Just got a brutal hard rejection on my lightweight blog theme, “PureBlog One” (that classic “isn’t at the quality standard” email with zero details). I ran it through Theme Check, fixed the flags (e.g., prefixes, sanitization), and tried resubmitting… only to get bounced again. Time for fresh eyes before v2.
The Ask: Roast me kindly—what’s the real killer?
Design: Too generic/basic (like a free theme vibe)? Needs more polish/animations?
Hello,
From what I can tell, the design is the main culprit. It is too “free theme” looking.
I suggest you search for a experienced designer and ask for a theme design, which you can implement.
Just to add some context, I am also just a dev (not a designer), I also need the help of a designer to create truly outstanding visuals, this is normal.
I appreciate the work here, but the main blocker is design—and, honestly, the concept. Right now it reads like a freebie, so the perceived value is low.
If you can, bring in a UX/UI designer. Developers tend to prioritize code, while a designer can lift the presentation and clarity. Concretely, I’d focus on:
Stronger concept & positioning: what makes this different and why someone should pay for it.
Typography & color: fewer styles, better contrast, and a coherent scale.
Consistency: buttons, cards, shadows, and states should feel like one system.
Demo & docs: a compelling live demo, real-world examples, and simple onboarding.
On marketplaces: Envato feels saturated; even if it’s approved, sales may be modest. I’d test it on wpbay—the community here is engaged and supportive of indie builders.
I know this is blunt, but it’s meant to help. With a sharper concept and a design pass, this could land much better.
