I am presenting a case for the WordPress Project to be independently financed on the 29th of August 2024.
It will be at the WordPress London Meetup – here is just one idea to help finance this fantastic project that nearly 500 million websites are built on.
WordPress is more than just a content management system; it’s the lifeblood of millions of websites across the globe. From personal blogs to corporate portals, WordPress powers an astonishing 43% of the internet. Such a massive ecosystem needs not just moral support but financial backing to sustain its growth, development, and innovation. Here’s a simple yet impactful idea: if you’re a freelancer, web developer, or designer, consider donating $20 to the WordPress Foundation for every site you build.
Why Financial Independence Matters for the WordPress Foundation
The WordPress Foundation currently manages an annual budget of around $4 million, which sounds impressive until you realize the scale of the operations it supports. This budget has to cover everything from software development and security improvements to maintaining community events like WordCamps and meetups. These events depend on sponsorships, booths, and contributions from outside sources and Automattic. Given the importance of these efforts, wouldn’t it be fantastic to see the Foundation operate with more financial freedom?
The Potential Impact
Consider this: every day, approximately 10,000 WordPress sites are developed. If just 2,000 of these projects contributed a mere $20 each to the WordPress Foundation, we’d be looking at an additional revenue of over $14 million annually. This would more than triple the current budget, bringing phenomenal potential to expand capabilities and reach.
How This Could Revolutionize the WordPress Community
Enhanced Security: With more funds, the WordPress Foundation can invest heavily in security protocols, minimizing vulnerabilities and making the internet safer for everyone.
Innovation Boost: Financial freedom would permit the hiring of more full-time developers, encouraging rapid advancements in features, functionality, and user experience.
Global Reach: More resources mean more community events, contributing to better training, broader participation, and inclusivity.
Infrastructure Improvement: Enhanced financial resources could also go towards improving the core infrastructure that supports the WordPress ecosystem, ensuring faster load times and better performance.
Paid Contributors from within Even if it’s only a sandwich to say thanks for that great idea and contribution you made.
A Small Contribution, A Massive Difference
A $20 contribution may seem negligible compared to the substantial revenue many WordPress developers earn per project. However, the collective power of small donations can lead to significant change. Imagine being part of a global movement where your small act contributes to the overall health and success of a platform that fundamentally changes how we share information online.
How to Get Started
Integrating this initiative into your workflow is simple. Add a $20 donation line item to your client invoices labeled “WordPress Foundation Support Fee.” Explain the importance of supporting the foundation to your clients, and you’ll likely find most are more than willing to contribute.
Lead by Example
If you’re unsure, start with a trial for your next few projects to see how it feels both professionally and personally to give back to such a vital platform. This culture of giving can quickly become the norm, inspiring others to follow in your footsteps.
Together, we can ensure the longevity and prosperity of the WordPress ecosystem. A small gesture from thousands can create waves of positive change, securing a bright future for one of the most significant digital platforms of our time. Let’s commit to supporting the WordPress Foundation and making financial independence a reality.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, securing your website should be at the top of your priority list. The growing number of cyber threats can put your company’s reputation, data, and customer trust at risk, making web security an indispensable aspect of your digital strategy. To help you navigate this challenging landscape, we will explore some highly recommended solutions that can fortify your website against potential threats.
Cloudflare: Your First Line of Defense
Cloudflare offers a robust set of tools designed to protect websites from a variety of security threats. As a Content Delivery Network (CDN), it not only enhances your site performance by optimizing content delivery but also provides comprehensive security features.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Protection: One of the most significant threats to websites is DDoS attacks, where attackers overwhelm your servers with traffic, causing your site to crash. Cloudflare mitigates these attacks by distributing the traffic across its global network of data centers, ensuring your site remains accessible.
Web Application Firewall (WAF): Cloudflare’s WAF is another powerful tool designed to identify and block malicious traffic before it reaches your site. By constantly updating its threat intelligence database, it protects against common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
SSL/TLS Encryption: Securing data in transit between your users and your website is crucial. Cloudflare provides SSL/TLS encryption, ensuring that sensitive information like login credentials and payment details are transmitted securely.
