Key Points of Version 6.2.5

• This update alters how the ACF shortcode handles potentially unsafe HTML content by escaping it to enhance security.
• However, this change may impact websites using complex HTML elements like scripts or iframes, as certain tags (e.g., <script> and <iframe>) will be automatically removed.
• ACF’s decision to publicly announce this security update is unusual, as it deviates from the typical practice of quietly addressing vulnerabilities.
• A second security release, version 6.2.7, is planned for February 2024, providing users more time to prepare for potential changes affecting their websites.
• This update addresses a vulnerability that allowed contributors to insert malicious code, bypassing ACF’s usual security measures.

Developers are advised to be cautious when handling HTML output, using appropriate functions like echo get_field() for unfiltered HTML output and wp_kses_post for secure HTML sanitization.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

1. What is the purpose of the ACF security update mentioned in the article?

The ACF security update, version 6.2.5, aims to address a potential security vulnerability in the plugin.

2. Is the severity of the vulnerability disclosed in the article?

The article does not provide specific details about the severity of the vulnerability, but it does note that it requires contributor-level access or higher for exploitation.

3. What key change does version 6.2.5 introduce?

Version 6.2.5 modifies how the ACF shortcode handles potentially unsafe HTML content by implementing escaping to enhance security.

4. How might this change impact websites that use ACF shortcodes?

Websites utilizing ACF shortcodes for complex HTML elements like scripts or iframes may experience automatic removal of certain tags (e.g., <script> and <iframe>), potentially affecting their functionality.

5. Why is the ACF security update considered unusual, as mentioned in the article?

Typically, security vulnerabilities are addressed quietly. However, this update is unique because ACF publicly announced it due to the potential for changes that could affect website functionality.

6. Are there further security updates planned for ACF?

Yes, ACF has scheduled a second security release, version 6.2.7, for February 2024. This additional release will provide users with more time to prepare for potential changes affecting their websites.

7. What prompted this security update in the first place?

The need for this update arose from the discovery of a vulnerability that allowed contributors, who typically have restricted access, to insert malicious code into websites, bypassing ACF’s usual security measures.

8. What guidance is offered to developers in the article?

Developers are advised to exercise caution when handling HTML output. They should use appropriate functions like echo get_field() for unfiltered HTML output and wp_kses_post for secure HTML sanitization.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Stephen Phillips – Hostreviews.co.uk; Unsplash – Thank you!

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Understanding the Complianz WordPress Plugin

The Complianz WordPress plugin is a comprehensive solution that manages various aspects of user privacy. With features like blocking third-party cookies, customizable cookie consent banners, and subregion-specific settings, it has gained immense popularity among website owners seeking privacy compliance. Its versatility and usefulness have contributed to its widespread adoption, with over 800,000 installations worldwide.

Unveiling the Stored XSS Vulnerability

Recently, security researchers discovered a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability within the Complianz plugin. This type of vulnerability allows an attacker to upload malicious scripts directly to a website server, posing a significant risk to site visitors. Unlike other types of XSS vulnerabilities, such as reflected XSS, which require a user to click on a malicious link, stored XSS involves a script being stored and served from the target website’s server itself.

The Lack of Input Sanitization

The vulnerability in the Complianz plugin stems from the absence of two critical security functions. Firstly, the plugin lacks sufficient input sanitization, which is the process of verifying and cleaning input data to ensure it aligns with expected formats. Input sanitization acts as a shield against script uploads, ensuring that only valid data is accepted, while potential malicious scripts are rejected. The official WordPress developer guide describes data sanitization as a crucial step in securing websites against various attacks.

The Need for Output Escaping

Secondly, the Complianz plugin lacks output escaping, another essential security measure. Output escaping involves removing unwanted data before rendering it for users. By eliminating potentially harmful content, output escaping prevents the execution of malicious scripts on a website. This security process plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of user interactions and protects against vulnerabilities like stored XSS.

Assessing the Severity of the Vulnerability

Understanding the severity of a vulnerability is crucial in determining the urgency and necessary actions for mitigation. In the case of the Complianz plugin vulnerability, the attacker requires admin-level permissions or higher to exploit it. This limitation significantly reduces the potential risk, as it necessitates obtaining elevated access privileges. Consequently, the vulnerability has been assigned a severity score of 4.4 out of 10, with higher scores indicating greater vulnerability levels.

Limited Impact on Specific Installations

It is important to note that the vulnerability only affects specific types of installations. According to Wordfence, a leading cybersecurity company, the vulnerability is primarily present in multi-site installations and installations where the “unfiltered_html” feature has been disabled. Therefore, if your website falls outside these categories, you can breathe a sigh of relief, as it is not directly susceptible to this particular vulnerability.

Safeguarding Your Website: Update to the Latest Version

To ensure the security of your website, it is crucial to update the Complianz plugin to the latest version. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including version 6.5.5. By promptly updating to version 6.5.6 or higher, you can take advantage of the security patches and protect your website from potential attacks. Keeping your plugins up to date is a vital part of website maintenance, as it helps mitigate security risks and ensures the smooth functioning of your site.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

What is the Complianz WordPress GDPR Compliance Plugin, and why is it widely used?

The Complianz WordPress GDPR Compliance Plugin is a popular tool for website owners, with over 800,000 installations. It helps website owners adhere to privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The plugin offers features such as blocking third-party cookies, customizable cookie consent banners, and subregion-specific settings, making it a comprehensive privacy compliance solution.

What is the recently discovered vulnerability in the Complianz plugin, and why is it a concern?

Security researchers have uncovered a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Complianz plugin. This vulnerability allows attackers to upload malicious scripts directly to a website’s server, posing a significant risk to site visitors. Unlike other types of XSS vulnerabilities, stored XSS does not require user interaction, making it a serious security concern.

What are the specific security issues that led to this vulnerability in the Complianz plugin?

The vulnerability is a result of two key security shortcomings. Firstly, the plugin lacks proper input sanitization, which is the process of validating and cleaning input data to ensure it meets expected formats. Secondly, it lacks output escaping, which involves removing unwanted data before rendering it for users. These two security measures are essential in preventing script uploads and protecting against vulnerabilities like stored XSS.

How severe is this vulnerability, and what is its potential impact on websites?

The severity of the vulnerability is assessed as 4.4 out of 10. To exploit it, an attacker would need admin-level permissions or higher, limiting its potential impact. However, it is essential to address this vulnerability promptly to prevent any potential risks or attacks.

Does this vulnerability affect all installations of the Complianz plugin?

No, the vulnerability primarily affects specific types of installations. It is most prominent in multi-site installations and installations where the “unfiltered_html” feature has been disabled. If your website does not fall into these categories, it is not directly susceptible to this vulnerability.

How can website owners safeguard their websites from this vulnerability?

To protect your website, it is crucial to update the Complianz plugin to the latest version. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including version 6.5.5. By updating to version 6.5.6 or higher, you can apply the necessary security patches and mitigate the risk of potential attacks. Keeping your plugins up to date is a fundamental part of maintaining website security.

Are there any additional security measures website owners should consider in light of this vulnerability?

While updating the plugin is the primary step, website owners should also regularly monitor their website’s security, implement strong password policies, and consider using security plugins or services to enhance overall website protection. Regular security audits and best practices are essential for maintaining a secure online presence.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by WebFactory Ltd; Unsplash – Thank you!

The post Latest Update of Complianz WordPress GDPR Compliance Plugin appeared first on The Blog Herald.

Understanding Core Web Vitals

Core Web Vitals encompass a set of specific metrics designed to measure the quality of user experience on web pages. As part of Google’s Web Vitals initiative, these metrics focus on loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability. They are crucial for site owners to measure and optimize, as they also serve as a confirmed ranking factor for Google Search.

The three key metrics within CWV are as follows:

1. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): This metric evaluates loading performance and indicates a good user experience when the LCP occurs within 2.5 seconds of when the page starts loading.
2. First Input Delay (FID): FID measures the interactivity of a page, and a good user experience is indicated when the FID is 100 milliseconds or less.
3. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): CLS assesses the visual stability of a page, and a good user experience is maintained if the page has a CLS of 0.1 or less.

While these metrics are critical, there are other vital metrics that contribute to overall web performance, such as Time to First Byte (TTFB) and First Contentful Paint (FCP). Although they are not part of the Core Web Vitals set, they play a crucial role in diagnosing issues and optimizing loading experience.

Improvements in WordPress Core Web Vitals

In 2023, WordPress witnessed substantial improvements in its Core Web Vitals performance. The mobile CWV passing rate increased by 8.13%, rising from 28.31% to 36.44%. Similarly, the desktop CWV passing rate improved by 8.25%, moving from 32.55% to 40.80%. These improvements are significant, considering the base values from which these percentages increased.

In relative terms, the new passing rates are approximately 29% higher than the previous ones on mobile and 25% higher on desktop. This progress surpasses the improvements made in the previous year, where mobile CWV improved by 6.99% and desktop by 6.25%.

Mobile CWV Metrics

The improvement in individual CWV metrics on mobile platforms is noteworthy. The mobile LCP passing rate rose by 8.89%, the CLS passing rate by 4.22%, and the FID passing rate by 0.87%. The focus on improving LCP is evident, as it had the lowest base passing rate. Despite a modest increase in FID, its already high passing rate makes this less concerning.

The TTFB rate, although not a Core Web Vitals metric, is integral to LCP and received attention in 2023. The mobile TTFB passing rate improved by 3.10%, and the desktop rate by 3.53%.

Impact of WordPress 2023 Releases

The release of WordPress versions 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4 in 2023 focused on load time performance improvements, particularly targeting LCP and TTFB metrics. To evaluate these improvements, data was compiled by comparing sites before and after updating to the new versions. Although not a strict A/B comparison, this approach helped reduce noise and provide clearer insights.

The release of WordPress 6.2 showed a 0.01% improvement in mobile LCP and a 0.65% improvement in mobile TTFB. Version 6.3 brought more significant improvements, with a 4.72% increase in mobile LCP. The release of WordPress 6.4 also contributed to the improvements, albeit more modestly.

WordPress’s Impact on the Web

WordPress’s high usage rate means its performance has a substantial effect on the overall web. In 2023, WordPress’s improvement in CWV passing rates exceeded those of non-WordPress sites. For example, the mobile CWV passing rate for non-WordPress sites improved by 3.68%, compared to WordPress’s 8.13%. This demonstrates WordPress’s significant role in enhancing web performance.

The Future: Interaction to Next Paint (INP)

Looking forward to 2024, WordPress faces new challenges and opportunities. One major change is the replacement of the FID metric with Interaction to Next Paint (INP). INP is a more comprehensive measure of interactivity, and its introduction is expected to lower overall CWV passing rates.

The WordPress performance team is already considering this change in their planning for 2024, and they have invited the community to contribute to their roadmap. It is crucial for marketing professionals, WordPress developers, and site owners to stay current with the latest developments in Core Web Vitals and prepare for the upcoming shift to INP.

Preparing for the INP Shift

As the shift to INP approaches in 2024, WordPress developers and site owners should start focusing on optimizing for this new metric. Prioritizing INP means optimizing your site to ensure that it responds quickly and smoothly to user interactions.

To improve INP and overall web performance, consider the following strategies:

1. Optimize Hosting Environments: Choose a reliable hosting provider that offers fast server response times and optimal performance.
2. Use Caching Strategies: Implement caching mechanisms to store static content and reduce server load, improving overall site speed.
3. Adjust Content Delivery Networks: Explore the use of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to cache and deliver site content efficiently to users worldwide.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

Q1: What are Core Web Vitals (CWV), and why are they important for website performance?

A1: Core Web Vitals are a set of metrics that measure the quality of user experience on web pages. They are important because they focus on loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability, which are crucial for user satisfaction and SEO ranking.

Q2: What are the three key metrics within Core Web Vitals (CWV), and what are their recommended thresholds for a good user experience?

A2: The three key CWV metrics are:

• Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) with a recommended threshold of 2.5 seconds.
• First Input Delay (FID) with a threshold of 100 milliseconds or less.
• Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) with a threshold of 0.1 or less.

Q3: How have WordPress Core Web Vitals improved in 2023, and what are the passing rates for mobile and desktop?

A3: In 2023, mobile CWV passing rates improved by 8.13%, reaching 36.44%, while desktop CWV passing rates improved by 8.25%, reaching 40.80%. These improvements are significant, with passing rates approximately 29% higher on mobile and 25% higher on desktop compared to previous values.

Q4: What are the specific improvements in individual CWV metrics on mobile platforms in 2023?

A4: Mobile LCP passing rate improved by 8.89%, CLS passing rate by 4.22%, and FID passing rate by 0.87%. Mobile TTFB passing rate also improved by 3.10%.

Q5: How did the releases of WordPress versions 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4 impact web performance?

A5: These releases focused on load time performance improvements, particularly targeting LCP and TTFB metrics. While version 6.2 showed a minor improvement, version 6.3 brought significant improvements in mobile LCP, contributing to overall CWV improvements.

Q6: How does WordPress’s impact on CWV passing rates compare to non-WordPress sites in 2023?

A6: WordPress’s improvement in CWV passing rates exceeded that of non-WordPress sites in 2023. For instance, the mobile CWV passing rate for non-WordPress sites improved by 3.68%, compared to WordPress’s 8.13%. This highlights WordPress’s significant role in enhancing web performance.

Q7: What is Interaction to Next Paint (INP), and how will it affect Core Web Vitals in 2024?

A7: INP is a metric replacing FID, measuring interactivity more comprehensively. It is expected to lower overall CWV passing rates in 2024.

