Tip: How to Choose a free WordPress Theme?

Now you can purchase premium WordPress themes that comes with many customization options, if you pay for a theme means you are using a premium theme. If you want to go for more unique you can order custom theme that will be made only for you but it will cost you so much. But free themes are rocking WordPress world. I am using myself a free WordPress theme for TechShali, if you can’t afford custom or premium theme and want to go for a free theme that is very good decision but before a deciding a free WordPress theme for your blog you should make some quick study.

Before activating any theme for your blog it is recommended to install it on local WordPress and study it and try to edit it. If you can not install local WordPress unzip your theme and open its files and compare it with other free themes.

A free theme should serve your over all purpose including its features, look and usability.
If you are looking for a free theme having premium features it will be containing some permanent links in footer that you won’t be able to remove that is good if there are one or two links if there are more than two links you should look for another free theme because many theme designers giveaway free themes only for link back.

Compare features of free theme with the features of premium themes.

Your theme should be looking good; it should be designed using web 2.0 colors.
Columns are very important thing in a theme, normally 1 column, 2 columns, 3 column and 4 columns themes are available to download.
A theme is good for technology blogs that can be bad for humor blogs or beauty tip blogs for women.
Theme should be lite weight.
If you want to establish a personal blog and do not want to make money it is better to avoid adesnse ready or 125X125 ready theme.

For a girl who wants want to start a blog for girls; flowering graphics and pink color will be good, if you want to launch a blog for company news and information it is very recommended to use simple theme serving information purpose.

Theme should be search engine optimization friendly.

It should be having customization options.
Your free the should be widget ready.
It should be compatible with newer versions of WordPress
Your theme should not be already in use by so many other bloggers.
Theme should be designed following web standards as CSS, XML etc.
If a feature is missing in your theme you can install a plugin so if theme is already with some killer features that will be nice.
Your free theme should be cross browser friendly so before applying your theme test it in different browsers.
Compare your theme features with other live themes that you like.
If you want to make money by your blog it should be adsense ready and 125X125 widget ready.

If you are looking for resources to download free themes do not forget to read below post for huge theme resources.

25 Sites to Download Free WordPress Themes