Web Design

Web Design 411

WHO

Technomads, listen up. Building a solid business network is fucking crucial. You can’t just rely on your own micro mindware (web design, copywriting, SEO, etc.) to get you through this dystopian, neonoir world. You need connections, and you need them fast. WordPress is your ticket to joining a thriving global community of developers, designers, and businesses who leverage its capabilities every day. Mastering WordPress offers a lucrative prospect. As a WordPress freelancer, you can provide high-demand services and earn a substantial income based on your level of expertise.

WHAT

WordPress is a powerful and flexible CMS, enabling you to craft anything from personal blogs to sophisticated e-commerce sites. Its versatility means you’re limited only by your imagination. Think of it as a futuristic, immersive game where you’re the protagonist, and your mission is to create a kickass website. You’ll need to learn the ins and outs of the platform, experiment with plugins, and optimize your site for SEO and mobile. It’s a game of strategy, skill, and determination.

WHEN

Demand for WordPress skills is continually growing. As businesses increasingly migrate online, proficiency in WordPress opens a multitude of opportunities. Now is the fucking time to level up your game and become a WordPress expert. The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and you need to stay ahead of the curve. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; start learning and experimenting today. The sooner you dive in, the sooner you’ll reap the rewards.

WHERE

Extensive resources such as the WordPress Codex, forums, and tutorials are available. These platforms provide a wealth of knowledge and support to assist your learning journey. Immerse yourself in the wealth of knowledge available in the WordPress community. Utilize wikis, GitHub repositories, and forums as invaluable learning resources. Connect with fellow technomads and collaborate on projects that will change the fucking world.

WHY

Mastering WordPress is essential for technomads looking to build a strong business network and thrive in this rastafunk-inspired world. It’s not just about what you know, but who you know. By becoming proficient in WordPress, you’ll be able to provide high-demand services, earn a substantial income, and forge valuable connections with like-minded individuals. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re contributing to the ever-evolving digital landscape.

THE GAMEPLAN

1. Choose the Right Hosting

Opt for a non-EIG hosting provider. Combine with a CDN and caching for enhanced performance, even with budget-friendly options. Your hosting choice is like the foundation of your digital fortress. A strong foundation ensures your site runs smoothly and efficiently, while a weak one leaves you vulnerable to crashes and slow load times. Don’t skimp on this crucial step; invest in a reliable hosting provider that can support your site’s growth.

2. Pick a Suitable Theme

For beginners, Astra provides a lightweight, user-friendly option. For complex sites, pair ‘Hello Elementor’ with the Elementor Pro page builder for maximum design flexibility. Your theme is like the armor you wear in a virtual reality game. It needs to be functional, visually appealing, and adaptable to your needs. Choose wisely, as your theme will set the tone for your entire site.

3. Get Familiar with the Dashboard

The dashboard is your control center for all things WordPress. Explore and experiment, learning its functionalities much like you would a new video game. The more you understand the dashboard, the more control you’ll have over your site’s appearance and functionality. Don’t be afraid to dive in and get your hands dirty; it’s all part of the learning process.

4. Learn about Plugins

Plugins add diverse functionalities to your site. Don’t hesitate to experiment, break, and learn – it’s part of the process. Think of plugins as power-ups in a game; they can enhance your site’s capabilities and help you overcome obstacles. Be strategic in your plugin choices, and always keep an eye out for new and innovative options.

5. Understand SEO Basics

Use Google Lighthouse scans and GTmetrix to analyze and improve your website’s performance and search engine visibility. SEO is like the hidden strategy in a game; it’s not always obvious, but it’s essential for success. By optimizing your site for search engines, you’ll increase your visibility and attract more visitors. Don’t underestimate the power of SEO; it can make or break your site’s success. Get your sitemaps in order!

6. Security Matters

Avoid predictable usernames, maintain a secure server and database, and regularly clean up debug logs or junk files. Remember, WordPress sites can be vulnerable, so be proactive in protecting yours. Security is like the shield you carry in a virtual battle; it’s essential for defending your site against hackers and other threats. Stay vigilant and prioritize security at all times.

