Top 8 Recommended Free WordPress Themes for Bloggers
Are you planning to start blogging as your new hobby? Before this article we have a written an article on How to create a WordPress website from scratch. Make sure you read through all the steps before creating one and choose the best recommended free WordPress themes for your blog.
And now after that we wrote this article for you, Bloggers to let you know of the best recommended top 8 free WordPress Themes to start off with your blog.
Checkout these FREE WordPress themes for your blog:
1. ASTRA
COST-FREE
For a beginner, this is the best free WordPress themes. Astra can be both used for business and personal blog website themes. I would always recommend it to entry level bloggers.
Its easy to use experience and minimal knowledge to design the blog makes it as one of the most commonly used theme in the world.
MAJOR FEATURES:
- Responsive and Compatible
- Build in support for Woo-commerce
- Can be translated to any languages
- Tons of color options.
2. HESTIA
COST-FREE
Hestia is one of easy to use and design blog is also will be suitable for both business and personal blog.
You just have to learn on how to drag and drop to design in the WordPress live customizer.
Popular, simple and easily designed.
MAJOR FEATURES:
- Flexible and responsive designs
- Supported Woo-commerce feature
- Easy to setup
3. GENERATE PRESS
COST – FREE + PREMIUM
One of the best of lightweight, responsive free WordPress themes for your blog.
With 300,000+ active website, this is a real deal.
Even DURI DIGITAL is build on GeneratePress WordPress theme.
MAJOR FEATURES:
- Lightweight and responsive
- Premium options are available
- Search engine optimized
- Plugins compatibility
- Layout control
- Page builder friendly.
4. OCEAN WP
COST-FREE + PREMIUM
Ocean WP is one of the best and most popular free WordPress theme with more than 3,200,000 downloads.
It can be used as Business site, personal blog, Magazine sites and also e-commerce sites.
MAJOR FEATURES:
- Super flexible and easy to use
- Multiple layout choices
- Custom logo support
- Live customizer support
- Multiple sidebar areas
5. BENTO
COST-FREE
With tons of features, Bento is a super good multipurpose theme
I would recommend you to use this if you have a blog with business services, like portfolio (or) Freelance personal website.
MAJOR FEATURES:
- Customization options
- Fully drag and drop feature
- useful for broad websites
6. GO
COST-FREE
Go theme is like a basic theme option with minimalist designs. This was Gutenberg’s first WordPress theme used to build blog websites.
MAJOR FEATURES:
- Minimal Designs
- Simple and easy access
- Contact form plugin support
- Mostly used for personal blog
- 60.000+ active installations.
7. HUEMAN
COST-FREE
Hueman is one of the best of magazine style free WordPress theme. It mainly focus on content and the image gallery. As you can see in the below image preview, this will be great for any magazine (or) newsletter style blogs.
MAJOR FEATURES:
- Responsive and mobile friendly
- Easy customization
- Multiple sidebars
- Custom layout support
- Best for Magazine type blogs
8. POSEIDON
COST-FREE
Poseidon theme, which can be used for both professional business website and personal blog website.
There is also widget based news type website and Magazine type template for easy setup.
FEATURES:
- Full screen image slideshow
- Clean typography
- Best for Magazine type
- 20.000+ active installations
How to Safely Update your WordPress Website
Are you stuck on updating your WordPress website? Well, we have written an article on how to safely update your website WordPress version in simple steps.
Make sure you read through the article fully and ask any question upon any doubts. Before that, ask yourself a few questions like,
Do I have to update WordPress whenever it launches an update version?
Well, the answer is a definite YES! You have to update the latest WordPress version for better performance, security, speed and compatibility to continue with your website.
Now, follow these steps to do it:
STEP 1: Backup Your WordPress Website
Here is the first step, after logging in to your WordPress dashboard, scroll down and click on the backup plugin which you use/have installed.
We use ALL- IN-ONE-MIGRATION plugin for export, import and creating backups.
Here are the list of good to use backup plugins:
STEP 2: Clear Cache and Turn off your Cache Plugin
Next, go on to your cache plugin. Clear the cache data stored and disable the plugin before the WordPress update. Your user data may be lost and performance may get affected if you didn’t turn it off.
We use Lite Speed Cache plugin for our site, Duri Digital.
Few Cache plugins are:
STEP 3: Update your Plugins and Themes
Go to Dashboard > Appearance > Themes to update themes.
Go to Dashboard > Plugins > Installed plugins and tick on boxes to update the latest versions of the plugins. (or)
You could visit the updates notification page on the dashboard to update the WordPress plugins.
