Tag: premium wordpress theme

  • Thrive Themes vs Divi 3.0: Which Is The Best?

    Thrive Themes vs Divi 3.0: Which Is The Best?

    Thrive Themes vs Divi. Which is the better choice?

    I get this question all the time and I want to be really honest here. I don’t think there is a guide out there which cover a lot of what Thrive Themes and Divi can provide.

    And in most cases, they are often one-sided due to personal preferences. I ought to be different and I hope you will find value in this post. More importantly, I hope you will be able to decide which is the best WordPress theme for yourself.

     

    Important disclaimer

    I want to disclose that I am an active affiliate for both Thrive Themes and Divi. However, I do have active purchases for both Thrive Themes and Divi (due to my nature of work). Therefore, I want you to be rest assured that I know exactly what I’m talking about.

     

    Thrive Themes vs Divi: Overall design

    Design and feel are two things that I look highly on. I am a minimalist guy and I don’t like complicated designs. Take a look at this blog and you will figure that out.

    That’s only the core reason why I use StudioPress for my personal branding.

    Now, Thrive Themes vs Divi, which has a better design?

    Let’s take a look at what Thrive Themes can offer. By default, Thrive Themes comes with 10 themes that you can start with.

    In comparison, Divi also comes with 10 inbuilt themes that you can choose from.

    Until here, both Thrive Themes and Divi are both providing pretty decent designs. Therefore, I would give them an equal score here.

    Thrive Themes 1 Divi 1

     

    Thrive Themes vs Divi: Ease of use (uploading design and demo version)

    At this point of time, it felt like a fair comparison and this should be a draw, right?

    No! You’re wrong and this is where nearly EVERY marketer out there doesn’t tell you.

    Divi is a clear winner here and allows me to explain to you further.

    Imagine you are a complete beginner and have no coding knowledge. You purchase Thrive Themes and you hope to import the demo content, load it up and walaa, you are all set to go.

    Here’s the problem. There is NO complete demo content upload or download available. Therefore, you have no choice but to do everything from scratch.

    Don’t get me wrong. You can download the demo and upload them but you will be shocked after uploading. You probably have the colour and that’s much. No fonts nothing. The only way is to work from scratch again and that would take some time.

    If you are going to for Thrive Themes, don’t be surprised with this! Again, it is not something bad, just troublesome.

    Divi is no different either (in some ways). You can download the demo themes and upload them. Now, Divi flares here because you can get the complete demo version to your site. The only downside is that Divi comes with DOZENS of features that will make your head spin.

    Of course, the easiest (but time-consuming) way is to read the manual first.

    Sorry, Thrive Themes but Divi is a clear winner here. Not everyone has the time or knowledge to play with codes.

    Thrive Themes 0 Divi 1

     

    Thrive Themes vs Divi: Website loading speed

    Anyone who is serious about managing a website will always take consideration of the loading speed.

    On average, a website visitor expects the site to load under 2 seconds. Websites that load under a minute often rank higher on search engines compared to those sites that have slow loading speed.

    Here’s one problem with these WordPress themes. Not all the WordPress themes out there are well coded for speed. Make no mistakes that there are premium WordPress themes that take ages to load.

    I tested both Thrive Themes and Divi based on a new website, zero plugins and only similar content on the front page.

    After three tests, the results are as below.

    Thrive Themes: 1.2 seconds, 1.35 seconds, 1.2 seconds

    Divi: 1.6 seconds, 1.86 seconds, 1.71 seconds

    I was hoping that either one of them would hit the below 1-second mark but they didn’t. Nonetheless, the results are pretty obvious that Thrive Themes is definitely a better choice when it comes to loading speed.

    The developers behind Thrive Themes are bold enough to share their mindset on website loading speed on their website (see below).

    SpeedTest_Thrive_Themes

    Thrive Theme 1 Divi 0

     

    Thrive Themes vs Divi: Customization features

    If you are looking for a premium WordPress theme that doesn’t require a single line of code to customize, then you are going to love both Thrive Themes and Divi.

    Both of these are the leaders in the market for drag and drag WordPress builder. By far, no one had come close to what they can offer in terms of customization.

    However, when comparing both of them, who will be the ultimate winner?

    Carry on reading to find out.

    Thrive Themes allows you to do customization with their Content Builder. This is how it looks like in action.

    Thrive Content Builder ReviewThrive Content Builder is awesome and it works like charm. Among all the content builder, Thrive Content Builder certainly makes content building much easier.