Hardening Wordpress
Well worth a read.The “Hardening WordPress” page on WordPress.org is a comprehensive guide aimed at enhancing the security of a WordPress installation. It provides insights into potential security issues and precautions to mitigate them. The guide covers a range of topics including vulnerabilities in WordPress, updating WordPress, web server vulnerabilities, password security, FTP, file permissions, database security, securing wp-admin, and more. It emphasizes that security is about risk reduction, not elimination, and discusses the roles of hosting environment and website applications in security. The guide also advises on limiting access, containment strategies, and the importance of preparation and knowledge in maintaining security.

7. Backup Regularly

Use UpdraftPlus for automated, regular backups. It’s an insurance policy for your site, safeguarding your hard work. Backups are like save points in a game; they ensure you don’t lose your progress if something goes wrong. Make a habit of backing up your site regularly, and you’ll never have to worry about losing your hard work.

8. Mobile Optimization

Prioritize creating lightweight pages. Better mobile performance improves user experience and contributes positively to SEO. Mobile optimization is like adapting your game strategy for different platforms; it’s essential for reaching a wider audience and staying competitive. With more and more people accessing the web from their mobile devices, you can’t afford to ignore this crucial aspect of web design.

9. Connect with the Community

Immerse yourself in the wealth of knowledge available in the WordPress community. Utilize wikis, GitHub repositories, and forums as invaluable learning resources. Connecting with fellow technomads and collaborating on projects is like forming alliances in a virtual world; it strengthens your network and opens up new opportunities. Don’t be a lone wolf; embrace the power of community and collaboration.

10. Continuous Learning

Embrace the dynamic nature of WordPress. Stay updated with new plugins, themes, and enhancements. Strive for continuous improvement in your skills and your website. Continuous learning is like leveling up in a game; it’s essential for staying ahead of the competition and achieving success. The world of WordPress is always evolving, so keep pushing yourself to learn and grow.

THE LOWDOWN

The world of WordPress is a dynamic landscape, one that offers incredible opportunities for those willing to explore it. By selecting the right hosting provider and a theme that suits your needs, you’ve already taken your first steps in the journey. The dashboard will be your command center, enabling you to shape your website to your vision. Plugins will be your tools, providing additional functionalities to enhance your site. Remember, security should always be at the forefront of your considerations, with regular backups ensuring you never lose your hard work.

Understanding the basics of SEO will guide you in optimizing your site’s visibility on search engines. Mobile optimization is equally essential, as a significant portion of web traffic comes from mobile devices. While diving into this exciting journey, don’t forget to connect with the vibrant WordPress community. Their wealth of knowledge will prove invaluable in your learning process. With continuous updates to themes and plugins, the world of WordPress is always evolving. Therefore, your learning process should never end. Keep improving your skills and your website to stay ahead of the curve.

Web development, particularly with WordPress, can be quite akin to gaming. You’re presented with complex problems, which you then break down into smaller, manageable, and often repetitive tasks. This process is a game in itself, where each successfully accomplished task gets you closer to your end goal.

The trick lies not just in completing these tasks but in mastering them to a level where you can automate them. When you’ve reached this point, you’re not just making a website; you’re efficiently crafting a digital masterpiece. Remember, anyone can make a website, but the real art lies in getting faster and more efficient at the process. It’s this speed and efficiency that separates the amateurs from the professionals in the world of web development.

TL;DR

WordPress offers a versatile platform for website creation. Key steps include choosing hosting and theme, learning about the dashboard and plugins, optimizing for SEO and mobile, maintaining security, and regularly backing up. Treat web development like a game: master tasks, automate, and strive for speed and efficiency. Connect with the community, collaborate, and continuously learn to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

MINDWARE GURUS&GUIDES

GURUS

• Jeff Delaney: Creator of Fireship.io and an experienced full-stack developer.
  YouTube: Fireship
• Chris A. Hughes: Founder of A Nerd’s World.
  YouTube: A Nerd’s World

GUIDES

• WordPress Codex
• GitHub repositories
• WordPress forums

FAQ