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June 23, 2008
Over the past weekend, I decided I was going to do what I have put off for quite some time. Developing a fully integrated WordPress theme and BANS Template that work seamlessly together!
The result can be seen at my testing ground of: http://nsbth0620.trybans.com/
This will end up being the first of many themes I am going to work on making available to you all for your Build a Niche Store websites!
So - What makes This Theme Different than Others?
First and foremost, this WordPress/BANS theme set is drop and go! That means you will only have to change 3-4 bits of information in the code of the templates to make them work on your site! I felt that was very important, so that more people, even those who do not know code, can use these new themes very easily!
This first set of templates is designed to be used on NEW Sites for now, however, it is easily adapted to an existing site as long as you don’t mind creating permanent redirects for pages already indexed! (Via simple wordpress plugin, already included with theme)
The overall goal was to create a “Drag and Drop” theme package, anyone could use! It is really as simple as ftp the theme to your server, change a few lines of code for your own domain name, and you are done!
Just a few of the WordPress BANS Features:
WordPress Plugins included with the theme pack:
When Will it be Available?
I am in the process of completing the install instructions for ths BANS/Blog template pack right now, which is going to be less than 1 page! There is a small group of folks who will be running it through its paces over the next day or two, then I will release it publicly!
At this point, I still want to reduce file size just a bit as the site framework comes in at about 65-70k in size due to the images and css.
I have to say… I am very excited about this new series of templates. I have worked long and hard to get all information flowing seamlessly between WordPress and BANS and this is a complete solution that is simple to use and 100% forward compatible with new versions of both platforms!
I am also looking for suggestions from you all on what other themes you may like to see converted to a BANS/Blog theme pack. There are literally thousands of freely available themes out there and this first set is just the beginning!
Mark
36 Responses to “Just Another Work in Progress - BANS Theme for WordPress”
Got something to say?
Wow Mark! This is a really sweet looking template. It almost resembles your designer shoes site. How much will you be selling this template for? Can’t wait to get my hands on it.
I’ll take one to go!
This is exactly what I am looking for. How much?
This is great, just what I am looking for!
How much?
@ Mark -
I would be thrilled to just let them go as is… but I will likely charge something $29 for a template pack.
It allows me to set aside time on developing more of them as well as somewhat limiting the saturation of free templates.
In less than 60 days, I got more than 20,000 inbound links from free templates I released before… I want to try and avoid that kind of saturation in such a short time.
In all likelyhood, I will also give away templates each month.
Mark
Very nice template! I’m looking forward to seeing more, and I’ll definitely be a customer.
Really nice job, Mark. It seems really seamless.
I did find it was a little slow to load, however, and I have a pretty fast connection.
KUDOS. That is a really nice looking template. Just like BANS is worth more than the $99, so is that template - sweeet.
I got to hand it to you, you out did yourself on that one. I can see what I’d like to do already, to add my own flavor - excellent starting point.
I’ve seen a few blogs and info sites with a similar theme.
Now thats an original looking template, I hope it is easy to integrate into old sites…great work ..your Team does good work..
I know BANS/WP integration can be done. However I just don’t see the point. Why waste time on integration when you can just use a WP solution such as phpBay. That way your time is spent building niche blogs or niche sites (using WP as the CMS).
My 2 cents…
Woho
Been waiting for this!!!
Thank you MARK
Very, very nice Mark!
Thanks for doing this!
This is awesome. I can’t wait to see it for sale!!
Amazing Mark! It looks awesome - well worth all your hard work.
This is something I’ve been waiting for as I’m not very good at changing codes to make programs work for me.
Keep us up to-date on any release and when you have them ready I’d like to try a new store with one of these great templates
Mark I like it. Put me on the list for one of the first ones.
@ Jon -
I hear everything you are saying!! I actually thought about (and have tested) using a simple WP theme with phpBay, but the only issue I have with it is on first load (maybe there is a solution somewhere) the auctions are not relevant to the page…
I tried it on this test site and even have the plugin installed already to integrate within the posts. I will shoot up a few posts and see if we can get it right.
Mark
Mark, you have overdelivered - as usual! The design is beautiful, and it’s obvious you have even put a lot of thought into the plugins. ANXIOUSLY awaiting the release…
When you use phpBay Pro, you can specify a search phrase and category number. (Technically you can also include exclusions, and quite a bit more.) I’ve never had an issue getting the proper products to show up.
BANS has a much more intuituve search capability since they use the default eBay search syntax, but it can be done with phpBay.
So I’m not quite sure why you didn’t get the products you were after…
PS. I’m not down on BANS, or even having a WP blog on your BANS site. What I don’t get is the time and effort of a BANS/WP joint theme… one site… type of an integration. Then again, it would be a gigantic effort for me to pull off. :)
I have been planning to make a blog BANS ready but have been a little nervous about it so I just never got around to it. Buying a template that is already done seems like the best step for me.
Mark, that’s a masterpiece and looks fantastic.
If only BANS had a WP plugin - surely this must be coming!
Look forward to seeing things develop.
Wow Mark great work. This looks amazing I can’t wait for when you release this
G,
Potentmix started a thread on the BANS forum titled:
Its Time for an Easy WordPress/BANS Integration
Kelvin replied in the thread that they are not going to be releasing
a plugin for Wordpress at this time.
Here is the thread:
http://www.buildanichestore.com/members/viewtopic.php?t=15943
Randy
Hi Mark,
I love the new template. Your work is always GREAT!
I was wondering if their if you could add a plugin to your bog that makes it easier to print out?
I print out some of the post becuase I like to read them off-line.
Thanks,
Randy
Quick note that the above privacy policy plugin link seems to go to a “page not found”. Thanks.
Steve
Hi Mark! The template looks great and I’m looking forward to trying it out. Just what I need to get motivated again. June has been a horrible month across the board for all my sites. I know I should be working on them, but I haven’t been able to get the”stinkin’ thinkin’ “out of my head to do it.
Thanks again for all you offer.
Sherrin
Yes, Mark has raised the ante again with this WP/BANS integration. Surely you can sign me on for a template.
This is a question that if not available, could lead to a suggestion: for a new project, I have a lot of pictures that I would like to display in the form of a photo album (thumbnails that when clicked would display larger pictures, eg 640 x 480 pixels). Does WordPress have a plug-in for this?
Mark,
This looks fantastic. I’ve played around with WP/BANS integration but it was taking up too much time to be able to replicate quickly. I finally splurged on phpBay which works fine. I cant wait to see your finished work. And thanks for knocking this out! Please put me on your list too when the template is available! Cheers.
Randy,
Thanks for the link, I’ll check it out now.
Regards,
G.
Hi Mark,
With the templates you are creating. Will you be able to change the theme of the blog like you can in wordpress?
Do you have time frame as to when they will be completed?
Randy
@ Randy -
I wish it were that easy… but BANS uses a completely different backend than wordpress. When the two are called at the same time, there are some conflicts in declarations (being called multiple times) with common naming.
I have worked through the testing phase and intend to post it up later this afternoon.
In addition, I have already begun the transition of 3-4 other themes, and should have those completed over the weekend as well.
My goal is to create about 5-10 new WP/BANS themes per month, to make it easy to find one for any type of store.
Mark
Hey Mark Russ I think that is great and I just setup my newest store on Saturday night (www.engagement–rings.org and Im deffinately using this on that site first.
Like Always Great Work!
I think I would like one of those also. I really like the other template I bought from you.
For someone with just a smattering of html, how difficult would it be to put this on an established BANS site? Would I be better to wait?
Woah - I’m playing catch-up here after being on vacation and I’m so excited to see the developments in your work, Mark.
I’m a SiteSell customer and was “brought up” on content being king, but could also see the benefit of BANS in making some decent cash with some research and a following wind. I’ve been wanting to do a blog for some time (being the self-obsessed chatterbox that I am :) ) and I’m so thrilled that you’ve come up with this.
Can’t wait to buy the template!
Blimey…..what a difference a couple of weeks make!
It is an awesome tools. Saves a tremendous amount of time. Will you please provide more templates or directions in using with other Wordpress templates.
‘thanks