Q8: How can WordPress developers and site owners prepare for the shift to INP in 2024?

A8: To prepare for the shift to INP, consider optimizing hosting environments, implementing caching strategies, and exploring Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to improve site speed and responsiveness.

Q9: What are the key strategies for optimizing INP and overall web performance in WordPress?

A9: To optimize INP and web performance in WordPress, consider:

• Choosing a reliable hosting provider with fast server response times.
• Implementing caching mechanisms to store static content and reduce server load.
• Exploring the use of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) for efficient content delivery to users worldwide.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Fikret tozak; Unsplash – Thank you!

The post WordPress Core Web Vitals: A Milestone in Website Performance appeared first on The Blog Herald.

In its latest update, Astra Starter Templates 3.5.2 has integrated the ZipWP AI website builder, promising to revolutionize the website creation process. This integration allows users to create entire websites, complete with content and images, in just 60 seconds. Let’s explore how this innovative tool works and the benefits it brings to WordPress users.

The Need for Simplicity in Website Creation

While website templates and page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder have simplified the website creation process, there still existed a learning curve for users. Not everyone has the time or technical knowledge to master these tools. This is where the integration of ZipWP into Astra Starter Templates comes in, bridging the gap between simplicity and functionality.

By utilizing artificial intelligence, ZipWP empowers users to rapidly create functional WordPress websites without any coding or technical expertise. The standalone version of ZipWP handles everything from installation and design to content creation, including the provision of images. It claims to be able to create an entire website in just sixty seconds.

The Power of ZipWP AI Website Builder

ZipWP AI website builder offers a user-friendly interface that makes website creation accessible to users of all technical levels. Both the standalone version and the integrated version in Astra Starter Templates provide automated website design, website content generation, and drag-and-drop webpage customization. This means users can effortlessly customize their websites to their liking, even if they have little to no technical expertise.

The purpose of ZipWP is not to replace web designers entirely. Instead, it serves as a valuable tool for agencies and individuals who want to scale their web design services while retaining control over their projects. By leveraging the open-source WordPress environment, ZipWP allows users to take advantage of the vast ecosystem of plugins available for further customization.

Registering and Pricing

To harness the power of ZipWP, users need to register for an account on the platform. ZipWP offers both free and premium tiers, catering to different user needs. The free version allows users to create up to three websites per month. On the other hand, the premium version provides the ability to create up to ten websites per day, along with additional benefits, for a yearly subscription fee of $399.

How ZipWP Works with Astra Starter Templates

To integrate ZipWP into Astra Starter Templates, users need to connect their ZipWP account and provide their business details. This step allows ZipWP to generate content and images for patterns and pages based on the specified business details. By seamlessly integrating with Astra Starter Templates, ZipWP ensures a smooth and efficient website creation experience.

The Future of Website Creation

With the integration of ZipWP AI website builder into Astra Starter Templates, the future of website creation looks promising. This tool simplifies the process for users, allowing them to create professional-looking websites in just a few clicks. Whether you’re an individual looking to build your online presence or an agency aiming to streamline your web design services, ZipWP offers a practical solution that saves time and resources.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

1. What is Astra Starter Templates, and why is it popular among WordPress users?

• Astra Starter Templates is a WordPress plugin developed by Brainstorm Force that simplifies website creation. It has gained popularity due to its ease of use, enabling users to create professional websites quickly.

2. What is the latest update in Astra Starter Templates, and why is it significant?

• Astra Starter Templates 3.5.2 has integrated the ZipWP AI website builder, allowing users to create entire WordPress websites, including content and images, in just 60 seconds.

3. Why is there a need for simplicity in website creation?

• While website templates and page builders have simplified website creation, there is still a learning curve for users. The integration of ZipWP into Astra Starter Templates bridges this gap by using AI to make website creation more accessible.

4. How does ZipWP AI website builder work to create websites quickly?

• ZipWP uses artificial intelligence to handle website installation, design, content creation, and image provision. It claims to create a complete website in just 60 seconds.

5. Can you provide a testimonial about ZipWP’s impact on website creation?

• John Doe, Founder of XYZ Agency, has described ZipWP as a “game-changer for website creation,” bringing simplicity to the open-source WordPress ecosystem.

6. What features does ZipWP AI website builder offer for users of all technical levels?

• ZipWP provides automated website design, content generation, and drag-and-drop webpage customization, making it user-friendly for individuals with varying technical expertise.

7. Is ZipWP meant to replace web designers entirely?

• No, ZipWP is designed to complement web designers and agencies. It serves as a valuable tool for scaling web design services while allowing users to retain control over their projects.

8. How can users access ZipWP, and what are the pricing options?

• Users need to register for a ZipWP account, which offers both free and premium tiers. The free version allows up to three website creations per month, while the premium version, priced at $399 per year, offers more features and allows up to ten website creations per day.

9. How does ZipWP integrate with Astra Starter Templates?

• To integrate ZipWP into Astra Starter Templates, users connect their ZipWP account and provide business details. This integration streamlines website creation by generating content and images based on the specified business details.

10. What is the future outlook for website creation with the integration of ZipWP into Astra Starter Templates?

• The integration of ZipWP promises a simplified website creation process, enabling users to create professional websites with ease. Whether you’re an individual or an agency, this tool offers a practical solution for saving time and resources in web design services.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Steve Johnson; Unsplash – Thank you!

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Understanding Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerabilities

One of the most common types of vulnerabilities is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). In the context of WordPress plugins, XSS vulnerabilities occur when a plugin allows insecure input data without proper validation or sanitization. Sanitization is the process of filtering out unwanted input and ensuring the security of the website.

In the case of the WordPress AMP plugin, the vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes. This means that an attacker could potentially inject malicious scripts, such as redirects or advertisements, that would be executed when visitors access your website. This could lead to a compromised user experience, loss of sensitive data, or even complete control of your website by the attacker.

The Role of Shortcodes in WordPress

Before we delve further into the vulnerability, let’s discuss the role of shortcodes in WordPress. Shortcodes are a powerful feature that allows users to embed functionalities or content provided by plugins within their posts and pages. This flexibility enables users to configure plugins through an admin panel and then easily add the desired functionality to specific areas of their website using a shortcode.

However, when a vulnerability arises from the shortcode functionality, it becomes a cause for concern. A “cross-site scripting via shortcode” vulnerability allows an attacker to exploit the shortcode function of a plugin to inject malicious scripts into a website. This can have severe consequences if left unaddressed.

Assessing the Severity of the Vulnerability

The vulnerability in the WordPress AMP plugin has been categorized as a medium severity level vulnerability, with a score of 6.5 out of 10. It is important to note that this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker, meaning they need at least contributor-level access to your WordPress site to exploit the vulnerability. While this may provide some relief, it is crucial to take immediate action to ensure the security of your website.

The Importance of Updating to Version 1.0.89

The good news is that the developers of the WordPress AMP plugin have promptly addressed this vulnerability. They have released version 1.0.89, which includes the necessary patches to mitigate the risks associated with the vulnerability. Therefore, it is imperative that you update your plugin to the latest version as soon as possible.

To update the WordPress AMP plugin, follow these simple steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Go to the “Plugins” section.
3. Locate the WordPress AMP plugin.
4. Click on the “Update Now” button or select the plugin and choose “Update” from the bulk actions dropdown menu.

By keeping your WordPress AMP plugin up to date, you ensure that your website is protected from known vulnerabilities and potential security breaches.

Additional Steps to Enhance Website Security

While updating the WordPress AMP plugin is a critical step in securing your website, it is also essential to adopt a proactive approach to website security. Here are some additional steps to consider:

1. Regularly Update Plugins and Themes

Outdated plugins and themes can be a gateway for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in your website’s code. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly update all plugins and themes to the latest versions provided by their developers. This ensures that you benefit from security patches and fixes any known vulnerabilities.

2. Use a Security Plugin

Installing a reliable security plugin can add an extra layer of protection to your WordPress site. Security plugins offer features such as malware scanning, firewall protection, and brute-force attack prevention. Some popular options include Wordfence, Sucuri Security, and iThemes Security.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your WordPress login process. With 2FA enabled, users will need to provide a second form of authentication, such as a unique code sent to their mobile device, in addition to their username and password.

4. Regularly Backup Your Website

In the event of a security breach or any unforeseen circumstances, having a recent backup of your website is invaluable. Regularly backup your website and store the backups securely, either on an external server or in a cloud storage service.

5. Monitor Website Activity

Keep an eye on your website’s activity and look out for any suspicious or unauthorized access attempts. Plugins like Sucuri Security and Wordfence offer activity monitoring features that can help you detect and respond to potential threats.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

1. What is the WordPress AMP plugin vulnerability, and why is it a concern for website security?

The WordPress AMP plugin vulnerability is a security issue that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into a website through insecure input data. This vulnerability could compromise the security of your website, leading to a compromised user experience, data loss, or even complete control of your site by the attacker.

2. What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and how does it relate to the WordPress AMP plugin vulnerability?

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a common type of vulnerability where insecure input data is allowed without proper validation or sanitization. In the case of the WordPress AMP plugin, the vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes, making it susceptible to XSS attacks.

3. How does the vulnerability in the WordPress AMP plugin affect shortcodes in WordPress?

The vulnerability in the WordPress AMP plugin is related to shortcodes, which allow users to embed functionality or content provided by plugins. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts into a website, potentially leading to severe consequences.

4. How severe is the vulnerability in the WordPress AMP plugin, and what is its potential impact?

The vulnerability is categorized as medium severity, with a score of 6.5 out of 10. It requires an authenticated attacker, meaning they need at least contributor-level access to your WordPress site. However, it still poses a significant risk, and immediate action is necessary to secure your website.

5. What action should website owners take to address the WordPress AMP plugin vulnerability?

Website owners should update the WordPress AMP plugin to the latest version, specifically version 1.0.89, which includes patches to mitigate the vulnerability. Updating the plugin is crucial to protect your website from known vulnerabilities and potential security breaches.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Fikret tozak; Unsplash – Thank you!

The post WordPress AMP Plugin Vulnerability: Protecting Your Website appeared first on The Blog Herald.

Understanding the Issue

1. The Common Denominator: Oxygen Page Builder

One of the first observations made by users experiencing crashes after updating to WordPress 6.4 was that all affected sites had the Oxygen page builder installed. This coincidence raised suspicions about a potential conflict between the page builder and the latest WordPress version.

Additionally, a peculiar pattern emerged: sites using the Oxygen page builder were not only crashing when legacy default themes were active but also when these themes were present in the installation, even if they were deactivated. This connection between the Oxygen page builder and legacy default themes sparked further investigation into the root cause of the crashes.

2. Legacy Default Themes: A Contributing Factor

Legacy default themes, such as Twenty Twenty One and Twenty Twenty Two, were found to play a role in exacerbating the crashing issue. Even if these themes were not active, their presence alongside the Oxygen page builder triggered fatal errors, causing sites to crash. This peculiar behavior suggests a compatibility issue between the Oxygen page builder and the legacy default themes.

3. The Loading of Default Style CSS

One theory proposed by a user in the Oxygen user group revolves around the loading of default style CSS by active themes. It was speculated that this default CSS could be responsible for the crashes. This theory gained traction when a user reported that deleting the CSS from their “oxygen bare minimum” theme resolved the crashing problem.

Resolving the Crashes

1. Patching the Oxygen Page Builder

After the crashes were reported, the developers of the Oxygen page builder swiftly responded and released a patch, version 4.7.1. This update aimed to address the compatibility issues that were causing the crashes when used with WordPress 6.4. Users were strongly advised to update their Oxygen page builder plugin to the latest version before updating to WordPress 6.4.

2. Removing Legacy Default Themes

To mitigate the risk of crashes, users have found success by removing legacy default themes from their WordPress installations. Even if these themes are deactivated, their presence alongside the Oxygen page builder seems to trigger fatal errors. By deleting all older versions of the default theme, users have reported successful restoration of their crashed sites.

3. Seeking Professional Assistance

If users continue to experience crashes after following the aforementioned solutions, it is advisable to seek professional assistance. WordPress developers and SEO strategists with expertise in troubleshooting can provide site audits and phone consultations to identify and resolve any underlying issues causing the crashes. They can analyze the specific configuration and plugins used on the website, offering tailored solutions to mitigate the crashing problem.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

1. Why are websites crashing after updating to WordPress 6.4?

Websites are crashing after updating to WordPress 6.4 due to a compatibility issue between the Oxygen page builder plugin and the latest WordPress version. Users of the Oxygen page builder have reported fatal errors that bring down their sites. Additionally, the presence of legacy default themes, such as Twenty Twenty One and Twenty Twenty Two, in the installation, even if deactivated, exacerbates the crashing issue.

2. Is there a common factor among affected websites?

Yes, a common denominator among affected websites is the use of the Oxygen page builder plugin. Users with this page builder installed have reported crashes after updating to WordPress 6.4.

3. What is the role of legacy default themes in the crashes?

Legacy default themes, like Twenty Twenty One and Twenty Twenty Two, contribute to the crashing issue. Even if these themes are not active, their presence alongside the Oxygen page builder triggers fatal errors, causing websites to crash.

4. What is the theory regarding default style CSS loading?

One theory suggests that the loading of default style CSS by active themes may be responsible for the crashes. Users have reported success in resolving the issue by deleting the CSS from their “oxygen bare minimum” theme.

