I recently decided to refocus my freelance business more on developing WordPress sites rather than designing.
This is why I built WpConsult.net
If you’re looking for someone to build a website from your design, use my contact form
by on July 2, 2011
Moving to a new domain
by on February 6, 2011
Impact plugin : page template builder
this plugin looks pretty cool!
WordPress lacks an easy way to create unique page templates from within the admin. Some themes will give you several templates to choose from, or you can buy plugins for specific pages like landing pages, but Impact allows you to create any type of page layout with a WYSIWYG type editor.
If you’re a developer, the unlimited license is 88$, so you can install it on multiple sites.
by on December 29, 2010
Free eBook : ultimate list of WordPress plugins
To download your free copy, just fill in the form in the sidebar, which will take you to the download page.
I never cease to be amazed by the quantity, quality and diversity of WordPress plugins. There are several ways to find the right plugin for the task at hand such as searching on google, on WordPress.org or reading a blog post which lists the most popular WordPress plugins.
Over the past couple of years, I have developed many WordPress websites, and I’ve found myself relying on the same list of core must-have plugins. Through trial and error, I have selected the most reliable, powerful, less resource intensive, most actively developed plugins to use on all the sites I develop for clients.
And now, I am sharing this list with you, so go download it already!
I’d love to read your comments about the ultimiate list of WordPress plugins, feedback and suggestions are welcome, just leave a comment below.
by on December 19, 2010
A WordPress designer’s book wish list
Image by zitona
If you’re taking a break off work over Christmas and New Year’s, then you’d better stock up on books to read on your Kindle or iPad or even good old paperback!
To grow as a WordPress designer, I try to read as much as possible, and not only focusing on WordPress related books, but also other web design related topics.
Here is a short list of books I have read recently or are on my wish list:
Neuro web design
Neuro Web Design
Neuro Web Design : What makes them click
Effective design will increase the efficiency of your website and lead to more conversions or subscriptions.
The author of Neuro web design takes us inside the mind of our visitors and explains the reasons behind the behaviours and what makes effective design.
A must read for all website owners and designers alike.
Web design for ROI
web design for ROI
Web Design for ROI
After reading this article: Should You Blame Your Designer For Poor Conversion Rates?, and this one : Style versus design, I wanted to get a deeper understanding of the real purpose of design applied to the web. What are the most effective strategies that we can use to make our designs more cost effective for the client. I think this book must have some of the answers.
Web Analytics 2.0
Web Analytics 2.0
Web Analytics 2.0
Most people have installed a Google analytics plugin in order to get statistics for their website. Most website owners focus on the number of visitors and never explore further. The Google Analytics dashboard can be intimidating, as it offers so much information. But if you want to really understand the why, the when and the what, then you should read this book. Learn how to go from pure statistics to analytics and understand what your visitors are doing and why.
by on December 10, 2010
Discount on WordPress book Digging into WordPress
Use this link to get a discount on Digging into WordPress!
It’s a great reference book if you’re getting started with WordPress development.
by on December 10, 2010
Unleash the power of WordPress plugin combos
My first guest post has been published on the Freelancefolder blog today!
I really enjoy finding creative ways to use WordPress and its plugins.
The article explains how to use certain plugin in combination to add more functionality and flexibility to your WordPress site.
Read the full article at freelancefolder.com
by on December 6, 2010
HTML5 template
This weekend, I created an HTML5 document that contains all the elements that are currently valid in the specification. I hope this can be helpful if you want to test your CSS styles.
Let me know if it you find it useful or if you have any feedback!
by on December 6, 2010
Harden your WordPress website security
If you’re running a WordPress site, you’ve probably seen the update notification. The new version is 3.0.2, and this is a security patch to stop hackers gaining access to your site.
For more details visit WordPress.org
This update encouraged me to check if my site was secure enough to prevent it from being hacked. So I’ve compiled a list of resources that you should read and implement immediately.
One thing I’d like to say is that the update process has improved a lot since compared to earlier versions. It’s still a good idea to do a backup before updating, but you should’t be nervous about pressing the button anymore!
First, here is a presentation from WebDevStudios.com, which is pretty extensive and is a good start to hardening any WordPress installation.
Now That’s What I Call WordPress Security 2010
View more presentations from Brad Williams.
