Product as a custom post type (or via a plugin like Woocommerce)
Product taxonomy
Description
Filtering is a way to help the user narrow down results to help find what they are looking for.
This is not only used for ecommerce – but can be applied to any list of objects that can be organised by different attributes, for example articles, or downloads.
The most important step in this process is to define the taxonomies that organise and group information. For example:
Brand
Industry
Colour
Size
Price range
Topic
Tag
Requirements
Website
Store locator plugin
List of stores and relevant information
Google Maps API
Description
Once the store locator plugin is installed, it will need to be configured with the list of the stores.
To configure, you will need to upload the list of stores, including their address.
When users visit the page with the locator on it, if they select “use location”, Their browser window will ask permission to share their current location.
Requirements
Website
Form
Email campaign manager (e.g Mailchimp)
Description
A form is embedded or created on your website, asking users to submit their email address.
Submitted responses are then stored in your email campaign system (e.g Mailchimp).
Emails are designed and sent out from your email campaign system.
2FA is a pain in the arse.
You were all thinking it, and I was as well. But it’s more of a pain when your site get’s hacked, so like almost all security, it’s one of things you just have to do to avoid pain in the future.
Anyways – if you aren’t getting your web team to do it – then here’s a handy guide to doing it yourself.
Step 1: Choose a 2FA Plugin
While there are several plugins available for implementing 2FA on WordPress, some of the most popular and reliable ones include:
Wordfence Security: Offers comprehensive security features, including 2FA.
Google Authenticator – Two Factor Authentication (by Henrik Schack): Simple and effective.
Two Factor Authentication (by David Anderson): Developed by the authors of the popular plugins like iThemes Security and WP Security Audit Log.
Duo Two-Factor Authentication: Enterprise-level security features.
Authy – Two Factor Authentication: User-friendly with multiple device support.
For this guide, we’ll use Wordfence Security due to its robust feature set and ease of use.
Step 2: Install and Activate the Wordfence Security Plugin
Log in to Your WordPress Admin Dashboard
Navigate to https://yourwebsite.com/wp-admin and log in with your administrator credentials.
Navigate to the Plugins Section
From the left-hand menu, click on Plugins > Add New.
Search for Wordfence Security
In the search bar, type “Wordfence Security”.
Locate the plugin developed by Wordfence.
Install the Plugin
Click the Install Now button next to the Wordfence Security plugin.
Activate the Plugin
Once installed, the Install Now button will change to Activate. Click it to activate the plugin.
Step 3: Configure Wordfence Security
Initial Setup
Upon activation, you might be prompted to start the setup wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure basic settings.
Access Wordfence Settings
From the left-hand menu, click on Wordfence > Login Security.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
In the Login Security section, look for the Two-Factor Authentication option.
Toggle the switch to Enable.
Choose the Authentication Method
Wordfence offers several 2FA methods, including:
Email-Based Authentication: Sends a code to the user’s email.
Authentication App: Use apps like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Duo.
U2F/WebAuthn: Use hardware keys like YubiKey.
For most users, Authentication App is recommended for its balance of security and convenience.
Set Up Authentication App
Download an Authenticator App: If you haven’t already, install an authenticator app on your smartphone. Popular options include:
In the Wordfence settings, click Enable next to the Authentication App option.
A QR code will appear. Open your authenticator app, choose to add a new account, and scan the QR code.
Enter the Verification Code:
After scanning, the authenticator app will generate a 6-digit code.
Enter this code into the Wordfence setup to verify the connection.
Enforce 2FA for Users
Decide which user roles should be required to use 2FA. It’s recommended to enforce 2FA for all users with login access, especially administrators.
In the Login Security settings, under Two-Factor Authentication, specify the roles that must use 2FA.
Step 4: Enroll Users in 2FA
User Login
Each user with a role that requires 2FA will need to set it up upon their next login.
Prompt to Set Up 2FA
Upon logging in, users will be prompted to set up 2FA if they haven’t already.
They should follow the on-screen instructions to link their authenticator app.
Backup Codes
Encourage users to generate and securely store backup codes. These codes can be used to access their accounts if they lose access to their authenticator device.
Step 5: Test the 2FA Setup
Log Out of WordPress
Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and select Log Out.
Attempt to Log In Again
Navigate to your WordPress login page and enter your credentials.
Enter the 2FA Code
After entering your username and password, you will be prompted to enter the 2FA code from your authenticator app.
Successful Login
If everything is set up correctly, entering the correct 2FA code should grant you access to the dashboard.