Fail2ban: A Watchful Guardian
Fail2ban is an open-source intrusion prevention software that helps protect your server by scanning log files for suspicious activity and banning IP addresses engaging in malicious behavior. Here’s how it can significantly contribute to your website security:
Automated Banning: Fail2ban automatically scans log files to detect patterns of failed login attempts or other malicious activities. Once identified, it bans the offending IP addresses for a specified period, reducing the risk of brute-force attacks.
Customizable Filters: The software comes with pre-configured filters that cover a wide range of services, including SSH, Apache, and Postfix. You can also create custom filters to meet the specific needs of your website.
Email Alerts: Fail2ban can be configured to send email alerts whenever an IP address is banned. This feature allows you to stay informed about potential threats and take additional precautionary measures if needed.
BlogVault: Peace of Mind with Reliable Backups
Data loss can be catastrophic, whether it’s due to a cyberattack or a simple human error. Having a reliable backup solution like BlogVault ensures that you can quickly recover your website with minimal downtime.
Automatic Backups: BlogVault takes automatic backups of your website at regular intervals, so you don’t have to worry about manually backing up data. In the event of a disaster, you can easily restore your site to a previous state.
Incremental Backups: Unlike some backup solutions that create full backups each time, BlogVault uses incremental backups. This means only the changes made since the last backup are saved, reducing server load and storage requirements.
Staging Environment: BlogVault offers a staging environment where you can test changes or updates before implementing them on your live site. This feature helps prevent issues that could compromise your website’s functionality or security.
Server-Side Solutions from Reputable Hosts
Choosing a reputable web host is fundamental to ensuring your website’s security. Good hosts provide a range of server-side solutions designed to protect your site from various threats.
Regular Software Updates: Outdated software is a common entry point for attackers. Reliable hosts ensure regular updates for the server operating system, control panel, and other essential software, reducing vulnerabilities.
Firewall Protection: Many reputable hosts include advanced firewall protection as part of their service. This added layer of security can filter out malicious traffic and prevent unauthorized access to your server.
Malware Scanning and Removal: Proactive malware scanning detects and removes malware before it can cause damage. Some hosts offer daily or even real-time scanning as part of their security package.
Secure Access: Features like two-factor authentication (2FA) and secure shell (SSH) access add an extra layer of security to your server, protecting account credentials from being compromised.
Holistic Approach to Website Security
While individual solutions like Cloudflare, Fail2ban, and BlogVault offer strong defenses, the most effective website security strategy involves a holistic approach. Combining multiple layers of security can significantly reduce the risk of a successful attack.
Regular Security Audits: Conducting periodic security audits can help identify potential vulnerabilities in your website and server configurations. Addressing these vulnerabilities promptly can prevent future attacks.
Employee Training: Educating your staff about the importance of website security and best practices can go a long way in preventing security breaches. Regular training sessions can help them recognize phishing emails, use strong passwords, and follow security protocols.
Strong Authentication Practices: Implementing strong authentication practices is another critical component of a holistic security approach. Encourage the use of long, complex passwords and consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
Access Control: Limit access to sensitive areas of your website and server to only those who absolutely need it. Employ the principle of least privilege, granting permissions based on job roles and responsibilities. Regularly review and update access controls to ensure they remain appropriate.
Building a Secure Foundation for Your Business
Website security may seem daunting, but taking proactive steps can save you from potential disasters down the line. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Assess Current Security Measures: Begin by evaluating your current security measures. Identify any gaps or vulnerabilities and prioritize them by risk level.
Implement Security Solutions: Deploy solutions like Cloudflare, Fail2ban, and BlogVault to address identified vulnerabilities. Ensure these tools are correctly configured and integrated into your existing systems.
Keep Software Updated: Regularly update all software to patch known vulnerabilities. This includes the content management system (CMS), plugins, themes, and server software.
Perform Regular Backups: Schedule regular backups using a reliable solution like BlogVault. Store backups in multiple locations and test restoration processes periodically to ensure they work as expected.
Monitor and Respond: Continuously monitor your website for suspicious activity. Set up automated alerts for unusual patterns and have a response plan in place to quickly mitigate any identified threats.
