Laura Coronado, Author at WebDevStudios https://webdevstudios.com/author/laura/ WordPress Design and Development Agency Wed, 28 Aug 2024 22:33:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://webdevstudios.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-wds-icon.white-on-dark-60x60.png Laura Coronado, Author at WebDevStudios https://webdevstudios.com/author/laura/ 32 32 58379230 Sun, Code, and Contribution: It’s Five for the Future Tomorrow! https://webdevstudios.com/2024/08/29/contribution-five-for-the-future/ https://webdevstudios.com/2024/08/29/contribution-five-for-the-future/#respond Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:00:34 +0000 https://webdevstudios.com/?p=27524 Because of the nature of open-source technology, WordPress’ progress and sustainability are fully reliant on the involvement of its community. Listen, collaboration is key. That means developers, designers, and users have to get involved for the WordPress ecosystem to grow and evolve. That’s why WebDevStudios devotes every last Friday of the month to Five for Read More Sun, Code, and Contribution: It’s Five for the Future Tomorrow!

The post Sun, Code, and Contribution: It’s Five for the Future Tomorrow! appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
Because of the nature of open-source technology, WordPress’ progress and sustainability are fully reliant on the involvement of its community. Listen, collaboration is key. That means developers, designers, and users have to get involved for the WordPress ecosystem to grow and evolve.

That’s why WebDevStudios devotes every last Friday of the month to Five for the Future—an initiative designed to encourage WordPress companies to donate 5% of their time to contributing to WordPress. As a matter of fact, tomorrow, August 30th, is Five for the Future Friday at our WordPress agency.

The Power of Contribution: Understanding Five for the Future

Launched in 2014, the Five for the Future initiative isn’t about maintaining the status quo. It’s about ensuring the platform’s sustainability, security, and continuous innovation. It takes a community to do that.

Five for the Future (5FTF) was born from a simple yet profound idea: ask WordPress companies and individuals to dedicate just 5% of their resources to WordPress. By doing so, we can create a balanced ratio of contributors to users. This “golden ratio” helps keep WordPress thriving and evolving. The success of WordPress hinges on the active participation of its community, and 5FTF serves as a catalyst to bolster this engagement.

Since its inception, 5FTF has seen a growing number of contributors, from web hosts and consultancies to individual developers and designers. The initiative’s primary goal is to increase the number of community members actively involved in WordPress development, making the platform more robust and resilient.

5FTF Enhances WordPress for Everyone

Participation in 5FTF has a ripple effect. Contributors work on various aspects of the platform, from developing new features to fixing bugs, enhancing security, and improving performance. This collective effort ensures that WordPress remains a cutting-edge, competitive platform in the rapidly changing web landscape.

By fostering innovation and encouraging a diverse group of contributors, 5FTF helps WordPress evolve to meet the needs of its vast and varied user base. The benefits are far-reaching: users enjoy a more secure, feature-rich experience; developers gain access to a constantly improving codebase; and companies that offer WordPress services can rely on a stronger, more resilient platform.

Building a Collaborative Community

One of the most significant advantages of 5FTF is the sense of community it fosters. Who doesn’t enjoy connecting with like-minded folks?

Five for the Future brings together developers, designers, content managers, users, and more, creating a collaborative environment where knowledge is shared and innovation is accelerated. This collaboration strengthens the bonds between stakeholders in the WordPress ecosystem and encourages exchanging ideas and best practices.

For organizations like WebDevStudios, participating in 5FTF provides a break from the day-to-day client work, allowing team members to focus on projects they are passionate about. This not only benefits WordPress but also enhances creativity and professional growth within the team.

Contributing Your Skills and Resources to Five for the Future

Participation in 5FTF is open to everyone, regardless of their skill set or the size of their organization. Wherever you are on your WordPress journey, there are numerous ways to contribute. Here are some areas where you can get involved:

  • Core and Plugin Development: Help improve the WordPress codebase, fix bugs, and develop new features.
  • Documentation and Support: Contribute to the WordPress documentation or assist users in the support forums.
  • Translation: Make WordPress accessible to a global audience by translating the platform into different languages.
  • Training and Education: Share your knowledge by creating tutorials, putting together a WordCamp talk, or mentoring new contributors.
  • Event Organization: Get involved in organizing or volunteering at WordCamps, meetups, and other WordPress events.

Joining the 5FTF Movement

To start contributing, visit the official Five for the Future website, where you can sign up and learn more about how to dedicate your resources to WordPress. Whether you’re an individual looking to give back or an organization aiming to make a lasting impact, your contributions are invaluable to the continued success and growth of WordPress.

WebDevStudios’ Commitment to 5FTF

At WebDevStudios, we understand the importance of giving back to the WordPress community. In fact, we love it!

That’s why we dedicate every last Friday of the month to Five for the Future. Our team members contribute in various ways, from plugin development and support to preparing for WordCamp talks and more. This commitment not only helps WordPress thrive but also enriches our team’s skills and fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Take a look at how we contributed last month, and be sure to follow us and the hashtag #5FTF on X (formerly Twitter) to see what we’re up to tomorrow.

From Our Internal Slack Channel

I’m getting my new machine setup for development, and then I’m bumping Tested Up to Values on my plugins. –Sal Ferrarello, Principal Engineer

I’m attempting some personal plugin support/troubleshooting, possibly helping Brad with a new plugin Idea that he has that has me jazzed (It includes RSS feed customization), and then probably more really old core ticket browsing/refreshing. –Michael Beckwith, Backend Engineer

I’m planning to invest some of the time looking into WP 6.6 features, and hopefully also invest some time on a project I started a couple of months ago (a security scanner pipeline that uses the open Wordfence API). –Rami Abraham, Lead Engineer

MediaCorps needed me to put in some time this and last week. –Jen Miller, Director of Accounts

From X (Formerly Twitter)

The post Sun, Code, and Contribution: It’s Five for the Future Tomorrow! appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
https://webdevstudios.com/2024/08/29/contribution-five-for-the-future/feed/ 0 27524
Company News – August https://webdevstudios.com/2024/08/22/company-news-august-5/ https://webdevstudios.com/2024/08/22/company-news-august-5/#respond Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:00:36 +0000 https://webdevstudios.com/?p=27504 At WebDevStudios, we’re always busy and excited to share the latest updates with you. We believe keeping our clients, potential clients, readers, fans, and industry peers informed about everything happening at our WordPress agency is important. In this blog post, we’ll cover the latest WordCamps we’ve attended and those we’re going to, as well as Read More Company News – August

The post Company News – August appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
At WebDevStudios, we’re always busy and excited to share the latest updates with you. We believe keeping our clients, potential clients, readers, fans, and industry peers informed about everything happening at our WordPress agency is important.

In this blog post, we’ll cover the latest WordCamps we’ve attended and those we’re going to, as well as a new site launch, a podcast featuring our CEO, and articles highlighting our work. Keep reading because there’s a lot of thrilling news to share.

JewelStaite.net Launch

We are very proud to announce the launch of the WordPress website for actor and foodie Jewel Staite! JewelStaite.net was built with the WordPress Block Editor, using Block Patterns and our very own block theme—WDS BT.

