WordPress is by far the most popular blogging platform among professionals. It has virtually unlimited options for style and structure, and unlike other professional grade blogs, it is free. That being said, it can be difficult to sift through the thousands of blog templates to find a theme that is everything you want your blog to be: hip, cool, technically savvy, and businesslike. Most templates are either a snooze-fest or look like they belong to an aspiring rock star. That’s why I’ve taken the time to find some of the best templates for young businesses.
This is a list of ten professional WordPress themes that don’t stink. I chose them because they are unique enough to be memorable, but are smart enough to be taken seriously.
1. Glossy Light
A simple color scheme that stands out because of the ‘light’ motif; it is both professional and inspirational.
Download: http://themes.rock-kitty.net/glossy-light/
Preview: http://www.isoftwarereviews.com/theme-demo/index.php?wptheme=Glossy%20Light
2. Dotted Blue Blog
A youthful theme with a slightly groovy edge; it looks both smart and creative.
Download: http://www.wpskins.org/themes/6281/Dotted-Blue-Blog-Theme/
Preview: http://www.wpskins.org/testrun/index.php?preview_theme=6281
3. Keep It Simple
This excellent theme manages to be both organic and businesslike. It would be a great site for any “green” company that wants to avoid appearing too “crunchy.”
Download: http://www.styleshout.com/templates/preview/KeepItSimple1-0/index.html
Preview: http://www.styleshout.com/templates/preview/KeepItSimple1-0/style.html
4. ClearPress
This design is the ultimate in simplicity, but what makes it a standout is the vibrant contrasting color scheme which manages to be bold without being obnoxious and hard to look at.
Download: http://www.blogohblog.com/wordpress-theme-clearpress/
Preview: http://wpthemes.blogohblog.net/
5. Theme #2357
This theme takes chocolate brown and makes it look hip and modern with the use of a few curves. It is understated cool.
Download: http://www.wptmp.com/preview/2357/
Preview: http://www.wptmp.com/preview/2357/
6. Agregado
A mature, deep purple with a slightly feminine tone that translates well to professional content with a creative or inspirational edge.
Download: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/09/08/agregado-a-free-wordpress-theme/
Preview: http://www.darrenhoyt.com/demo/agregado/
7. Zinmag Redux
Urban but not “grungy.” The sans serif font and the color scheme look cool, but not immature. This particular theme is ideal for sites with plenty of multi-media goodies to show off.
Download: http://topwpthemes.com/zinmag/
Preview: http://web2feel.com/demo5/
8. Modern Marvels
These colors are sexy enough to represent a cutting edge company; and the global graphic makes the blog look like a contender in the cyber marketplace.
Download: http://topwpthemes.com/modern-marvels/
Preview: http://wordpress.topwpthemes.com/
9. Greenland
An understated but sophisticated theme that is light, welcoming, and easily adaptable to wide range of businesses.
Download: http://wpthemeland.com/theme/greenland/
Preview: http://wpthemeland.com/preview/greenland/
10. Digitalboxes
Dark and technical, this theme is conservatively colored with gray and slate; but the geometrically inspired banner graphic gives it a sense of style.
Download: http://wpthemeland.com/theme/digitalboxes/
Preview: http://wpthemeland.com/preview/digitalboxes/
Of course, your theme is just the beginning. If you want to represent your company in the best possible way on your blog, you’ll want to make sure that you regularly post valuable information and resources along with editorial content that is a true reflection of your company’s mission and goals.
Are you using a WordPress theme that you are particularly proud of? Got any theme suggestions for other business-bloggers? Leave us a comment and a link to your site!