Custom Theme

[Reverie]

Are custom themes required for a forum to do well in your opinion? When you open a forum do you recommend they have a custom theme, or simply find one that is purchasable/free? How soon should a community consider getting a custom theme? How much would you spend on a custom theme for your community? How frequently would you get a new custom theme?

 

[Cory]

I don't think a custom theme is necessary for a forum to succeed, no. One of the most active boards on Jcink uses the forum software's default theme. I think it is more of a branding thing that gives a unique touch to your board. I think some members will be turned away if you use a non-custom theme, but in the long run, I don't think a custom theme guarantees a forum's success.

I don't have to purchase a custom theme since my friend is a designer and I am a coder, put the two together and we build our own themes.

I think for branding purposes and to give your board that unique touch, if you plan to have a custom theme I think sooner rather than later is a good idea.

I don't change our custom board themes for consistency and branding purposes.

 

[SDL]

It's not necessarily a requirement, it's more of a nice touch that will make your forum more unique and attractive. If you have a limited budget, I'd focus that elsewhere such as marketing or paying for posts to increase the content on the forum. If you have some excess cash going spare and you want to make your forum the best in your niche then sure, splash the cash on a custom design!

 

[ZandraJoi]

My forum is on Proboards where we have a “Library” we can download themes from that other members have created. I tried my hand at making a theme but I am NOT good at it at all lol
I feel a theme is important but the content of the forum is more so.

 

[Ravenfreak]

I don't think a custom theme is necessary for a forum to be successful, but it does make your forum stand out from the competition. I'd like to get enough money someday to get a custom theme made for one of my websites, or maybe someday I'll sit down and teach myself to make one on my own.

 

[Empire]

Custom theme is great in terms of that site only having that theme and no other has, however, it's not necessary in terms of what people really think or care. Rather save money than have a custom theme that I might not end up liking. Not cheap by any means. Most of the time maybe you like to change the theme every couple of years or five years. Build as you grow. I, end up paying $15 to $35 for a theme, no more. Plus support

 

[Nomad]

I am using open source scripts and free themes. It is very important for your forum to have a good design but having a good design is not in any way related to using a custom theme. People visit communities for content abnd not for the look of your forum.

 

[Shortie]

I am a firm believer that a custom theme is not something that is needed or necessary when you open up a forum. Something free would work out really well or even something paid that was within your budget as well.

I always say it is the content and the quality of the content on your forum that determines your forum's success and not what theme you chose and whether it is unique.

If further down the line you want to pay for a unique theme for your forum, that is a choice you could make but it is not something that is needed starting out.

 

[TwitchisMental]

Is a Custom Theme absolutely required to be successful? No

Can a Custom Theme set you apart from others? Yes.

I feel like branding does become a big deal at some point. So eventually a custom theme, logo, etc etc could be beneficial.