Jewel announced the launch on her social media and released a sizzle reel to highlight her new branding, website redesign, and all of the lovely elements that make her website unique, bespoke, warm, and inviting. Watch the reel below, and go to JewelStaite.net to see the website for yourself.

 

Full Site Editing in the Real World

Is no one truly using Full Site Editing and block themes? Fränk Klein, engineer and the person behind WP Development Courses, answered this question by presenting seven websites built using block themes. One of the examples included was Felicia.day, which WebDevStudios (WDS) built for the actor, activist, and streamer.

See all seven websites Fränk presented in his article and better understand the importance of learning block theme development. Read “Full-Site Editing in The Real World: 7 Websites Built Using Block Themes” now.

The Inside Track

Another podcast episode of “Scaling Enterprise, WordPress and Open Source Software” has dropped. Hosted by WDS CEO Brad Williams and Human Made CEO Tom Willmot, this latest installment is part of “The Inside Track,” which explores the world of enterprise WordPress and how the platform scales to meet the needs of large organizations.

In this episode, Brad and Tom teamed up to interview Mario Peshev, CEO of DevriX. The group shared their extensive experiences running their own agencies and the importance of contributing to open-source technology. Listen to the entire podcast episode at Do the Woo.

WP Weekly Inclusion

Thanks to WP Weekly for highlighting one of our recent blog posts, “Making the Switch from Webflow to WordPress,” in its weekly newsletter. A project by Davinder Singh Kainth, a creative professional who loves creating online spaces powered by WordPress, the WP Weekly brings the best bits from the WordPress ecosystem in a short and concise newsletter that should not take more than 10 minutes of reading time. Learn more about WP Weekly at thewpweekly.com.

WordCamps

Engineering Manager John Heimkes (back) and Marketing Manager Laura Coronado at WordCamp Minneapolis / St. Paul.

The WordCamp fun continues! We recently attended one in Minnesota and have another coming up this weekend in the Philippines. Plus, we can’t forget about WordCamp US happening next month. Keep reading for all the details.

WordCamp Minneapolis / St. Paul

WordCamp Minneapolis / St. Paul (WCMSP) was a blast! Two WDS teammates—Engineering Manager John Heimkes and Marketing Manager Laura Coronado—got to meet for the first time ever while also connecting with former staff members, including WCMSP speaker Gary Kovar, who presented a talk on how NASA’s website was built on WordPress.

WordCamp Cebu

This is a selfie style portrait of WebDevStudios Engineering Manager JC Palmes.
JC Palmes, Engineering Manager

WordCamp Cebu, happening this weekend (August 24th) in Cebu City, Philippines, offers opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Engineering Manager JC Palmes is speaking at this WordPress event.

JC’s talk is titled “Embrace the Blocks: Why Block Themes Are a Developer’s Friend.” It will cover the world of Block Themes, explore the tools and concepts, and demonstrate why Block Themes are not just user-friendly but a powerful new addition to a developer’s toolkit.

Next Month: WordCamp US

WordCamp US is the premiere WordCamp event in North America. It will take place in Portland, Oregon, from September 17-20. The event features a Contributor Day and a Showcase Day.

Five members of the WDS team will be in attendance: CEO Brad Williams, Director of Accounts Jen Miller, Account Manager Laura Byrne, Senior Frontend Engineer Marty O’Connor, and Senior Frontend Engineer Alfredo Navas.

Interested in meeting with our team in person at WordCamp US to discuss your next big WordPress project? Use this link to book an appointment. Our team would love to chat about your website needs.

The post Company News – August appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
https://webdevstudios.com/2024/08/22/company-news-august-5/feed/ 0 27504
Making the Switch from Webflow to WordPress https://webdevstudios.com/2024/08/06/switch-from-webflow-to-wordpress/ https://webdevstudios.com/2024/08/06/switch-from-webflow-to-wordpress/#respond Tue, 06 Aug 2024 16:00:36 +0000 https://webdevstudios.com/?p=27444 The recent increase in Webflow fees has left many businesses scrambling to reassess their content management system (CMS) options. In fact, the price shock has motivated current subscribers to announce their dismay on social media platforms. WTF is wrong with @webflow? They’re forcing me to pay $15,000/year, up from $468! A 32x price increase overnight! Read More Making the Switch from Webflow to WordPress

The post Making the Switch from Webflow to WordPress appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
The recent increase in Webflow fees has left many businesses scrambling to reassess their content management system (CMS) options. In fact, the price shock has motivated current subscribers to announce their dismay on social media platforms.

If you’re like Nico and are considering making the switch from Webflow to WordPress, now is the time to act. The cost surge can significantly impact your bottom line, making exploring more affordable and versatile alternatives essential.

Webflow’s Pitfalls

Webflow has been a popular choice for many businesses due to its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and available templates. However, the recent price increase has highlighted several critical shortcomings of the platform that may inspire many customers to switch from Webflow and head to WordPress. Here’s why.

Cost Implications

Webflow’s pricing model has always been on the higher side compared to other CMS platforms. With the recent hike, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for businesses, especially small to medium-sized ones, to justify the cost. These rising expenses directly affect your bottom line, eating into your budget for other essential business operations.

Limited Features

While Webflow offers a sleek design experience, it lacks many advanced features necessary for larger or more complex websites. Its limited eCommerce capabilities and lack of robust plugin support can stifle your website’s growth and functionality. This can be particularly frustrating for businesses looking to expand their online presence and offer more to their customers.

Lack of Technical Support

Another significant drawback is Webflow’s limited customer support. When you run into technical issues or need assistance with advanced customization, the lack of timely and effective support can lead to prolonged downtimes and lost revenue. This is a critical concern for any business that relies heavily on its website for sales and customer engagement.

Why WordPress Is the Better Choice

WordPress stands out as a highly flexible and scalable CMS solution, making it an important option. Here are some key benefits of switching from Webflow to WordPress.

Flexibility and Scalability

WordPress is renowned for its flexibility, allowing you to customize your website to meet your exact needs. With thousands of themes and plugins available, you can add almost any functionality you require, from eCommerce functions to advanced SEO tools. This scalability makes WordPress suitable for websites of all sizes, from small blogs to large enterprise sites.

High-Profile Users

The versatility and reliability of WordPress are evident in its user base. High-profile organizations like NASA, the White House, the NBA, and famous celebrities trust WordPress to manage their online presence. This level of trust speaks volumes about WordPress’ capability to handle complex and high-traffic websites.

Robust Community and Support

When you’re a WordPress user, you get automatic access to and become a member of a robust and supportive community. Being part of the WordPress community offers users a wealth of resources, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances their experience.

This includes access to a vast array of plugins, themes, and regular updates, which ensures users can build secure, functional, and versatile websites. Engaging with the community provides opportunities to learn from industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and solve challenges more efficiently. Ultimately, the strength and vibrancy of the WordPress community empower users to create dynamic and impactful online presences.

Addressing Common Content Migration Concerns

Many website owners find migrating a website from one platform to another daunting. Below are some of the most common concerns you may have about making the switch from Webflow to WordPress. Also included below are the solutions WebDevStudios uses to mitigate those issues.

