...a template site would be? I know there are lots, but if you provide your own original designs for free, how well would the ads work you think?
Template sites obviously do make a viable income as they continue to pop up. However, to make yours stand out from the crowd and thus become profitable you need to get some unique templates on there. After building up a large visitor base you could add a section for premium templates which would increase your income considerably.
Hi Ginger, I was thinking the same. I'm looking through the web and there are a few that seem truly unique. The others are ripping off or are just plain bad designs. I might look into this, thanks.
Ah, we can always learn by example. One example of how to market free themes, hook them, then get into the premium theme market is Chris Pearson. He did the CopyBlogger WP theme. http://www.pearsonified.com/themes The same principals can be applied to themes in general or niche systems such as forum themes, blogger themes, etc. If you go the niche route, set up a domain for each one. A lot of WP themes can be adapted to Blogger for example. Might as well kill two birds with one stone (with a little more effort). You can develop targeted followings for each niche as a side benefit. Good luck!
Template sites are a dime a dozen. But SEO competitive template sites do not exist at the starter site market.