    But, there’s a problem with the content builder. It doesn’t play well with CloudFlare. Again, I have no issues with Thrive Content Builder but if you want to use it with CloudFlare, make sure you turn the CloudFlare Rocket Loader off.

    Divi is different from Thrive Content Builder. Here’s how it looks like in action.

    divi customization feature review

    Yes, Divi is just like Thrive Content Builder. Customization can be done easily with Divi and Thrive Content Builder.

    Divi has its own issues as well. The most common one is the size of the page and technology behind it. Due to the wide range of features, the page loads slower and it can be annoying if you are using a slow web host. A good web host can easily solve this problem any time of the day.

    Thrive Themes 1 Divi 1

     

    Thrive Themes vs Divi: Split testing

    I know you are asking for this. Who doesn’t love split testing, right?

    With split testing technology, you can test pages with different fonts, colour, and wording, to name a few. Here, Divi flares extremely well because split testing is inbuilt in all themes.

    Using Divi, you can test out anything, from a small part of the page to the whole page. Basically, the sky is your only limit.

    divi split test feature

    Until date, Divi is the only premium WordPress theme that allows you to do perform the split test on pages.

    On the other hand, Thrive Themes do allow split testing but only on opt-in forms (email marketing). Of course, I certainly hope they will implement this in the near future.

    But until then, Divi is the clear winner when it comes to split testing technology.

    Thrive Themes 0 Divi 1

     

    Thrive Themes vs Divi: Pricing review

    Pricing is always a concern and I’m sure you feel the same too.

    So, which is the better deal?

    This is how much Thrive Themes cost.

    Thrive Themes Pricing

    And this is how much Divi costs.

    Divi Pricing

    From the above, it is clear that Divi is much cheaper when compared yearly. Divi also is a clear winner as it has the lifetime plan which is a single payment.

    In terms of face value, Divi is definitely the winner but if you would take into consideration of the unlimited use of Thrive plugins, Thrive Themes is actually the one with higher value.

    When you sign up for Thrive Themes, you will automatically able to use all the Thrive plugins to further skyrocket your website. With Divi, you only have access to a smaller number of plugins and other themes.

    Thrive Themes 1 Divi 0

     

    Recapping the Thrive Themes vs Divi review and comparison

    Let’s calculate the score, shall we?

    Thrive Themes and Divi both managed to earn four points after the review. So, which is the best WordPress theme?

    Personally, I would recommend Thrive Themes if you are a blogger or managing a small business. Thrive Themes products are very much fitted into these categories and they will help you ‘fly’ high in the sky. See Thrive Themes in action here.

    If you are looking for a professional WordPress theme for your business, Divi is a better choice because it offers more customization and features which fit well for business and professional nature. Take a look at Divi here.

    What do you think? Leave a comment below and let’s discuss.

  • TemplateToaster Review – Designing Templates and Themes in Minutes

    TemplateToaster Review – Designing Templates and Themes in Minutes

    You know that I’m a huge fan of WordPress premium themes. When I was reached out to do an honest review on TemplateToaster, I know that I have to jump in and try it out.

    For the record, I heard about TemplateToaster for some time now. Sure, I have been pretty much away for most of the time because I am pretty tied caught up with my freelance writing but this is just too good of a deal to pass through.
    CONTINUE READING

  • Genesis Framework vs Thesis Theme – Best WordPress Theme

    Genesis Framework vs Thesis Theme – Best WordPress Theme

    When I first started up this website, my first thought wasn’t about creating a good website. My thought was not choosing a good theme but instead, I wanted to find the best WordPress theme from scratch (or at least, I try to create one).

    Yes! Good WordPress themes have many effects such as website loading speed, SEO abilities and even, attracting readers to come back for more! Of course, I am fully aware that I have so many WordPress themes to choose from. However, I need more than just a good WordPress theme; I need a great WordPress framework!

    Sounds like I am over my head? Enjoy this short video below and find out the advantages of using premium WordPress themes.

    Back in my head, I knew that to create a great theme from scratch, I need to use the best WordPress framework in order to create my masterpiece.

    Personally, I have been in this blogging industry for a few years now and I know when it comes to the best WordPress themes and frameworks, only two WordPress themes will make it through.

    Drum roll please…

    Genesis vs Thesis – The Best WordPress Theme

    Genesis Framework vs Thesis Theme
    A good WordPress framework will allow bloggers and developers to create excellent themes 

    On the left corner, we have Genesis Framework and child themes driven by the mighty StudioPress team!