Loss of SEO Rankings

One of the biggest fears during migration is the potential loss of SEO rankings. Search engine optimization is crucial for driving organic traffic to your website, and any disruption can result in a significant drop in visibility and revenue.

Mitigation: To prevent this, it’s essential to maintain the structure of your URLs, implement proper 301 redirects, and ensure that all meta tags, alt texts, and other SEO elements are correctly transferred. WebDevStudios meticulously handles these aspects to protect your search engine rankings during the migration process. Additionally, we conduct post-migration audits to ensure everything is in order and make necessary adjustments.

Data Loss

Another major concern is the potential loss of data, including customer information, product details, and content during the migration process.

Mitigation: Our team at WebDevStudios uses advanced tools and techniques to ensure a secure and comprehensive transfer of all your data. We perform thorough backups before initiating the migration and validate data integrity at every step. This approach ensures that no critical information is lost and your website remains fully functional post-migration.

Downtime and Disruption

Website downtime can lead to lost sales, frustrated customers, and a tarnished reputation. Owners worry that migrating to a new platform might significantly disrupt their business operations.

Mitigation: WebDevStudios employs careful migration strategies to minimize downtime. We utilize staging environments to ensure that your live site remains unaffected until the new site is ready to go live. This careful planning and execution significantly reduce any potential disruption to your business.

Functionality Issues

There’s always a concern that certain website functionalities might not work correctly after migration. This could be due to differences between the platforms or incomplete script and integration transfers.

Mitigation: We conduct extensive testing and quality assurance throughout the migration process. Our team ensures that all functionalities, including custom scripts, third-party integrations, and plugins, work seamlessly on your new WordPress site. Any issues identified during testing are promptly addressed to ensure a smooth transition.

User Experience Changes

Website owners worry that the migration might negatively impact the user experience, leading to higher bounce rates and lower conversion rates.

Mitigation: At WebDevStudios, we prioritize maintaining and enhancing user experience. We ensure that the design and navigation remain intuitive and user-friendly. Our team also optimizes the site for performance, ensuring fast load times and smooth interactions, contributing to a positive user experience.

By addressing these common concerns, WebDevStudios ensures a smooth, secure, and efficient migration to WordPress, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a powerful and flexible CMS without the associated risks.

Introducing WebDevStudios: Your Content Migration Partner

Switching from Webflow to WordPress doesn’t have to be chaotic. WebDevStudios specializes in seamless data migration from any platform to WordPress, ensuring that your website’s performance and SEO efforts remain intact.

Comprehensive Migration Services

At WebDevStudios, we understand the complexities involved in migrating your website. Our team of experts has developed processes to handle every aspect of the migration, from data transfer to redesigning your website’s layout. We ensure that your site’s functionality and aesthetics are preserved, if not enhanced, during the transition.

Enhanced Performance and SEO Protection

We prioritize maintaining and improving your website’s performance throughout the migration process. Our services include optimizing your new WordPress site for speed and reliability, ensuring that it performs better than ever. Additionally, we take extra care to protect your existing SEO efforts so your search engine rankings remain stable or improve.

Making the Switch from Webflow to WordPress Makes Sense

With Webflow’s recent price increase, switching to a more affordable and versatile CMS like WordPress is smart. WordPress offers unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and support, making it the preferred choice for many high-profile users.

Partnering with WebDevStudios for your migration ensures a smooth and efficient transition, allowing you to focus on what matters most—growing your business. Visit our Contact page to schedule a time to talk. We can help you make the switch to WordPress today.

The post Making the Switch from Webflow to WordPress appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
https://webdevstudios.com/2024/08/06/switch-from-webflow-to-wordpress/feed/ 0 27444
Company News – July https://webdevstudios.com/2024/07/30/company-news-july-5/ https://webdevstudios.com/2024/07/30/company-news-july-5/#respond Tue, 30 Jul 2024 16:00:15 +0000 https://webdevstudios.com/?p=27459 July may be ending, but the hot summertime and flurry of exciting developments in the WordPress world continue. At WebDevStudios, we’re always thrilled to keep you in the loop with our latest company news. We like to keep our clients and followers informed while also staying connected to our vibrant WordPress community. In this edition Read More Company News – July

The post Company News – July appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
July may be ending, but the hot summertime and flurry of exciting developments in the WordPress world continue. At WebDevStudios, we’re always thrilled to keep you in the loop with our latest company news. We like to keep our clients and followers informed while also staying connected to our vibrant WordPress community.

In this edition of our company news blog post, we’re focusing on the freshest updates from WordPress. Discover how two of our team members contributed to the latest major release.

We’ll also preview upcoming WordCamps, where you can catch up with us and learn more about our initiatives. Plus, we have news of tutorials featuring our own plugins. So, grab an ice-cold drink, soak in the summer vibes, and let’s explore all the latest news from WebDevStudios and beyond.

WordPress 6.6 Released

On July 16, 2024, the WordPress community celebrated the release of WordPress 6.6, affectionately named “Dorsey” in honor of the legendary big band leader Tommy Dorsey. This release brings a host of new features and improvements designed to enhance the user experience and expand the creative possibilities for site builders. Among the standout features are:

  • Expanded design options for block themes, allowing for greater customization and creativity
  • A streamlined Site Editor workflow, making it easier and faster to design and manage your site
  • Plugin auto-updates, complete with a safety net that includes rollbacks to ensure stability if any issues arise
  • Synced patterns for consistent styling across multiple instances
  • A whopping 58 accessibility fixes and enhancements to make WordPress more inclusive and user-friendly
  • And so much more!

Contributor Credits

The release of WordPress 6.6 exemplifies the power of open-source collaboration. A remarkable 630 contributors from at least 51 countries united to make this update possible. We are especially proud of our own team members, Frontend Engineer Aslam Doctor and Principal Engineer Sal Ferrarello, whose efforts were instrumental in this release.

Sal discovered a bug that prevented global JavaScript code from loading on the login page using the `wp_localize_script` method. He promptly submitted a ticket to address the issue. Aslam took the lead in developing a fix, pushing the patch to the WordPress repository for review.

After rigorous testing and updates, the patch was approved. Sal and Aslam also created PHP test cases to ensure the fix’s robustness. Their collaboration exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and innovation that drives WordPress forward. Congratulations to Aslam, Sal, and all the contributors to WordPress 6.6!

Reap the Rewards of WordPress 6.6

WordPress 6.6 truly delivers on the promise of a better web, offering style, finesse, and a suite of creative possibilities for your site-building experience. This version empowers users to do more with ease, providing enhanced tools and unprecedented power behind the scenes.

Additionally, “Dorsey” continues to deliver the performance and accessibility improvements that users have come to expect from every WordPress release. These enhancements make it easier than ever to create beautiful, functional, and accessible websites.

Following the major release, WordPress 6.6.1, a maintenance release, has also been made available. This update includes important bug fixes and improvements, ensuring that your WordPress site remains in top shape. Be sure to update your WordPress to the latest version today and take full advantage of all the new features and enhancements!

Explore what WordPress 6.6 offers and elevate your site-building experience with this powerful new release. Happy updating!