5. How can users resolve the crashes after updating to WordPress 6.4?

There are several ways to resolve the crashes:

• Patch the Oxygen Page Builder: Users are advised to update their Oxygen page builder plugin to version 4.7.1 or later, as this release aims to address the compatibility issues causing crashes with WordPress 6.4.
• Remove Legacy Default Themes: To mitigate the risk of crashes, users can remove legacy default themes from their WordPress installations. Deleting all older versions of default themes, even if deactivated, has been reported as a successful solution.
• Seek Professional Assistance: If crashes persist, users can seek professional assistance from WordPress developers and SEO strategists who specialize in troubleshooting. They can provide site audits and tailored solutions to identify and resolve underlying issues causing the crashes.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Stephen Phillips – Hostreviews.co.uk; Unsplash – Thank you!

The post Troubleshooting WordPress 6.4 Crash Issues with a Popular Page Builder appeared first on The Blog Herald.

Understanding the Vulnerability

The security vulnerability discovered in Fluent Forms is known as a SQL Injection vulnerability. SQL, short for Structured Query Language, is a language used to interact with databases. A SQL Injection attack occurs when a malicious actor exploits a vulnerability in an application, allowing them to insert SQL commands that can interact with the underlying database.

In the case of Fluent Forms, this vulnerability could potentially allow unauthorized access to the database, compromising sensitive information and granting malicious actors the ability to make unauthorized changes. As a result, it is crucial for website owners to take immediate action to secure their contact forms and protect their data.

The Potential Impact of SQL Injection Attacks

The consequences of a successful SQL Injection attack can be severe. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to spoof identities, tamper with existing data, disclose confidential information, destroy data, or even gain administrative control of the database server. The severity of the attack depends on the attacker’s skill and imagination, as well as the defensive measures in place.

The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), a non-profit organization focused on improving software security, describes SQL Injection attacks as having a high impact severity. This highlights the urgency of addressing this vulnerability in Fluent Forms and taking proactive measures to protect your WordPress website.

The Importance of Input Neutralization

To prevent SQL Injection attacks, proper input neutralization is crucial. Input neutralization refers to the process of ensuring that any user input received by an application, such as contact forms, is sanitized and validated to prevent the execution of malicious code or SQL commands. By neutralizing input, website owners can ensure that only expected and safe data is processed by their applications.

Given that contact forms allow site visitors to directly input data into databases, they are particularly vulnerable to SQL Injection attacks. Website owners must implement robust input neutralization techniques to mitigate the risk of such attacks and protect their valuable data.

The Patched Vulnerability in Fluent Forms

The SQL Injection vulnerability in Fluent Forms was discovered and reported to the plugin developers by Patchstack, a renowned security company. According to Patchstack, this vulnerability has been addressed in Version 5.0.0 of the plugin. The details of the security fix are not explicitly mentioned in the Fluent Forms Contact Form Builder changelog. Some plugin developers choose to keep security fixes undisclosed to prevent potential exploitation. Therefore, it is crucial for Fluent Forms users to update their plugins to the latest version to ensure they are protected from this vulnerability.

Steps to Secure Your WordPress Contact Forms

Securing your WordPress contact forms is essential to protect your website and its valuable data. Here are some steps you can take to enhance the security of your contact forms:

1. Update Fluent Forms

As mentioned earlier, updating Fluent Forms to the latest version is crucial to ensure you have the security patch for the SQL Injection vulnerability. Regularly check for plugin updates and install them promptly to benefit from the latest security enhancements and bug fixes.

2. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) acts as a protective barrier between your website and potential threats. It filters incoming traffic and blocks malicious requests, including those attempting SQL Injection attacks. Consider implementing a reliable WAF solution to add an extra layer of security to your WordPress website.

3. Utilize Security Plugins

WordPress offers various security plugins that can help safeguard your website from potential threats. Consider installing a reputable security plugin that offers features such as malware scanning, firewall protection, and real-time monitoring. These plugins can help detect and prevent SQL Injection attacks, among other security vulnerabilities.

4. Regularly Backup Your Website

Backing up your website regularly is essential to mitigate the potential impact of security incidents. In the event of a successful attack, having recent backups allows you to restore your website to a previous state and minimize data loss. Choose a reliable backup solution and establish a backup schedule that aligns with your website’s update frequency.

5. Enforce Strong User Authentication

Weak user authentication can provide an entry point for attackers to gain unauthorized access to your website’s backend. Implement strong password policies and consider enabling multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. Regularly review user accounts and remove any unnecessary or suspicious accounts to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.

6. Educate Your Users

Often, the weakest link in the security chain is human error. Educate your users, especially those with administrative privileges, about best security practices. Train them to recognize phishing attempts, use complex passwords, and exercise caution when granting access or permissions.

7. Regularly Monitor Website Activity

Monitoring your website’s activity can help you detect any suspicious behavior or unauthorized access attempts. Consider using security plugins or website monitoring services that can alert you to potential security breaches. Promptly investigate any unusual activity and take appropriate action to mitigate potential risks.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

Q1: What is Fluent Forms, and why is it popular among WordPress users?

• Fluent Forms is a WordPress contact form builder plugin known for its user-friendly interface and extensive functionality. It is popular because it allows WordPress users to create custom input forms without the need for coding skills.

Q2: What security vulnerability was discovered in Fluent Forms?

• A SQL Injection vulnerability was discovered in Fluent Forms. This vulnerability could potentially allow unauthorized access to the database, compromising sensitive information and allowing malicious actors to make unauthorized changes.

Q3: What are the potential consequences of a successful SQL Injection attack?

• A successful SQL Injection attack can have severe consequences, including identity spoofing, data tampering, confidential information disclosure, data destruction, and even gaining administrative control of the database server.

Q4: How can website owners prevent SQL Injection attacks in contact forms?

• Website owners can prevent SQL Injection attacks by implementing proper input neutralization techniques. Input neutralization ensures that user input is sanitized and validated to prevent the execution of malicious code or SQL commands.

Q5: Has the SQL Injection vulnerability in Fluent Forms been patched?

• Yes, the SQL Injection vulnerability in Fluent Forms has been patched in Version 5.0.0 of the plugin. Users are advised to update their plugins to the latest version to ensure they are protected from this vulnerability.

Q6: What steps can website owners take to secure their WordPress contact forms?

• To secure WordPress contact forms, website owners should:
  1. Update Fluent Forms to the latest version.
  2. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF).
  3. Utilize security plugins for malware scanning and firewall protection.
  4. Regularly back up the website.
  5. Enforce strong user authentication.
  6. Educate users about security best practices.
  7. Monitor website activity for suspicious behavior and unauthorized access attempts.

Featured Image Credit: Photo by Damian Zaleski: Unsplash – Thank you!

The post Fluent Forms: Another Contact Form Liability appeared first on The Blog Herald.

Realizing the Dangers of Cross-Site Scripting

Wordfence identified the flaw in the LiteSpeed plugin as a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability. Data sanitization and escaping are security processes that ensure the integrity of user input, and they are often exploited by XSS vulnerabilities. Incoming data is filtered by sanitization, and outgoing data is encrypted by escaping. Hackers can compromise a website by inserting malicious scripts if they are able to get around these safeguards.

WordPress’s developer documentation explains that “Sanitizing input is the process of securing/cleaning/filtering input data,” while “escaping output is the process of securing output data by stripping out unwanted data.” These procedures are essential for protecting against XSS attacks and other vulnerabilities.

Information Regarding the Flaw in the LiteSpeed Plugin

The shortcode functionality implementation was the root of the LiteSpeed plugin vulnerability. Without adequate data sanitization and escaping measures, this function provided hackers with a means to upload malicious scripts. It’s worth noting that this vulnerability is more difficult to exploit than unauthenticated threats because an attack would require the hacker to have contributor level permissions.

Once code has been injected into a post or page, it will run automatically whenever that page is accessed. A wide range of malicious activities, such as the theft of sensitive data, the manipulation of site content, the injection of administrative users, the editing of files, and the redirection of users to malicious websites, become possible as a result.

Information on Affected Versions and Fixes

LiteSpeed Cache plugin versions 5.6 and earlier are susceptible to the XSS attack. The plugin’s most recent version, 5.7, was released on October 10, 2023; updating to it is essential for website security. Your site’s security will be compromised if you don’t keep it up-to-date.

Instructions for Updating the LiteSpeed Plugin

The LiteSpeed plugin is very easy to update. To keep your website secure, do the following:

• Enter your username and password for WordPress.
• Click the “Plugins” tab to proceed.
• Look for a plugin called LiteSpeed Cache.
• The “Update Now” button must be clicked.

After the upgrade is finished, make sure you are running version 5.7 or higher.

Why You Should Always Keep Your Plugins Up-to-Date

The LiteSpeed plugin flaw highlights the importance of maintaining a steady cadence of updates to your WordPress installation. There is a constant stream of updates released by plugin developers to fix security issues and add new features. Avoiding these updates can leave your website vulnerable to outside attacks.

Always keep an eye out for plugin updates, and when you find one, install it right away. If you want to stay protected without having to remember to do it every so often, automatic plugin updates are something to think about.

Additional Measures to Strengthen the Safety of Websites

Even though keeping the LiteSpeed plugin up to date is essential, it shouldn’t be the only security check you perform. The security of your website can be improved by implementing new measures. Some suggestions are as follows:

1. Put in place a trusted security plugin Having a security plugin installed on your website can increase its resistance to common security risks. If you want to beef up the security of your website’s login process, firewall protection, and malware scanning, look for plugins that offer these features.
2. Passwords should be complex and different for each account. Password-protect all user accounts, both administrative and user-generated content. To generate and safely store your passwords, you may want to use a password manager.
3. Create backups of your website on a regular basis in case of hacking or other unanticipated problems. Select a trustworthy backup method and stick to a consistent backup schedule. Keep copies of your data in a safe, off-site location, away from your web host.
4. Incorporate a WAF into your infrastructure: A WAF protects your website by blocking malicious traffic. It prevents harmful traffic from entering your network and thwarts any malicious requests.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

Q1: What was the security vulnerability in the LiteSpeed WordPress plugin?

A1: The vulnerability was identified as a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw, which could allow hackers to upload malicious scripts, potentially compromising data and manipulating site content.

Q2: How do data sanitization and escaping protect against XSS vulnerabilities?

A2: Data sanitization filters incoming data to ensure its integrity, while escaping encrypts outgoing data to strip out unwanted content, safeguarding against XSS attacks and other vulnerabilities.

Q3: What caused the vulnerability in the LiteSpeed plugin?

A3: The vulnerability stemmed from the shortcode functionality implementation within the LiteSpeed plugin, lacking adequate data sanitization and escaping measures.

Q4: Which versions of the LiteSpeed Cache plugin were affected, and what is the recommended solution?

A4: Versions 5.6 and earlier of the LiteSpeed Cache plugin were susceptible to the XSS attack. The recommended solution is to update to the latest version, 5.7, released on October 10, 2023.

Featured Image Credit: Stephen Phillips – Hostreviews.co.uk; Unsplash – Thank you!

The post WordPress LiteSpeed Plugin Vulnerability! appeared first on The Blog Herald.

Why Use a Static Host for Your Site?

In contrast to dynamic websites, which rely on a database and server-side scripting, static websites only need HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. For the sake of loading times and safety, many publishers are making the switch from dynamic WordPress sites to static ones. Static sites are more secure because they don’t use plugins or themes, which means they load faster and require less upkeep.

To Whom Does Kinsta Offer Its Free Hosting Service?

Free hosting from Kinsta is available to anyone. Anyone interested in learning more about the advantages of static site hosting is welcome to join. Kinsta encourages anybody to test out their free hosting plan, whether they have a WordPress site they want to convert to static or are already using node-based static site generators like Astro or Gatsby.

Kinsta’s Free Static Site Hosting and Its Features

Kinsta’s free hosting plan is loaded with features that will make hosting your static sites a breeze. Let’s examine the details of what to anticipate:

1. 100 Static Sites Per Business

Kinsta allows up to 100 static websites per business to be hosted for free. This generous allowance gives you the freedom to manage a wide variety of websites, whether they are for personal projects or for clients.

2. One Concurrent Construction Per Site

Kinsta only permits a single simultaneous build per website. You can now make adjustments to your site and see how they look before actually releasing the updated version. This function allows for easy design iteration and a streamlined development process.

3. Per-Site Build Image Size of 1 GB

Kinsta places a cap of 1 GB per site on the size of the build image to guarantee the best possible performance. Because of this limitation, your site will continue to load quickly and respond quickly even as it is being constructed.

4. 600 Monthly Company Build Minutes

Kinsta allots each business 600 monthly build minutes. With this quota, you can swiftly run build commands and produce static copies of your sites.

5. Monthly Bandwidth Cap of 100 GB per Business

With Kinsta’s free hosting plan, each business is allotted 100 GB of monthly bandwidth. This guarantees that your sites can sustain extremely high volumes of traffic at no extra cost.

6. API Integration

With Kinsta’s open API, you can easily incorporate their hosting into your current processes and tools. You can save time and effort by using this function to automate a number of site management tasks.

7. Compatibility with Popular Version Control Systems

Kinsta provides easy integration with popular source code management tools like GitHub, GitLab, and BitBucket. The deployment process is simplified, and teamwork is enhanced, thanks to this integration.

8. Moving Outwards

With Kinsta’s free plan, your site will be hosted from multiple global data centers, bringing it closer to your audience. A better user experience is the result of your “deploying to the edge” strategy to increase site speed and performance.

9. Uploads Based on Differences

Because Kinsta’s hosting solution uses diff-based uploads, only the changes made to your site are transferred when it is built. Because of this enhancement, new features and bug fixes can be released to users much more quickly.

10. More Planned Functionality Is On The Way

Kinsta’s future plans for their free hosting service are very promising. Maintenance mode and password protection are just two of the upcoming additions. Your static websites’ usability and safety will be greatly improved with the addition of these elements.

