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Wordpress

WordPress is a versatile and widely used open-source content management system (CMS) that allows users to create and manage websites easily without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Initially launched as a blogging platform in 2003, WordPress has evolved into a robust CMS supporting websites of all types, including blogs, e-commerce stores, portfolios, business sites, and more. It offers a user-friendly interface, thousands of customizable themes and plugins, and a large, active community for support and development. Built on PHP and MySQL, WordPress is highly flexible and can be extended with custom code to meet unique needs. Its ease of use, scalability, and search engine-friendly structure make it a popular choice for individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises worldwide.

Wordpress staging site close up shot of a typewriter plug-ins

WordPress Danger: Admin is NOT your Admin Log in Is It?

Switching from the default “admin” username in WordPress is crucial for security. By creating a new user with admin privileges and a strong password, you can eliminate a common target for hackers. This simple step enhances your website’s security by closing off a major vulnerability. Be cautious, though; while this action is a positive security measure, it is just one among numerous potential vulnerabilities.
#Wordpress #Security

a vintage typewriter blogspot wordpress posts

WordPress Plug-in Hell

WordPress users must manage plug-ins carefully to avoid overloading their site and harming SEO. Overuse of resource-intensive plug-ins like JetPack and Yoast can lead to a sluggish site and HTTP 504 Errors. An effective strategy to identify problematic plug-ins is the ‘Plug-in Wipe Out Game,’ where all plug-ins are deactivated, then reactivated individually to test their impact on site performance. The author’s experience shows Yoast caused significant slowdown, indicating it may not handle large sites well, leading them to consider Rank Math as an alternative. Site performance is vital for search engine visibility, so finding the right balance of plug-ins is critical.

Wordpress staging site close up shot of a typewriter plug-ins

Staging Site for WordPress testing

I utilized a staging site provided by DreamHost to develop and try out new upgrades for their large financial site. Projects in progress include a theme change, testing a new mobile page creation plugin, and deciding between Yoast and MathRank for SEO. They learn from their initial errors on the staging site and plan to document their actions and streamline the plugins and ads on the site. They also note the challenges of designing mobile pages and testing SEO tools. For SEO testing, the author considers conducting tests on the live site, emphasizing the importance of site back-ups.