Also read: Top 8 Recommended Free WordPress Themes for Bloggers
STEP 4: Install the WordPress Update
Now, after completing all the above mentioned steps, go on to dashboard > updates to update latest WordPress update. (In the screenshot our website is already updated).
After this, your site will be using the latest WordPress version.
STEP 5: Enable back the Cache Plugin
After the completion of the update, you can go back to the cache plugin and enable it back to its original.
STEP 6: Retest your WordPress Website
Its time to test! Test if all the plugins, themes are updates and check on if there are any conflicts rising in the core function.
Go through pages, blog posts and gallery and check if everything works fine.
That’s it and you are set to post your article again.
Instagram Tools: 5 Popular Design Apps for Android
Design matters and a good design must always be understanding and communicable with the audience.
By the end of 2020, more businesses and brands are setting their footprints in Instagram and thus having a good design setup always catches the attention.
Good design grows your social media followers base, viral your post and builds your brand.
Also Learn: 8 Proven Ways to Improve Growth on Instagram
List of Design Apps for Android we suggest:
1. CANVA
COST – FREE & PAID
We would say that this is one of the best and useful tools for your social media journey.
We, Duri Digital also prefer to use Canva for the design features it offers even in Free plan. Canva can be used to design Social media post, Posters, Flyers, Brochure designs, Business cards designs and many more.
They have a vast range of templates and design features. Only that the stock and graphic images are paid. But, overall this is one of the best and easy to use.
FEATURES:
- Free and Paid plans
- All types of design templates
- Used on Web, Android and iOS.
2. SNAPSEED
COST – FREE
Snapseed – A Google developed photo-editing and design filter application which works on iOS, Android, macOS & Windows.
You will be able to turn your photos into beautiful quality images with also adding filters. You could also save it as an template.
FEATURES:
- Free plans
- Snapseed stacks
- Compatible with and used on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
3. PHOTOSHOP EXPRESS
COST – FREE
This is one of the powerful image editing application that can be used on both desktops and mobile phones. But, the editing features in Mobile app may differ from the desktop versions.
It is a best designed and is packed with limited customization tools. It will be suitable for portrait images and self image editing.
FEATURES:
- Free plan
- Used on Mobile and Desktop
- Compatible with iOS, Android & Windows
4. VSCO
COST – FREE + PAID
heard that it was once used more among the high-school students. This is one popular photo & video editing and sharing application.
It is a blend of Photo sharing & Social network platforms. It has quite similar functions of the popular social media king “Instagram”. Users even can edit the images and save it without sharing it. It works only on mobile devices and are not compatible for desktop devices.
FEATURES:
- Free basic and Paid plans
- photo sharing and Social media network.
- Works on iOS and Android
5. ADOBE SPARK
COST – FREE + PAID
Adobe spark is an fast and easy to use application for creating your desired creative design instantly.
There are lots and lots of ready-made templates in it and users just have to do a simple edit to create a studding poster/graphic design.
FEATURES:
- Free plan
- Compatible on both Android and Desktop
- Ready made templates
- The only negative is that the designs are simple when compared to other applications.
Choose the best of design applications to create stunning graphic designs and improve your social media follower base and brand visibility.
Didn’t Exist in 2007 but Ruling The World in 2021
Now we are going to discuss about businesses that were not in exist in 2007 but are ruling the world in 2021.
In 2007, these businesses were just a startup and in wake of the technology era they have rose to become multi-million business models. Let’s take a look at the list of those businesses.
- Airbnb
- Bitcoin
- Tesla
- Android
- Uber
- Snapchat
1. INSTAGRAM
I mean everyone almost everyone uses (or) knows Instagram. The most used social sharing platform in 2020 with more than 1 billion active monthly users which is still Rising. Instagram is a visual photo sharing platform which is used as both a personal profile and also a business profile.
Instagram provides users content needs, building relationships and trust and shows the world with its unique pictures.
It was originally launched on iOS in 2010 by Kevin Systrom, Mike krieger.
Instagram is so addictive. Isn’t it?
2. AIRBNB
Airbnb – Air Bed and Breakfast. With listing of more than 100,000 cities worldwide as of 2020, Airbnb making a revolution in the online renting market.
Initially started on 2007 by roommates Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky, it has gone on to become a popular alternative to hotel connecting any travelers to local hosts.
There are over 7 million listings and 14,000 new hosts/month joining Airbnb in the year 2020.
Airbnb acts as a major financial and economy force in most of the countries.