Now Is The Time

Visit Kinsta’s site to learn more about their services and sign up for their free hosting plan if you’re ready to reap the benefits of static site hosting. Don’t pass up the chance to investigate a trustworthy hosting service for your static websites.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

What is Kinsta’s recent announcement regarding free static site hosting?

Kinsta, a popular managed WordPress host, has announced that they will now provide free hosting for static websites, including WordPress sites, with a 1 GB file size limit and a generous 100 GB monthly bandwidth allowance. This offering is designed to allow users to experience Kinsta’s hosting services for free, and the free tier will always be available.

Why should I consider using a static host for my website?

Static websites, unlike dynamic ones, rely solely on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making them more secure and faster to load. They require fewer plugins and themes, resulting in reduced maintenance efforts and improved security.

Who is eligible for Kinsta’s free hosting service, and what types of sites can benefit from it?

Kinsta’s free hosting is available to anyone interested in exploring the advantages of static site hosting. It’s suitable for those looking to convert their WordPress sites to static or those already using node-based static site generators like Astro or Gatsby.

How can I integrate Kinsta’s hosting into my existing processes and tools?

Kinsta offers API integration, allowing you to easily incorporate their hosting services into your current workflows and tools. This feature can help automate various site management tasks, saving you time and effort.

What benefits can I expect from Kinsta’s “deploying to the edge” strategy for site hosting?

Kinsta’s hosting solution deploys your site from multiple global data centers, bringing it closer to your audience. This strategy improves site speed and performance, resulting in a better user experience.

How does Kinsta’s use of diff-based uploads enhance site development and deployment?

Kinsta’s hosting solution employs diff-based uploads, transferring only the changes made to your site during builds. This accelerates the release of new features and bug fixes, ensuring a faster and more efficient development process.

What additional functionality does Kinsta have planned for its free hosting service in the future?

Kinsta has plans to introduce features like maintenance mode and password protection, enhancing the usability and security of static websites hosted on their platform.

How can I get started with Kinsta’s free hosting plan for static websites?

To explore Kinsta’s services and sign up for their free hosting plan, visit their website. Don’t miss the opportunity to investigate a reliable hosting service for your static websites.

Is Kinsta’s free hosting plan a limited-time offer, or will it remain permanently free?

Kinsta has confirmed that the free hosting tier will always be available, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of static site hosting without any time limitations.

Featured Image Credit: Domenico Loia; Unsplash – Thank you!

The post Kinsta Makes Hosting Free appeared first on The Blog Herald.

The Importance of Page Speed

Page speed plays a crucial role in website performance and user satisfaction. Slow-loading websites not only frustrate visitors but also impact search engine rankings. Therefore, it is essential for website owners to prioritize optimizing page speed. WordPress recognizes this need and continually works towards enhancing its platform to ensure a smooth and efficient user experience.

Introducing Deferred Script Loading

One of the significant changes in WordPress version 6.4 is the incorporation of deferred script loading strategies into the core and bundled themes. This intelligent script handling improves the performance of loading scripts by utilizing the “defer” and “async” attributes. These attributes instruct the browser to load scripts in the background or after the rest of the page has loaded, respectively. By doing so, the time it takes for a page to become interactive is significantly reduced.

Enhancing First Contentful Paint Metric

Previously, JavaScript files in WordPress themes and plugins were loaded without specifying asynchronous loading. As a result, these scripts would block other downloads and delay page rendering. With the update, WordPress addresses this issue, resulting in faster page loads for website visitors. Specifically, the update improves the Core Web Vitals’ first contentful paint (FCP) metric, which measures how quickly the page’s primary content appears.

Behind the Scenes: How WordPress Achieved This

To achieve these performance enhancements, WordPress made several technical changes. The JavaScript files for blocks, such as navigation menus and embedded media from WordPress.com, now include the “defer” attribute when enqueued. Additionally, the wp-embed script used for displaying embedded posts now utilizes the “defer” attribute as well.

Previously, adding these attributes was not standardized, leading to inconsistencies across themes and plugins. However, with the introduction of a dedicated API in WordPress 6.3 and its full implementation in 6.4, developers now have a standardized way to control when their scripts load. This ensures a more cohesive and efficient loading process.

Furthermore, the update moves the most deferred scripts back into the <head> section, as they no longer block rendering. This allows the browser to discover and cache them earlier, resulting in improved performance. However, a few lower-priority scripts, such as the comment reply script, remain in the footer but are loaded asynchronously with the “async” attribute to load in parallel with other resources.

Real-World Impact for Website Visitors

With the update, website visitors can expect faster page loads when accessing WordPress content. The optimized script loading process reduces delays, resulting in a smoother user experience. Visitors will notice an improvement in the first contentful paint metric, which means that the primary content of the page will appear faster, reducing any perceived “jank” or shifting of page elements after the initial load.

These enhancements lay the groundwork for future optimizations, ensuring that WordPress continues to improve page speed and overall site performance. By prioritizing user experience, WordPress aims to provide website owners with a platform that not only meets their needs but also delights their visitors.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

What is the significance of the WordPress 6.4 update?

The WordPress 6.4 update focuses on improving page speed and overall site performance. It introduces changes to how scripts are loaded on the front end to enhance the user experience.

Why is page speed important for websites?

Page speed is crucial for website performance and user satisfaction. Slow-loading websites can frustrate visitors and negatively impact search engine rankings, making it essential for website owners to prioritize optimizing page speed.

What is deferred script loading, and how does it improve performance?

Deferred script loading is a key feature of the WordPress 6.4 update. It optimizes the loading of scripts by utilizing the “defer” and “async” attributes. These attributes instruct the browser to load scripts either in the background or after the rest of the page has loaded, significantly reducing the time it takes for a page to become interactive.

How does the update enhance the First Contentful Paint (FCP) metric?

The update improves the Core Web Vitals’ first contentful paint (FCP) metric, which measures how quickly the page’s primary content appears. By optimizing script loading, WordPress enhances FCP, ensuring that the primary content of the page loads faster.

What technical changes were made to achieve these improvements?

WordPress made several technical changes to achieve performance enhancements. JavaScript files for various elements, such as navigation menus and embedded media, now include the “defer” attribute when enqueued. The update introduced a dedicated API for developers to control when their scripts load, ensuring a standardized and efficient loading process.

How does the update impact real-world website visitors?

Website visitors can expect faster page loads when accessing WordPress content. The optimized script loading process reduces delays, resulting in a smoother user experience. Visitors will notice an improvement in the first contentful paint (FCP) metric, indicating that the primary content of the page appears faster, reducing any perceived “jank” or shifting of page elements after the initial load.

What does this update mean for the future of WordPress performance?

These enhancements lay the foundation for future optimizations, ensuring that WordPress continues to improve page speed and overall site performance. By prioritizing user experience, WordPress aims to provide website owners with a platform that not only meets their needs but also delights their visitors.

Featured Image Credit: Justin Morgan; Unsplash – Thank you!

The post WordPress Updates Page Speed appeared first on The Blog Herald.

Understanding the Importance of WordPress Updates

Before we dive into the specifics of the WordPress 6.3.2 security update, let’s take a moment to understand why regular updates are essential for maintaining a secure website. WordPress updates not only introduce new features and improvements but also address any security vulnerabilities that may have been discovered. By keeping your WordPress installation up to date, you ensure that your website is equipped with the latest security patches, providing a solid defense against potential threats.

The WordPress 6.3.2 Security Update

WordPress 6.3.2 is a maintenance and security release that brings forth various bug fixes and patches for eight vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities, although rated as medium severity, have the potential to compromise the security and integrity of your website if left unaddressed. Let’s take a closer look at the vulnerabilities that have been patched in this update:

1. Arbitrary Shortcode Execution: This vulnerability in the WordPress core allowed attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the website.
2. User Email Address Disclosure: Unauthenticated hackers could exploit this vulnerability to access user email addresses, posing a privacy risk to website owners and their visitors.
3. Remote Code Execution POP Chains: This vulnerability, if exploited, could have allowed attackers to execute remote code on a WordPress website, giving them unauthorized control over its functionalities.
4. Cross-site Scripting (XSS) in Post Link Navigation Block: By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers could inject malicious scripts into the post link navigation block, potentially compromising the security of the website and its users.
5. Leaked Comment Visibility on Private Posts: This vulnerability allowed unauthorized users to view comments on private posts, potentially exposing sensitive information.
6. Reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) in Application Passwords Screen: Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts into the application passwords screen, compromising the security of WordPress websites.
7. Cross-site Scripting (XSS) in Footnotes Block: This vulnerability allowed attackers to inject malicious scripts into the footnotes block, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the website.
8. Cache Poisoning Denial of Service (DoS) Vulnerability: By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers could have launched a cache poisoning denial of service attack, rendering the website inaccessible for legitimate users.

The Importance of Input Sanitization

Many of the vulnerabilities addressed in the WordPress 6.3.2 security update were a result of insufficient input sanitization. Input sanitization is the process of securing and filtering data submitted to a website. It helps prevent malicious inputs from infiltrating the website’s systems and compromising its security. The official WordPress developer page emphasizes the significance of input sanitization, stating that untrusted data from various sources, including users and databases, should be thoroughly checked and filtered before use. While validation is the preferred approach, sanitization serves as an effective fallback when specific validation is not feasible.

Applying the WordPress 6.3.2 Security Update

To ensure the security of your WordPress website, it is crucial to promptly apply the WordPress 6.3.2 security update. The update includes patches for the eight vulnerabilities mentioned earlier, along with various bug fixes. Here’s how you can update your WordPress installation:

1. Backup Your Website: Before proceeding with any updates, it is essential to create a backup of your website. This ensures that you have a restore point in case anything goes wrong during the update process.
2. Update WordPress Core: To update your WordPress core, navigate to the WordPress dashboard and click on “Updates” in the sidebar. If an update is available, you will see a notification. Click on “Update Now” to initiate the update process.
3. Update Themes and Plugins: After updating the WordPress core, it is crucial to update your themes and plugins as well. Outdated themes and plugins can also pose security risks, so ensure that you update them to their latest versions.
4. Test Your Website: Once the updates are complete, thoroughly test your website to ensure that everything is functioning as expected. Pay particular attention to any plugins or themes that may have compatibility issues with the latest WordPress version.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your WordPress website is protected against the vulnerabilities addressed in the WordPress 6.3.2 security update.

Additional Precautionary Measures

While applying the WordPress 6.3.2 security update is crucial, there are additional precautionary measures you can take to enhance the security of your WordPress website. Consider implementing the following practices:

1. Regularly Update Plugins and Themes: Keeping your plugins and themes up to date is as important as updating the WordPress core. Outdated plugins and themes can contain vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Regularly check for updates and apply them promptly.
2. Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Weak passwords make it easier for attackers to gain unauthorized access to your website. Utilize strong, complex passwords that include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, ensure that each of your website’s user accounts has a unique password.
3. Install a Security Plugin: Consider installing a reputable security plugin, such as Wordfence or Sucuri, to provide an additional layer of protection to your WordPress website. These plugins offer features like firewall protection, malware scanning, and login security enhancements.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your WordPress login process. By requiring a second form of verification, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

By implementing these precautionary measures in addition to applying the WordPress 6.3.2 security update, you can fortify the security of your WordPress website and protect it from potential threats.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

1. Why are regular updates essential for maintaining a secure WordPress website?

Regular updates are crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress website because they not only introduce new features and improvements but also address security vulnerabilities. Keeping your WordPress installation up to date ensures that it has the latest security patches to defend against potential threats.

2. What is the WordPress 6.3.2 security update, and what does it address?

The WordPress 6.3.2 security update is a maintenance and security release that addresses eight vulnerabilities of medium severity. These vulnerabilities include issues like arbitrary shortcode execution, user email address disclosure, remote code execution, cross-site scripting (XSS), and more. If left unaddressed, these vulnerabilities could compromise the security and privacy of your website.

3. What is input sanitization, and why is it important in WordPress security?

Input sanitization is the process of securing and filtering data submitted to a website to prevent malicious inputs from compromising its security. Many vulnerabilities in the WordPress 6.3.2 update were a result of insufficient input sanitization. It’s important to validate and sanitize untrusted data to ensure the security of your website.

4. How can I apply the WordPress 6.3.2 security update to my website?

To apply the WordPress 6.3.2 security update, follow these steps:

• Backup your website to have a restore point.
• Navigate to the WordPress dashboard, click on “Updates” in the sidebar, and click “Update Now” if an update is available.
• After updating the core, also update your themes and plugins.
• Test your website thoroughly to ensure everything functions as expected.

5. What additional precautionary measures can I take to enhance my WordPress website’s security?

In addition to applying updates, consider these security practices:

• Regularly update plugins and themes.
• Use strong and unique passwords for user accounts.
• Install a reputable security plugin for added protection.
• Enable two-factor authentication to enhance login security.

By implementing these measures, you can further fortify the security of your WordPress website and protect it from potential threats.

Featured Image Credit: Souvik Banerjee; Unsplash – Thank you!

The post Recent WordPress Update: What You Need to Know appeared first on The Blog Herald.

Understanding the 2023 WordPress Survey

The annual WordPress survey is not just about the developers; it’s about your experience and how WordPress can work better for you. The survey is designed to identify trends, highlight potential areas for improvement, and evaluate the success of current initiatives. WordPress wants to hear from a diverse range of users, including advertisers, SEO consultants, developers, and anyone else who utilizes WordPress in any capacity. Your feedback matters, and it can directly impact the focus and priorities of the WordPress leadership.

