What do you guys think of this template?

[PCX]

So, I asked you guys what you thought of my current site and while most of you liked the layout and design, the biggest critique was that I had WAY too much information and that I should simplify things. I have also been tossing around the idea of finding a template that was also responsive to mobile devices. We are finding that many of our customers (being young marines and students) are finding us on their phones, so it is becoming very important that our site works well on mobile devices.

Anyways, in efforts to keep things simple, clean and responsive, I have been looking everywhere for a good template. The closest thing that I have found that fits my needs and my tastes is this template here

http://wpexplorer.com/premium/demo.php?theme=surplus

There are a few others out there, but there are very few responsive templates that actually look good. If you guys have any suggestions, opinions or other locations to find good templates, please let me know.

 

[Simon Yates]

I really like the template all except for the textured background.

Obviously you need some contrast there so white is a no go, but really thats all i can say about it that i don't like.

With a bit of customization that could be made into a really nice website!

Regards,

Simon

 

[PCX]

I really like the template all except for the textured background.

Obviously you need some contrast there so white is a no go, but really thats all i can say about it that i don't like.

With a bit of customization that could be made into a really nice website!

Regards,

Simon

I am hoping that once I add my logos and content that it will give it enough contrast. I do not want to mess with the design to much, because I am not a designer . . . I will be the first one to admit that.

 

[Simon Yates]

I am hoping that once I add my logos and content that it will give it enough contrast. I do not want to mess with the design to much, because I am not a designer . . . I will be the first one to admit that.

I'd like to see it when you have it done!

 

[PCX]

So, I am getting kinda tired of looking through hundreds of templates . . . Here are a few more that I kinda like. Some of these I would obviously have to change the colors and most of these are not responsive templates, which means I would have to get a separate template specifically for mobile devices.

1


2

3

4: The one I originally posted

5: I would have to get rid of the top portion, but I like the rest of the site. I am afraid that if I remove the top that I could just make suck . . .

 

['putertutor]

Of all the ones you posted, I liked the original and number 1 the best. They just seem to have a design that could easily fit with the business. The one from template monster is eye-catching, but probably too much so, and without the over-the-top top portion, it is just a so-so site.

I've been looking at options for my eventual website, and I've been considering Jim's Ultimate Tech Site. You might want to consider that as well.

 

[Simon Yates]

For me it's between options 1 and 4...

And i'm leaning more towards option 1 at this point.
It's a very sleek design!

Just my 2 cents.

Regards,

Simon

 

[PaulRome]

Its a nice theme, but not if you also have to use their hosting.

I like the Amplifier theme the best.

Best of luck

 

[PCX]

Yeah, I agree with both of you. Its hard to decide . . . .

As far as functionality, does anyone have any thoughts on pros and cons for 1 and 4? What makes these themes the best?

 

[PaulRome]

Amplifier has cleaner code, better silo structure.

 

[Simon Yates]

Yeah, I agree with both of you. Its hard to decide . . . .

As far as functionality, does anyone have any thoughts on pros and cons for 1 and 4? What makes these themes the best?

Just focussing on one element to compare designs - The Slider.

Option 1 just flows very naturally from one type of content to the next and the navigation arrows remain static throughout.

Option 4 jumps around erratically and the navigation arrows jump all over the place.

Option 4 also looks dated when compared to option 1.
I have each template loaded on a seperate monitor side by side and the difference is quite striking actually.

#1 is a clear winner for me.

Regards,

Simon.

 

[PCX]

So here are my thoughts . . .

I am leaning towards #1

I like the navigation in #4 better though. I am wondering if the navigation for #1 will be an issue for older folks . . . that said, the average age around here is about 22 to 24 years old

I love the price charts on #4. I am even thinking about purchasing both so I can take the charts from theme #4 and use it on #1

Theme #1 does not have a responsive version of its site, which is one of the main reasons why I am looking for another theme. The only solution I can think of is to use #4 for mobile devices and #1 for the main site.

 

[anglian]

You can get mobile pugins for WP that auto creates a mobile version of your site.

 

[mason]

if you could spend abit of time on the design i would go for
http://www.templatemonster.com/demo/33394.html

nice design if you could make that in to a computer repair site - the only thing is will users scroll down if not they will basically miss your content and just see the massive header with the ipad

 

[PCX]

if you could spend abit of time on the design i would go for
http://www.templatemonster.com/demo/33394.html

nice design if you could make that in to a computer repair site - the only thing is will users scroll down if not they will basically miss your content and just see the massive header with the ipad

I know the header can be removed, I am just not sure if I want to redesign the top portion. I do like the rest of the site, actually I like several elements from this template and 1 and 4

 

[PCX]

I think the top portion of the monster template is flash, so its a no go.

This is what I think I am going to do.

Use the main template from number 1
Pay someone to port over the navigation bar from 4 and use it on 1

Any thoughts? Anyone want to give me a quote?

 

[anglian]

I think the top portion of the monster template is flash, so its a no go.

This is what I think I am going to do.

Use the main template from number 1
Pay someone to port over the navigation bar from 4 and use it on 1

Any thoughts? Anyone want to give me a quote?

I could help you with it but I am just so damn busy for the next 10-12 days.
If you decide to do it this way and get stuck, then PM me and I will try to find some time to help out.

 

[Simon Yates]

This is what I think I am going to do.

Use the main template from number 1
Pay someone to port over the navigation bar from 4 and use it on 1

Decent idea!

I look forward to seeing it when it's done.

Regards,

Simon

 

[Mr.Mike]

I would say that from a lay perspective, the cleaner-the better. 1 is clean and spare, therefore it is easy on the eyes. If you want the sight to "grab you", you go with 5. I would stay away from any moving, flashing, fading, or moving spaces that can take a viewer's focus away from their reason for being there in the first place. If it's smart phones or small screened gadgets you want to appear on, this would seem essential.

MHO.

 

[PCX]

Man, I should have bought this guys template . . . I may hire him to do some work on the site at least.

http://www.ccrwoodstock.com/index.html