Automattic has added a new page on WordPress.com inviting theme makers to submit their theme shops to the platform.
Historically, Automattic has invited particular theme makers to be a part of the WordPress.com commercial theme program. I have heard from some sellers on WordPress.com that they’ve really opened it up to a lot of people now, and this seems to confirm that they intend to continue scaling options for this segment of their business.
The process for getting themes on WordPress.com can be quite arduous at times. This story from Sami Keijonen gives great insight to the process and some of the limitations on theme makers.
I’m interested to see who decides to target WordPress.com now that wasn’t previously a part of the program. I know that I’d love to see more individuals (like Sami) and smaller companies get involved.
Before you know it, perhaps WordPress.com could be as profitable for some of these folks as ThemeForest is for others, where a number of theme authors have now made over $1 million.
That’ really good news for smaller players like me. I’d advice that you first get your themes on WordPress.org so that you’re familiar of the theme review process and know how to make a solid theme.
It’s interesting to see how fast are they wanting to crow their theme market on WordPress.com.
And thanks for the link to my story. Some of it looks funny now because everybody can apply but hey, I was invited:)
Another plattform in the WP ecosystem opens up. I`m curious about the upcoming partnershops. As far as I see it this signup form only aims for the 1% elite?
If you make and sell WordPress themes you should consider yourself part of the “1% elite”, no matter how small or large your shop, no matter if the themes you sell are on ThemeForest, WordPress.com, Creative Market, or your own site.
Please don’t be deterred by the language—WordPress.com can seem intimidating from the outside but the Theme Team is largely just a bunch of normal (i.e. approachable) people looking for quality themes from outside providers. How they message it is difficult because they need quality code that’s not going to break millions of websites but they also need to appeal to the types of developers that ThemeForest appeals to.
Don’t let the “you should be amazing at theme development to even dare send us an email” false aura throw you off. They’re very nice people wanting people like you to succeed. You should contact them.
This is exciting. I’ve done the math on some of themes available on WordPress.com and it seems to be very profitable for more than one chap, not too unlike ThemeForest. This is also attractive to me because the themes are hosted on the same environment so there can’t be hosting-related issues (ie. less support burden). I imagine there will be more competition now, though.
Sami Keijonen’s article was great.