WordPress Tools & Resources
I build WordPress websites for clients and I also teach WordPress to businesses or individuals who want to take control of their website and it’s content. Sometimes people ask me what themes, plugins or tools I recommend to build a successfull WordPress website.
To do this, I’ve created this page which lists the tools and resources I recommend. I’ve tested and used all the tools I recommend on live websites.
Here are my recommendations…
Purchasing a Domain Name
123-reg.co.uk is owned by GoDaddy. They are a trusted domain name provider.
WordPress Hosting
I host a couple of WordPress websites with 20i and their customer support is absolutely fantastic. If you are new to website building or have not hosted a website before, they are a great starter hosting provider.
WordPress Themes
This website theme: Corporate Pro
This theme is a child theme of the genesis framework. It’s called Corporate Pro.
GeneratePress
This theme is super simple and easy to use! GeneratePress Premium has lots of importable starter sites too. So if you don’t want a theme that you have seen on a million other websites, you can easily customise your website. GeneratePress is completely free for the basic version. If you aren’t a coder, then I would recommend upgrading to GeneratePress Premium so that you can completely customise the site.
Astra
This WordPress theme is completely free and easily customised! Astra is very simple to use and the customisation options make it a very theme to play around with when you are getting started with WordPress. If you want to increase the amount of customisation and have some added cool features, then you can upgrade to Astra Pro.
My Favourite WordPress Plugins
To Create WordPress Forms
Ninja Forms
WP Forms
To Display a ‘Coming Soon’ Page
Seed Prod ‘Coming Soon’
This plugin is awesome! You can create a static holding page before your website is launched in the click of a button. Once you purchase a domain name and have a hosting provider, it’s a good idea to get a ‘Coming Soon’ page on the site as soon as possible. Firstly, it gives Google time to index your website before the site launch. Secondly, you can start building backlinks to the website before it’s live. The free version of this plugin is brilliant.
To Make Your Website Really Fast
WP Rocket
Best WordPress Backup Plugins
Updraft Plus
Updraft Plus is one of the easiest backup plugins to use. For basic functionality it is free for up to 5 websites, perfect for beginners! The premium version adds an auto backup function at a fantastic price point. You should backup your website with with your hosting provider and with a plugin to absolutely ensure you can never loose your website. I use Updraft Plus Premium to take the hassle out of website backups. It’s not worth the risk of loosing a website you have spent hours working on for the sake of a few £’s each month.
Check out Updraft Plus Premium
Duplicator
Duplicator is a very reliable WordPress backup plugin.