Summary: Sometimes I should learn to keep my mouth shut. But if I did, we wouldn’t get awesome interviews like this one with James Schramko of superfastbusiness.com. I was listening to James interview on another podcast and he lead in to how easy it is to launch a WordPress website. Even more so, how fast and cheap it is. Call it passion or call it crazy - but I called him out on why folks launching their new website shouldn’t just skimp out because they can. Long story short, he contacted me and this episode was born. Join us to discuss the steps it takes to build a great WordPress website! How to build a great WordPress website with James Schramko I like to think that these sort of lists are subjective to the type of website you’re building. In your case, you might focus more on the pure design aspects of the site or the mobile usability. Either way, I hope you find this list and collection of links useful for your WordPress business -- or even more important -- your customer's. Speed Speed is an important factor across the board. It will improve our bounce rate and help mobile networks tolerate the access to your content. Oh, Google loves speed too. Plugins that help: W3 Total Cache Smush it Cloudflare Other services: WebPageTest.org Your Web host - This should be your first stop ;) Usability When a visitor lands on our site are they able to use it properly? I don't just mean they can scroll or links work (though do make sure that is possible!) but that they can find the content and resources they intend to. We need them to take action because that's how we measure the success of our efforts. Plugins that help: Google analytics by Yoast Yet Another Related Post Plugin SearchWP Other services: CrazyEgg Google Analytics Mobile If you don’t have a mobile accessible site you could be losing out on revenue. God forbid you're a restaurant or brick and mortar store surviving on foot traffic. Luckily WordPress makes this easy -- but not too easy, right James? Plugins that help: Jetpack Wptouch Other services: Viewport resizer Content Have you heard of content marketing yet? Don’t cringe at the word "blog" or "podcast" - it’s new media publishing. Use your WordPress site as your homepage for all things online publishing. Plugins that help: Yoast SEO Watch our review on EditFlow Other services: Scribe Value proposition So many sites have become "owner" focused -- we do this, we won that, we're awesome. You forgot about one thing -- the customer! What's in it for your them or the visitor to your blog? Make sure you're properly addressing what it is your content solves or the pain point your product aides with. I don't have any plugins or services for this area. The great thing is, you can keep fine tuning that value prop over time! Call to actions This could fall under usability, but call to action or CTA can come in many shapes and sizes. It could be a burning red button at the top of your header or after a post. IT could come in the form of a pop-up or in between the content of your latest post. No matter where you place it, make sure it's clear and visible. Plugins that help: MaxButtons Other Services: HelloBar Got more actionable advice? I'd love to hear it! Leave your tip in the comments below. How do you build the perfect WordPress website?
