Last Updated on March 15, 2021 by Dragan Palla
If you decide to establish your online presence (or client’s) with WordPress you can sleep easy choosing StudioPress.
StudioPress, founded by Brian Gardner and now owned by WP Engine, offers a wide selection of premium WordPress themes based on the excellent Genesis Framework and child themes.
I would like to let you know that Genesis framework is used by one of the biggest blogs. Copyblogger and Problogger are only two examples that you can look on.
Genesis Framework – foundation of smart WP design
StudioPress themes are based off their own unique code called “Genesis Framework”. It has 6 layouts, fixed width and threaded comments along with it being search engine optimized with high end security.
The benefit of using their framework is the structure is kept separate from the design, meaning you could update the child theme weekly and it wouldn’t affect your rankings.
They have basically integrated WordPress and the Genesis them together. So if you need to update WordPress you do it through them. They also developed some free plugins and blocks for Genesis framework that can make your life a lot easier.
Theme features
As any other respectable framework Genesis has a lot of great features that are developed to do things a lot easier for you.
Below are Genesis Framework most interesting features:
Search engine optimized |
Genesis theme comes with a SEO panel that help’s you in doing a better SEO optimization then the most of themes.
If you will have Genesis you will never need another SEO plugin on your site.
Because you will have the possibility to add a title or description to any page or post, you can choose to index or not index it.
Turn-key designs |
The 35+ turn-key designs at the moment of writing give you an array of beautiful frames for your content, with more coming all the time.
Changing the look of your site is a snap — and you don’t need a designer or developer to do it.
You can radically change the look of your site every week if you want to, and you’ll never hurt your search engine rankings.
Unlimited everything |
You can use the StudioPress Themes on an unlimited number of sites – no “developer” price to pay.
You get access to unlimited support (for any questions or help), and you get unlimited updates for any and all code changes, future releases, new themes, all of it.
Their team consists of over 20 moderators from all over the world, who provide solutions and help for 200,000+ customers.
When StudioPress says unlimited everything, they mean it!
Security |
StudioPress brought in one of WordPress leading developer Mark Jaquith to make sure each and every StudioPress Theme has the best security possible.
Automatic updates |
The last thing you want is for a new WordPress core update to completely crash the jumbled mash of code and plugins you’ve rigged together to call a site.
Genesis helps take the guessing game out by using automatic updates so your code is always state of the art and fully optimized for search engines.
Have you seen the StudioPress Marketplace?
StudioPress has recently created a single place to buy approved child themes from “third-party designers”.
StudioPress Marketplace is a simple solution to the ongoing problem of finding a variety of well-built designs powered by the Genesis framework.
Some designs kick off the Marketplace, with many more coming all the time. Price for a single theme with Genesis framework is from $99,95 to $129,95 depending on theme features.
Options when it comes to purchase
- Open source Genesis framework – $59.95
- Individual Licence – $99.95 or $129,95 ( includes Genesis framework )
- Genesis Pro – $360/year ( get every single theme + Genesis framework )
- Genesis framework & all StudioPress packages free with a WP Engine plan from $25/month
I personally own the Genesis Pro, and I love the fact there is access to and support for Genesis and all the StudioPress made themes for just $30/month. In case you change your mind Genesis Pro comes with a 60-day money back guarantee.
If you are new to StudioPress and have ambitions to develop a serious online business you should consider the premium package with a WP Engine plan starting from just $25/month.
StudioPress pros
- Brand name company behind it
- Wide selection of child themes
- Great support
- Step-by-step tutorials on how to use various features
StudioPress cons
- Theme design could be better
-
Requires code knowledge for some customizations
Bottom line …
If you’re looking for something that will give your site more design/customization options out of the box and to give you the options for more complex features and functionality down the road, then I would strongly recommend StudioPress.
The price and the possibility to install it on multiple WordPress websites make Genesis even greater.
Click here to check out the Genesis framework from StudioPress
Tay
I can see you use Genesis Framework on your site and I must say I like what I see. I am intrigued by StudioPress thanks to your review.
Keep up the good work!
Dragan Palla
Hi Tay,
Since I use Genesis Framework for couple of years I’ve decided to write in depth review based on my personal experience with all pros and cons. I can tell you won’t regret joining StudioPress.
Cheers
Brandy Ray
Awesome review! I didn’t even know about StudioPress until now. They seem to be an amazing service judging by your review. I hope that the 80 dollars will be well worth the money. And if it is, I may upgrade to pro plus package.