business owners smiling woman WordPress

WordPress has emerged as the most popular content management system worldwide. More than 31 percent of all websites are using it. Joomla, its closest competitor, powers only three percent of all sites and blogs.

What makes this CMS so appealing is its flexibility and ease of use. Additionally, it features thousands of themes for any niche you could of. There are business themes, portfolio themes, pet shop themes, and much more.

Another major advantage of WordPress is the large number of plugins. These add-ons can boost your productivity, reduce spam, and allow you to manage almost everything on your blog.

If you run a business, you can’t go wrong with WordPress. This CMS is easy to install and customize based on your needs. Popular brands, such as MTV News, Sony Music, BBC America, and The New Yorker, are all using it.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, you can always learn something new. After all, technology is evolving at lightning speed.

Here are some handy WordPress tips to help you get the most out of your business site or blog!

Choose a Theme That Complements Your Brand

Currently, there are 11,596 WordPress templates on Themeforest alone. Not to mention those developed by independent web designers!

Assess your options and choose a theme that complements your brand. Consider its overall design as well as its features, browser compatibility, and SEO friendliness. Nowadays, most themes are responsive, but you should check this aspect anyway.

Decide whether you want a multipurpose theme or one designed specifically for your niche. Avada, for instance, has been the best selling WordPress theme for over five years. More than 435,000 websites are using it.

This multipurpose template fits any niche, from health and beauty to finance. Plus, it offers endless customization options and cutting-edge features. The downside is that it can be quite difficult to set up, especially if you’re a newbie.

Another option is to choose a theme designed for your specific type of business.

For example, if you’re planning to launch an online store, consider using Hermes, Cena Store, or Cocoon. Most importantly, select a theme that incorporates the features you need and matches your brand.

Beware that more features don’t necessarily mean enhanced functionality. A bloated theme can be difficult to use and confuse visitors. Select one that’s flexible and easy to customize, with readable fonts.

Keep It Clean

Once your website is up and running, try to keep your dashboard clean. Uninstall old or unused plugins and themes, update everything, and delete or publish your comments.

A crowded dashboard makes it easier for hackers to access sensitive data and identify weak spots. Consider using the WP Dashboard Cleaner or other similar plugins to remove unnecessary widgets, plugins, and old themes.

Limit Login Attempts

Hackers use password cracking software to make their way into your website admin panel. These tools allow for brute force attacks, rainbow tables, and other methods that enable users to crack complex passwords.

By default, WordPress admins can make unlimited login attempts. This makes it easier for cybercriminals to crack your password.

To stay safe, install Login LockDown, Shield Security for WordPress, or Security & Malware Scan by CleanTalk. These plugins are designed to increase website security and limit login attempts.

You can also use WPS Hide Login to change wp-login.php to anything you want. When hackers access wp-login.php, they will find an empty page.

Consider How Your Website Looks on Mobile

In this digital age, mobile responsiveness is no longer optional. Responsive websites tend to rank higher in search results and get more traffic. Google and other search engines prefer mobile-friendly sites.

Make sure your web pages look good on any device, not just on desktop computers and laptops.

Before you purchase a theme, test the live demo version on your smartphone and tablet. Read customer reviews to see what other users say about its responsiveness.

Make Use of Relevant Plugins

Nowadays, there are tens of thousands of plugins available for WordPress. However, not all of them will add value to your site or blog. Some can actually slow it down and affect user experience.

Determine what you expect from your WordPress site. Make a list of must-have features, such as social sharing buttons, photo galleries, enhanced security, and more.

If your theme lacks one or more of these features, look for plugins to improve its functionality. Consider your business needs as well.

BackupBuddy, for instance, allows you to easily backup and restore website data. In case your site gets hacked, you’ll be able to restore your files with just a few clicks.

Other must-have WordPress plugins for business are WPForms, OptinMonster, Sucuri, Yoast SEO, and Jetpack. Most of them include both free and paid versions.

Update Your Theme and Plugins

Nearly 80 percent of hacking attacks are due to weak spots in outdated software. Developers are constantly releasing theme and plugin updates for a reason. Their purpose is to resolve known vulnerabilities and increase security.

Outdated themes and plugins put your site at risk. Hackers can easily exploit unpatched software and steal your data. Take the time to update your website or hire a professional to do it.

Get the SEO Basics Right

WordPress websites are not optimized for the search engines by default. While some themes are more SEO-friendly than others, you still need to handle this aspect yourself.

For example, change the default permalink structure so that it displays the page or post title rather than a random number.

Include your targeted keywords in the page titles, metadata, and content. Add a sitemap to help the search bots index your pages more easily.

Track Website Performance

Whether you have a corporate website, a blog, or an online store, it’s crucial to know how it performs in search results. This will allow you to adjust your marketing plan and optimize your SEO efforts.

Use Google Analytics and other online tools to monitor the primary KPIs (key performance indicators). While not all of them are important, you should at least know how much traffic you get, where it comes from, and what your bounce rate looks like.

Track the number of unique visitors, page views, and downloads as well as your conversion rates, entry and exit points, keywords, and click density. Use a tool like CrazyEgg or HotJar to understand the customer journey on your website or blog.

Boost Your Online Exposure and Traffic with These WordPress Tips

Keep these WordPress tips in mind the next time you choose a theme for your site or make improvements. Also, remember to create useful content and update your blog regularly. Make security your number one priority.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Despite its ease of use, WordPress comes with its challenges. You may not know everything about optimizing your page speed, fixing security flaws, or restoring your files after a cyber attack.

Our team will ensure that your WordPress site is functioning at its peak. From speed optimization to security and daily backups, we got you covered! Check out our plans and select one that best suits your needs.