Install WordPress Locally With XAMPP

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XAMPP (cross-platform, Apache, MySQL, PHP, Perl) is an open source web hosting solution stack on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and Solaris operating systems. You can install it to provide a similar environment as your web host’s server to use WordPress on your computer (locally). This allows you to run WordPress core and display in your browser without being online.

There are some helpful features that a local host can offer for web designers and developers. This tutorial will cover using an all-in-one program. We are going to show you how to quickly setup a local host to run WordPress offline in around 10 minutes with XAMPP. It’s completely free and easy. The WordPress Codex has more information on Installing WordPress if you are interested in learning more. If you liked this tutorial, check out our post on Copying a Live WordPress Website to Your Local Host, which can help you move a live site offline.  Read more →

Free WordPress Plugins to Grow Your Business

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The WordPress core is awesome. It’s a great template for blogging and has everything you need to get started. But it’s only the beginning. If you want to add functionality, increase security, increase web presence and make your site unique – plugins can help. Plugins allow you to customize your WordPress website any way you choose. This can help you market your site and grow your business.

There is no shortage of plugins available for WordPress. Although premium plugins are often affordable and worth the price – there are many free plugins that are well-written and serve their purpose. In fact, there are some free plugins that are actually better than some of the premium ones I bought that carry out the same functions. Read more →

Tips for Successful Blogging

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Although blogging and the way people interact with blogs is constantly changing, it’s been boiled down to somewhat of a science. Naturally it’s a mixture of creativity and proven techniques, along with some networking knowhow and web development skills. One thing is for sure, there’s no secret recipe for success and if you want to be successful, you’ll have to do a little experimenting.

I’ve been blogging as a hobby and professionally for a few years now. I kind of just fell into it and it’s become something I love to do. I don’t know if it was dumb luck or just thick headed persistence but I was able to blog about things I enjoy and make some money doing so. Read more →

Best Security Plugins for WordPress

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WordPress is very secure, but it is also the most popular blogging platform in the world. Security threats naturally arise when a system is so popular. With millions of websites powered by WordPress, it makes sense for hackers to try to exploit vulnerabilities in the system. Hackers sometimes find ways to hack the WordPress server or hack sites using third party themes or plugins.

On the flip side, because there are so many WordPress users, there is a large community of developers and white hat hackers that are interested in protecting people from threats. WordPress will regularly publish updates that secure the platform. Have you met Clifford? Read more →

How to Secure Your WordPress Website

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Website security is becoming more and more important everyday. There are some simple steps anyone can take to defend against hackers and minimize vulnerabilities. It’s important to keep WordPress secure to protect your website from harm for a number of reasons. You can increase uptime, keep your data safe and make sure your site is in good working order.

Securing your website may seem like an afterthought, when it should be one your main priorities as the admin of a website. I know I didn’t pay much attention to security until one of my sites got hacked and I had to hire someone to help fix it. If I had taken the proper precautions I could’ve saved some time and money. Read more →

Uncode — The Best Premium WordPress Theme of 2015

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It’s our first post of the new year so I thought I’d start off with a theme that is sure to be a winner in 2016. Uncode is a new WordPress theme that lives up to its name. With a simple, easy to navigate theme options panel and Visual Composer page builder baked in, it’s easy for anyone to use. This is a multi-purpose theme that has been available on Themeforest since November 4th, 2015 and has been selling steadily ever since.

It’s perfect for any WordPress user who wants to put up a blog or portfolio. There are some rich options for typography that I haven’t seen in other themes and enhanced media library options. We all know that WordPress was built for blogging, yet has evolved into one of the finest an all-purpose CMS solutions around. Read more →

Excited! Testimonials Showcase for WordPress Review

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If you want to sell a product or a service on your WordPress website, testimonials from customers can be a huge asset. You can sell yourself all you want, but unbiased opinions can make a difference. Testimonials are key because they can prompt people to buy. By using testimonials with photos, text and ratings on your site, you are getting free endorsements. This adds social proof as well as insight as to what it’s like to be your customer.

Excited! Testimonials Showcase is a plugin that enables you to post a variety of testimonials on your WordPress website using shortcodes. Easily manage, edit, create and delete testimonials without coding. Use it to showcase your services or products. It’s an add-on for Visual Composer and works with shortcodes. There are many options to style and configure the display. You can add random testimonials to any page or in any widget area. Display testimonials in many formats and add ratings. Read more →

SEO Strategies For WordPress in 2016

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Every year business owners hope to get their page on the top of the best SERPs. The guidelines for a winning SEO strategy has changed dramatically over the past five years. Experts are always coming out with new tips on how to increase your search engine presence and maximize returns on your investment.

In 2015 we saw some interesting developments. As Google and other search engine’s AI continue to develop, so do the rules on how to increase your SERP rankings. Many sites will implement strategies that don’t reflect the current SEO landscape, resulting in wasted efforts and low rankings. Read more →

Common Mistakes to Avoid in WordPress

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Are you ready to launch your WordPress website? Each day there are thousands of new websites are published. To makes sure your site is optimized properly and stands out from the crowd you’ll want to avoid some of the common pitfalls of publishing from the start. This article goes over some of the most common mistakes beginning WordPress users run into when launching their websites.

There’s nothing wrong from learning from your mistakes, but it’s always nice to learn from other people’s mistakes when you can. WordPress is very user friendly, but launching any type of website involves many variables. This makes it easy to overlook things, especially when you are a new user. Read more →

Impressive WordPress Themes for Business

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There’s no shortage of themes available on ThemeForest for you to choose from. Finding a business theme is not hard. Many times it’s tempting to search for a template and choose the first one that catches your eye without giving it a second thought. This can work out but it’s probably not the best approach. This is why we’re here to help.

Before you find that dream theme, it’s a good idea to figure out exactly what you need before making a purchase. This way you won’t waste money on add-ons or plugins because your theme doesn’t have all the functionality you need. Make a list of all the requirements you’ll need before choosing a theme to make things easier. Read more →