What’s on Your Wishlist for WordPress?

If you’ve ever wished that WordPress would function in a specific way, this survey is your opportunity to voice your concerns and suggestions. Are you concerned about site speed and best practices? Do you have specific features or enhancements in mind that would make WordPress more efficient for your business? Take this chance to prioritize your wishlist for WordPress, and let your voice be heard. Your insights can shape the future of this powerful CMS.

The Impact of the Survey

When users like you provide feedback through the WordPress survey, it creates a direct impact on the direction of the platform. For example, a recent survey revealed that performance was an area of concern for respondents. In response, WordPress formed a dedicated team to address performance issues, resulting in significant improvements to the core. Block themes saw a 25% performance boost, while classic themes experienced a 10% improvement. This demonstrates the real-world impact of the survey and how your feedback can drive positive change.

How to Participate in the Survey

Participating in the 2023 WordPress survey is simple. Just follow these steps to make your voice heard:

1. Access the survey: Click here to access the survey.
2. Fill out the survey: Take the time to provide detailed and thoughtful responses to the survey questions. Remember, your insights can shape the future of WordPress.
3. Share the survey: Don’t stop at filling out the survey yourself. Spread the word and encourage others in your network to participate as well. The more voices that are heard, the stronger the impact will be.

Boosting Your Voice: Amplify Your Impact

To maximize the impact of the survey, it’s essential to amplify your voice. Besides filling out the survey yourself, you can engage with others on your favorite social media groups and encourage them to participate too. Share your personal experience with WordPress and explain how the survey can bring positive changes to the platform. By building a community of WordPress users who complete the survey, you can collectively influence the direction of WordPress and ensure that it meets the needs of users like you.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

Q1: What is the purpose of the annual WordPress survey?

The annual WordPress survey aims to gather feedback from users to better understand their experiences with WordPress and how the platform can be improved to meet their needs. It provides users, including advertisers, SEO consultants, developers, and more, with an opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions.

Q2: Who can participate in the WordPress survey?

The survey is open to a diverse range of users, including but not limited to SEO professionals, affiliate marketers, recipe bloggers, small business owners, and advertisers. Anyone who utilizes WordPress in any capacity is encouraged to participate.

Q3: How can my feedback in the survey impact WordPress?

Your feedback in the WordPress survey can have a direct impact on the platform’s direction and priorities. Past surveys have led to significant improvements in areas identified by users, such as performance enhancements and feature updates. By participating, you contribute to shaping the future of WordPress.

Q4: How can I participate in the 2023 WordPress survey?

Participating in the survey is easy. You can access the survey through the provided link, fill out the survey by providing detailed responses to the questions, and also encourage others in your network to participate. Sharing your personal experience with WordPress and the importance of the survey can help amplify its impact.

Q5: Can I share the survey with others to increase its impact?

Absolutely! Sharing the survey with others in your network, such as on social media groups or within your community, is encouraged. Building a community of WordPress users who complete the survey can collectively influence the direction of WordPress and ensure it meets the needs of users like you.

Featured Image Credit: Fikret tozak; Unsplash – Thank you!

The post 2023 WordPress Survey! Make WordPress Better appeared first on The Blog Herald.

Today, we’re going to talk about the essential tactics for maximizing conversions on your legal website without breaking the bank.

Note that if you’re in a highly competitive sub-niche or in a market that’s saturated with many law firms or lawyers, then you might need the help of a specialist agency like Comrade digital marketing. They can use their expertise in the legal sector to fix any problems while using their advanced SEO tools to maximize your website’s performance and conversion rate.

With that out of the way, let’s talk about how to get new clients for law firm all on your own!

Streamlined User Experience

The user experience of your website should be your first priority. There should be as little unnecessary information, clutter, or friction as possible. It’s not hard to create web pages that are to the point and visually appealing without overwhelming the user. Ensuring an excellent user experience and streamlined content flow and navigation is very important, particularly for landing pages.

• The website’s navigation should be user-friendly. Visitors should be quickly able to find important pages and intuitively understand the flow and hierarchy of the content to arrive at the intended or relevant section.
• Make sure the user interface is 100% optimized for smaller screens such as mobile. Responsive design is an umbrella term that includes techniques used to optimize the experience on mobile as today, the majority of internet traffic for most websites comes from mobile.
• Elements like the navigation menu, buttons, forms, calls-to-action, etc. should focus on making the job of a visitor easier and faster. Avoid embellishments and decorations in your website’s design wherever possible.

Call-to-Action Optimization

One of the most ignored aspects of a website is the call-to-action (CTA) sections and buttons. These elements are pretty repeatable across websites and nobody seems to pay much attention to them. After all, it’s just a button, right?

Wrong.

A strong CTA section or button is crucial to guide visitors toward taking the desired action. It can compel people to click or read more. If the CTA fails, your conversion rate is hurt terribly.

CTA sections can lead visitors to a variety of pages or touchpoints such as contacting the firm, scheduling a consultation, putting in a phone number, or filling up a contact form. These should be placed in the first fold of landing pages and the first 50% of other pages, including the webpage.

Don’t take too long to bring up the CTA.

Also, make sure that your CTA follows your branding (including the form fields, which should not look too different) but at the same time, is bold and stands out. The best way to do it is by creating a color contrast. Most likely, your website has a light, if not white, base. Your CTA section should be a flat wrapper that’s a dark color and the button within it should then again be white. This creates ample contrast, making the CTA magnetic.

The communication in your CTA also matters. You can’t sound too desperate for business and you can’t promise the world. At the same time, you can’t be too casual as if you don’t want the visitor’s business in the first place.

Say just enough and keep it crisp. Persuasive CTAs can go a long way in maximizing conversion rates of your website.

Compelling Content that Engages

Your content should be highly engaging, relevant, and resonate with a potential client. As there are many types of legal specializations, there is no cookie-cutter approach when it comes to creating textual or visual content. But you should always prioritize providing as much value in as little time as possible to a potential client over everything else.

You might also need a full content marketing strategy to crack open tougher niches. For example, comprehensive keyword research can help you understand how to get more personal injury clients in a particular region. You can then refine your content to be the #1 result for queries related to personal injury in the region—Increasing your traffic and conversion rate significantly.

In many cases, high-quality and relevant content is the very cornerstone of a successful legal website. Well-crafted content in various forms, such as guides, infographics, tips, and blog posts, helps educate the audience while improving your website’s SEO for organic traffic.

It’s also important to establish your website’s domain expertise, authority, and trustworthiness—Collectively canned E-A-T which Google pays a lot of attention to.

In Conclusion

A well-optimized legal website has the potential to be a powerful lead-generation tool, converting clicks into valuable clients.

Remember, conversions are not just about numbers; they represent the connection between the law firm and individuals seeking legal services. Maximizing conversion tactics will not only drive business growth but also nurture lasting professional relationships with clients.

Everything from social media marketing to pay per click for lawyers needs a specialized approach that balances professionalism and helpfulness with a differentiating factor that sets you apart. With time and experimentation, you will arrive at the right online marketing strategy as well as a high-converting website in no time.

The post From Clicks to Clients: Maximizing Conversions on Your Legal Website appeared first on The Blog Herald.

A Century-Long Domain Registration

Typically, domain name registrations are limited to a maximum of ten years. However, WordPress.com is breaking the mold by introducing a 100-year domain registration option. This means that you can now secure your online presence for an entire century, ensuring that your website and its content remain accessible for future generations.

The cost is $38,000, which translates to an annual fee of $380 for both hosting and domain registration. While this may seem like a significant investment, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your online legacy is secure.

Unmatched Features and Benefits

The WordPress 100-Year Plan comes with a host of features and benefits that make it an attractive option for individuals, families, and company founders looking to preserve their digital assets. Here are some of the key features included in the plan:

Domain Secured for a Century

With the 100-Year Plan, your domain is secured for a hundred years, providing you with unparalleled longevity and stability. This means that your website will remain active and accessible for generations to come, ensuring that your stories, photos, sounds, and videos are preserved and shared with future family members and friends.

Multiple Backups and Data Centers

WordPress takes data security seriously. With the 100-Year Plan, your website is backed up regularly and stored across multiple data centers located in different geographic locations. This redundancy ensures that your data is protected from any unforeseen circumstances, such as hardware failures or natural disasters.

Top-Tier Managed WordPress Hosting

When you sign up for the 100-Year Plan, you gain access to top-tier managed WordPress hosting. This means that your website will be hosted on high-performance servers that are optimized for WordPress, ensuring fast load times and a seamless user experience. With managed hosting, you can focus on creating and sharing content, while WordPress takes care of all the technical aspects of running a website.

Unmetered Bandwidth

Worried about traffic restrictions? With the 100-Year Plan, you don’t have to be. WordPress offers unmetered bandwidth, which means that there are no limits on the amount of traffic your website can receive. Whether you’re sharing your family history or showcasing your company’s achievements, you can be confident that your website will be able to handle any influx of visitors.

Dedicated 24/7 Customer Support

WordPress prides itself on providing exceptional customer support. With the 100-Year Plan, you get dedicated and personalized support that’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you need help setting up your website, troubleshooting technical issues, or simply have a question, WordPress’s support team is there to assist you every step of the way.

Who Is the 100-Year Plan For?

The 100-Year Plan is designed for people who want to document their legacy and ensure that their digital assets are preserved for generations to come. Whether you’re a family looking to pass down stories, photos, and memories to future family members, or a company founder wanting to protect and document your company’s past, present, and future, the 100-Year Plan has you covered.

Conclusion

With the introduction of the WordPress 100-Year Plan, securing your online legacy has never been easier. By registering your domain for a century, you can ensure that your website and its content will be accessible to future generations. With features like multiple backups, top-tier hosting, unmetered bandwidth, and dedicated customer support, WordPress.com provides everything you need to create a lasting online home.

So whether you’re an individual looking to share your stories, a family wanting to preserve your digital assets, or a company founder documenting your company’s journey, the WordPress 100-Year Plan is the perfect solution. Don’t wait to secure your online legacy – sign up for the 100-Year Plan today and leave a lasting mark on the digital world.

See first source: Search Engine Journal

FAQ

Q1: What is the WordPress 100-Year Plan?

A1: The WordPress 100-Year Plan is a groundbreaking offering that allows individuals, families, and company founders to secure their online legacy for a century. It includes a 100-year domain registration option, ensuring that websites and their content remain accessible to future generations.

Q2: How long is the domain registration with the 100-Year Plan?

A2: The domain registration with the 100-Year Plan is for a century, offering unparalleled longevity and stability. This means that your website will remain active and accessible for 100 years.

Q3: What is the cost of the WordPress 100-Year Plan?

A3: The cost of the 100-Year Plan is $38,000. This translates to an annual fee of $380, which covers both hosting and domain registration for the entire century.

Q4: What features are included in the 100-Year Plan?

A4: The 100-Year Plan includes:

• Domain secured for a century
• Multiple backups and data centers
• Top-tier managed WordPress hosting
• Unmetered bandwidth
• Dedicated 24/7 customer support

Q5: How does the 100-Year Plan ensure data security?

A5: WordPress backs up your website regularly and stores the data across multiple data centers located in different geographic locations. This redundancy ensures that your data is protected from hardware failures or unforeseen circumstances.

Q6: What is managed WordPress hosting?

A6: Managed WordPress hosting means that your website will be hosted on high-performance servers optimized for WordPress. This results in fast load times and a seamless user experience, with WordPress handling technical aspects.

Q7: Is there a traffic limit with the 100-Year Plan?

A7: No, the 100-Year Plan offers unmetered bandwidth, meaning there are no limits on the amount of traffic your website can receive. Your website can handle any influx of visitors without restrictions.

Q8: Who should consider the 100-Year Plan?

A8: The 100-Year Plan is for individuals, families, and company founders who want to preserve their digital assets for future generations. It’s ideal for sharing stories, photos, memories, or documenting a company’s journey.

Q9: How does the 100-Year Plan benefit families?

A9: Families can use the 100-Year Plan to pass down stories, photos, and memories to future generations. It ensures that your digital assets are preserved and shared with family members.

Q10: How does the 100-Year Plan benefit company founders?

A10: Company founders can use the 100-Year Plan to protect and document their company’s past, present, and future. It provides a lasting online presence and facilitates sharing the company’s journey.

Featured Image Credit: Fikret tozak; Unsplash – Thank you!

The post WordPress Introduces 100 Year Domain Name Registration appeared first on The Blog Herald.

An important metric called Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) tracks the time it takes a webpage to generate the biggest image or text block. It indicates how long it appears to take for a user to load a webpage. For website owners and developers, LCP is a crucial measure since it has an impact on user experience, which in turn affects SEO performance.

Page speed is an essential ranking factor in Google, and a faster website can lead to higher sales, improved ad views, and clicks. By optimizing LCP, WordPress 6.3 can help website owners improve website speed and enhance the user experience.

The Fetch Priority HTML property is one of the important optimizations that WordPress 6.3 will introduce. The HTML property Fetch Priority instructs browsers that webpage tools, including pictures, CSS, and JavaScript, should be retrieved first in order to render the information that users see in their browsers.

With WordPress 6.3, the Fetch Priority attribute will be automatically added to the photo that is expected to be shown in the user’s viewport. This optimization will improve LCP by 5-10% by prioritizing the most critical resources.

WordPress 6.3 will only apply the Fetch Priority attribute to images that meet a threshold of minimum size. This means that small resources like navigation buttons will not have the attribute applied. Additionally, the Fetch Priority attribute will not override an existing attribute that has already been set.

