Getting A Customized WordPress Theme, Logo, Header and Banner

Do you want a customized WordPress theme for your blog? How about a customized header with your own logo? And if you need a customized banner ad, you might want to add it on your list.

Okay, so you want a customized WordPress theme, a customized header, logo and banner ad. The only problem is, you don’t have much money to pay for the services of a professional WordPress theme designer and a professional graphic designer. These days, their services are skyrocketing because of the high demand for their services. Do you have other options?

DIY (Do-It-Yourself) or RAC (Run-A-Contest)

If you can’t afford to pay for the services of a professional theme designer and a graphic artist, you have two other options. You can either do it yourself or run a contest.

1. Do It Yourself – Theme, Header, Logo And Banners

This may not be a good option if you don’t have enough time. Especially that it will require you to learn new skills before you are able to do your own WordPress theme, logo, header and banners. There’s more work to be done and a lot to be learned.

Learning PHP and CSS in order to design your own theme is possible but it takes time. Just look at Brian Gardner, one of the WordPress Rockstars. About 3 years ago, he barely knew anything about CSS and PHP. Now, he runs a successful website where he offer his services as a WordPress theme designer. Who knows, you might be the next Brian Gardner in the making.

As for the header, logo and banners, there are some useful free online tools that you can use. Look for Free Online Logo Makers to start designing your own header, logo and banners.

2. Run A Contest – Theme, Header, Logo And Banners

To those who don’t have much time in their hands and with little budget to spend for their customized WordPress theme, header, logo and banners; you can run a contest. This is the most efficient way to get what you want. And because you will be running a contest, you will be presented with various choices. Here’s what you should do.

• Decide how much prize you are willing to give. Prizes don’t always have to be cash but most designers prefer cash so make it a priority. A good minimum cash prize in case you want to run a contest for WordPress Theme is $150.
• When you’re done deciding on the prize and you have the prize at hand, create your contest post. Your post should include details on how to participate, how to submit entries, how entries are judged, when will the contest begins and ends, prizes awaiting the winners and when will the result be posted.
• To ensure the success of your contest and encourage more participants, try to raise good prizes and make sure you give your contest sufficient promotion and exposure. You can do this by submitting your contest to Contest Blogs or by asking other bloggers to tip their readers about it. You can also use press releases or forums to reach out to a wider audience.
• Finally, relax and wait for entries to come in. Don’t be overwhelmed with the entries. Decide who wins after your set deadline. This will allow you to see other entries. Besides, participants usually submit thier entries three to five days before the deadline.
• When you’re done with your contest, make a post to announce the winners.

Running a contest has been a successful strategy for a lot of bloggers to obtain their own customized WordPress themes. I’m considering doing it in the future but for now, I’m happy and contented with Thesis as my theme.

What other tips can you share to get a customized WordPress theme with little budget? Thanks for the time.