Educate Your Team: Conduct security training sessions for your team. Make sure everyone understands their role in maintaining website security and is aware of the latest threats and best practices.
Engage with a Reputable Host: Partner with a web hosting provider known for strong security practices. Evaluate their security features and support services before making a decision.
Being Proactive Rather Than Reactive
Neglecting website security can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches, loss of customer trust, regulatory fines, and significant financial losses. By being proactive, you protect your business and ensure that your digital assets remain secure.
The landscape of cyber threats is constantly evolving, necessitating a dynamic approach to security. Regularly review and update your security measures to keep pace with new threats. Consider joining industry forums or following cybersecurity blogs to stay informed about the latest trends and technologies.
Securing your website is not just a technical requirement but a fundamental aspect of running a successful online business. With the right combination of tools and practices—like Cloudflare for performance and security, Fail2ban for intrusion prevention, and BlogVault for reliable backups—you can build a robust defense against potential cyber threats. Coupled with a reputable web host offering comprehensive server-side solutions, these measures form a formidable shield that can protect your valuable digital assets and maintain the trust of your customers. By making security an ongoing focus, you ensure the longevity and resilience of your business in the ever-changing online landscape.
We have no doubts, you need to secure your website and a combination of Rocket Dot Net and Blogvault helps us to do that.
We love Rocket dot net hosting and they are an important partner to our clients and ourselves. Here’ s what we think of them
In the vast cosmos of web hosting, Rocket.net shines like a radiant star, lighting the path for websites seeking speed, security, and supreme service. Imagine launching your dreams into cyberspace aboard a vessel designed with meticulous precision, engineered to deliver unparalleled performance right out of the box. That’s Rocket.net.
What sets Rocket.net apart is its relentless commitment to excellence. It isn’t just another hosting provider; it’s a pioneer, driving innovation in a crowded galaxy of competitors. The stellar speed they promise isn’t a mere tagline—it’s a lived reality. Powered by enterprise-grade infrastructure, their platform ensures lightning-fast load times that leave competitors trailing in cosmic dust.
Security? Rocket.net has it in spades. Think of it as having an impenetrable force field, actively shielding your site from threats 24/7. With cutting-edge tools and real-time monitoring, your digital assets are always safe, enabling you to focus on growth rather than constant vigilance.
Then there’s the support—oh, the support! Imagine having a team of astute rocket scientists at your beck and call, ready to assist with any query or hiccup, no matter how minute. Their dedication to client satisfaction is not just commendable; it’s awe-inspiring.
If you’re seeking a partner that truly understands the nuances of top-tier hosting, Rocket.net is your co-pilot. They don’t just host websites; they propel them to new heights of success, ensuring every mission is a triumphant journey. So take that leap, fuel your ambitions, and trust Rocket.net to guide your online presence to the stars and beyond.
We pretty much feel the same about Blogvault
We love that we can rely on these partners to protect our clients interests as well as ours – It’s priceless!
BlogVault.net stands as a beacon of reliability in the treacherous landscape of website management, offering a robust suite of services designed to keep your online presence secure and running smoothly. From seamless backups to ironclad malware protection, BlogVault ensures that your site remains impervious to threats around the clock.
The brilliance of BlogVault begins with its effortless backup solutions. Imagine never having to worry about losing crucial data or content ever again. With automatic daily backups and the option for on-demand snapshots, BlogVault provides an easy and reliable way to safeguard your website’s valuable information. Plus, their incremental backup system ensures that only changes are saved, optimizing storage and reducing server load.
But BlogVault doesn’t stop at just backing up your data. In a digital world rife with security threats, their comprehensive malware protection is nothing short of a digital shield. Their intelligent scanning technology meticulously inspects your website, identifying and eliminating malicious code before it can wreak havoc. This proactive approach means you can sleep peacefully, knowing that BlogVault’s vigilant eye is constantly watching over your website.
Adding another layer to this fortress of security is BlogVault’s astounding firewall. Operating 24/7, this firewall acts as your site’s first line of defense against cyber-attacks. It effectively blocks unauthorized access, stopping potential hackers in their tracks and ensuring your website remains uncompromised. The firewall’s adaptive nature means it continuously evolves to meet emerging threats, staying one step ahead of potential dangers.
