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WordPress Plugins, Hacks, Tips, and More

Posted by Eric on July 26, 2011  |   5 Comments »

fort wayne web deisgn wordpress Wordpress Plugins, Hacks, Tips, and More

Just about an hour ago, I finished speaking at the Fort Wayne Social Media Breakfast.  I was one of three “speakers”.  We were on a panel, talking about blogging tips, tools, techniques, etc.

Now for anyone who knows me, it’s no surprise that I talked a decent amount about WordPress.  One of the questions coming from the room was favorite / most used plugins, themes, etc.

So, I ran home and put together this post featuring some of my favorites.  Favorite plugins, favorites tips, and just random thoughts about wordpress.

Plugins

  • Gravity Forms – without any question, this is what I think to be the best contact form plugin.  It is simply awesome.  Super easy to use, very powerful.  It really does everything you want.  However, it is not free.  It is $39.00 for personal use, $99.00 for business use.  My favorite feature is that in addition to sending you the contact information via email, it stores all the contact information in a database.  So, at any time, you can log in and see a record of everyone who has submitted your form, when they submitted it, etc.  You can then download this information into MS Excel and analyze it, etc.
  • All In One SEO – this is my favorite plugin for Search Engine Optimization (appearing higher on Google, etc.).  It allows you to set TITLE tags for each and every page and post, etc.  It is very simple to use and very powerful.
  • Sexy Bookmarks - this is my favorite “social sharing” plugin.  It lets you have links to just about EVERY social network.  It will also add the goole +1 buttons, twitter share buttons, Facebook buttons, etc.  Super simple to use and it looks great (hence the name).
  • Next Gen Gallery - the best photo gallery available.  Upload photos, add new galleries, create super cool slideshows, and more.  All of this is really simple using Next Gen.  If you have photos, you need Next Gen Gallery.
  • Ultimate Google Analytics - my favorite Google Analytics plug-in.  It’s my favorite because it is so “lightweight”.  It doesn’t do much – it simply add Google Analytics code to your site.  Very small in size, etc.
  • Google Sitemap Generator - this simple plugin automatically generates a google site map and submits it to Google for you.  It adds nothing to the “front end” (what people see) of your site.  It simply creates the site map and submits it on a regular schedule.
  • WP Database Backup - this plugin does exactly what it says – it backs up your database for you.  It can then email this backup to you or save it on the server.  I STRONGLY suggest using this plugin and having it email you regular backups (I suggest weekly).  Once you get the email, save the attached file somewhere and then forget about it.  You might not know what the file is, but should disaster strike, a developer will know EXACTLY what to do with it.  A must have!!!

While I have a bunch of other plugins I love, that’s a few for now.  I didn’t bother linking to any of the plugins’ home pages.  Just go into your wordpress admin and click on PLUGINS -> ADD NEW.  Form this location, you can simply search for the plugin and install it.  Like most things on WordPress – super simple!

Tips

In addition to plugins, here are a few random tips to getting the most out of wordpress – mostly from a semi-technical point of view.

  • Use WP SUPER CACHE – ok, I know this is ANOTHER plugin.  But, it is different.   What is does is make your site faster.  If you notice your wordpress site or blog is loading slow, try installing this plugin.  Basically, it creates static HTML pages for all your pages and serves up these.   By doing this the site has to make A LOT less calls to the database.  Therefore, the site runs faster.  Make sense?  If not, don’t worry.  It’s a great plugin that will speed up things!
  • Get a Good Host  – the number one most important thing to think about when it comes to site speed is your web host.  NOTHING will impact your site’s speed more than who you choose for hosting.  A few of my favorite hosts are Host Gator, Media Temple, Midphase, and Blue Host.  I purposely didn’t make links to these guys as I don’t “endorse” any of them.  Just google them and try them out.  I’m not getting any kickbacks from them…
  • Update –  as with any computer program, it is super important to stay up to date.  Once you install wordpress, be sure to update it any time you have the choice.  You’ll see the update notice immediately when you log in.  Typically these updates patch security flaws and are critically important.
  • Use Strong Passwords –  this is true every time you use a password, especially on WordPress.  Assuming you do not want your site hacked, use a strong password.  What exactly is a strong password?  Here’s a few simple thoughts:
    • The longer the better – use a MINIMUM of 8 characters
    • Use small case, upper case, numbers, and symbols – mix it up a lot
    • NEVER use a dictionary word.  Trust me, people will guess it.
    • Try using the first line from your favorite song – yeah, the ENTIRE first line, including the concluding punctuation
  • Backup - I know I mentioned a backup plugin above, but it’s worth mentioning again.  THREE things need to be backed up: your database (use the plugin), your theme (unless you can download it again somewhere), and all your uploads (like pictures, etc.).  Typically making a one time backup of your theme and saving it on your computer is good enough for that.  Also, your uploads are usually pretty easy to recover.  What is SUPER important is a regular (i.e. weekly) backup of your database.  Use the plugin I mentioned above.

