard to read. You can also use overlays with color to create a strong branding.
  4. Use video without audio. One of the most annoying things that make web experience awful is audio that auto-plays. Since video backgrounds automatically play when you load the website, it is best to choose one without audio. If it comes with an audio, it is best to mute the audio and give visitors the option to play it manually, or remove it entirely.

Where to Find Awesome Free Video Backgrounds
Many websites offer video backgrounds. If you are looking for high quality ones at absolutely no cost, visit www.free-video-footage.com. The stock site has hundreds of royalty free video backgrounds, overlays, motion graphics, video fonts, video sounds, transitions and overlays. Fresh files are also added per week, broadening your choices. You can download any clip from their library and use it on your next creative project – totally free!

3 Things to Consider when Choosing Video Backgrounds

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Choosing the right video backgrounds for your production has a huge impact on how your story is told. Videos are meant to immerse viewers into a world of visual delight. And, backgrounds can help communicate the right atmosphere and send the proper message. Even the best quality footage in the world won’t be able to grab attention if not accompanied with the right video background. So in order to leave an impression to your viewers, here are some tips to help you choose the right background.

  • Consider the color. When it comes to choosing the best video background, consider the right color schemes. The right choice will sum up the overall impression you want to convey through the right emotion, atmosphere and theme. Take for instance a perfume and toy commercial. The former will thrive better with gray, cream and black, while the latter will grab attention with blue, red and yellow backgrounds.
  • Consider the acoustics. Many commercials have jingles attached to them because sounds that fit what you are watching are unforgettable. Viewers are more likely to remember the message involved, too. The right sounds make a good video phenomenal, but a bad sound distract the viewers. Voiceovers also have the same effect. They set the appropriate mood and get the attention of your audience.
  • Consider lighting and location. Where are you going to film your video and what selling will match your vision? Keep these two questions in mind as the answers will assist with the overall harmony of your video.

Where can you download video backgrounds?
A number of stock websites offer video backgrounds. It is up to you to choose whichever suits your creative needs and budget. But, a new source is coming to the market. Stock Photo Now is currently working hard to bring an awesome free video background service to the entire creative community. Very soon, you will be able to search, download and use high quality footage and backgrounds for your projects.

For many years, Stock Photo Now has been working in the industry. They have seen all the gorgeous designs and compelling productions that the right tools can achieve. As a way to give back to the community, the company is giving away video backgrounds for free. Yes, for FREE! You can now save time from creating your own backgrounds, without compromising quality. You don’t have to worry about budget restrictions, too.

Why should you choose Stock Photo Now?
Out of several video background services in the market, Stock Photo Now is only one of the very few to offer high quality video backgrounds free of charge. They have hundreds of free backgrounds in their collection, as well as free video footage that cover various themes and topics. All are ready to download and use whenever and wherever you like.

What are you waiting for? See your projects come to life with Stock Photo Now! They offer professional service, matched with years of experience in the industry. Stay tuned because they are launching very soon. Enjoy their cool video backgrounds for free!

Four Basic Elements of a Good Website Design

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It takes a great combination of elements to create a good website design. Users aren’t only looking for information. They want a compelling and aesthetically pleasing format. A good web design provides users with what they need easily and quickly. It is clean and simple but offers the best user experience. There are certain elements that you should prioritize on your website to create an effective design. Overlooking them can break your complete sign design.

Here are the four basic elements that contribute to the overall user experience of a web design:

  • Content is considered as the king of the elements because it helps your website in a number of ways. It plays a great part in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), determining who finds your site and what information they will find, and increasing conversion rates. Unique and original content are given precedence by Google, so make sure you don’t duplicate or reuse copy from other websites.
  • Bad usability can be easily noticed by the end user. A good web design has clear buttons on the homepage with user-friendly search functions. Make sure your business website is easy to navigate, so visitors will easily find what they are looking for. Create a simple and reliable interface that will make the user stay on your website and not move on to your competitors’ website.
  • A good website design is visually impressive. It should reflect the branding of your business. A good design communicates the level of professionalism of your company. So, use high quality images to evoke the right emotions and prompt a response from your audience. They also encourage longer browsing times, increasing your chances to make a sale. Here are five components of great website images: 
    •  Professional
    • Relevant to your business
    • Compelling
    • Unique
    • High resolution
  • There is no point of having a website with great content if no one can see it. Visibility through SEO and social media is key to your website’s success. Once you have other elements in place, work on your online presence. It should be strong and competitive, so you can represent your company well to the world.

There are many other elements of a good website design, such as clear contact information and a consistent theme. A slick web design and relevant content are all for nothing if customers can’t figure out how to contact you. Make it simple for them to get in touch with you by incorporating easy access to your phone number, email address, etc. Also, consider the overall effect of your website. Feature images and content relevant to your business, and make your layout and color scheme consistent.

