iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar is a WordPress notification bar plugin that allows site owners to add a top bar to their website for announcements, social updates, and logins. The plugin provides a flexible way to broadcast site-wide alerts or target specific pages with custom messages. Users can choose between static or fixed positions to ensure visibility as visitors navigate the site.
WPExclusive members get access to BoomBar as part of a full plugin and theme library — plans from $9.99/month. See the full SolidWP collection →
What Is iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar?
iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar is developed by SolidWP and is an extensions plugin for WordPress designed to increase visitor engagement. It belongs to the extensions category on WPExclusive, alongside other tools for enhancing site functionality. The plugin allows for the creation of site-wide default bars or individual overrides for specific posts and pages.
It solves the challenge of capturing visitor attention without using intrusive popups. Site administrators can use BoomBar to promote sales, display the latest tweets, or provide a convenient login prompt for registered members.
iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar Features
The feature set for BoomBar is built around flexibility and ease of deployment across diverse WordPress environments.
Content and Logic Control
Users can select from three main content types: custom text with linkable URLs, the latest tweet from a specific handle, or a WordPress login prompt. The plugin includes visibility controls that allow administrators to target specific audiences, such as all authenticated users, first-time visitors, or returning visitors. Visibility can be applied site-wide or restricted to specific plugin extensions and page layouts.
Styling and Appearance
BoomBar includes five predesigned styles: Lime Green, Silver, Light, Dark Inset, and Dark Flat. For custom branding, the built-in Style Manager allows manual adjustments to background colors, text colors, links, and borders. The plugin also supports 12 built-in Google fonts, or users can inherit styles directly from their active WordPress theme to maintain consistency.
Placement and Scheduling
Administrators can position the notification bar at either the top or bottom of the screen. Technical options include choosing between a fixed position that follows the scroll or a static position that stays at the page container level. The plugin also features start and end date scheduling, which automate the display of time-sensitive promotional offers or holiday alerts.
Pricing
Retail pricing for individual SolidWP products historically ranged around $99.00 annually. Since the product has been sunsetted by the original vendor, direct purchases are no longer available on their official site. WPExclusive members can still access the most stable versions of the plugin through their membership plans.
| Plan | Price | Sites | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPExclusive Membership | From $9.99/month | Unlimited | BoomBar + full library |
For developers managing multiple sites, a WPExclusive membership covers BoomBar plus hundreds of other plugins and themes — usually less than one premium license.
Latest Version
The current version is 1.2.14. This version includes the final stable release updates provided by the developer before the product was transitioned to sunset status. WPExclusive updates plugin files promptly after each release to ensure compatibility for members.
How to Install
- Download the BoomBar .zip from your WPExclusive member account
- In WordPress: Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
- Select the .zip and click Install Now → Activate
- Navigate to the BoomBar settings menu in the WordPress dashboard to create your first notification bar
- Configure your visibility rules to determine whether the bar should appear site-wide or on specific pages
Use Cases
Limited-Time Promotional Campaigns
Store owners can use BoomBar to display discount codes or flash sale countdowns. By setting start and end dates, these alerts automatically disappear once the promotion ends, preventing outdated information from reaching customers.
Membership Site Communication
For community hubs, the plugin can be configured to show unique messages only to logged-in users. This is useful for announcing maintenance windows, member-only events, or providing a persistent login link that facilitates easier site navigation.
Agencies and Developers Managing Multiple Client Sites
Agencies can deploy BoomBar across client portfolios to manage site-wide alerts for technical updates or policy changes. A WPExclusive membership allows for deployment on unlimited client sites without the recurring overhead of individual license keys.
Pros and Cons
✅ Strengths
- Granular visibility settings to target specific user roles and visitor types
- Quick scheduling with automated start and end dates for marketing campaigns
- Low impact on page performance compared to heavier modal or popup plugins
⚠️ Limitations
- The product has been sunset by the vendor, meaning no new major features will be added
- Built-in social integration is limited primarily to Twitter/X updates
- Developer auto-updates require an active license key. WPExclusive publishes updates manually when new versions are released.
Is iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar GPL Licensed?
Yes. iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) — the same license that governs WordPress itself. GPL gives any user the legal right to use, study, share, and redistribute the software. This is the legal framework that makes WPExclusive’s membership model possible.
WPExclusive distributes 100% original, unmodified files — the same release the developer publishes. No injected code, no alterations, no security risks.
Get iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar on WPExclusive
WPExclusive membership starts at $9.99/month, $87/year, or $149 lifetime — giving you iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar plus every plugin and theme in the library, on unlimited sites.
Explore the full SolidWP collection → or browse all WordPress plugins →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar do?
iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar is a notification plugin used to add alert bars to the top or bottom of a WordPress site. BoomBar helps site owners communicate urgent info, social feeds, or login prompts without disrupting the user experience.
Is iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar free?
BoomBar is a premium-only plugin that was sold as part of the DisplayBuddy suite. It is available through a WPExclusive membership starting from $9.99/month.
What is the latest version of iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar?
The current version is 1.2.14. WPExclusive members receive access to this release and any subsequent compatibility patches provided by the developer.
How much does iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar cost?
While originally priced at $99.00 annually, the plugin is now included in WPExclusive plans starting at $9.99/month, which covers unlimited domains.
Is it legal to use iThemes DisplayBuddy BoomBar via WPExclusive?
The plugin is GPL licensed, which explicitly permits redistribution. WPExclusive provides original, unmodified files — fully within GPL terms.
Can I hide the notification bar after a visitor sees it?
BoomBar includes closable options that allow visitors to hide the bar. Site owners can define the timeframe for hide actions, such as until the next page load or for up to a week.
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