So, that’s my first thought about using WordPress – 7 plugins and 5 random tips.  What about you?  Do you have favorite tips, tricks, hacks, etc.?  If so, leave me a comment so we can all learn.

And, should you need any help, support, consulting, etc.  Contact Me today and we’ll talk!

Things to Buy and Not to Buy When Buying a New Computer

Posted by Eric on July 20, 2011  |   No Comments »

fort wayne web deisgn bigstock Super slim laptop computer 7171453 Things to Buy and Not to Buy When Buying a New Computer

Being a “tech” kind of guy, I frequently get asked by friends and family what kind of computer to buy, things to think about when buying a new computer, etc.  So, I put together this post to put my thoughts in writing, thinking that this just might be of some help to other people.

Hardware – Maximize RAM

While hardware and numbers and stats and this and that are constantly changing, I do have a few thoughts I give to everyone who asks:

  1. RAM – buy as much as you can.  Generally speaking, I tell people that the ONLY number that matters is the amount of RAM.  If you have a choice (and often you don’t), upgrade the amount of RAM.  It is the only hardware upgrade I tell people to worry about
  2. SCREEN SIZE – this only relates to a laptop, but… I tell people to not buy a laptop larger than 15 inches (that could be 15 point something – like 15.7).  Anything bigger than that is going to be too hard to carry around. It won’t fit in standard backpacks, it will be heavy, etc.  Stick with the 14 – 15 inch sized laptop

Software – Stay Away from MS Office

Again, there’s a ton of software choices available.  But here’s just a couple of options I tell people about:

  1. OFFICE – I don’t think MS Office is EVER worth the money.  There are many options available for cheap or even for FREE.  My favorite choice is OPEN OFFICE.  Open Office is completely free to use and can do just about everything that MS Office can do.  Considering that MS Office runs anywhere from $130 – $250, this is a great savings
  2. PHOTOS – one thing you will most likely be doing with the new computer is storing your photos.  I would suggest downloading and using a photo program.  Most digital cameras come with a photo program.  But, I tend to hate these.  I suggest using PICASA by Google.  It is a free program and does a great job storing and sorting your photos

Buy Online Backup

This is an area typically overlooked when buying a new computer.  How are you going to backup your computer?  A good backup needs to be simple (so we use it), automatic (so we don’t forget it), and off-site (so we have it even if our house burns down).  My favorite solution here is CARBONITE.  For just $60 a year, Carbonite offers unlimited online backup.  All you have to do is sign-up for an account, download the software, and let it run.  The software program automatically backs up your computer whenever an internet connection is available.  The back up is stored away from your computer and is encrypted for protection.  It is an incredibly easy solution that is a must have.  Use some of the money you saved from not buying MS Office to pay for Carbonite.

Install Anti-Virus

Assuming you have a PC, then you really need decent anti-virus software.  My choice is to use the free anti-virus put out by Microsoft.  The program is free and is called Microsoft Security Essentials.  While not perfect, for the price it is the best choice.  It is the only program I would install.  Don’t buy nor install other virus, spyware, malware, whatever crap.  Just install this one program and then forget about it.

Don’t Buy Extended Warranty Plans

A protection plan is one of the “contracts” you can buy when checking out. If anything goes wrong with your computer, you can bring it back to the place of purchase and they will fix it.  Typically I tell people NOT to buy these. They are simply insurance policies.  I think a much better option is to by your own insurance.  Simply save some money every month for PC repair.  Then if you do no use it, you still have the money.  In today’s low cost hardware world, I don’t think the extended warranty plans will pay off.

Change Browsers

I usually suggest to people that they consider downloading a different browser.  Just to make sure we are on the same page, a browser is the program you click to surf  the internet.  Typically, people use Internet Explorer (the big blue E).  While Internet Explorer is getting better all the time, I still think that other options are much better and much safer.  My favorite browser right now is Google Chrome.  Google Chrome is faster and more secure than Internet Explorer, at least in my opinion. It does take some getting used to.  It isn’t the same as Internet Explorer.  But, I think the end result is well worth the time spent learning a new browser (it wont’ take long)

So, that’s my list.  Six things to think about when buying a new computer.  I wrote all of these from the perspective of a PC.  If you’re buying an Apple computer, then the thoughts all change.

What do you think?  Do you have your own list of  ”must do’s” for a new computer?  Let me know what’s on your list.

Tech Trends, part 4

Posted by Eric on April 14, 2011  |   No Comments »

Here’s our fourth installment of our Tech Trends vlog.

Craig and I talk with about some of our own personal favorites in the area of cloud productivity.

In this episode, we feature:

Let us know your thoughts!

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