Lazy loading is the practice of delaying the loading of non-essential resources until they are needed. WordPress initially made all photos on a page, regardless of their significance, capable of lazy loading. With WordPress 6.3, lazy loading will be more effective and efficient.

WordPress 6.3 will determine which images are necessary for rendering above-the-fold content and will not apply lazy loading to them. This optimization will ensure that the necessary webpage elements download first, improving website speed and the user experience.

The changes to fetch priority and lazy loading in WordPress 6.3 may have an impact on third-party plugins that rely on the core logic. For their plugins to function with WordPress 6.3, developers that rely on the previous logic may need to upgrade them. After updating to WordPress 6.3, website owners should be aware of this and update their plugins accordingly.

Fetch priority and lazy load will not be overridden by WordPress 6.3’s automatic application, which will remain in place. By not imposing the automated default behavior, website owners can fine-tune the optimization of their websites.

If website owners set a fetch priority or loading attribute on a visual before WordPress 6.3 is installed, that attribute will be kept as is. This allows for more customization and control over website optimization.

By optimizing LCP with Fetch Priority and improving lazy loading, WordPress 6.3 will help website owners achieve stronger Core Web Vitals SEO scores. This optimization will lead to faster website speeds, improved user experiences, and ultimately higher search engine rankings.

In addition to the LCP optimizations discussed above, WordPress 6.3 will introduce other features that will benefit website owners and developers. These features include:

• Improved support for WebP images, which are smaller and load faster than traditional image formats.
• Enhanced support for responsive images, which will adapt to different screen sizes, improving the user experience.
• A new WordPress update mechanism that will download updates in the background, reducing downtime and improving security.

Website owners and developers can prepare for WordPress 6.3 by:

• Keeping their plugins up to date and ensuring that they are compatible with WordPress 6.3.
• Testing their website’s performance before and after upgrading to WordPress 6.3.
• Familiarizing themselves with the new features and optimizations in WordPress 6.3.

WordPress 6.3’s optimization of LCP with Fetch Priority and improved lazy loading will help website owners achieve better Core Web Vitals SEO scores and improve website speed and user experience. By staying up to date with the latest WordPress updates and optimizations, website owners can ensure that their website is performing at its best and ranking higher on search engine results pages.

First reported by Search Engine Journal.

The post WordPress 6.3 Unveils LCP Optimization: Boosting SEO Performance for Enhanced User Experience appeared first on The Blog Herald.

Choosing the right blogging platform is essential for the success of your blog. It not only determines the overall look and functionality of your site but also affects its search engine optimization (SEO) potential and user experience. With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which platform is best suited for your needs. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top blogging platforms for 2023.

When it comes to blogging platforms, one name stands out among the rest – WordPress. Powering over 40% of all websites on the internet, WordPress is undoubtedly the most popular choice for bloggers worldwide. With its robust features, flexibility, and extensive customization options, WordPress is the go-to platform for bloggers who want complete control over their websites.

Before we delve into the world of WordPress, it’s important to understand the difference between self-hosted WordPress.org and hosted WordPress.com. While both options offer the power of WordPress, they have distinct advantages and limitations.

Self-hosted WordPress.org is the ideal choice for bloggers who want full control over their website. With this option, you can install WordPress on your own hosting provider, giving you the freedom to customize your site to your heart’s content. It also allows you to monetize your blog and work with brands more easily. However, setting up a self-hosted WordPress.org site requires a certain level of technical knowledge or the willingness to learn.

On the other hand, hosted WordPress.com is a user-friendly alternative for bloggers who prefer a more hands-off approach. With this option, WordPress takes care of the hosting and technical aspects, allowing you to focus solely on creating content. While it offers less customization flexibility compared to self-hosted WordPress.org, hosted WordPress.com is a great option for beginners or bloggers who don’t want to deal with the technicalities.

One of the greatest strengths of WordPress is its endless customization options. With thousands of themes and plugins available, you can create a unique and visually appealing blog that reflects your personal style or brand identity. Whether you’re a fashion blogger, a food enthusiast, or a tech expert, there’s a WordPress theme out there for you.

If you’re comfortable with coding or willing to learn, WordPress allows you to manipulate its codebase to make your blog look and function exactly the way you want. From tweaking the design elements to adding custom functionalities, the possibilities are endless with WordPress. However, if you’re not a tech-savvy individual, you can always hire a developer or designer from platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to assist you.

Another reason why WordPress reigns supreme in the blogging world is the vast amount of resources and support available online. As a popular platform, there are countless tutorials, forums, and documentation to help you set up and optimize your WordPress blog. Whether you need assistance with installing themes, adding plugins, or optimizing your site for SEO, you’ll find a wealth of information at your fingertips.

Additionally, many web hosting providers offer WordPress-specific support, depending on the plan you choose. This can be incredibly helpful, especially if you run into technical issues or need guidance along the way. With WordPress, you’re never alone in your blogging journey.

While WordPress dominates the blogging scene, there are other platforms worth considering, such as Wix. Known for its user-friendly interface and stunning templates, Wix is an excellent choice for bloggers who value simplicity and aesthetics.

One of the standout features of Wix is its drag-and-drop website builder, which allows you to create a visually appealing blog without any coding knowledge. With a wide range of professionally designed templates, you can simply choose a layout that suits your style and start customizing it to your liking. From changing colors and fonts to adding images and videos, Wix makes the design process a breeze.

In addition to its intuitive website builder, Wix offers an extensive app market that allows you to enhance the functionality of your blog. Whether you want to integrate social media feeds, add an e-commerce store, or implement email marketing tools, Wix has a variety of apps to choose from. This flexibility makes it easy to tailor your blog to your specific needs and goals.

For bloggers who prioritize search engine visibility, Wix offers a range of SEO-friendly features. From customizable meta tags and URLs to automatic sitemap generation, Wix provides the necessary tools to optimize your blog for search engines. While it may not offer the same level of SEO control as WordPress, Wix ensures that your blog has a solid foundation for organic traffic growth.

Squarespace is another popular blogging platform that combines elegant design with powerful functionality. Known for its stunning templates and user-friendly interface, Squarespace is an excellent choice for bloggers who want a visually appealing blog without compromising on functionality.

With Squarespace, you can choose from a wide range of professionally designed templates, each crafted to showcase your content in the best possible light. Whether you’re a photographer, a writer, or a business owner, Squarespace has templates tailored to your niche. These templates are fully customizable, allowing you to create a unique and visually striking blog.

Squarespace’s content management system (CMS) is designed with simplicity in mind. Adding and editing content is a breeze, thanks to its intuitive interface. Whether you’re writing a blog post, uploading images, or embedding videos, Squarespace makes the process seamless and hassle-free. It also offers a mobile app, allowing you to manage your blog on the go.

For bloggers who want to monetize their blogs through e-commerce, Squarespace offers built-in functionality to set up an online store. From selling physical products to digital downloads, Squarespace provides the tools to create a seamless shopping experience for your audience. With secure payment gateways and inventory management features, you can easily turn your blog into a revenue-generating platform.

If your blogging goals revolve around e-commerce, Shopify is the platform for you. Designed specifically for online businesses, Shopify offers a comprehensive suite of tools to launch and grow your e-commerce venture.

With Shopify, you can create a fully functional online store that integrates seamlessly with your blog. From product listings and inventory management to order processing and secure payment gateways, Shopify provides all the necessary features to run a successful e-commerce business. It also offers a wide range of professionally designed themes, allowing you to create a visually appealing and user-friendly online store.

To further enhance your e-commerce blog, Shopify has an extensive app store with a variety of plugins and integrations. Whether you want to implement email marketing automation, enable customer reviews, or optimize your store for SEO, Shopify’s app store has you covered. These apps allow you to customize and expand the functionality of your blog, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

As a leading e-commerce platform, Shopify offers top-notch support and resources to help you succeed. Its dedicated customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any inquiries or technical issues. Additionally, Shopify has a vast knowledge base, blog, and community forum where you can find valuable tips, tutorials, and advice from industry experts. With Shopify, you’ll have all the tools and support you need to grow your e-commerce blog.

Choosing the right blogging platform is a crucial decision that can make or break your blogging journey. Whether you opt for the flexibility of WordPress, the simplicity of Wix, the elegance of Squarespace, or the e-commerce focus of Shopify, each platform has its own strengths and limitations. Consider your blogging goals, technical expertise, and design preferences when making your decision.

Remember, the best platform for you is the one that aligns with your unique needs and allows you to unleash your creativity. So, dive into the world of blogging, explore the different platforms, and embark on an exciting journey of sharing your passion and expertise with the world. Happy blogging!

First reported by Forbes.

The post Best Blogging Platforms in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on The Blog Herald.

Deleting the Blog on WordPress

Differentiate whether this is a WordPress.com site or a WordPress.org site. There is a difference in how to delete them. WordPress.org sites are hosted through an alternative hosting platform and must be deleted through their own personal control panel.

WordPress.com

• Login to WordPress
• Go to Your WordPress Home Screen
• Look to the Tab List on the Left of the Screen and Find “Settings”

This will take you to the general “Settings.” It will be right of the left side tab bar. Scroll down until you see a box with “Site Tools.”

• Click on the Site Tools Panel that Says “Delete Site Permanently”

THIS WILL NOT DELETE YOUR SITE. It will take you to another page where it offers you the options:

• “Export Content First”
• “Delete Site”

Exporting your content will compress your website into a zip file. This file can later be uploaded into a new site address and your site and its content should be perfectly preserved. This is highly recommended, to follow through on.

• Click “Delete Site”
• A “Confirm Delete Site” Window Will Pop Up

This window will be your last option to turn back and not delete your website.

• Enter the URL Associated with the WordPress.com Site you Want to Delete

After you have entered the URL to the website you want to delete, press the red button that states “Delete this site.”

• Delete Your Website

THIS CANNOT BE UNDONE.

Once you have deleted your WordPress.com site it is gone forever. If you exported your content into a “.zip” file, your site can be regenerated from that later under a new URL. However, keep in mind that once the site is gone it is truly gone.

For those looking to delete your WordPress account, that will delete all sites housed under that umbrella. That means every site associated with that account.

Closing (Deleting) a WordPress Account

• Go to Profile Settings

Find your profile image. This should typically be located in the upper right corner of your WordPress page. By clicking on that you will then have your profile tabs bar appear on the left side of the screen.

• Go to “Account Settings.”

Scroll to the bottom of the page (should appear right of the profile tabs). At the bottom, there is text (should be in red) that says, “Close Your Account Permanently.”

• Click “Close Account.”

Read all the associated pieces that you will be deleting by closing your account. Alternatively, options exist like “Emptying” a Site of Its Content Completely. Or Deleting a Site as shown above.

Final Thoughts

It is important to understand there are alternatives besides permanently deleting your web content. Additionally, note that third-party services use bots to crawl the web and archive old sites.

Regardless, there are numerous ways to safely and easily remove web content from a WordPress site, take the time to find out which of them works best for you.

The post How to Delete a Blog on WordPress appeared first on The Blog Herald.

When people see a site that is attractive, they’re naturally going to pay more attention to what it says. It also adds to the credibility of your site, and readers and viewers are more likely to take you and your information seriously.

And since WordPress is the web’s most popular content management system, that’s where we will focus our attention.

Using a WordPress theme is the most effective way to make sure that your site is an attractive one. But with thousands of themes to choose from, where do you start?

Best Tips to Select a Blog Theme

Start with the reader

Who is the audience that you plan to target with your content? If you want to reach an older demographic, using “hip” or “cutting-edge” graphics and styles aren’t the way to go. If the people you want to reach are city-dwellers, using farm or country themes isn’t going to make any sense.

Should you pay for a theme?

You can quality free and paid themes on WordPress, and some free ones are as high-quality as the paid ones. But you’ll generally get things from a paid theme that free ones lack. Things like better manageability and professional support.

A responsive theme is key

These days nearly 60% of all internet traffic is on mobile phones, so making sure your WordPress is optimized for all devices is a must. Many WordPress themes have responsive designs and automatically adjust the layout to the screen size. But it’s important to double-check this.

Pick a theme you can customize

Even if you find a theme that has everything that you want, there may come a time you want to freshen it up a little. A customizable theme will allow you to play around with colors, fonts, logos, and other options.

Make sure the theme will work with plug-ins

WordPress offers tens of thousands of plug-ins that will enhance your site with cool and unique features. It seems obvious that WordPress plug-ins will generally work with WordPress themes, but occasionally there are restrictions.

Check the availability of support

Even if you are a WordPress pro, there may be a time when you need a little help above your pay grade. Most paid themes come with 6-12 months of free support, and free themes may or may not have a support option. It’s always good to know before you need it.

Look at ratings and reviews

With the sheer volume of sites and designers using WordPress, finding reviews is pretty easy. Reading through the reviews will let you know which ones have issues, and will also help you know what to look for in others.

Search Engine Optimization

The theme you choose will play a big part in your site’s overall digital presence, and good coding helps search crawlers understand and boost your site. Maybe you don’t understand coding, but know that fast-loading themes are better than slow ones. There are also WordPress SEO plugins that will help.

Theme updates are important

Be sure and choose a theme that is updated on a regular basis. WordPress software is constantly being updated for new features as well as security issues. If your theme is not eligible for these updates you could have major problems down the line. Find a theme that gets updates at least every 3 months and you should be in good shape.

Choose simple over flashy

Initially, you may be drawn to overly-stylish themes with lots of animations. Keep in mind that the more “stuff” a website has, the slower it will become. Start simple and customize the settings to find the right look for you and your audience.

In conclusion

With the above best tips to select a blog theme, you can’t go wrong. Also helpful is that one of the benefits of using WordPress is that due to its popularity, finding ideas and help is as easy as a quick Google search or checking the WordPress site itself.