The above elements are what separates a good business website from a bad one. They are some of the fundamental things that will guarantee an engaging, proficient, and consummate website design.

Keep in mind that your business website is meant to connect you with people who are interested in your content, products and services. A good web design ensures this connection is made and retains your relationship with your audience.

5 Tips for Building an Effective Business Website

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Clearly, businesses need websites today. Regardless of how your customers heard about your company, many will check your website before making a purchasing decision. Studies show that 94 percent of B2B buyers research companies online first. They want to learn more about your products and services before deciding to purchase. A business website can help you engage and connect with them, so you don’t miss an incredible opportunity.

However, building an effective business website can be daunting, especially if you are a newbie. At a minimum, you’ll want to cover the basics such as your company information, contact details, and your mission-vision. Furthermore, your URL should be short and could be easily connected with your business name. Preferably, websites carry the suffix dot.com. But, other suffixes such as dot.net are also fine.

Beyond these basics, here are five tips to help you create a beautiful business website:

  1. Make your website mobile responsive. Mobile usage had overtaken desktop for the first time in 2016, demonstrating just how many people use their smartphones and tablets to shop online. A responsive web design improves user experience and translates to a positive perception of your business. They load faster, which is likely to decrease your bounce rate and boost your ranking.
  2. Have a call to action. Every page in your website should encourage your reader to do something. A great CTA button directs users to download a white paper, sign up for a service or buy a product. They get them to take a desired action, which ultimately help your business achieve its defined objectives. Keep them above the fold so your readers don’t have to scroll down to find them.
  3. Keep your web design simple. Limit your use of colors, fonts and animated gifs because they can distract and pull away the focus of your readers from the webpage. Use short paragraphs and bullet points to make information easy to read and less boring. Paragraphs should be shorter than six lines, too. Plus, a simple web design improves the loading times of your business website.
  4. Get personal. If you want to remain competitive in the modern landscape, you need to engage your business websites with your users. Provide high quality experience to keep a positive brand perception. Also, include a good photo of yourself or team on your about page. Customers want to know that there’s a real person working with them.
  5. Use images to tell your business’ story. Many business websites get the content aspect right but miss out on the media part. Visuals help sell your products and services. They could be the reason why your customers choose you over your competitor. But, do not overload your site with photos. They can diffuse attention and slow down your load times, too. Feature a few good photos on your homepage and interior pages.

With many website tools available, creating a website don’t need to be difficult. You just have to keep these design principle in mind to build an effective business website. Identify your goals and design your website to accomplish them. Remember, your website is your electronic business card. Make it a good one to be seen legitimate.

6 Qualities of a Better Small Business Website

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Small businesses, just like the larger enterprises, require a professional website to build trust among clients and attract potential customers. But, it should not just be any other website. See this. There are certain qualities that a small business website should possess to ensure success in the e-commerce scene. The top 6 characteristics of a better website is listed below:

  • Clutter-free. A better small business site should be simple yet captivating. Creating a complicated design or putting too much information can overwhelm your audience. A clutter-free design sends a message of professionalism. It allows your website to breathe and provides your readers with a pleasant experience.
  • SEO-friendly. An organized design with clear content, proper URLs, relevant keywords and sitemaps makes a small business website SEO-friendly. It allows search engines such as Google index the website with ease. As a result, your customers will easily find you.
  • Mobile-friendly. After Google’s announcement of mobile-first index, it would be almost a lost opportunity if you don’t make your website responsive. According to studies, majority of consumers access websites on mobile devices. Making your site mobile-friendly means it adapts and rearranges itself when viewed on mobile devices.
  • Avoid superficiality on your business website and make it look professional. The appearance of your site reflects your brand. Customers will assume that you provide the same level of professionalism to your products and services as with your small business website. Remember, it is your electronic business card. Make sure graphics and images are in sync and complement your brand.
  • Simple and unique. Your goal should be to create a simple and unique web design. First impressions count in online presence. How your website looks will determine whether viewers will continue to read or abandon your site. If it resembles thousands of others, it will not create an impact on your reader’s mind. Your web design should be impressive enough to attract attention and retain it. Otherwise, your customers will take their business elsewhere.
  • Quick load time. Did you know that one of the main reasons customers abandon a website is slow load time? They get impatient when it takes over 6 seconds for a business site to load. So, make sure that your business website has the right server infrastructure and bandwidth. A graphically-complicated design can also slow down load time. Avoid putting too much photos and pick up good hosts to increase it.
  • Relevant content. This plays a major role in getting indexed by Google. Good content makes it easier for search engines to find and index your site. On the other hand, poor content put offs viewers. It is the difference between a customer continuing further or browsing your competitor’s website.

Without these important qualities of a small business website, you company may fall behind your competitors. You will miss the opportunity to connect and engage with your customers. Consumers, nowadays, check out websites before making a purchasing decision. They would like to know more about your company, and the products and services you offer. A professional website is the perfect platform to showcase these.