Integrating social media into your WordPress site is essential for enhancing engagement, increasing visibility, and building a community around your brand. However, it’s crucial to approach this integration thoughtfully to avoid bloating your site with excessive plugins, which can impact performance and maintenance. Here’s how to incorporate social media effectively, with an emphasis on using development solutions over plugins whenever feasible.
Why Integrate Social Media?
Increased Engagement
Social media links and interactive features on your site encourage visitors to engage with your content and share it on their networks.
Enhanced Visibility
Making it easy for visitors to share your content helps extend its reach across social platforms, increasing your site’s exposure.
Community Building
Directly linking to your social channels promotes ongoing interaction and helps you cultivate a community around your brand.
Integrating Social Media Without Overloading on Plugins
Custom Social Sharing Buttons
Instead of using a plugin for social sharing buttons, consider having a developer create custom buttons. This approach ensures that the buttons only load the necessary code, enhancing your site’s performance.
A developer can integrate social sharing functionality into your site’s theme, using simple HTML and JavaScript to link to the relevant social platforms. This method avoids the potential security vulnerabilities and bloat associated with many plugins.
Why Avoid Too Many Plugins?
Performance Impact
Each plugin can add JavaScript, CSS files, and other assets that may slow down your site, especially on mobile devices.
Security Risks
Plugins can become security liabilities, especially if not regularly updated. More plugins mean more potential entry points for security breaches.
Keeping a large number of plugins updated can be time-consuming and can lead to compatibility issues between different plugins.
Best Practices for Social Media Integration
Use Lightweight Solutions
When integration requires beyond-basic functionality that a developer can’t feasibly provide, choose lightweight plugins dedicated to the task. Ensure these plugins are well-reviewed and maintained.
Enhance Site Interactivity
Incorporate interactive social elements like live social feeds or social-based comments carefully. Ensure these features are optimized for performance and do not hinder your site’s load times.
Regular Audits
Conduct regular performance and security audits of your site to ensure that any social media integrations continue to function efficiently without compromising security or user experience.
Monitoring and Analytics
Leverage Analytics
Utilize tools like Google Analytics to track the effectiveness of your social media integrations, understanding how they contribute to traffic and engagement.
Adjust Strategies Based on Data
Use analytics data to refine your social media strategy continuously. Identify what works best for engaging your audience and adjust your integrations accordingly.
Conclusion
Integrating social media into your WordPress site should be done with a focus on performance, security, and user experience. By minimizing reliance on plugins and opting for custom development solutions where possible, you can maintain a fast, secure, and engaging website that leverages the power of social media effectively.
Creating and organizing pages on your WordPress site is foundational to both the structure and navigation of your website. It helps visitors understand your offerings and easily access the information they need. This detailed guide will help you add and manage pages effectively, ensuring a coherent structure that enhances user experience.
Introduction to WordPress Pages
Pages on a WordPress site are meant for static content that rarely changes. Unlike posts, which are ideal for timely blog articles or updates, pages hold content like ‘About Us’, ‘Services’, ‘Contact’, and more.
Creating a New Page
Step 1: Accessing the Page Editor
From the WordPress dashboard, navigate to Pages → Add New. This brings you to the page editor, similar to the post editor but typically used for static content.
Step 2: Designing Your Page
Start by adding a title in the title box at the top. This could be simple like “About Us” or “Contact”.
Below the title, use the block editor to add text, images, and other media. You can insert various types of content blocks, such as paragraphs, headings, images, and videos.
Enhancing Page Functionality
Embedding Media
To make your pages more engaging, embed media such as images, galleries, and videos. Use the ‘Add Block’ button to select the appropriate media type and insert it into your page.
Adding Contact Forms
For pages like ‘Contact’, adding a contact form is essential. Use plugins like WPForms or Contact Form 7 to easily integrate forms into your pages.
Organizing Your Pages
Creating a Hierarchical Structure
Organize your pages into a hierarchy to improve navigation. For example, a ‘Services’ main page can have child pages for each specific service offered.
Step 3: Managing Menus
Menus are crucial for site navigation. Go to Appearance → Menus to create and manage your menus. Here, you can add pages to your menus, arrange them in order, and set up dropdowns for hierarchical pages.
Customizing Page Appearance
Using Templates
Many themes provide different templates for pages that you can select from the Page Attributes section in the editor. These can change the layout and style of a page, for example, templates without sidebars or with full-width layouts.
Custom CSS
For more specific styling needs, custom CSS can be applied either through the Customizer or using a plugin designed for custom scripts and styles.
Best Practices for Page Management
SEO Optimization
Optimize each page for SEO by using clear, descriptive titles and meta descriptions. Ensure your content uses keywords effectively and is accessible.