BlogVault.net isn’t just a service; it’s a comprehensive solution for anyone serious about maintaining a secure, resilient, and high-performing website. Their unparalleled combination of backup solutions, malware protection, and a formidable firewall provides peace of mind and allows you to focus on what truly matters: growing your online presence.
For those committed to excellence, BlogVault is an indispensable ally in the ever-evolving digital frontier.
If you, like us, peruse the Facebook groups connected to web development. You will notice that there are a lot of Web Designers asking, what to us and many others are the most simple questions. Obviously, if you know something and someone else doesn’t, you will always think something is easy. We wrote about this in a previous post – Ask 12 questions of your web developer
Questions new or inexperienced developers ask tend to be like;
My client’s website is slow and it was fine in development, How do I fix it? Or I cannot access the admin area of my site as the site throws up an error – how do I fix this?
Most common issues can be solved by accessing the server logs, finding out what went wrong and applying a fix, but, if you don’t know that – there is an issue. As a client, this can be frustrating when your web designer or developer doesn’t seem to know how to fix an issue which has broken your site.
Many new developers (and let me tell you, many older ones too) are finding themselves backed into a corner. With the rise of easy-to-use page builders, creating a visually appealing website has never been simpler. But the technical intricacies that underpin these glossy exteriors—servers, caching, plugin and theme conflicts—often trip up even the most well-intentioned beginners.
Thankfully, with over 30 years of experience, we can step in and save the day.
The Lure of Page Builders
Page builders have revolutionized web design, offering drag-and-drop functionality that makes building a website seem as simple as assembling a LEGO set. For budding developers, this is an enticing shortcut, but the road ahead is not without its bumps. Many discover too late that the ease of use comes at the cost of deeper technical knowledge. As websites grow in complexity, the limitations of relying solely on page builders become glaringly apparent.
The Hidden Challenges: Servers, Caching, and Conflicts
A beautifully designed website is only as good as its performance and stability. Here’s where many new developers hit their first major hurdles:
Server Management: Understanding server configurations and optimizations is crucial for website speed and reliability. Mismanaged servers can lead to slow loading times, frequent downtime, and security vulnerabilities. We put our trust in Rocket.net to fully manage our servers and with response times of less than two minutes, there isn’t an issue they have not been able to diagnose or fix within ten minutes.
Caching Issues: Proper caching mechanisms are vital for enhancing site performance. However, incorrect setups can result in outdated content being displayed or dynamic features malfunctioning. Again, Rocket help us with this too – and with our vast experience in caching and server management, we know we can always improve things with proper management of video files, images and content
Plugin and Theme Conflicts: With thousands of plugins and themes available, conflicts are inevitable. New developers often find themselves in a quagmire of issues when these elements don’t play nicely together, leading to broken functionalities and frustrating user experiences. As developers of plugins ourselves, we know we can dive deep into the code and fix most issues. We have fantastic relationships with all the major plugin developers though our attendance at industry events which helps us fix issues quickly and cost effectively.
We know what we are doing, because we’ve been doing it for decades
For those struggling with the technical side of web development, we offer a technical lifeline. With over three decades of hands-on experience, we bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, making us a trusted ally for anyone needing a robust, reliable, and high-performing website.
What SomebodysHero Offers:
Expert Server Management: we provide, via our hosting partners comprehensive server management services, ensuring your website runs smoothly and securely. From initial setup to regular maintenance, their expertise guarantees optimal performance.
Advanced Caching Solutions: We implement state-of-the-art caching strategies tailored to your website’s needs. This ensures your site remains fast and efficient, providing a seamless user experience.
Conflict Resolution: With our deep understanding of plugins and themes, we can quickly diagnose and resolve conflicts, restoring harmony to your website’s ecosystem.
Full-Service Maintenance Plans
Understanding that ongoing maintenance is crucial for long-term success, We offer a full-service maintenance plan. This plan is designed to keep your website in peak condition through regular updates, security checks, and performance optimizations.