WordCamps

“I hate WordCamps,” said no one ever! With 23 WordCamp events planned around the world for the remainder of the year, WordPress users, developers, and community members will have the opportunity to network, learn, expand their skills, and make memories. Here are the upcoming WordCamps, where you’ll find team members from WebDevStudios (WDS).

WordCamp Minneapolis / St. Paul (WCMSP)

Taking place at the world-famous Mall of America on August 16th, WordCamp MSP is a one-day event of learning and connecting. This conference unites WordPress enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds to discuss, share, and explore the endless possibilities of the beloved content management system.

WCMSP’s schedule features multiple talks on accessibility and AI, but one talk our team is particularly excited about is titled “WordPress at a Galactic Scale.” Former WDS team member Gary Kovar, a Principal Software Engineer who has worked on projects for NASA and Disney, is the presenter. Additionally, WordCamp organizer and agency owner E Daniel Swain will deliver the keynote speech, discussing the importance of community.

WDS Co-Founder and COO Lisa Sabin-Wilson, Engineering Manager John Heimkes, and Marketing Manager Laura Coronado will attend WCMSP.

WordCamp US (WCUS)

While WCUS is still a couple of months out, we want to let people know well in advance that WebDevStudios will be there. WordCamp US is probably the most popular WordCamp in the United States, but people from all over the world attend. In fact, Senior Frontend Engineer Alfredo Navas is flying in from Costa Rica to attend WCUS.

Other WDS teammates attending WCUS are Co-Founder and CEO Brad Williams, Director of Accounts Jen Miller, Accounts Manager Laura Byrne, and Senior Frontend Engineer Marty O’Connor. At every WordCamp they attend, Brad, Jen, and Laura always make themselves available to meet with and talk to company representatives in need of WordPress design and development. If you want to connect with WebDevStudios while at WCUS, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Plugins News

It all started with creating our most popular WordPress plugin, Custom Post Type UI, launched in February 2010. Since then, the WebDevStudios team has developed a diverse array of plugins that have been downloaded and utilized by millions of WordPress users. Explore them all at our plugin shop, Pluginize. Here’s the latest news about our plugins.

Best Practices for WP Search with Algolia Index Management

More and more people are replacing WordPress native search with the power of Algolia search by installing our WP Search with Algolia plugin. Backend Engineer Michael Beckwith published a blog post that walks users through WP Search with Algolia index management and site launch. Read it on the Pluginize blog.

Learn How to Import Your YouTube Channel as Posts

Get ready to have your mind blown when you watch this video tutorial from The Cre8tive Diva. Using our plugin, Automatic Featured Images from Videos, and WP All Import, The Cre8tive Diva shows viewers how to import a YouTube channel to WordPress as blog posts. Watch her video below or on YouTube.

 

The post Company News – July appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
https://webdevstudios.com/2024/07/30/company-news-july-5/feed/ 0 27459
Summer Is Sizzling with Five for the Future Contributions https://webdevstudios.com/2024/07/25/summer-five-for-the-future-contributions/ https://webdevstudios.com/2024/07/25/summer-five-for-the-future-contributions/#respond Thu, 25 Jul 2024 16:00:49 +0000 https://webdevstudios.com/?p=27451 In 2014, the WordPress initiative Five for the Future (5FTF) was launched to encourage organizations to dedicate 5% of their resources to WordPress’ development and growth. This goal, envisioned by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, is designed to create a balanced ratio of contributors to users, ensuring the open-source platform’s sustainability and continuous improvement. Let’s face Read More Summer Is Sizzling with Five for the Future Contributions

The post Summer Is Sizzling with Five for the Future Contributions appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
In 2014, the WordPress initiative Five for the Future (5FTF) was launched to encourage organizations to dedicate 5% of their resources to WordPress’ development and growth. This goal, envisioned by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, is designed to create a balanced ratio of contributors to users, ensuring the open-source platform’s sustainability and continuous improvement.

Let’s face it. WordPress wouldn’t be what it is today without the support of its community. This makes 5FTF imperative. After all, its primary purpose is to bolster the success and growth of WordPress by increasing the number of community contributors actively involved in its development.

This is why WebDevStudios dedicates every last Friday of the month to giving back to WordPress by sponsoring our team’s contributions to 5FTF. More contributors mean a stronger, more resilient platform where issues such as bugs and security vulnerabilities can be addressed more efficiently. This benefits everyone—WordPress users, designers, developers, and companies selling WordPress services. The Five for the Future initiative also fosters a community where innovation thrives as diverse groups of individuals collaborate to enhance the platform. That’s the best part!

5FTF Benefits

Participation in Five for the Future offers numerous benefits. For example, it ensures regular updates and improvements, keeping the platform competitive and relevant in the fast-evolving web landscape. That’s because contributors’ collective effort leads to new features, enhanced security, and overall better performance of the WordPress core, plugins, and themes.

In fact, more than 630 contributors (150 first-timers) in at least 51 countries are responsible for WordPress 6.6, aka “Dorsey.” This includes two of our very own team members: Frontend Engineer Aslam Doctor and Principal Engineer Sal Ferrarello.

Sal discovered a bug that prevented the global Javascript code from loading on the login page using the (wp_localize_script) method. He submitted a ticket for it. Aslam then created a fix and pushed the patch to the WordPress repository for review, which was approved after a few tests and updates. Sal and Aslam collaborated to create PHP test cases for the fix.

Voila! That’s the power of 5FTF—discovery, investigation, collaboration, and contribution. How can you not participate in such an amazing opportunity?

5FTF Requires Support from WordPress Companies

For organizations, the initiative presents a unique opportunity to give back to the community that supports their business. By contributing to WordPress, companies can gain recognition, build stronger relationships within the community, and stay ahead of industry trends. Additionally, it provides a platform for employees to develop their skills, share knowledge, and gain recognition for their individual contributions.

Getting involved in 5FTF is straightforward. Organizations and individuals can pledge 5% of their resources—whether time, personnel, or financial support—to various areas of WordPress development. This can include core development, plugin and theme development, documentation, security, support forums, translation, and organizing or volunteering at WordCamps. Interested parties can visit the Five for the Future website to sign up and start contributing.

At WebDevStudios, our commitment to Five for the Future is a testament to our dedication to the WordPress community. Since the initiative’s inception, we have proudly dedicated 5% of our resources to contributing to WordPress. Our team members engage in numerous activities to support the growth and sustainability of open-source software.

We encourage all WordPress companies to sponsor their employees’ involvement in Five for the Future. It’s an easy and rewarding way to contribute to the platform’s longevity and success. Your contributions, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the continuous improvement and innovation of WordPress.

Tomorrow, July 26, 2024, is Five for the Future Friday at WebDevStudios. Below, take a look at some of the ways our team participated in 5FTF last month. We appreciate everything they do to contribute.