Regular Updates
Even though pages are static, review and update them periodically to ensure the information remains accurate and relevant.
User Testing
Conduct user testing to see how visitors interact with your pages. Use this feedback to make necessary improvements.
Selecting the right theme for your WordPress site is crucial. It’s not just about aesthetics; the right theme can enhance your marketing efforts, improve your site’s usability, and ensure better engagement with your audience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to choosing a theme that aligns with your business goals.
Understanding the Importance of a Good Theme
A theme dictates the visual layout and functionality of your site. It affects user experience, site speed, and ultimately, conversion rates. The right theme will:
Reflect your brand identity visually.
Provide functional features that support your business operations.
Be flexible enough to adapt as your business grows.
Key Features to Look for in a Theme
When selecting a theme, consider these essential features:
1. Responsive Design
Ensure the theme adjusts smoothly to different screen sizes, from desktops to smartphones.
2. SEO Optimization
A well-coded theme that follows SEO best practices can significantly improve your site’s visibility to search engines.
3. Speed and Performance
Choose themes that are optimized for speed to reduce bounce rates and improve user experience.
4. Customization Options
A theme with a flexible customization panel allows you to adjust colors, fonts, and layouts without needing to code.
5. Plugin Compatibility
Ensure the theme works well with essential plugins, especially those you plan to use for security, SEO, and social media.
6. Support and Updates
Opt for themes with reliable support and frequent updates to keep up with WordPress core updates and security patches.
Evaluating Themes
Where to Find Themes
Explore the WordPress Theme Directory for free options. For more advanced features, check premium marketplaces like ThemeForest and Elegant Themes.
Testing and Selection
Preview themes using the “Live Preview” feature in WordPress to see how they handle your content.
Test the theme’s demo using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to evaluate performance.
Implementing Your Chosen Theme
Installation
Once you’ve chosen a theme, install it by going to Appearance → Themes → Add New. Upload your theme and activate it.
Customization
Customize your theme via Appearance → Customize. Here, you can tweak your site’s title, tagline, colors, and widget placements.
Creating a Child Theme
Consider setting up a child theme if you plan on making extensive customizations. This keeps your changes intact even when the parent theme updates.
Making the Most Out of Your Theme
Integrating Marketing Tools
Utilize theme features like newsletter sign-up forms, social media icons, and contact forms to enhance your marketing efforts.
Regular Maintenance
Regularly update your theme to benefit from the latest features and security enhancements.
Feedback and Iteration
Gather feedback on the usability and aesthetics of your site from users and make adjustments as needed.
Now that you understand the difference between posts and pages, it’s time to put your knowledge to practical use by creating your very first post. Posts are ideal for engaging content that keeps your audience coming back. Let’s dive into how you can create compelling posts that resonate with your readers.
Step into the World of Posts
Step 1: Access the Post Editor
From your WordPress dashboard, go to Posts → Add New. This opens the WordPress editor, where you can unleash your creativity.
Step 2: Crafting Your Title
Enter a compelling title at the top of the editor. This is the first impression your post will make, so choose a title that grabs attention and promises value.
Write, Format, and Enhance
Step 3: Composing Your Content
Start typing your article in the block below your title. The block-based editor allows you to easily format your text and add various content types.
Use headings to organize your content, making it easier for readers to follow and enhancing SEO.
Step 4: Adding Media
Enrich your post by adding images or videos. Click the Add Block button (the plus icon), select Image or Video, and upload or choose from the media library. Visuals not only attract attention but also help explain and supplement your text.
Preview and Publish
Step 5: Preview Your Post
Always preview your post before publishing to see how it will appear to your audience. This lets you make final tweaks and ensure everything looks perfect.
Click on Preview at the top of the editor to check your work.
Step 6: Publish Your Masterpiece
If everything looks good, it’s time to share your content with the world. Hit Publish, or schedule it to go live at a later time if you prefer.
Engage and Analyse
Step 7: Engage with Your Audience
Once your post is live, monitor its performance and interact with your readers. Respond to comments and track engagement through your dashboard analytics to see what resonates with your audience.
Welcome to the world of WordPress! Whether you’re a budding marketer or a business owner looking to carve out your space on the web, mastering WordPress is a crucial step. Here’s a simple guide to get you started on this versatile platform.
Finding Your Way to the Dashboard
Step 1: Log In
First things first, access your WordPress site’s login page. You can usually find this by adding /wp-admin at the end of your website’s URL (like this: yourwebsite.com/wp-admin). Enter your username and password, and voila! You’re in.