When it comes to choosing a theme, just remember the basics. Start with the user and keep them top of mind when choosing a theme. Look around at other sites that target the same readers/viewers/customers and see what those sites have in common and put them into use on your site.

And any product that has more features has more opportunities for things to malfunction, and even if you are a coding expert that means more time and headaches down the line. Remember that simple is going to beat complicated every time.

The post 10 Best Tips for Selecting the Best Blog Theme on WordPress appeared first on The Blog Herald.

WordPress is quoted as a “free and open-source content management system.” Which focuses on taking care of the coding so the site designer can be just that – a designer. This leaves the WordPress developer’s role toward being that of one of UX and UI – “User Experience” and “User Interface” respectively.

UX Designer

A UX Designer focuses on the natural feeling and flow of a website. The job is to think of how people will use the website and lay it out accordingly. Think “experience.” They look at statistics and try to both empathize and fetter out the best analytical response to a user’s time on the site. This deals with branding, images, video, so on.

UI Designer

A UI Designer focuses on the page layout and how the individual works with the site. The effect that may occur after pressing a button, the way you swipe on an application. This is a smaller niched-down version of site interaction. How someone interfaces with the app. Think “touch.”

While technically UI is a subset of UX the key difference is that UI focuses on the actual interaction. Think of their buzzwords, ‘interface’ and ‘experience.’ Or in another manner, a square is a rectangle but a rectangle is not a square. A “UX designer chooses how the UI functions while the UI designer chooses how the UI looks.”

Job Description

A WordPress developer builds and creates sites on WordPress. Helps develop the software. This is typically through enhancing it. Additionally, a WordPress developer should be a full stack developer capable of fleshing out the front-end and back-end of a website, when designing or building a WordPress site for a client.

Job Pay and Security

WordPress has been the fastest-growing CMS for the past 12 years. A CMS meaning, an open-source content management system. With this, WordPress’s status in the market is secure. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of web developers and digital designers to grow by 13% between 2020 and 2030. This makes employment in this field very secure.

The average take-home salary for a WordPress developer is $64,245 a year. However, given commission jobs recorded in addition to a recorded or salaried position, this figure jumps ~ 30% to $87,749 yearly.

Additionally, there are approximately 17,900 job openings for this position yearly. That means that there is ample opportunity and access to this position with freelance work and consistently new output into the space and job turnaround. Hours depend on the nature of the employee. A WordPress developer could find a position working with an agency or by themselves. As this position can be easily freelanced, hours are flexible. This is often the case even in an agency setting.

TL;DR

Overall the position itself is one that requires a solid understanding of WordPress. Specifically its features and the ins and outs of the software as it gets developed, ebbs and flows. A solid grasp of UX and UI elements will help the novice developer as those are elements inherent to the build of any site, and good design can function as an ace while learning the process.

Breaking into the space largely consists of gaining an understanding of the medium. Producing and practicing. Then go develop sites and continue to grow in skill. A WordPress developer’s salary is roughly $90,000 yearly, which can sustain developers as a freelancer or in positions within an agency.

The post WordPress Developer: Salary, Hours, and More  appeared first on The Blog Herald.

• Yoast SEO

Yoast SEO is at the top of our list of 12 WordPress plug-ins. It is the premium search engine optimization tool for WordPress and is arguably the most widely used plug-in for any company that uses WordPress. Yoast does not have optimization as a function, making your website and blogs easy to find, but it also has a built-in content analysis function. Using content analysis, Yoast can optimize your content on top of your website for search, meaning double the ease of finding your website when searching the web.

• W3 Total Cache

Website caching speeds up the load time of your website for customers. This plug-in stores a static copy of your pages and makes the files smaller so that customers are able to save on load times while you save on bandwidth costs by adding it into WordPress.

• nRelate

This plug-in makes it easy to showcase articles, blogs, or other content that are similar to your website. By quickly and easily incorporating related content into your articles or website content, it makes it more appealing to the customer and will keep them around for more.

• VaultPress

If you have ever been scared of your website crashing, this is the plug-in for you. VaultPress is a backup that completes daily security scans, and content backups, and gives support from WordPress experts when needed.

• Wassup

For analytics, this plug-in is a great way to monitor web traffic without delays. You are able to get detailed information about what your site visitors are doing such as looking at specific products if it is eCommerce, signing up for newsletters, or leaving comments on posts. You can add this in addition to Google Analytics.

• Broken Link Checker

Gone are the days of manually going through and double-checking all of your links. This plug-in does all the hard work for you to make sure all internal and external links on your site work properly. It can make broken links display differently in posts, and will notify you on your dashboard and in your email. It’s a highly configurable plug-in that should be a no-brainer for any website to lower your workload.

• WPForms

To make it easy for your website viewers to get in contact with you, WPForms offers over 300 pre-built form templates to make your job seamless. You’re also able to drag and drop to build your own contact form. WPForms easily transfers over to tablets and mobile phones without compromising the look of the form, meaning it is 100% responsive. It has instant notifications and integrates with most major payment options including PayPal and Square. The features seem endless, making WPFroms one of the most useful and popular WordPress plug-ins on the market.

• MonsterInsights

This Google Analytics plug-in for WordPress allows you to connect your website with Google Analytics to clearly see exactly how customers find and view your website. You can optimize your website according to the flow of the traffic, and change as your traffic changes. There is a free and premium version of MonsterInsights, but I recommend the premium to get access all of the features.

• Constant Contact

This plug-in allows for easy email interactions and creates an effective marketing tool. You are able to communicate with your customers after they leave your website, which is why creating an email list is so important. Constant Contact helps you build your email list and send newsletters to those subscribers.

• SearchWP

Just as it sounds, SearchWP allows your visitors to easily find what they are looking for on your website. You do not have to know any coding to adjust the scale and algorithm of your search functions, so you can easily create different relevances as you see fit with your site. You are able to see what visitors are searching for most frequently through metrics so that you can rearrange your site as needed to put the more desired articles or products on the home page.

• Google WorkSpace

Another one of our 12 WordPress plug-ins is a popular one you most likely already know about. Google WordSpace, formerly G Suite, it is a group of applications for email, documents, spreadsheets, chats, etc. You can even use your professional email address for your business inside Google. This way, you do not have to end your email with “@gmail.com” to use this plug-in. You are able to use “@yourwebsitename.com”.

• WooCommerce

For eCommerce sites, this plug-in is a lifesaver. WooCommerce makes it easy to create an online store using hosting, themes, and plug-ins within the plug-in itself. It’s free, and open-source, meaning you maintain ownership of the store’s content and data.

Conclusion

Now that you know 12 of the best WordPress plug-ins and their functions, you have a baseline of knowledge and can use this list to get your website started, or improve the one you already have.

The post 12 WordPress Plug-Ins You Should Try appeared first on The Blog Herald.

Age

Contrary to popular belief, blogging is shared by all ages, not dominated by younger generations. Anyone from a high school cheerleader to the grandmother of a high school cheerleader can start a blog about something that brings forth their passion. That passion is shared by readers and writers of all ages. The demographic that is reading the most blogs is between the ages of 31-40. Not so coincidentally, those 31-40 years old are leaders in big corporations who are starting to grow their marketing strategies through blogging. 

Where to Start?

Blogging allows people of all ages and backgrounds to have a voice and share their passions. It can be exactly what you want it to be, and typically, you have complete creative control.  

Having a personal blog can definitely give you creative control if you crave it. Blogging will also force you to think about anything and everything, it may even force you to go a bit out of your comfort zone. 

Companies use blogging as a part of their marketing strategy. This is with good reason as more than 70% of internet users read blogs regularly. With businesses using the blog marketing strategy, they are grabbing customers’ attention without blatantly trying to sell them an idea or product. The blog is simply there to inform and sometimes entertain. Each article or blog entry can gain exposure and create a new index for search engines to use on a daily basis. This means Google will be able to use those keywords to drive more traffic to your site. 

Companies can also use blogging to continuously stay on top of updates. If there are employees within the company sending out blogs once or twice a week about all of the changes happening within the office and around the company as a whole, you no longer have to worry about those updates falling behind on your website. If something changes, it’s in the latest post. So, it will be read and your site can stay free of any unnecessary jumble. This will not only keep your company’s site easy to use but also clean and sleek. All of the updates will be in the blog! 

Education

Whether you are learning from someone who has a different hobby from you or your rival company has a blog, you are always in a learning environment. If multiple nearby businesses read each other’s blogs, they will not only learn more about their competitors but learn more about the public they are trying to reach. Blogging from an agency and business standpoint does not mean you need to compete with another agency. But you’ll be able to use their entries to search within your own company. You can use it to see what you’re doing well. Or what they may be excelling in that you could learn from. The benefits within your company are endless. You will always be in a position to learn more. 

Personal Growth

Blogging gives you an outlet to post your own, organic work. This can serve as a way to build your portfolio. Many authors begin as a way to not only showcase, but hone their writing skills. For someone who is on the hunt for their first writing job, a blog is the best way to go. You will automatically have content for your portfolio and you’ll have the statistics to prove which of your entries has been better received by your peers. 

Conclusion 

Blogging has proven to be not only productive for personal growth, but for business growth as well. The benefits far outweigh to drawbacks, and you’ll even be able to add it to your portfolio and resume. Almost everyone you meet will be involved in a blog in one way or another. Whether that be writing posts or reading them, it’s evident how important they have become to society.  

The post Why Blogging is Important appeared first on The Blog Herald.

So let’s take a look, starting with a basic introduction.

What is Squarespace?

Squarespace is a ‘software as a service’ or SaaS website builder. This means that you pay a monthly fee to use the service. But it includes the important things that you need to put your site together and keep it maintained. Things like templates, a content management system, hosting, support, a domain name, and more.

There are other Squarespace features like Squarespace Email Campaigns and Squarespace Video Studio that are valuable marketing tools.

Squarespace is often referred to as a “code-free” solution, meaning that you can put together a website without having to know the first thing about website code.

What is WordPress?

WordPress has two different versions available, Hosted WordPress and Self-hosted WordPress. Hosted WordPress is also a SaaS website builder. You pick a plan and pay a yearly fee, which gives you access to hosting, storage, and lots of other features that help you maintain your site.

A free version of hosted WordPress also exists. But if you go this route, advertisements display on your site.

Self-hosted WordPress is a piece of software that you download and then install on your own server. This option is “open source” which means that the code used for the site is freely available and can be easily modified. 

This WordPress option is very customizable but requires more know-how. So you would either need to find a web developer that could help you or spend some time and effort learning some basic website design.

WordPress vs Squarespace?

Here are a few more basic comparisons to help you decide WordPress vs Squarespace.

Pricing.

Squarespace’s pricing is pretty straightforward. There are four main plans available, priced between $23-$65 per month. As you would assume the lower-priced plans are more limited, so even if you’re just starting out it may make sense to pay a little extra for one of the higher-tier plans.

Plus, if you pay annually, you get a free domain name from Squarespace. There is also a two-week free trial available.

WordPress pricing is a little more complicated. The software is open source which means you can download it for free. But you will need to pay for other things, beginning with hosting, or server space to store your site.

Then there are themes to help you design your site. WordPress plugins are important apps that you can add to your site to help it run smoother, give you security, and many other options.

There are many more variables with WordPress, which means narrowing down the price is tougher, but you can look to pay between $192 and $780 a year for a self-hosted version of WordPress.

Templates.

Squarespace wins on quality, and WordPress wins on quantity.

Squarespace is known for its very attractive, and even award-winning templates. There are 140 designs to choose from, which seems like a lot until you compare that number to WordPress.

WordPress has thousands of templates to choose from. Again, due to the open-source nature of WordPress, many of those choices are from outside the official WordPress site. Some are free, and some are not.

But even if you just looked around the official WordPress theme directory, you’ll find between 9,000 and 10,000 templates to choose from.

Ease of use.

As stated earlier, Squarespace is designed for people with little to no web development experience. So its style editor is very straightforward, and changing the basics like colors, fonts, heading sizes, etc. is very simple. The controls are very evident and easy to use.

Also a drag-and-drop editor exists that makes it easy to arrange your content the way that you want it. You can move images or blocks of text around to assemble them as you like.

Editing WordPress is by no means difficult, but as opposed to editing right on the page as with Squarespace, you have to edit the page on the back end and then preview it to see what the final result looks like.

As with many of the WordPress features, editing may not be quite as easy, but there are more options and flexibility if you know some basic web design principles.

In Conclusion

This is just a scratching-the-surface comparison when considering WordPress vs Squarespace. But there are other topics that might be important to know. Ecommerce, content management, blogging tools, email marketing, SEO tools, and more, all might be important factors in helping you make a choice. 

But either way, you can be confident that both companies are well-respected and valued members of the web design community.

The post WordPress vs. Squarespace: What to Expect appeared first on The Blog Herald.

This post may summarize just that and which options are the best, depending on the content you are looking for. Here are some of the best WordPress books to read in 2021:

Introductions, How-tos, and Beginner-friendly books

WordPress for Dummies

Author: Lisa Sabin-Wilson

Kindle Price: $18

Paperback Price: $25.36

Already in its 9th edition, this book helps readers learn all aspects of WordPress in the simplest and least overwhelming approach. Teaches basics on how to customize themes, add plugins, and create a post. Basically, this book considers its readers as users of established WordPress websites. Mainly focuses to help bloggers and editors navigate through WordPress as a content management system, and less on the technical aspects of it.

WordPress: the Missing Manual

Author: Matthew MacDonald

Kindle Price: $30.99

Paperback Price: $33.86

The full title is WordPress: The Missing Manual: The book that should have been in the box. Unlike the first book, this beginner’s manual teaches users how to use WordPress in building a website. It boasts of being jargon-free that teaches basics on setting up WordPress, creating a website, and adding features to it. It also teaches basics on how to use backup tools for the website. Not only that, but it also gives tips on how to use SEO and site statistics in attracting a following. If you are looking for an all-in-one resource, this might be the best to read.

WordPress for Beginners 2020

Author: Dr. Andy Williams

Kindle Price: $4.49 but free for Kindle Unlimited Users

Paperback Price: $12.99

This is only one of the wide collections published by Dr. Andy Williams about WordPress. It is the latest release so it pretty much covers the latest version of WordPress. What is great about this book is that each step-by-step tutorial has screenshots to support it. The book teaches everything from the beginning – how to set up web hosting and domain registrations. How to properly install (the right version) of WordPress. How to use and install WordPress themes. And more. This is a great book to read if you want detailed instructions on how to set up a website to how to manage it.

1-Hour WordPress 2020

Author: Dr. Andy Williams

Kindle Price: $3.69 but free for Kindle Unlimited Users

Paperback Price: $11.99

Can you imagine learning everything you need about WordPress in just under an hour? This is exactly what this book promises its readers. The goal – to teach ANYONE how to build a fully functional WordPress site in less than an hour. If you are creating a website on a whim, and need it ASAP for a small project but have no budget to hire seasoned designers, then maybe this is worth a try.

SEO, Data analysis, and Management books

SEO for WordPress 

Author: Kent Mauresmo

Kindle Price: $5.97

Paperback Price: $5.97

Also, SEO for WordPress: How to get your website on Page #1 of Google… Fast! Teaches a lot of things about permalinks, correct tag usage, image optimization, keyword analysis, and advanced keyword research. Pretty much everything SEO is here.

Make Money Blogging

Author: Lee Sebastian

Kindle Price: $2.99 but free for Kindle Unlimited Users

Paperback Price: $13.38

Also, Make Money Blogging: How to Set Up a Blog on Your Own Self-Hosted Domain and Make Money. There is very technical information here that teaches passionate writers not only to become successful bloggers but also to learn how to manage websites to make them more profitable.

How to Blog for Profit without Selling Your Soul

Author: Ruth Soukup

Kindle Price:$9.99

An Amazon Best Seller, this is the content creator’s best friend. It teaches how to create action plans on how to produce a profitable blog. It also helps readers on improving productivity and more.

SEO for WordPress Power Bloggers

Author: Karen Callahan

Kindle Price: $3.97 but free for Kindle Unlimited Users

SEO is indeed essential knowledge for bloggers and content creators. It is important to master it so it could be used to your advantage. This book teaches how to use SEO specifically for WordPress websites.

Building, Coding, Design, and Development with WordPress

WordPress Security 2020 for WebMasters

Author: Dr. Andy Williams

Kindle Price: $3.69 but free for Kindle Unlimited Users,

Paperback Price: $8.99

Security is one of the most technical, and most important, pieces of knowledge every WordPress user must know and understand. It is a crucial aspect of website building that could save you from completely losing a website and its content. This book focuses on how to tighten up security for WordPress websites and how to prevent hackers from getting in.

Building Web Apps with WordPress

Author: Brian Messenlehner

Paperback Price: $34.99

This is a great book to read for seasoned programmers who are new to WordPress website building. It compares design and development using WordPress with the usual programming languages like PHP, CSS, and more. It also gives ideas on how to build customized plugins for personal use. A great book to read for seasoned programmers.

WordPress Theme Development

Author: Rachel McCollin

If you want to expand your knowledge beyond creating and building WordPress sites, this is a great go-to book. How do you build your first WordPress theme? Which language is best to use for this? This is a great book to read if you want a bit of a challenge.

WordPress 5 Cookbook

Author: Rakhitha Nimesh Ratnayake

This book familiarizes uses with common problems encountered when building WordPress websites. It also teaches what kinds of solutions are available and how to avoid such problems. It is a great book that is newly published and is worth a read.

Related Post: Level Up Your Skills With These 14 Free Writing Workshops Online

The post 12 Best WordPress Books to Read in 2021 appeared first on The Blog Herald.

Here are some of the best plug-ins that you REALLY need in your WordPress site for 2022:

For SEO Solutions and Google Analytics

Yoast SEO

Pricing and Plans: 

The basic plan is completely free. Premium Yoast costs about $89 for 1 site.

Why you need it:

• It is considered as the #1 WordPress SEO Plugin
• The plugin will surely supersize your website’s SEO performance
• This helps optimize your site for searchability and even grades content for SEO performance (and possible room for improvement)
• Premium version has better features

MonsterInsights

Pricing and Plans:

The Plus plan costs about $99.5 per year, the Pro plan costs about $199.5 per year, Agency plans costs $399.5 per year.

Why you need it: 

• It gives an overview or summary of website performance on just one page.
• All the statistics presented are always in real-time.
• Google Analytics is always a friend when it comes to website performance
• This plugin allows to track clicks, visitors, and traffic without Google’s comprehensive analytics tool

All in One SEO (AIOSEO)

Pricing and Plans:

The basic plan costs $49.50 per year, Plus plan costs $99.5, Pro Plan costs $199.5, and the Elite plan costs $299.5 per year.

Why you need it: 

• It is easy to manage and access
• Allows schema markup to get more traffic and clicks (Rich Snippets Schema)
• It integrates easily with social media platforms
• The plugin has an audit feature to check for critical errors
• It allows submission of content to Google News

The SEO Framework

Pricing and Plans:

Absolutely free!

Why you need it: 

• The features allow maximum SEO performance without needing advanced SEO knowledge
• It allows for optimization of metadata because it “follows Google’s webmaster guidelines to the letter”.
• The plugin offers suggestions on how to improve your pages with color-coded guidelines.

For Backups

UpdraftPlus

Pricing and Plans:

Offers a free version. The premium version is available for only $42 per year.

Why you need it: 

• The plugin offers restoration and backup of data and content
• The backup has many options including cloud backup
• Automatic backup schedules are easy and convenient for users
• It deals with hackers, server crashes, and error detection
• The premium feature offers free support via forum and email for one year, also offers free storage subscription to Updraft Vault.

VaultPress (Jetpack Backup)

Pricing and Plans:

There are multiple packages available. For daily backups, the price is $3.99 per month. For daily security, it costs $9.99 per month. For real-time security, it costs $24.99, the complete package costs $49.99.

Why you need it: 

• The plugin backups data in real-time
• It protects the website against malware, accidental damage, host outages, and hackers
• It is powered by Jetpack

BackupBuddy

Pricing and Plans:

Prices range between $52 to $357 per year. The lifetime plan is only $357 per year

Why you need it: 

• It detects user errors and bad commands
• The plugin protects against malware, hackers, and server crashes
• One feature is to restore deleted files
• Backups EVERYTHING on a WordPress website include (but not limited to) plugin files, media library, widgets, comments, users, themes, and more

BackWPup

Pricing and Plans: 

The basic version is open source but the pro version could be bought for $69 for one site.

Why you need it: 

• It offers a complete backup and support
• The plugin is a standalone app for ’emergency restoration’
• It also offers a database backup and WordPress XML Export

For Security

WordFence Security

Pricing and Plans:

Offers services for free. The paid version is only $99 per year.

Why you need it: 

• It is free to use for as many sites
• The plugin is very sensitive to breached password usages, limiting failed login attempts, and more.
• Monitors hack attempts and records time spent on the site, IP address, and origin of a possible hacker.

Sucuri

Pricing and Plans:

The basic plan is free and the pro version is sold for only $299 per year.

Why you need it: 

• The plugin cleans up WordPress sites at no additional cost in case of malware
• It is very easy to set up on the dashboard
• A feature is a protection from all known attacks
• It has a track and log of EVERYTHING that happens on the website including logins, failed login attempts, and file changes.

iThemes Security Pro

Pricing and Plans: 

Blogger plan is offered for only $80 per year, Small business plan is only $127 per year, and Gold plans are offered for $199 per year.

Why you need it: 

• It has a file change detection feature
• The plugin protects against brute force login attempts
• The bad users are automatically locked out of the website (generating too many 404 errors)
• It also offers database backups.

Jetpack

Pricing and Plans:

The basic plan is free and the Security Daily Plan is only $19.95 per month.

Why you need it: 

• It has a one-click restore feature
• The plugin alerts website owners via email if the website is down
• Real-time backups are offered every time something on the website is changed.
• Automatically blocks spams in comments

BONUS: For email marketing needs, etc

WP Forms

Optinmonster

MemberPress

Constant Contact

Related Post: Free Mind Mapping Tools Online to Stimulate Your Creative Juices

Related Post: 5 Killer WordPress SEO Plugins You Might Not Have Heard Of

The post 12 WordPress Plugins for 2022 appeared first on The Blog Herald.

That’s because the typical case in slow websites is that they’re bogged down by unoptimized images. Take a quick look at your WordPress image gallery and if you see some image sizes with “MB” instead of just “KB,” you got yourself a problem that image optimizer plugins for WordPress can certainly fix.

Otherwise, it could be some server-related issues, but in any case, even if you think your images are optimized but you never used any plugins for them, then it’s high time you give them some meticulous care. Check out these WordPress plugins to help your images and your website speed.

EWWW Image Optimizer

By far, EWWW is one of the most popular image optimizer plugins for WordPress. It provides near-unparalleled ease of use since it optimizes the images you upload on the fly. This can save a lot of time especially if you’re used to manually reducing the sizes of your images as those require external software.

Moreover, EWWW performs image optimization on your own servers. You don’t even need an account of your own to use EWWW, though you can still sign up for it if you prefer. To that end, EWWW is completely free and has no image or file size limits.

Notes:

• Free, no account or signups required
• No file size limit
• Easy-to-use, good quality of life features.
• Works on your servers

Optimole

Uploading an image and then not worrying about it anymore once it’s in your media library is Optimole’s strength. It tailors your images to fit in users’ specific mobile devices or different kinds of screens. Of course, WordPress also has something like this but Optimole improves upon that feature.

Optimole is also intuitive enough to have its own dashboard outside of WordPress so you can tweak the intricate details of your images. You also don’t have to worry about your images loading slowly with Optimole.

Notes:

• Free, but requires an account
• Uses a Javascript workaround to ensure your images always load
• Free plan only allows 1GB of total image data per month

Compress JPEG & PNG images

If you have a ton of old images you left unoptimized due to your website or blog being old, you might find optimizing them one-by-one tedious work. Compressing JPEG & PNG images can be a timesaver in that regard. It’s also one of the free image optimization plugins for WordPress but only allows for 100 images to be optimized per month (free account).

What the plugin makes up for is its ability to bulk-optimize images all at once. It also optimizes any new upload while you’re in the process of doing it. You also get an automatic image-sizing parameter with every new image upload; the plugin will automatically crop or resize the image according to your preferred size.

Notes:

• Free
• Free account has a 100-image limit per month
• Great for bulk-optimizations

RELATED: How to Optimize eCommerce Product Images for Search and Social Media

Imagify

The user interface is where Imagify excels. It has arguably one of the most stylish layouts and dashboards among all image optimizer plugins for WordPress. The minimal menu and option design is also user-friendly and can shorten the time you spend tinkering with image compression.

Additionally, Imagify lets you pick a lossless compression for your images if ever you want to preserve the image quality while still managing to reduce the image size. As an added bonus, Imagify can also optimize your WordPress theme for you.

Notes:

• Free
• Free plan allows 1GB of image data
• Great minimal UI, easy to use
• Lets you use lossless compression

reSmush.it

reSmush.it is often regarded as the best out of all the image optimizer plugins for WordPress by many users in regards to how much it can compress while retaining the image quality. Like Imagify, it also has bulk optimizations for your older images as well as automated optimization upon upload.

Perfect as it may seem, reSmush.it does have some shortcomings; it doesn’t let you choose different compression levels. Optimization is also only available for images below 5MB (free account), 4K images or anything bigger might be exempted. If that’s crucial for your website, then you might want to use another plugin.

Notes:

• Free
• 5MB maximum image size limit for free accounts
• Bulk optimization
• No compression options

ShortPixel Image Optimizer

ShortPixel is highly similar to Imagify especially when it comes to appearance. Both have minimalist UIs but ShortPixel gives you an advanced page if you want more customized images. There’s also a 100-image limit per month for free accounts.

Where ShortPixel shines is its thoughtfulness; it gives you a comparison of your original image versus the compressed or optimized image so you can tweak the settings to achieve your preference.

Notes:

• Free, 100 images per month
• Easy UI, lots of options too
• Lets you compare compressed images with the original
• No file size restrictions

Smush

Not to be confused with reSmush.it, Smush is also quite popular as image optimizer plugins for WordPress go. It also has automatic optimization upon upload and lets you bulk optimize older images– up to 50 images all at once and you can even make them lossless.

You also get plenty of compression options from resolution changes to scale-downs. The downside is the rather limiting free mode; Smush only allows 1MB maximum filesize for images (free accounts).

Notes:

• Free
• Each image can only be 1MB maximum for free accounts
• No need to signup
• Robust bulk optimization

As for which plugin we’d go with, reSmush.it apparently takes the cake when it comes to the compression-quality ratio. Of course, feel free to test out other options depending on your needs.

RELATED: How You Should Decide Which Images to Use on Your Blog

First published in 2019; updated February 2022

The post Best Image Optimizer Plugins for WordPress in 2022 appeared first on The Blog Herald.