Actions to harden your WordPress site security
- Add encryption keys to wp-config : https://api.wordpress.org/secret-key/1.1/salt/
- Move wp-config up one level (EDIT : this will not improve security, instead restrict permissions on the file) More info: http://digwp.com/2010/08/pimp-your-wp-config-php/
- set admin user to subscriber role, and set another user to be the administrator
- delete the install.php file from wp-admin
- protect the wp-admin folder with an htaccess file and use an IP address white list
- limit login attempts with a plugin
- always stay up to date with WordPress core and plugins
- make sure the plugins you use aren’t malware (see : http://yoast.com/blogpress-seo-plugin-spam/)
- install security plugins mentioned below
- have a solid backup strategy
- beware of hacked WordPress themes
- use serverbuddy to check folder and file permissions and adapt if necessary
- use a secure password. I’ve seen people use admin as the password…
- change the default database prefix (don’t use wp_)
- install WordPress in a subfolder
WordPress Codex resources
The WordPress codex is always a good place to start when looking for resources about any subject related to WordPress. It seems obvious but sometimes we forget that.
http://codex.wordpress.org/Hardening_WordPress
http://codex.wordpress.org/FAQ_Security
Blog articles
Digging into WordPress has an excellent article about WordPress security : WordPress security lockdown
WPBeginner.com : http://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/11-vital-tips-and-hacks-to-protect-your-wordpress-admin-area/
Note : one of the tips is about using an SSL certificate, I advise you not to use this unless you know what you’re doing! You need to have a valid certificate, which on shared hosting plans, is a paid upgrade. If you install an SSL plugin it could make your site inaccessible to you.
Plugins
These are the plugins I recommend and install on my client’s sites:
- akismet
- block bad queries
- backupbuddy Note : backupbuddy is not a free plugin, but it’s features really justify it’s price. You can backup and restore from Amazon S3, and migrate your site to another server effortlessly.
- Login lockdown or limit login attempts
- WordPress file monitor
- wp security scan
- server buddy
- wordpress ultimate security
- secure wordpress
VaultPress
Vaultpress is a new service by the founders of WordPress which will automatically backup your site whenever content changes on your site, apply security fixes and more. Unfortunatley you need a Golden Ticket to gain access to the service, and it’s not that affordable for a small business or solo entrepreneur or blogger. I recommend backupbuddy instead.
Cloudflare
Cloudflare is a new free service that aims to add a protection layer to your site, and also caches your pages for faster delivery. I recently configured my main domain to use this service and I’m really impressed. It has really sped up my site, and it also offers analytics.
It protects your site against hacker attempts as well. I really recommend that you try it.
https://www.cloudflare.com/overview.html
Other resources
I also encourage you to watch this interview of Matt Mullenweg, where he talks about how security among other things : Matt Mullenweg at the Big Web Show
If you’d rather let a professional handle this for you, I offer affordable monthly maintenance plans. Contact me for more information.
by on December 3, 2010
Best resources to get started with WordPress
So you hired a WordPress designer to create a unique website for your business, and you’d like to start learning how to use WordPress. Here are some resources that will teach you how to begin publishing posts and pages and generally maintaining your website.
The resources I mention here are mostly targeted to editors and authors, not developers. There are many resources for more advanced topics, but that would be the subject for another post.
The WordPress Forums
If you need help with a plugin, a theme or any other aspect of managing a WordPress website, this is an excellent resource. You can usually get answers from the theme or plugin author themselves, or even suggest a feature to add in the next update!
http://wordpress.org/support/
WP101
These days, I tend to prefer learning by watching screencasts or video tutorials. When they are well executed it requires less effort than reading a lengthy article and can help digest complex topics much easier. These guys have produced some fantastic video tutorials for learning the basics and I always refer my clients to them.
http://www.wp101.com/
MakeTechEasier
This is an excellent blog to add to your feed reader. They also offer a few free ebook guides to download,
They regularly feature articles about WordPress.
http://maketecheasier.com/category/internet-tech/wordpress
Thesis Theme blog
Thesis is a WordPress theme that offers great features, and they also have a blog with very informative articles. Definitely worth taking a look.
http://diythemes.com/thesis/
WordPress Videos TV
Another resource I discovered recently, it seems to aggregate videos from sites such as Youtube and Vimeo. Quality may vary, but it’s a huge resource!
http://wordpressvideos.tv/
WPBeginner
This blog has a beginner’s section with tutorials that will help you make the most of your WordPress site.
http://www.wpbeginner.com/category/beginners-guide/
WordPress TV
This site is by WordPress itself. It mostly features recordings of WordPress related events, so if you want to keep up to date on the latest WordPress news, this is a good place to start.
http://wordpress.tv/
WP Questions
If you need an answer to a support question urgently, you can ask it at WPQuestions.com. You’ll get answers from top WordPress developers in minutes for the price of a coffee. A good alternative to the WordPress forums when it can’t wait.
Did I leave something out? Let me know in the comments!