Benefits of a Maintenance Plan:
Peace of Mind: Know that your website is in expert hands, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
Up-to-Date Security: Protect your site from ever-evolving threats with continual security monitoring and updates.
Performance Excellence: Regular optimizations ensure your website remains fast and reliable, providing a superior user experience.
Bottom line
Web development is a complex field, and while page builders make it easier to create visually stunning sites, the underlying technical challenges can’t be ignored.
For new developers feeling overwhelmed, SomebodysHero offers the expertise and support needed to overcome these hurdles. With over 30 years experience, we provide comprehensive solutions that address server management, caching issues, maintenance, and plugin and theme conflicts, ensuring your website runs smoothly and efficiently.
So, if you’re ready to elevate your website to new heights without getting bogged down by technical woes, look no further than SomebodysHero. We make you, the Hero!
This post was written with the help of Bertha Ai. Edited by a human and published in under 30 minutes.
When setting out to build a new website, selecting the right web designer is essential. From functionality and ease of maintenance to alignment with your business goals, many factors come into play. Here are twelve key questions to ask your prospective web designer to ensure they’re the perfect fit for your project.
Which Tools Do You Use for Web Design and how are you addressing accessibility?
Understanding the tools a designer uses can provide insights into their workflow and capabilities. Ask about software for graphic design (like Adobe Photoshop or Figma), as well as the platforms they prefer for building websites. Are they comfortable with content management systems such as WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal and hwo do these tools affect the accessibility of the site they will build for you.
Can You Explain DNS Entries and Their Importance?
DNS (Domain Name System) entries are, in simple terms, directing traffic to your site. Ensure your designer understands DNS settings, how to manage them, and can explain their importance in layman’s terms. This will be essential when setting up your domain to point correctly to your server.
What Server-Side Solutions Do You Implement?
Knowing which server-side solutions your designer uses can help assess reliability and performance. Ask about their familiarity with different hosting environments (shared, VPS, dedicated) and server-side languages like PHP in the case of most open source solution like WordPress, Drupal and Magento. Don’t hesitate to inquire about their experience with server optimization for faster load times and better security.
What Is Their Skill Set in Terms of Coding?
A proficient web designer should have a solid grounding in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and potentially other languages like PHP and in the case of Shopify, Liquid. Ask them about their coding experiences and specific projects that demonstrate their proficiency. This will assure you of their technical capability to build a robust website.
Do They Use Any Page Builders?
Page builders like Elementor, Divi, or Beaver Builder can simplify the process of designing pages without delving deep into code. Ask your designer which, if any, page builders they use and the sustainability of said page builders and why they prefer them. Understanding their preference can also indicate how easily you’ll be able to make changes on your own.
Do They Incorporate AI in Site Generation, Text Generation, or Image Generation?
AI is becoming increasingly utilised in web design for tasks like site generation, text creation, and image enhancement. Find out if your designer uses any AI tools to streamline these processes. This could result in a more efficient and innovative project outcome.
Who Will Maintain the Website Post-Launch?
Maintenance often involves updates, backups, and security checks. Clarify who will handle these tasks once the website is live. Will it be the designer, an in-house team, or a third-party service? Make sure there’s a clear plan to prevent any downtime or security issues.
What Does the Maintenance Package Include?
A comprehensive maintenance package often includes regular updates, backups, security monitoring, and limited adjustments to the site’s content or structure. Ask for detailed information about what’s included in their maintenance plans. This will help you understand the value and scope of services you’re investing in.
How Much Experience Do They Have in SEO?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is utilized for your site’s visibility. Your designer should have a foundational understanding of SEO best practices, including keyword research, meta tags, alt text for images, and responsive design. Inquire about past projects where they’ve implemented successful SEO strategies.
Can They Provide References or a Portfolio of Previous Work?
Seeing previous projects can offer valuable insights into a designer’s style and capabilities. Ask for specific examples of sites similar to what you envision for your project. Talking to past clients can also reveal their experience with post-launch support and overall satisfaction.
Will They Connect Social Media Accounts to the Website?
Social media integration is a must for driving engagement and traffic. Ask if your designer will handle connecting your social media accounts to your website or if this is something you will need to arrange separately. A seamless integration can enhance user experience and streamline your digital strategy.
