Tools: How to build a Professional WordPress Website

WordPress is only as good as the hosting and setup, third party plugins must be trusted, I can help you optimize your WordPress site. I help clients own and retain core access to their domains and hosting, while being GDPR compliant. All this means you can have a hassle-free site for years to come.

WordPress as a CMS (Content Management System)

WordPress is a blogging software used by many web developers and designers across the world. It currently powers 33% of websites online, including some of the top 10 sites online today.

I have been a WordPress developer for over 15 years and can advise on any size project, large or small. With WP as your foundation, you’re off to a great start online.

From landing pages for PPC campaigns all the way to complex eCommerce you can do the lot with WordPress.

WooCommerce eCommerce – Sell Online With Ease

WooCommerce is one of the best starter eCommerce platforms. It’s simple and self hosted, so you can control your own eCommerce experience and connect to any payment gateway you need.

I specialise in low-cost, SEO friendly shopping setups for your site. From a simple book launch to an optician’s online store, I can help.

I can help you make the transition from any shopping cart CMS to WooCommerce with an automated migration.

Envato & Theme Forest: Premium WordPress Themes

Envato sells the only sustained premium themes and is the forerunner in this market. Over the years, it has become the biggest and best stock site for all things WordPress.

This is where the professionals buy stock for their WordPress sites, and all my builds will link you to a paid theme. I use a very select group of themes and can help you match one to your needs.

One-off, custom themes are the bane of WordPress site owners. By using one of the themes I recommend, you’ll get plugged into a community of support rather than a single developer you have to reply on.

All Envato themes are backed with valid VAT receipts.

Gravity Forms: Professional Forms and CRM Integration

Forms and conversion points are the most important part of your online business. Don’t entrust that final stage of conversion or lead generation to a bedroom developer.

Aside from reliable email sending and routing, GravityForms handles data requests and removals natively. There’s no need for complex GDPR integrations. If a user wants their data, you can easily send it to them, and if they want it gone, that’s no problem either. You can even automate this cleanup. GDPR laws now require us all to look at plugins and make sure they’re compliant. It’s time to drop ContactForm 7 and other lesser form builders.

When it comes to small businesses, there’s no better form plugin out there.

SiteGround Managed WordPress Hosting

Managed WordPress Hosting. Powerful, yet simple to use.

SiteGround are one of the hosts I recommend most often. I also work with WPMUdev, Amazon AWS, and several other providers.

Clicky Web Analytics: An Accurate web tracker, with live data

Clicky Web Analytics is simply the best way to monitor, analyze, and react to your blog or web site’s traffic in real time.

I primarily use Clicky and GSC for clients. I always advise that impartial tracking software be used.

I am 100% versed in GA but do not advise it to small businesses.

MailChimp

Mailchimp is an always-on marketing platform for small businesses.

They offer innovative, beautiful products that empower businesses to find more customers.

PayPal

PayPal is accepted almost everywhere you shop–at over 75% of online merchants, from big brands to boutique sites.

There’s a reason why over 200 million people trust PayPal: It’s easy and secure, with benefits like return shipping on and purchase protection.

Stripe

Stripe is a technology company that builds economic infrastructure for the internet.

Businesses of every size—from new startups to public companies—use their software to accept payments and manage businesses online.

Merchant Center

Google Merchant Center helps you get your store and product info into Google and make it available to shoppers across Google.

WP Bakery

I am watching out for the new Gutenberg plugin, but right now it’s not ready for client use. This beta plugin was inspired by all the great paid premium builders. WordPress leads the pack in this space. I use only top-notch, supported and SEO-friendly page builders.

AMP

AMP or Accelerated Mobile Pages is a new way to syndicate your blog posts and multiply your audience. My clients see at least a 200% increase in traffic from blogs when moved correctly to AMP.