MainWP Blog - Todd Jones

We have watched the evolution of how Google ranks pages for nearly two decades now. The world’s largest search engine has the task and our website’s appearance in those search engines can be a huge benefit. search Engine Journal recaps the history of Google’s Algorithm updates here. Ever since then users and webmasters have been scrambling to rank higher. Some have done better than others. Some have used manipulation techniques while others have spent money. All the while, Google has Continue reading the post...

In this edition of the WordPress roundup, we discuss ClassicPress, posting to Instagram, installing a mortgage calculator, using Coming Soon pages, and which contact form is the best. ClassicPress I knew it was going to happen as we moved closer to the launch of Gutenberg. Some of you are not happy with how it has gone. Scott Bowler has had enough. He has recently launched ClassicPress, a fork of WordPress that leaves it in the classic editor mode. He outlines Continue reading the post...

A couple of times I tried my hand at direct selling. I didn’t fare too well. Some people will lead you to believe that is the only way to sell, but it isn’t the only way. One time I worked for a cold call telemarketing company. They sold folks on promotional products. You literally got on the phone and dialed someone in another state whom you knew nothing about, followed a script, and tried to sell them a promotional marketing Continue reading the post...

A few weeks ago, a call was made to make a video to be used for a campaign by WP&UP. The video was to address the perils of a freelancer in regards to isolation, loneliness, and mental health. I bookmarked the page and made my own video to submit. By the time I had submitted, Dan Maby and the team at WP&UP had launched their first video. I saw familiar faces. I was intrigued and inspired by what WP&UP was Continue reading the post...

In the days when I turned out more websites, I can remember that I offered WordPress client training. This came in real handy when the website was for local customers. Do you offer training on for your customer’s WordPress website? I remember doing a training at a local real estate office where I had created more than one site for the agents and the company. I took my laptop and connected it to an overhead projector the company had and Continue reading the post...

With WordPress Gutenberg getting closer to its version 5.0 release, WordPress professionals are starting to get up to speed. Not everyone is thrilled with the new editor, but it is clear that it is the future of WordPress editing. Recently, WordPress released a “call out” asking users to try the new editor by installing the plugin. You can disable the editor in the Screen Options box or disable the banner on your MainWP child sites altogether. Of course, there will be Continue reading the post...

Do you ever have clients to ask you the same questions about using WordPress over and over? Do you scramble to find the videos they may need and send the link? Maybe you have a custom function and you have to make your own video tutorial. Something has to give. You are spending your time answering these questions instead of working on billable hours. Time to step up your game and offer your clients WordPress training videos so they can Continue reading the post...

A few weeks ago I went WordCamp Fayetteville (AR). It was my second WordCamp to attend, and I hope to participate in more in the coming years. I live in Central Arkansas, and we have several good options within 6-8 hours including Dallas, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and Memphis. Further, WordCamp US is in Nashville again this year which is within that 6-8 hour window. WordCamp is the professional conference for WordPress professionals.  So, I decided to ask around on why Continue reading the post...

“On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.”  David Ogilvy When discussing headlines, everyone starts with that David Ogilvy quote. It is supposed to be the ultimate social proof for why headlines matter. Ogilvy gives sage advice for writers in any industry and any era. How on point was Ogilvy’s quote? ConversionXL ran a study on how Continue reading the post...

Tools are a big help in our WordPress design businesses. If you can find the right tools to help solve the right problems, it can take a big burden off the shoulders of your business. Sometimes, you find the right tools at the right price. Today, we are going to take a look at four tools that help you with generating policies, screencasting, troubleshooting, and keyword research. Policy Generator – Termly I remember in times past, coming up with a Continue reading the post...