How to Choose a Wordpress Theme for Your Blog: Free Templates for Your Blog

A blogging host site like Wordpress offers a great opportunity for self-expression. But for those (like me) who have no knowledge or limited knowledge of HTML creating your own template is a difficult process. In this case the best option is to go with pre-made templates. And pre-made templates are not like they used to be anymore - they are fully customizable with the ability to place pre-written HTML coding in. In other words if you can follow the instructions that come with the plug in, you can create your own site. Over time you will learn how to adjust every aspect and make the site "yours" but it is much easier to take baby steps and work with pre-made templates. So where can you find the best template sites when you work with Wordpress?

All the sites listed below are free! Just choose the one you like, and that will work best for you. If you have problems with the download go to the help button and search for a tutorial that will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Wordpress Themes

www.wpthemesfree.com

My favorite resource out of all the free template sites available on the Internet - they are detailed in what they can offer, have professional images, and are crystal clear. Also, they are very streamlined and professional in appearance. They have a huge collection of a variety of template formats, and almost any theme you can think of. You have access to a free full size demo to view before you download the template. This is very helpful since the thumbnail version does not give you an accurate idea of what the actual template looks like, and the amount of detail it contains. The only downside is there is no search bar, so you may have to surf through the templates to find what you are looking for.

BG Themes

www.bgthemes.com

A large database of free template themes similar to the Wordpress Themes site. However, there is detailed search feature to find exactly what you are looking for. You can search by theme, number of columns, and color used in the template. This gives you a slight benefit if you do not have the time or do not want to actively search for a specific template.

Mashable

www.mashable.com/2008/03/25/unusual-wordpress-themes

Are you looking for something that is not a traditional style Wordpress blog theme? This is a great resource if you want to make a blog with a slightly different look. Styles included are more modern, technology and magazine style layouts. Also great for someone who is looking to use their blog to promote their Internet or brick-and-mortar business.

eBlog Templates

www.eblogtemplates.com

Offers traditional template and pre-made photo blog templates. Photoblogs can be done in Wordpress, but you have to add widgets to customize the coding. If you have no idea how to do that this offers a great option. All you have to do is download the template and add photos!

Grab a Theme

www.grabatheme.com

Offers a variety of templates from simple and streamlined, to over the top and outrageous. A site where you can find a template to suit anyone's taste. If you can not find what you are looking for on this site, there is a directory of sites offering free templates in the right hand column so you will not have to search very far for something that you do like for your Wordpress site.