    On the right corner, give a warm welcome to Thesis Theme and Framework created by famous, Chris Pearson and his DIYthemes team.

    I know! This two have been in a long battle until today! Crazy huh?!

    So, if you are very interested to make your own web design, I am pretty sure either one of this (or both WordPress themes) will be more than just a great start for you.

    Now, I had a fair time with both the themes and allow me to share my personal opinion on both. At least, it could assist you when you’re making you ultimate choice.

    Genesis Framework and Child Themes

    Genesis framework is one of the best WordPress themes
    Genesis framework offers in build SEO features and is extremely user friendly for bloggers 

    For starters, Genesis framework is very solid for those who are looking to build or modify themes according to their liking. For bloggers who are not tech-savvy like me, creating a WordPress theme using Genesis framework is pretty easy.

    Lots of documentations and what makes Genesis a worthwhile investment are as below:

    Genesis framework is search optimized

    Genesis has inbuild SEO features which is ready out of the box

    Genesis framework has turn-key designs

    Being unlimited is all about Genesis framework

    It would take you about a day to a week to master what Genesis has to offer … that’s if you want to create and understand completely what Genesis is all about. What makes Genesis different from the rest (even Thesis framework) is because it plays with many ‘˜hooks’.

    Okay, don’t bother what it means for now but the ‘hooking’ ability makes Genesis framework a very unique feature for bloggers and web developers.

    So, what is Genesis Hook?

    Genesis Hooks makes customizing your WordPress framework easier. What it actually offers is the ability for developers and bloggers to customize their sites without needing to find the specific code or area. Don’t get it? See below!

    If you are thinking of changing the meta settings etc? Just look for genesis_meta.

    If you are thinking of changing the side bar, just look for genesis_sidebar.

    Yes it is indeed pretty simple for developers and for newbie bloggers, it could take a bit of time to learn about it. However, Genesis hooks really bring blogging and web development to a whole new level. Trust me on this when I say that once you understand how Genesis framework works, it is going to offer you endless possibilities of customization in blog template. Period.

    Many premium and free Genesis child themes are available

    Genesis child themes on the other hand is like the outlook of the template. For those who prefer buying a pre-made WordPress theme (here’s the collection of themes in a very beautiful gallery) instead of doing one from scratch, you can do so by at StudioPress website. For people who want more customization, StudioPress also has a market place where you can seek for reputed developers to design WordPress themes for you.

    Tip: You need to buy Genesis framework first in order to have the child themes working.

    Genesis is pretty flexible and thus, many developers have actually moved over to Genesis. Still not convinced? This is what Mashable said:

    Mashable calls StudioPress the “best of the best” among WordPress premium frameworks.

    Famous people who are using Genesis framework for their websites:

    Genesis framework has a great reputation for being easy to build and has good out-of-the-box features
    Famous bloggers who uses Genesis Framework for their sites 

    At the moment, Genesis framework is sold at $59.95 with unlimited support and updates. Genesis child themes are sold between $24.95 to $44.95. If you are a developer or handling multiple websites, you might want to consider going for the Professional version which offers unlimited upgrades and all past and future themes Genesis can offer.

    Genesis framework offers multiple packages to fit one's need
    Genesis Pro Plus All Theme Package is an excellent choice for developers and serious bloggers 

    How can I buy Genesis Framework or Genesis Child themes?

    Head over to these links if you want to buy Genesis Framework, browse through Genesis Child themes or even purchase the StudioPress Pro Plus All-Theme Package.

    Not yet make up your mind? Don’t worry!

    You can check out StudioPress Community Themes if you want to see what other themes freelance developers are developing with the Genesis Framework.

    If you purchase from StudioPress, you are entitle for a 30-days money back guarantee in case if you want to have a refund. Zero commitment and absolutely risk free if you ask me.

    If you are a developer or running several websites, you can have a look at Genesis Pro Package which offers all child themes and lifetime of update.

    Thesis Theme and Skins

    I wasn’t and will not be one sided to Genesis! I had personally used Thesis 2.0 (no experience in 1.x though) for several websites of mine as well in the early stages.

    Now, what I can say about Thesis theme?

    Thesis theme … honestly … is very, very good. At times, I believe it is that slight better (really narrow win) over Genesis framework. I knew about Thesis few years back but since I am already with Genesis, I wasn’t bothered much.