3. BITCOIN
Bitcoin has grown on to become the most hottest and futuristic investment trend in today’s world. The tremendous growth of bitcoin has gone on to change the market of cryptocurrency.
Bitcoins are digital currencies that are saved in the users ‘digital wallet’ which on investment grows in later stages.
If you had invested $100 in bitcoin in 2010 then its value in 2020 would be worth millions/billions.
There are many platforms to buy and sell bitcoins. Choose your preferred one and start your bitcoin journey.
4. TESLA
Here we are to ‘Tesla’. Before we speak on Tesla, lets have a check on its founder, Elon Musk.
I would always say that Musk is one of the inspirational figure in the world. Its like all his inventions and businesses are for the only goal, ‘MARS’.
Tesla, a electric vehicle and clean energy company impacting in the revolution on energy based automotive and technology industry. Tesla creates Battery cars, Solar panels, Batteries and solar related products. The value of Tesla has increased Elon’s net worth to more than $100 billion in 2020 alone.
I am sure that Tesla is going to bring an end to petrol and electricity consumption by their products.
5. WHATSAPP
With over 800 million downloads in the year 2019, WhatsApp went on to become as the most used and downloaded application of that year.
Created in 2009 by two former Yahoo employees, Brian Acton and Jan Koum, the popular messaging application WhatsApp was sold for $19 billion to Facebook.
WhatsApp has gone on to become a daily used app and with its update to business, shopping and payments, its going to grow more.
Also that it is available in 180 countries and 60 languages.
6. ANDROID
As a 90’s kid, I still remember using Handsets and it was in 2010 that I came to know about Android phones, Touch screens and Smart phones.
Android operating system was launched in 2008 by Google and since that the mobile industry have seen a lot of revolution and technology improvement.
Completing 12 years, Android phones are still preferred for its simple operating system functions.
And now it is introducing Android 11.
7. UBER
Uber is for those who want o drive, deliver and earn income. Uber connects the riders to the eaters and restaurants.
In Uber, One can hire vehicles, deliver foods, packages, couriers and rent bikes.
Founded by Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, Uber is a transportation based company which helps the best to both the people and customers. It has bring in a lot of job opportunities and employment choices.
Its subsidiaries includes Uber Eats, Postmates, Careem, Cornershop and more.
8. SNAPCHAT
Snapchat is one of the popular photo and video sharing application mostly used among teenagers to share messages active for a short moment before making it inaccessible.
It is interesting that how it become so popular. At one time, more parents were joining Facebook and so teens moved on and preferred to use Snapchat which is more teen minded.
This led to its sudden growth and now in year 2020 it has 240 million daily active users which is just wow.
Snapchat’s stocks have been appeared to be increasing in 2020 and its going to be a huge step for coming years.
Lets see if they are going to rule the business world in 2021! Ask your questions below.
8 Must-have Social Media Marketing Tools for 2021
Marketing has become as an important aspect of any business and we have many applications and tools to automate and ease our effort.
The social media world is on a huge rise and have almost spread to every corner of the world. Thus you should have online presence in the best social media platforms.
We have to be prepared to tackle online marketing problems and we have listed down the 8 must-have social media marketing tools for 2021.
- Canva
- Buffer
- Hootsuite
- Buzzsumo
- Bitly
- Adespresso
- IFTTT
- Sumo
1. CANVA – Design Tool
We would say that Canva is one of the best and useful tool for your social media journey.
We, Duri Digital also prefer to use Canva for the design features it offers even in Free plan. Canva can be used to design Social media post, Posters, Flyers, Brochure designs, Business cards designs and many more.
They have a vast range of templates and design features. Only that the stock and graphic images are paid. But, overall this is one of the best and easy to use.
What it does:
- Logo Designs
- All Social media post designs
- YouTube channel designs
- Website designs
- Flyers & Brochures
- Presentations and many more.
To avail our Graphic Design services, Contact us.
2. BUFFER – Scheduling Tool
Buffer is like a social media assistant, which helps in managing multiple social media accounts.One can schedule post and engage with audience in Buffer.
Start with the free account option which allows single account and then look if it suits your needs. Then if needed, use the paid version of the application to ease your work.
What it does:
- Schedule and publish
- Engage with audience
- Measure analytics
- Start with 14-day free trial.
3. HOOTSUITE – Management Tool
Hootsuite is one of the best and most effective social media marketing and management tool.
It allows users to easily manage all their social media channels, schedule post and engage with campaigns. It also allows you to create a common chat space for your organization to keep track of your work activities. Try the 30 days trial version and if it suits your business go on to premium version.