How Do They Handle Email Setup and Management?
Email is an essential component of any business communication strategy. Ask your designer whether email services are included in their package or if you need to sign up for a separate service. Clarify whether they provide assistance with setting up professional email addresses associated with your domain.
And finally, get to know them, as they will be your partner for the life of the website.
Make sure they are responsive to your requirements and make sure you understand, a website costs money, time and effort. Mostly of your designer. Respect them for what they do and frankly, leave them to it. Once you have made your decision to go with a particular Web Designer or Developer – trust your instincts and trust them to do a great job and to look after you and your website for a long time to come.
I am the owner of somebodyshero.co.uk and fortunate to have co-founded Bertha.ai with my partner in Bertha, Vito Peleg.
Bertha.ai is a generative AI tool that helps with writing content and maintaining relevance.
The SEO industry is buzzing with talk about AI, some of which is misleading.
AI can indeed be beneficial when used alongside your own editing.
Our philosophy at Bertha.ai has always been to edit the text produced to ensure quality.
I also manage somebodyshero.co.uk, a white-label agency working with both direct clients and helping them with their local SEO needs, a passion of mine stemming from my background as a chef as I LOVE to optimise restaurant websites.
Optimising a website for visibility locally requires attention to detail and a few key strategies. Whether for restaurants or other businesses like electricians or dog trainers, ensuring the site is fast-loading and reflective of the business’s offerings is important of course, but, it is not that hard.
For instance, let me share the story of Number 1 Bar Grill, a restaurant project I worked on. Our approach involved creating a one-page website using a Kadence theme tailored for restaurants and tweaking the content and images to fit the brand. By focusing on optimizing for specific keywords such as “Steakhouse Maidenhead,” we were able to achieve rapid success on Google’s search results.
Utilizing tools like WSForm for forms and SEO Press for SEO optimization, we crafted the website’s content with the help of AI while incorporating localised keywords strategically. This approach led to Number 1 Bar Grill ranking high for relevant searches in just three weeks, proving the effectiveness of AI in local SEO efforts.
Don’t underestimate the power of clean, well-optimised websites for search engines.
With attention to detail, strategic keyword placement, and user-friendly design, businesses can achieve significant visibility online, even with a single-page website. Remember, simplicity and focus are key to successful SEO strategies.
In this day and age of AI – things are getting serious. Ai is prevalent in pretty much everything we do in our daily lives from Mobile Phones, Home Devices such as Google and Alexa and of course, traffic management and facial recognition.
So, what is the best way to market our website in this day and age of AI?
The best way to market your website in the age of AI is to use AI to your advantage. AI can help you with a variety of marketing tasks, such as:
As a business owner, you want to create content that resonates with your customers. With AI’s help, you can craft tailored content that is of the highest quality and suitable for use on different channels such as social media, email campaigns and your website.
AI also helps in optimizing your website so it ranks higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). This provides more visibility and better chances of drawing traffic towards your site. AI picks up technical issues that could hinder SEO and offers strategic solutions to fix them quickly.
Social media marketing requires regular posting, responding to comments, and running ads. AI can help you automate these tasks, freeing up time for other business needs.
Email marketing campaigns can be highly effective if targeted to specific groups. AI helps you create personalized content and segment your email lists so you can send messages that are more engaging and conversion-worthy.
AI can be a powerful tool for marketing your website. By using AI to your advantage, you can save time, improve your results, and reach more customers.
Here are some additional tips for marketing your website in the age of AI:
Focus on quality content: AI can help you create a lot of content, but it’s important to focus on quality over quantity. Make sure your content is well-written, informative, and engaging.
Be consistent: AI can help you automate some of your marketing tasks, but it’s important to be consistent with your marketing efforts. Post new content on your website regularly, and run social media ads and email marketing campaigns on a schedule.
Track your results: AI can help you track your marketing results so you can see what’s working and what’s not. This information can help you improve your marketing campaigns over time.
By following these tips, you can use AI to market your website effectively and reach more customers. Or, you can get a professional involved to build and maintain your website and help you with marketing too. The choice is always, yours.
This article was written with the help of Bertha AI