From Our Internal 5FTF Slack Channel

I spent some time on client work, and I am now going to spend some time on my plugin. I will also spend 1-2 hours of time researching auto-repeater fields and form structure. –Awais Altaf, Backend Engineer

To start, I want to submit https://github.com/salcode/require-auth-users-rest-endpoint to the WordPress.org plugin repository. -Sal Ferrarello, Principal Engineer

I’m browsing Core Trac for the oldest tickets alive. –Michael Beckwith, Backend Engineer

When I was working with the BT theme, I noticed a funny issue when using non-native blocks (aka ACF). That’s my task for today. –Alfredo Navas, Senior Frontend Engineer

I’m going to ride along with Sal while he submits his plugin to the WordPress plugin repo. Helping to create some of the assets and whatever I can do to help. –Marty O’Connor, Senior Frontend Engineer

I’m going to finish my WP_HTML_Tag_Processor article. I added some performance sections, comparing it with other tools. –Ramsés Del Rosario, Backend Engineer

I’ll be working on a migration tool to hopefully make migrations easier in the future. –Keith Frey, Technical Strategist

Gonna do some experimenting with the Interactivity API. –Garrett Baldwin, Backend Engineer

I will be contributing to the Polyglots Team with more Spanish translations for some plugins. Then I will try to start some new article for the WDS blog. –Jairo Perez, Senior Backend Engineer

From X (Formerly Twitter)

The post Summer Is Sizzling with Five for the Future Contributions appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
https://webdevstudios.com/2024/07/25/summer-five-for-the-future-contributions/feed/ 0 27451
Saving Your WordPress Website: How WebDevStudios Rescues Clients from Poor Digital Marketing Practices https://webdevstudios.com/2024/07/09/saving-your-wordpress-website/ https://webdevstudios.com/2024/07/09/saving-your-wordpress-website/#respond Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:00:02 +0000 https://webdevstudios.com/?p=27379 At WebDevStudios, we often encounter potential clients frustrated by their website’s poor performance. Upon investigation, we frequently discover that these clients have entrusted their WordPress management and hosting to digital marketing agencies. Now, they’re coming to us to save their WordPress website. While digital marketing agencies excel in their domain, they are not specialized WordPress Read More Saving Your WordPress Website: How WebDevStudios Rescues Clients from Poor Digital Marketing Practices

The post Saving Your WordPress Website: How WebDevStudios Rescues Clients from Poor Digital Marketing Practices appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
At WebDevStudios, we often encounter potential clients frustrated by their website’s poor performance. Upon investigation, we frequently discover that these clients have entrusted their WordPress management and hosting to digital marketing agencies. Now, they’re coming to us to save their WordPress website.

While digital marketing agencies excel in their domain, they are not specialized WordPress experts or managed WordPress hosting providers, leading to various issues that can severely impact website performance. Keep reading to learn that your WordPress website is best left in the hands of industry professionals specializing in WordPress.

Why It’s a Bad Idea to Depend on a Digital Marketing Agency for WordPress Services and Hosting

A photo of a ship sinking in the ocean.Digital marketing agencies are excellent at helping companies improve their overall online presence—from ad campaigns to working with online influencers. Where they fail is in WordPress design, development, and hosting. The best digital marketing agencies are self-aware and refer their clients to WordPress agencies like us instead of taking on your WordPress needs. Why should more digital marketing agencies send their clients to WordPress agencies instead of taking on the tasks themselves? The answers are below.

Lack of Specialized Expertise

Digital marketing agencies typically lack specialized WordPress design, development, and hosting knowledge. Their focus is primarily on marketing strategies rather than the technical aspects of website management, which can result in subpar website performance, security, and scalability.

Performance and Speed Issues

Digital marketing agencies often do not invest in high-quality hosting solutions, leading to slower load times and poor overall performance. Shared hosting environments can also result in resource contention, negatively impacting your website’s speed and reliability.

Security Vulnerabilities

Security is another critical area where agencies may fall short. Without prioritizing regular updates and best practices, your website becomes vulnerable to attacks. Outdated plugins and themes can create significant security risks.

Limited Scalability

As your business grows, your website needs to scale accordingly. Digital marketing agencies may not provide scalable solutions capable of handling increased traffic and data, often using hosting solutions that are not flexible or easily upgraded.

Slow Response Times

Marketing agencies juggling multiple clients may not offer timely support and maintenance, leading to longer downtimes and unresolved issues. Your website’s needs might not be prioritized, especially if the agency is focused on higher-paying clients.

Inadequate Backup Solutions and Recovery Challenges

Agencies may not implement robust backup solutions, putting your data at risk. In the event of data loss, they might not have the expertise to restore your website effectively, leading to prolonged downtimes and potential data loss.

The Impact of Poor Digital Marketing Practices

Poor digital marketing practices can negatively affect website performance and user experience. Slow-loading websites frustrate users, leading to high bounce rates and low conversions. Additionally, slow website speed negatively impacts SEO, as search engines like Google prioritize faster websites in their rankings. Ultimately, a poorly performing website reflects negatively on your brand, eroding customer trust and damaging your reputation.

How WebDevStudios Saves Your WordPress Website

The word rescue painted in white on the red background of a boat floating in water. Rescue is reflected in the water.When a potential client approaches WebDevStudios with a myriad of mishaps, we set up a call with them to discuss what they’re seeing go wrong and offer some possible solutions. These are the most common.

Identify the Problems with a Website Audit

Saving your WordPress website can begin with a comprehensive website audit to evaluate performance, security, and functionality. A client can only know so much about what looks to be wrong with their WordPress website based on the frontend. However, a website audit allows our team of WordPress experts to get under the hood for a thorough investigation.

Common signs of poor website performance include slow load times, high bounce rates, and low conversions. We often find typical issues such as outdated plugins, bloated code, and poor hosting, which most marketing agencies miss.

Optimize Website Performance

Once we uncover the difficulties with a website audit, we can focus on cleaning up and optimizing code and removing unnecessary plugins and scripts that slow down your site. Enhancing security measures, such as implementing SSL certificates, regular backups, and security plugins, ensures your website is protected from threats.

Implement Best Practices

We ensure your website has a responsive design for all devices and optimize images and media for faster load times. Implementing caching solutions and CDNs improves performance, while regular maintenance and updates keep your website running smoothly.

Recommend Managed WordPress Hosts

Improving your managed WordPress hosting is crucial. WebDevStudios has established partnerships with the best options. Based on your specific needs, we recommend managed WordPress hosting providers and facilitate the necessary introductions to ensure you receive the best hosting solution.

Prevent Future Issues

To prevent future issues, WebDevStudios offers ongoing WordPress support services. Our team becomes your team, helping you maintain optimal website performance and emphasizing the importance of regular audits and performance checks.

Does Your WordPress Website Need Saving?

Rescuing and optimizing your website is crucial for maintaining a robust online presence. At WebDevStudios, we specialize in identifying and resolving performance issues, ensuring your website runs efficiently and effectively. Contact us for a comprehensive website audit and performance improvement plan.

