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
WordPress is one of the most popular website platforms, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet. This popularity also makes it a target for hackers and other malicious actors looking to exploit vulnerabilities in the system.
WordPress has addressed many of these vulnerabilities through regular updates and security patches, but they are not foolproof and can still be vulnerable to attacks. It is difficult to determine the exact number of WordPress websites that have been hacked over the last two decades, but there have been several high-profile cases in recent years. In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack affected over 300,000 computers globally, many of which were running on WordPress sites. The attack targeted vulnerabilities in outdated versions of the platform and highlighted the need for website owners to stay up to date on security updates and patches. Another notable hack was the Panama Papers leak in 2016, which revealed sensitive financial information belonging to high-profile individuals and companies.
The leak was caused by a vulnerability in the WordPress site used by the law firm responsible for the leak. These examples illustrate the importance of maintaining strong security measures when it comes to website management. This includes regularly updating the WordPress platform and plugins, choosing strong passwords, and implementing additional security measures such as two-factor authentication.
Just because these happened a while ago, doesn’t mean your site, NOW, is any safer. Improvements have been made in the core of WordPress for sure, but, websites still get hacked and you need to protect your business.
What steps can I take to avoid getting hacked in my WordPress website
There are several steps you can take to avoid getting hacked on a WordPress website.
Here are some of them: 1. Keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated to their latest versions to ensure that security vulnerabilities are patched. 2. Secure your login with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and a limit login attempts plugin. 3. Use a reputable hosting provider with server-level security measures in place and regular backups. 4. Install a security plugin to protect your website from attacks. 5. Remove any unused plugins and themes from your website. 6. Use HTTPS to encrypt data transferred between your website and the user’s browser. 7. Keep your computer and antivirus software up-to-date to avoid malware infections. 8. Change the default “admin” username to something unique to make it harder for hackers to guess. 9. Regularly scan your website for vulnerabilities and malware using tools. 10. Educate yourself on common hacking methods and stay vigilant by monitoring your website regularly for suspicious activity.
What if I don’t want to do the above, would it be better to employ a maintenance expert?
If you don’t want to take care of the above steps, it might be a good idea to employ a maintenance expert to help you maintain your WordPress website. A maintenance expert can take care of all the necessary updates and security measures to ensure your site is secure and running smoothly. They can also perform regular backups and implement disaster recovery plans if something goes wrong. This can be especially helpful if you’re not particularly tech-savvy or if you don’t have the time to keep up with WordPress maintenance tasks. It’s important to choose a reputable maintenance expert who has experience with WordPress and understands the latest best practices for security and performance. Remember that investing in regular maintenance can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run by preventing potential security breaches, downtime, and data loss.
It is as plain as the nose on your face
To avoid getting hacked on a WordPress website, you should keep your WordPress core, themes and plugins updated, secure your login, use a reputable hosting provider, install a security plugin, remove unused plugins and themes, use HTTPS, regularly scan your website for vulnerabilities and malware, and stay vigilant by monitoring for suspicious activity. If you don’t want to do these steps, employing a maintenance expert who understands best practices for security and performance can help ensure your site is secure and running smoothly.
