If you are interested in making themes for others and not only yourself here are a few tips to keep in mind that I have learned over the past few years.Â
First of all, why make themes?
Well, making themes is actually really fun. Personally, I don't really make themes for people to use, I just make them because it's a hobby. Secondly, if you make themes and people are using them, you'll get more followers! If someone sees another blog  using your theme and they think "Wow, that's a really nice theme, I want one." They're going to find you and look at your blog and your themes.Â
Theme trends change all the time! A few years ago, people used photoshop to make buttons and banners for their blogs. Now, most links are just decorated with css hover effects. It's important to know what people are into these days so your themes will always be used. Currently, people like using the font tinytots.
Different people like different kinds of themes!
It's true! Different people means different blogs. I don't usually 'label'Â people or their blogs but I've noticed that certain types of blogs prefer certain types of themes. Remember, this is just from my personal experience, not every person falls into these categories.
Fandom Blogs typically use single column themes, no infinite scrolling and a sidebar (usually on the left). I run a fan blog and most blogs I follow are the same.
Hipster/Boho Blogs typically choose themes with 2 or more columns and infinite scrolling. I used to run a 'hipster' blog and that is how I used to make my themes. Some use rainbow hover links.Â
Fashion Blogs often go for a girly theme that has more than one column, a nice banner and a big space for description. (Not really too sure on this one since it's been years since I've used my fashion blog.)
Photography Blogs like themes that show off their pictures. Either a theme with many many columns or one with really large posts.Â
Sometimes, simple is best.Â
Honestly, I think this is the most important. Often, people clutter their blogs with so much stuff it doesn't even fit on my screen! Try to balance out your themes and don't give people too much room. It sounds weird, but I think it's a good tip. When you give someone too much room, they're going to fill it up with a lot of words and a lot of links. This goes for those who don't make themes but simply use them as well. Try making one page called links and put all your links there instead of filling up your home page. This way, people can focus on your posts instead of looking everywhere for the 'next page' button.
Make sure your theme functions perfectly before releasing it to the public.
You wouldn't buy a product that's dysfunctional so make sure your theme is working smoothly before you put the code out there. Test it and then test it again! I know it's annoying to fix sometime over and over but if it's not working then people most likely won't use your theme. Give people a link to a live demo of your theme working and if they like the way it looks and works, then they'll use it!
Look at other theme makers and see what their themes look like.
If you're stuck and don't have inspiration, just look at other theme makers and their themes. Get some inspiration from them then start making your own. Don't steal their ideas though! If your themes aren't that popular then look at someones themes which are popular and see what you can do to yours. It's important to put your voice in your themes but make sure it's diverse enough for others to use for their blogs as well.
I hoped this helped you a little and if you have any questions please feel free to message me! :)