The post Saving Your WordPress Website: How WebDevStudios Rescues Clients from Poor Digital Marketing Practices appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
https://webdevstudios.com/2024/07/09/saving-your-wordpress-website/feed/ 0 27379
Size Matters: Tailoring Your WordPress Website for Medium Business Growth https://webdevstudios.com/2024/07/02/tailoring-wordpress-for-medium-business-growth/ https://webdevstudios.com/2024/07/02/tailoring-wordpress-for-medium-business-growth/#respond Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:00:54 +0000 https://webdevstudios.com/?p=27242 It’s exciting and validating when a small business owner realizes their company has boomed, outgrown the small business category, and transitioned to a medium-sized business. As a business grows, so do its website needs. Transitioning a WordPress website from a small business platform to one that supports a larger operation might seem overwhelming, but it Read More Size Matters: Tailoring Your WordPress Website for Medium Business Growth

The post Size Matters: Tailoring Your WordPress Website for Medium Business Growth appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
It’s exciting and validating when a small business owner realizes their company has boomed, outgrown the small business category, and transitioned to a medium-sized business. As a business grows, so do its website needs. Transitioning a WordPress website from a small business platform to one that supports a larger operation might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to ensure your WordPress website scales smoothly and effectively with your medium business growth.

Recognize the Need for Growth

There may have been a time when having nothing more than an About page and a contact form was sufficient. However, once a small business has grown into a medium-sized one, it’s clear that its digital presence must evolve. If that sounds like your current journey, it’s time to recognize the need for the transition and take proactive steps to address it.

Key Considerations for Scaling Your Website

While recognition of your business growth is important, planning is key. Don’t dive into new growth without first dipping a toe into the water. Here are some things to consider.

Budget and Timeline

When planning your website upgrade, setting a realistic budget and timeline is crucial. First, find a WordPress developer willing to break your project into phases, allowing for gradual improvements that align with your budget. Second, developing a well-structured timeline ensures a smooth transition without rushing and compromising quality.

Analyze Your Website’s Performance

With increased traffic comes the need for better performance. Slow load times can drive potential customers away, so optimizing your website’s speed is crucial. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and resolve performance issues. Consider upgrading to a more robust hosting plan to handle increased traffic and provide a better user experience.

Accessibility and Scalability

Ensure your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Implement inclusive design practices, such as providing alt text for images, using appropriate heading structures, and ensuring keyboard navigability. Accessibility not only enhances user experience but also improves your site’s SEO. Choose a platform and design that allows easy scalability, enabling your site to grow with your business.

Steps to Scaling Your WordPress Website

Now that you’ve completed some analysis, it’s time to plot your next steps. Here are some ways to level up your WordPress from small biz to medium biz.

Redesign Your Website

An updated design is more than just aesthetics; it’s about functionality and user experience. If your website still resembles the relevant design trends when you first launched, it’s time for an update. A modern design can attract bigger clients and make navigation easier for a broader audience.

  • User-Friendly Navigation: Ensure visitors can easily find what they’re looking for.
  • Responsive Design: Make sure your site looks great and works well on every device.
  • Professional Aesthetics: Invest in high-quality graphics and a cohesive color scheme representing your brand.

Improve Performance and Security

As your business grows, ensuring your website performs well and remains secure is paramount. Once you’ve analyzed your website’s performance, improve it.

  • Optimize Loading Times: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to fix slowdowns.
  • Upgrade Hosting: Move to a more robust hosting plan to handle increased traffic.
  • Enhance Security: Implement SSL certificates, regular backups, and security plugins.

Integrate eCommerce Functions

Adding eCommerce capabilities can open new revenue streams if you’re ready to take your brick-and-mortar shop online.

  • Choose the Right Platform: WordPress plugins like WooCommerce integrate seamlessly.
  • Make Your Shopping Experience User-Friendly: Simplify and secure the checkout process.
  • Manage Inventory: Utilize tools to track stock and orders efficiently.

Incorporate Customized Features

Your website should reflect the unique nature of your business. Customized features can enhance user experience and set you apart from the competition. Here are a few ideas:

  • Custom Forms: Tailor forms to gather specific information from clients.
  • Interactive Elements: Add live chat, customer portals, or interactive maps.
  • Personalized Content: Use data to show relevant content to individual visitors.

Adopt an Iterative Web Development Approach

Scaling your website doesn’t have to be a massive, one-time overhaul. Taking an iterative approach can be more manageable and budget-friendly. Pro tip: not every WordPress development agency offers iterative web development. Before hiring anyone, ask in advance if this type of strategy is possible.

  • Plan in Phases: Break the scaling process into manageable stages.
  • Prioritize Needs: Start with critical updates and gradually implement additional features.
  • Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review the impact of changes and make necessary adjustments.

Conduct a Website Audit

Not sure where to start? A comprehensive website audit can identify what needs to be done. An audit evaluates your site’s performance, design, security, and functionality, providing a roadmap for scaling.

Partner with Experts Who Understand How to Use WordPress for Medium Business Growth

Tailoring WordPress for medium business growth is a journey best taken with experts. Work with a design and development team that can guide you through the process. You can create a website that supports your growth by redesigning your site, improving performance and security, integrating eCommerce functions, and incorporating customized features.

Remember, an iterative approach and a thorough website audit will help you manage this process efficiently and effectively. Your WordPress website is a critical digital marketing asset—do all you can to protect and enhance it as your business grows. Contact WebDevStudios for assistance.

The post Size Matters: Tailoring Your WordPress Website for Medium Business Growth appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
https://webdevstudios.com/2024/07/02/tailoring-wordpress-for-medium-business-growth/feed/ 0 27242
Summertime Support: WebDevStudios Sponsors Five for the Future Tomorrow https://webdevstudios.com/2024/06/27/webdevstudios-sponsors-five-for-the-future/ https://webdevstudios.com/2024/06/27/webdevstudios-sponsors-five-for-the-future/#respond Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:00:31 +0000 https://webdevstudios.com/?p=27350 Launched in 2014, the WordPress initiative Five for the Future (5FTF) encourages organizations to contribute 5% of their resources to WordPress development. This benchmark, proposed by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, aims to maintain a “golden ratio” of contributors to users. In his initial announcement, Matt highlighted the importance of this effort by emphasizing that it Read More Summertime Support: WebDevStudios Sponsors Five for the Future Tomorrow

The post Summertime Support: WebDevStudios Sponsors Five for the Future Tomorrow appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
Launched in 2014, the WordPress initiative Five for the Future (5FTF) encourages organizations to contribute 5% of their resources to WordPress development. This benchmark, proposed by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, aims to maintain a “golden ratio” of contributors to users.

In his initial announcement, Matt highlighted the importance of this effort by emphasizing that it would help grow the WordPress community and ecosystem sustainably. He noted that web hosts, consultancies, and agencies had already stepped up their contributions, but there’s still room for more organizations and individuals to participate.

The purpose of Five for the Future is multifaceted.

Five for the Future aims to increase the number of contributors to WordPress, thereby making the platform more robust and resilient. A larger pool of contributors means more individuals are familiar with the codebase and can promptly address bugs, security vulnerabilities, and other issues.

Additionally, the initiative fosters a more inclusive and welcoming community by encouraging organizations of all sizes and resources to contribute. This inclusivity helps ensure that WordPress remains accessible to a diverse range of users and developers.

The importance of Five for the Future cannot be overstated.

By investing in developing new features and technologies, the initiative helps keep WordPress relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving web landscape. For example, the development of WordPress 6.5 involved around 700 contributors from 57 countries, showcasing the global effort needed to maintain and enhance this open-source project. Such contributions lead to regular updates and improvements in WordPress core, plugins, and themes, benefiting end-users by providing a more secure and feature-rich experience.