What it does:
- Manage all social accounts
- Schedule and publish post
- 30-day trial before going premium.
4. BUZZSUMO – Research Tool
Buzzsumo is an research tool that helps you find new and engaging content ideas.
Content research is a must to gain organic growth and buzzsumo is the most powerful online tool for the task. you can get content ideas, popular content in other sites, competitor content ideas and more.
Another interesting part is that you can identify influencers and collaborate with then to create high performing and engaging content for your business.
It has both free trial and paid plans.
What it does:
- Find high performing content
- Give out content ideas
- Monitoring performance
- Collaborate with influencers.
5. BITLY – Link Shortener Tool
Bitly – A Link management and shortener tool which is probably efficient one for bloggers.
It allows you to shorten your links so that it may be short and clickable when sharing.
Bitly is a free services and these links never expires.
What it does:
- Shorten URL
- Link management
- It is Free and never expires.
6. ADESPRESSO – Auto-Advertising Tool
Adespresso is the sister company of Hootsuite founded in 2011 as a tool to automate ads on social media platforms.
It can be used for Facebook ads, Instagram ads and also Google ads for a 14 day trial before using a paid plan. Have a look at the paid plan pricing.
Try the trial version for 14 days. You just have to signup, create an ad and set it run. If you love the service, go on to avail the paid plan.
What it does:
- Common platform to run all ads.
- Auto ads mode
- It has a 14 day trial period.
7. FACEBOOK PAGE & ADS MANAGER
Well, everyone knows that Facebook rules the digital advertising world.
Facebook ads manager allows you to manage your social media pages, schedule post and run advertisements. These ads are also connected to Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube and other Google networks.
Facebook ads manager is accessible in both mobile and desktop.
Also read:
Why Facebook ads are very important for your Business?
8. SUMO – Email Capture Tool
Sumo is the #1 email capture tool for free of use.
All you have to do is to install the plugin on your WordPress (or) Shopify (or) Google Tag Manger and activate it.
It helps you get more subscribers and grow your email list which you can use for re-targeting your audience.
For your note, it also has a paid plan with more features.
Those were the Social media marketing tools that your should have for you business in 2021. Try these tools and grow your traffic and online business.
Google Hates Usage of These 5 SEO Techniques
Many are very curious to earn money online through blogging and to get their website in the top for better search results. But what they forget is that, Google hates few things that we do not in the correct way to boost our online visibility. What we miss is to read about the Google algorithm updates.
Here are 5 things that google hates to be done to your website:
1. Duplicate content
Fresh content is always welcomed by Google. If you happen to copy down the content from your competitors or similar website, then that would be a trouble for you.
Google hates duplicate content. If your website is new and is copied, google wont be wasting time for the same content! It looks for originality.To make your website improve for organic search, you should go for original content.
Do it and see your webpage growing! Tools to check duplicate content: Copyscape, Siteliner.
2. Keyword Stuffing
Would you read a article or feel it to be understanding & useful if the main keywords are repeated frequently?
No reader would be impressed by such article and the same goes for Google. Google algorithm is designed in a way to crawl keywords and give the best article for the readers when searched. But it also recognizes an article if its stuffed with a lot of keywords.
Use the keywords and its related meanings to fill in you article. By doing so, your site would prove to be fruitful to the readers.
3. Slow Websites
People are always in a hurry even though we are having good internet services in today’s world.
Just question yourself for this. Would you go after a website that takes too long to load? Its an obvious NO! And Google would not recommend such sites to its users and that would definitely affect your organic SEO results.
We recommend that a site should be least take 3-6 seconds for loading. Its your website is slow, obviously your organic traffic will be low, bounce rate will be high and its will affect SERP results.
Use tools like Google pagespeed, GTmetrix or Pingdom to test your website speed and improve them.
4. Paid Links/Buying Links
This is worst! SEO is best when done by organic methods. You are breaking the Google search engine algorithm rules and you could watch your site taken down by Google soon.
Paid links/Buying links are not the best ways to draw traffic and you should not follow that. Yes! Link building is hard but we suggest you to use Link building tools to learn and implement it.
5. Unusual Interlink Building
Interlinking is one of the most essential and powerful link building strategy in SEO but likewise it is harmful is done more than usual. You can use 2-4 interlinks normally.
Interlinking is a way to create a link within your webpage making users/readers to engage with the content more longer. But if you tend to use more interlinks than usual, it may affect the quality of content and the reading accessibility. This is make your site go down in organic search results!