    Since I was able to play with Thesis (bought the Professional package), I was pretty impressed with it but not at first.

    When I first saw the promo, I thought I had hit the goal mine. Not really. I hit … the other side.

    Thesis 2.0 was released recently and it offers many advantages over Genesis framework. The list as follow below:

    Easy way to deploy and tweak your WordPress themes

    Drag and drop feature

    Thesis boxes and packages

    Build in SEO features

    Just like Genesis framework, Thesis framework has boxes and packages which works like Genesis’s hooks. DIYthemes do not offer free or skins for sale which means, they are selling the framework by itself only. Of course, if you are buying the bigger packages such as the developer’s package, then you will get several free skins.

    Thesis 2.0 framework is very popular among WordPress enthusiast
    Thesis 2.0 theme is used by many well known figures such as Derek Halpern 

    I know you might be worrying now as you have no coding skills and knowledge. Don’t worry as Thesis 2.0 is pretty easy to configure (after you figure it out) and there are many developers who are willing to work with Thesis framework.

    When it comes to mastering the Thesis 2.0 techniques, I would say it took me about a week as well to understanding how everything works. And for the record, Thesis theme works completely different from Genesis!

    What makes Thesis 2.0 stand out against Genesis framework at this point of writing is because Thesis framework loads a fraction faster than Genesis. And when I mean a fraction faster, it only means about 1/10 of a second faster.

    Important? Go figure!

    As for the record, Thesis does not come with any skins for the standard package. However, if you purchase either the Plus or Professional package, then you will get some free skins along the way.

    Thesis 2.0 framework is one of the best for WordPress
    Thesis framework might be costly but it is one of the most popular web building tools for developers 

    Now, let’s talk about Thesis theme pricing and how to buy Thesis theme?

    You can gets your hands on Thesis theme and framework as low as $87 with a one year support which is called Thesis Basic. Of course, there are also Thesis Basic Plus which is $164 that comes with two extra skins and Thesis Professional which offers two skins and some Thesis boxes. Not to forget, Thesis Professional is a package which offers lifetime support and upgrades.

    You can easily get Thesis themes and skins about $20 to $80 each. Well, of course it depends on the website though.

    If you are interested to buy Thesis Framework, you can visit DIYthemes official website.

    Why I decided to use Genesis Framework and not Thesis theme?

    A few facts about me before I tell you why:

    1. I am super particular with my themes and I want the theme to be developed my way!
    2. Since many modifications will be done overtime, I need to find a theme where modification can be done easily.
    3. I don’t have much time to work on my themes and therefore, I need the themes to be done fast!
    4. I am always thinking of how to reduce my spending and therefore, a cost efficient framework would be great.

    Do we have anything in common as of the above?

    Reason 1: Genesis framework is easier to configure for a novice developer

    Now, both Genesis framework and Thesis theme fairly easy to configure. Don’t get me wrong as I am not a WordPress developer and all those CSS, HTML and codings really give me the headaches. However, I took some time learning them before I was able to use both without problem. I choose Genesis over Thesis theme simply because the time configuring Genesis is way faster than Thesis in my opinion and experience.

    Reason 2: Genesis framework is cheaper

    At the same time, Genesis is slightly easier on my pocket since I could just purchase the framework and develop my own WordPress theme. Well, a good debate which I asked myself is that the differences is very small. Though having a slightly cheaper investment is better, the biggest advantage was the lifetime upgrade and support offered by StudioPress.

    Reason 3: Genesis framework offers unlimited support and availability of Child themes

    I could easily buy one the framework and have 50 years of support while Thesis 2.0 only offer one year support and upgrade. Of course, you can earn unlimited support when you purchase the professional package.

    Don’t forget, I could also save a lot of money since most of Genesis Child themes are sold at a very low price. For developers, I would highly recommend Genesis Pro package which offers life time support, upgrades and all past and future themes free for download. And yes, a 1-off payment method.

    Reason 4: Long term investment and savings

    With simple maths, I knew I was saving up more money when using Genesis framework compared to Thesis framework.
    Are you using any of frameworks on your blogs or websites? Talk to me and let’s share our experience. Maybe I could learn something from you as well!

    So, what is your decision? Are you going for Genesis framework or Thesis theme for your WordPress blog? 

    Does this article clears your doubt in terms the best WordPress theme? Tell me what you think using the comment form below.

    Still not convinced of using premium WordPress themes? Listen my short podcast, Advantages of using premium WordPress themes or using SoundCloud below: