A Guide To WordPress Themes and Licenses

WordPress themes are packages that contain all the necessary files to provide a distinct look and feel to your WordPress website. This includes the template file, which controls the overall layout and any style sheets, images, and JavaScript files needed to create the desired effect. Most themes also come with their own set of customization options, allowing you to tailor the appearance of your site to your specific needs. 

There are thousands of options to choose from when finding WordPress themes. However, it's important to note that not all themes are created equal. Some themes are free, while others must be purchased. In addition, some themes are released under a Creative Commons license, which allows you to use and modify the theme as you see fit. However, other themes are released under a "restricted" license, which means that you can only use the theme as-is and not make any changes. Before purchasing or downloading a WordPress theme, check the license agreement to understand what you can and cannot do with the theme.

When should you let your clients use your WordPress license?

1. If your client signed up for a maintenance agreement

You've probably heard of maintenance agreements if you sell WordPress websites or referred to as maintenance plans. Customers pay a monthly price for you to maintain their website software up to date, check performance, monitor protection, and perform backups as part of these contracts. Some care plans include additional perks, such as website content updates.

Most agencies will continue their software licenses to their customers as long as they are on a plan. This contributes to the agency's maintenance agreement by eliminating the need for the client to go out and find and renew these licenses on their own—all it's covered. It's a win-win situation for everyone, mainly because agencies may save money by purchasing multiple-site permits.

2. If your client doesn’t sign a maintenance agreement

If a customer doesn't sign up for a  plan, it is often assumed that the client will be responsible for obtaining the necessary licenses. You may provide them a list of the plugins or themes they'll need and links to where they can get them.

This preserves all software in your client's name, allowing them to contact the program developer directly for assistance.

When you purchase a WordPress license, you're the only one allowed to use it. That means you can't give your clients access to your license or will enable them to use it on their site. If they want to use WordPress, they'll need to purchase their license. However, you can give them access to your site to see how WordPress works and what it can do for their business. By doing this, you can help them decide whether or not they want to use WordPress for their website.

If your customer decides to manage their website, you might be tempted to merely give your software licenses for free as a gesture of goodwill. While your intentions may be excellent, this might lead to a number of negative consequences.

What happens when you stop using WordPress themes and licenses?

The software stack you’re using today could be outdated in 6 months. If new plugins come out or the ones that were working before don't work anymore, your clients will have a bad experience because they won’t know what is going on with their accounts, which means half of all potential customers might leave for good!

• Because you've previously given it to previous clients, keep renewing the license.
• Inform your consumers that the software you provided will be removed from their computers.

If your customer has an issue with the software, they may want technical assistance. Without a maintenance plan, you won't be able to help them and they'll have to contact the software's creator directly. Your customer will be unable to obtain direct assistance from the developer because the product is licensed under your name. 

Do you want to offer free assistance?

So… how to handle WordPress licenses and themes?

License agreements are essential, so be upfront about what you're trying to do. Don't hide behind technical jargon or try and sneak in something sneaky at the last minute - your client will smell it a mile away (no pun intended). Keep things clear with simple language that anyone can understand. 

When you're running a business, it's important to be upfront with your clients about what they can expect from you, including the costs of your services. WordPress is an excellent platform for building websites, and it's free to use. However, there are other costs associated with running a WordPress site, including premium software and hosting fees. 

Your proposal outlines all of the necessary software and ongoing costs so that your client knows exactly what they're signing up for. This way, you can avoid any uncomfortable conversations down the road. By being upfront and honest, you'll build trust with your clients and set yourself up for success.

When you're trying to convince a potential client to sign up for your monthly maintenance plan, it's important to stress all the benefits they'll be receiving. In addition to your expert service and support, your plan also includes access to premium software that would typically cost extra. This is your opportunity to show your client how much value is packed into your plan and how much money they'll be saving by signing up. By giving them some complex numbers on their savings, you'll help them see the actual value of your maintenance plan. With all the benefits they'll be receiving, it will be an easy decision for them. 

About Global Presence Marketing

Global Presence Marketing serves international clients and partners’ business and marketing needs. We are accessible online - SCHEDULE HERE. For help, call (888) 719-4771 or send us a message through our Contact Page