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ThemeGrader.com

by clickbump
11 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
    • |
I'm creating a website/app that tests the top selling WordPress themes (and some new ones you've never heard of) for several key factors including speed, adherence to coding standards, SEO, support, user satisfaction, etc... The idea first came to me several years ago when I found HubSpot's "Grader" platform which does a similar thing for website marketing. I've had the domain reserved for some time and I'm just now getting around to building it.

I'll be running each theme I test through a battery of tests (both popular and proprietary) including PageSpeed, YSlow, W3C Validation, SEO Doctor, etc...

Bottom Line: The end result of the tests will be an overall "ThemeGrader Score" for each theme and plugin that we analyze.

I'm building it out as we speak and deciding what direction it will go. Would like to solicit some input here for your ideas on what you would like to see to help you make an informed decision if you are shopping for a WordPress theme.

Thanks in advance for your helpful suggestions and feedback.

ThemeGrader.com
#themegrader #themegradercom
  • Profile picture of the author Ekushey
    Very good idea, site looks professional too! I would mask the URLs for the test drive and download buttons though (like themegrader.com/go/xyz).
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  • Profile picture of the author clickbump
    Thanks for feedback!

    Yes, I'll probably be cloaking those urls before the official golive. Mainly interested in what you are looking for in terms of features and functions. Any other suggestions?
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  • Profile picture of the author Ekushey
    I've a terrible headache now and can't think much, but a lot of things can be done on this site! A submission link would be great (which both buyers and theme developers can use).
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    Hire me on Freelancer.com at an affordable rate with fast turnaround time.

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  • Profile picture of the author clickbump
    I'm glad that you mention that. I think a submission link will be a very good tool for both creators and consumers (as you indicate). Hit me back when you feel better. I'd love to pick your brain for more helpful suggestions
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  • Profile picture of the author IskaDev
    it's very good idea
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  • Profile picture of the author crizual
    You could make better background for first page. Gradient background, that's some old style . Also what font is that, it's not good. Instead of that fond I would pick arial it's much easier to read. The top page when you come to the main site save time and money with ... It's hardly visible. Overall too much colors.
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  • Profile picture of the author Befoundbe
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author clickbump
      Originally Posted by Befoundbe View Post

      Hello, Hope this helps. Dont hesitate to mail or pm me (facebook name is Hendrik R) emailaddres facebook@....
      Thanks for the feedback Hendrik. I'm just testing the CaptainUp app as a way to help foster engagement and encourage users to identify with the site. You make some good points. I'm still learning how to customize that part of the app. The main thing is that it allows you to use your twitter or facebook logins rather than having to have a login just for my site.

      About the scores on the home page. Hopefully it becomes apparent to users that everything about the site revolves around "the score" or "the grade" that each theme earns. I'm expecting that the numbers in blue circles will become clear after only a few pages.
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  • Profile picture of the author nickrap13
    Nice site and great idea!
    I would suggest to, in the first-index page to make something more attractive.
    e.g. The best value for money themes, of offer themes, to attract more visitors and increase their staying time.
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  • Profile picture of the author psahalot
    Hey Scott,

    I am a theme developer and I came across your site a few weeks back. Glad to see your post here.
    I really like the idea and I am sure it will be helpful for lots of users and developers.
    I hope this could become a "benchmarking" tool for all WP Themes.

    You should work on the design, hire a designer or get a premium theme so that your site looks professional.

    Right now, it looks cluttered.

    On home page, you can have sections like : Latest themes, Most Popular themes, Best Themes.
    Something similar can go with top navigation.

    And to help users you can have a theme filter which can be used to browse themes by type: blogging, business, portfolio etc. coupled with your overall ratings.

    Home page needs great improvement. The top banner needs changes as suggested earlier by Befoundbe
    Use better fonts : Raleway, Lato, Ubuntu, Open Sans

    If you are using "Today's Most Popular" you might consider eliminating dates from each post.
    or to avoid conflicts, you might simply use "Most popular themes"
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  • Profile picture of the author toysoldier80
    Great looking site and a nice idea. Such great deals on wordpress themes as well. I think I read over 67 themes for $70. WOW! These themes rock too. Not just your run of a mill type theme either. Some great graphics and love the well organized material.
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