Participating in Five for the Future offers numerous benefits.

It helps create a collaborative environment where developers, designers, and other contributors can collaborate, share knowledge, and gain recognition for their efforts. This collaborative spirit accelerates innovation and enhances the sense of community among WordPress users and contributors. Active participation in the initiative strengthens the bonds between stakeholders in the WordPress ecosystem and encourages exchanging ideas and best practices.

To participate in Five for the Future, organizations and individuals can dedicate 5% of their resources—whether in terms of time, personnel, or financial support—to WordPress development and the greater WordPress community. Contributions can be made in various areas, including core and plugin development, documentation, security, support forums, theme reviews, training, testing, translation, and WordCamp organizing, volunteering, and presenting. Interested individuals and organizations can start by visiting the 5FTF website and signing up to contribute.

Five for the Future is a vital initiative for the continuous improvement and innovation of the WordPress platform. By contributing five percent of their resources, organizations can help ensure that WordPress remains a robust, secure, and versatile platform for years. We encourage everyone in the WordPress community to consider participating in this initiative to help build a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive future for WordPress.

Your contributions, no matter how small, can significantly contribute to the long-term success of this open-source project. Here is a sample of how our team contributed to 5FTF last month.

 

More 5FTF Contributions

The 5FTF contributions listed below were reported in our internal Slack channel:

I found a website that has some interesting elements that I want to convert to patterns. I also had an idea for a simple progress bar block related to what we’re doing on GCR, so I may work on that. –Lindsey Bell, Lead Engineer

I will look into core Trac or GitHub issues. I’m particularly interested in checking unit tests and how to add them to tickets/PRs. –Mauricio Andrade, Lead Engineer

BT/FSE for me. –Lauren Levin, Lead Engineer

Jumping into some BT theme and WP support threads today. –David Walz, Lead Engineer

Finalizing a PR I was working on for the documentation plugin but then jumping to BT/FSE. –Ashley Stanley, Frontend Engineer

I will retake my WP_HTML_Tag_Processor article to add some more examples and performance tests. –Ramsés Del Rosario, Backend Engineer

For now I will continue contributing to the Polyglots Team with more Spanish translations for some plugins. –Jairo Perez, Senior Backend Engineer

This is still in progress, as I’m rebuilding parts of the spotify.design website in WDS-BT, but I managed to add the Interactivity API to Core Blocks. In this case, I’m adding it to buttons. I’m doing some logic to check if the button has the class .shuffle on it, if it does, I fire off a function to randomly change the header color. –Marty O’Connor, Senior Frontend Engineer

The post Summertime Support: WebDevStudios Sponsors Five for the Future Tomorrow appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
https://webdevstudios.com/2024/06/27/webdevstudios-sponsors-five-for-the-future/feed/ 0 27350
Company News – June https://webdevstudios.com/2024/06/25/company-news-june-5/ https://webdevstudios.com/2024/06/25/company-news-june-5/#respond Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:00:36 +0000 https://webdevstudios.com/?p=27341 The sun is shining, the days are longer, and summer vibes are in full swing this June. As we dive into this sun-kissed season, we’re thrilled to share the latest and greatest from WebDevStudios. Keeping you informed with our monthly updates is not just an ordinary habit we do every month, but it is an Read More Company News – June

The post Company News – June appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
The sun is shining, the days are longer, and summer vibes are in full swing this June. As we dive into this sun-kissed season, we’re thrilled to share the latest and greatest from WebDevStudios. Keeping you informed with our monthly updates is not just an ordinary habit we do every month, but it is an activity that is key to keeping our community connected and engaged. It’s our way of celebrating our collective achievements and looking ahead to what’s next.

In this company news blog post, you’ll get the scoop on the exciting events happening in the WordPress world, the latest updates to our plugins, and the inspiring content collaborations we’ve been part of. Plus, we’ll fill you in on our newest podcasts and all the generally thrilling happenings here at WebDevStudios (WDS). So, grab a cool drink, find a shady spot, and let’s dive into the news.

WordCamps, WordCamps, WordCamps

WordCamp Montclair

First, there was WordCamp Montclair on June 1, 2024. Two WDS team members, Principal Engineer Sal Ferrarello and Account Manager Laura Byrne, participated as speakers.

Sal’s talk introduced unit tests, which are extra lines of code that check whether or not the rest of the code behaves the way the developer wants it to. In his talk, Sal discussed how writing unit tests has made him a better developer, catch bugs, and write better code. Didn’t make it to WordCamp Montclair? No problem because Sal’s slides are available online.

This is a photo of Account Manager Laura Byrne and Principal Engineer Sal Ferrarello having lunch with WebDevStudios clients at WordCamp Montclair 2024.
Account Manager Laura Byrne (left) and Principal Engineer Sal Ferrarello (right) at WordCamp Montclair with WebDevStudios clients.

Clients don’t know what they don’t know:

  • What web solutions are right for them?
  • How does WordPress come into the picture?
  • How do you make sure you understand the scope and timeline?
  • What do you do if something changes?

Laura explored these questions in her WordCamp Montclair talk “The Art of the Pitch: Selling Your WordPress Solutions.” She offered attendees practical tips and strategies or successful relationship building that leads to closing the deal. Laura’s slides are also available online.

WordCamp Europe

WordCamp Europe took place June 13-15 in Torino, Italy. According to reports, it was a hit! Three WDS team members attended: CEO Brad Williams, Director of Operations April Williams, and Laura made it to Italy after participating at WordCamp Montclair.

This is a photo of WebDevStudios CEO Brad Williams with Taco Verde of Yoast. Photo of WebDevStudios Director of Operations April Williams at WordCamp Europe. Photo of WDS Account Manager Laura Byrne at WordCamp Europe.

Over 2,500 people attended WordCamp Europe. Contributor Day brought together 726 contributors working across 25 teams to support the WordPress project. There were two days of engaging sessions with 60 presentations and sessions, and even a youth workshop that gave younger attendees hands-on opportunities to build WordPress websites, explore new tech, and learn about internet safety.

Additionally, WordPress Cofounder Matt Mullenweg shared a mid-year project update on WordPress and concluded by fielding questions from the audience on various topics. His presentation highlighted the success of the contributor mentorship program and WCEU Contributor Day, demoed Translate Live, and shared an update on the Data Liberation initiative. You can watch Matt’s WordPress Summer Update presentation in the video below.

 

Scale Consortium Enterprise WordPress Showcase

The Scale Consortium, a group of representatives from some of the most prolific and successful enterprise WordPress agencies, recently hosted its Summer Enterprise WordPress showcase with Josepha Haden Chomphosy, Executive Director of the WordPress project. The session deeply investigated enterprise-level WordPress development, showcasing innovative sites and underscoring the platform’s benefits in large-scale applications.

This showcase affirms WordPress’ role as a formidable player in enterprise web development, demonstrating its capability to manage complex, high-traffic environments while offering flexibility and scalability. Highlights include Disney and ABC Press, Fujifilm, and WebDevStudios clients NBA G League. Watch the showcase video below.