Step 2: Exploring the Dashboard
The Dashboard is the command center of your WordPress site. Here, you’ll find everything you need to manage your content, from posts and pages to comments and settings. Take a moment to explore these options. Hover over each section to see sub-options and get familiar with the layout.
Setting Up Your Site
Step 3: General Settings
Before you dive into creating content, let’s set up your site:
Go to Settings → General.
Here, you can set your site’s title, tagline, and time zone. These basics help define your site’s identity and how it interacts with visitors and search engines.
Step 4: Profile Adjustment
Personalize your user profile:
Navigate to Users → Your Profile.
You can change how your name is displayed publicly and set your contact information. More importantly, take this chance to set a strong password!
Ready, Set, Publish!
Now that you’re acquainted with your Dashboard and have your settings tuned, you’re ready to start crafting content that engages and converts. Stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll dive into creating your first post and making sure it shines!
Ask a web professional: “How much should a website build cost?” And their answer is bound to be “How long is a piece of string”.
As unproductive as this conversation is, I’d be surprised if you haven’t heard, or perhaps even been a part of this exchange yourself. It’s a common challenge in the business world – that is – identifying the value of a website, and therefore how much to put aside for one when it comes to annual budgets.
Despite the significant shift in digital technology that has no doubt inundated your social media and news feeds over the past few years, everything from Web 3, blockchain technology, augmented reality, QR codes, the short-lived meta verse and of course, AI, it is still important to focus on the business foundations of value creation and planning.
Perhaps it is simply being drowned out by all the hype. But I’m not suggesting that you don’t consider the possibilities of incredible new technology like Chat GPT – in fact, make sure you don’t get left behind! But when it comes to your website, and a budget, it’s more important than ever to remember to consider these things in the context of your business and your customers first so that, rather than reverse engineering an application for the sake of new tech, your choices and decisions will be made easier by starting with the fundamentals.
This can actually be good news when it comes to planning a new online presence. Since you don’t have to worry (too much) about the latest mind-bending trend, and can instead return to the fundamentals that are familiar to any good marketer:
Who is your market?
How do you speak to them?
What do they value/need?
And it is actually these three questions that can lead us to our first estimate for a digital budget.
How much is your market worth to you?
Your website is a function of your target outcome. So if you want a website that will deliver millions of dollars of leads to you each year, then budget accordingly.
You’ll never guess what the most undervalued part of any web project is.
There used to be a saying back in the mid-2000s that – 80% of web design is typography. It’s probably still true – and I would go as far as to say that 90% of any web project is the copy. This is because:
Content sells the product.
Design sells the content.
Because if you can’t read the copy, then it doesn’t matter how good it is.
Spend good money on your copy. Because how you speak to your market is how you make money from them.
Remember though, it’s not as simple as writing good headlines and articles. There are several copywriting skills that make up the digital marketing discipline:
Persuasive copy – it’s not just words on a page – the words should have a purpose!
Conversion optimisation – use the power of iteration to find the best words and images!
SEO – rankings start with the words your audience uses to find you!
Email marketing – write love letters to your customers!
Blogging – thought leadership and education are just words on your site.
Performance marketing – It’s all Ad copy and headlines here!
I could go on, but I think you get the idea.
In terms of cost though – the point I’d like to make is, it’s not just the cost of your copywriter (internal or external), it’s the time you need to invest as a business to make sure the people who know your customer best are part of the project.
What does your audience value?
While the first two points are about the investment you should make into understanding and speaking to your audience, this last point is about creating something of value aside from your product. I’m not talking about “values” in the Simon Sinek sense, I’m speaking about a digital product – or the experience your customers will expect based on your competition.
Knowing what your audience expects from you online is probably a good first step to consider. Imagine you are starting a new taxi service, can you imagine doing well if you didn’t have a way for your customer to pay online or track the location of your taxi?
Technology is powerful, and it also has a relatively low barrier to entry – so your options to create a digital experience that is valuable to your audience are greatly enhanced by things like AI (maybe not so much the metaverse). At the same time, it makes it easier for your competition to set a bar that you must meet in order to compete.
Just get started – Reduce opportunity cost.
It’s always easy to preach about what to do, or even spend time describing the problem. In the end – the beauty of digital is that it can be continuously adjusted with very little effort. You should take advantage of that – just be sure to keep moving forward.
Progress over perfection is mantra.
So remember – if you are costing up a digital budget for the coming financial year – consider these three things:
The size of your prize
The cost of all your resources required to make it work
The benchmark you need to meet in order to compete
And of course – if you need help, speak to an expert – At TBST Digital, we find having this conversation early increases the likelihood of an exceedingly positive outcome.
