When is it time to invest in a custom theme?

[Cedric]

Do you think an admin should invest in a custom-made design for their new forum from the very beginning, or use a free theme for a few months, until they turn the community into an active one by promoting it, and creating content? When it comes to forums, when do you think the time for a custom-made design is?

 

[Grant]

There are probably thousands of available themes to choose from out there, but I'm sure there are many forum owners who make their own custom themes and designs. It's time for a custom made theme if that's what you want. You don't need a custom theme either, but if you want to change things up, it's fine to change things up. Either by designing your own theme or investing to have someone else make the custom theme.

 

[Kane]

Most of my sites use free themes. I start using a custom theme only when it becomes necessary. For instance, sometimes you need custom themes on a site where you are selling products and services (it will boost the confidence of buyers because they start believing that you are serious about your site and you have invested money in it).

 

[Heatman]

Personally from my experience, I would say that it's not something to be invested in immediately launching your forum. You should run your forum for at least 6 months to 1 years before making that move. This will give you time to know exactly what and what to boost up the general custom design and theme. A community I'm helping run did it after 1 year of the forum being operational.

 

[Good-Person]

Personally from my experience, I would say that it's not something to be invested in immediately launching your forum. You should run your forum for at least 6 months to 1 years before making that move. This will give you time to know exactly what and what to boost up the general custom design and theme. A community I'm helping run did it after 1 year of the forum being operational.

If you can design a custom theme in the best manner, then I do not think that investing your time would be a bad idea. However, in case if you are not a professional, then seeking the services of a trained professional might be a better idea because they have experience when it comes to website designing.