 

New Do the Woo Podcast

In partnership with Scale Consortium, Do the Woo has launched a new podcast called “Scaling Enterprise, WordPress and Open Source Software.” Hosted by Brad, Karim Marucchi of Crowd Favorite, and Tom Willmot of Human Made, the podcast will explore WordPress-related topics and broader issues like AI, first-party data, and the DXP world, showcasing how open source and WordPress offer flexibility and innovation for enterprise clients. The first episode is out! Listen to it at the Do the Woo website.

Scaling Enterprise WordPress and OSS. Number 512. Brad Williams, Karim Marucchi. and Tom Willmot.

 

New Web Glossary Added to WDS Site Documentation Plugin

WDS Site Documentation is a free client-centric documentation WordPress plugin that allows any WordPress developer can provide their clients with essential documentation directly on their own website, including video and PDF links. Now, WDS Site Documentation features a new Web Glossary, complete with approximately 70 website terms. Learn more in the News section of the Pluginize website.

WordPress WDS Site Documentation

 

Guest Blog Post for Pagely

Many people cherish the warmth and security that a long-term relationship brings. However, sometimes, these relationships take an unexpected turn for the worse, leading to a difficult farewell. This scenario can also apply to your experience with a managed WordPress host. What began as a promising partnership may now feel inadequate and disappointing.

At WebDevStudios, we’ve seen it all. That’s why we wrote a guest blog post for our partner Pagely. Read “Spotting the Red Flags: When It’s Time to Break Up with Your Managed WordPress Host” to learn more about managed WordPress host red flags and what you should do when it’s time to move on. Head over to the Pagely blog to read all about it.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay in the loop with WebDevStudios. Each month, we send out a jam-packed newsletter with expert advice on WordPress, digital marketing, and website strategy from our team of specialists. Subscribe now to get the latest issue. Check out last month’s edition to read Lisa’s tips on crafting an RFP to attract top WordPress agencies.

The post Company News – June appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
https://webdevstudios.com/2024/06/25/company-news-june-5/feed/ 0 27341
How to Write an Effective RFP for Hiring a WordPress Developer https://webdevstudios.com/2024/06/18/rfp-for-hiring-a-wordpress-developer/ https://webdevstudios.com/2024/06/18/rfp-for-hiring-a-wordpress-developer/#respond Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:00:52 +0000 https://webdevstudios.com/?p=27332 The team at WebDevStudios understands the importance and challenges of creating a request for proposal (RFP) when hiring a WordPress website developer. Many organizations, including government agencies, nonprofits, and private companies, rely on RFPs to standardize and formalize their hiring process. However, crafting an effective RFP can be daunting and time-consuming. In this blog post, Read More How to Write an Effective RFP for Hiring a WordPress Developer

The post How to Write an Effective RFP for Hiring a WordPress Developer appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
The team at WebDevStudios understands the importance and challenges of creating a request for proposal (RFP) when hiring a WordPress website developer. Many organizations, including government agencies, nonprofits, and private companies, rely on RFPs to standardize and formalize their hiring process.

However, crafting an effective RFP can be daunting and time-consuming. In this blog post, we’ll share tips for writing a successful RFP that gets noticed by everyone. We will also address common pitfalls and suggest alternatives for scenarios where an RFP might not be the best approach. Keep reading to learn how to write an effective RFP for hiring a WordPress developer.

Why Do Organizations Rely on RFPs?

Organizations often use RFPs for several reasons:

  • Standardization: RFPs provide a structured format that ensures all potential vendors receive the same information, making it easier to compare responses.
  • Automatic Processes: Many organizations have established procedures that require RFPs for transparency and accountability, particularly in government, education, and nonprofit sectors.
  • Meeting Requirements: RFPs help ensure the selection process adheres to inclusive practices and specific organizational policies and regulations.

Challenges of Writing an RFP for Hiring a WordPress Developer

While RFPs offer a standardized approach, they come with significant challenges:

  • Time-Consuming: Crafting a detailed RFP for hiring a WordPress developer requires considerable time and effort, from defining project requirements to reviewing responses.
  • Expensive: The RFP process can be costly, involving multiple stakeholders and often requiring legal or consultant fees.
  • Limiting: RFPs can stifle creativity and innovation, leading some to say, “RFPs are considered the least creative way to hire vendors.” The rigid format often limits vendors’ ability to propose unique solutions.

Common Reasons Why RFPs Receive Few Responses

Many RFPs go unanswered due to the following reasons:

  • Unreasonable Deadlines: If the submission timelines are too short, potential vendors may not have enough time to prepare a comprehensive response.
  • Unreasonable Budget: A budget that does not align with the project’s scope or market rates can deter qualified vendors.
  • Extremely Restrictive Requirements: Overly specific requirements may exclude capable vendors with innovative solutions.
  • Too Broad of Requirements: Vague or overly broad requirements can lead to confusion and disinterest.

Tips for Writing a Successful RFP

  • Be Clear and Concise: Clearly outline your project goals, objectives, and deliverables. Include any specific technical requirements and preferred features.
  • Set Realistic Deadlines: Given the complexity of your project, give vendors ample time to prepare their proposals.
  • Define the Budget: Offer a realistic budget range and be transparent about financial constraints. This helps vendors gauge if the project is viable for them.
  • Encourage Creativity: Allow flexibility in how vendors can meet your requirements. Encourage them to propose innovative solutions that you might not have considered.
  • Provide Evaluation Criteria: Clearly state how proposals will be evaluated. This transparency helps vendors tailor their responses to your priorities.

Remedies for Low-Response RFPs

If your RFP is not attracting responses, consider the following remedies:

  • Review and Adjust: Reevaluate the requirements, budget, and deadlines. Seek feedback from vendors on why they didn’t respond.
  • Engage Directly: Reach out to potential vendors directly for feedback and insights into improving your RFP.
  • Simplify the Process: Reduce complexity by focusing on essential requirements and allowing flexibility in how vendors meet them.

When RFPs Are Unnecessary

In some cases, issuing an RFP may not be the best approach. Here are situations where direct engagement is more effective:

  • Small Projects: The RFP process can be overkill for smaller projects. Instead, research and contact a list of reputable WordPress developers directly.
  • Tight Timelines: When time is of the essence, contacting developers directly can expedite the hiring process.
  • Niche Expertise: If your project requires specific expertise, directly contacting specialists can be more efficient than casting a wide net with an RFP.

A Strong RFP Can Secure Your Dream WordPress Project

Writing an effective RFP for hiring a WordPress website developer involves balancing clarity, detail, and flexibility. While RFPs can standardize the selection process, they are not always the most creative or efficient method.

By understanding the common pitfalls and knowing when to bypass the RFP process, you can better navigate the complexities of hiring a WordPress developer and ensure your project’s success. If you need help crafting an RFP or deciding the best approach for your project, feel free to reach out to our team for guidance and support.

The post How to Write an Effective RFP for Hiring a WordPress Developer appeared first on WebDevStudios.

]]>
https://webdevstudios.com/2024/06/18/rfp-for-hiring-a-wordpress-developer/feed/ 0 27332