Quick wins for your WordPress site + using technology to connect with loved ones

I know you’re busy, so let’s get to it.

Last month on the blog, I wrote about how to update PHP for your WordPress website. Two versions of PHP reached end of life this month; make sure you’re using a supported version to keep your website safe. (Don’t assume your host has everything handled for you!)

We all know that a faster website = a better user experience. With that in mind, I wrote about speeding up your website with GZip compression. There are a lot of ways to speed up your website; enabling GZip compression is really quick and easy to do.

I did work on a real, live plugin called WP CRM System and the changes were released yesterday! Most CRMs make you use a separate interface and lock your data in so you’ll have to stay with them forever. WP CRM System lets you use your CRM right inside your WordPress website and allows you to import and export your data as you see fit. It’s pretty cool and you should check it out if you’re looking for a CRM.

Joe Casabona interviewed me on YouTube about using Gutenberg on a client site. When I asked my kiddo if he wanted to watch a video of me on YouTube, he said, “You’re on YouTube?!”

And speaking of Gutenberg, WordPress 5.0 launches TODAY. TODAY PEOPLE. Don’t worry — most hosts have said they won’t auto update you to 5.0 so that you can update when you’re ready. I’d advise you to wait until after the holidays because who needs more crazy at this time of the year?

Hey, thanks for being here with me. I wish you all the very best in the new year!

P.S. For the 25 days leading up to Christmas, I’ve been recording myself reading stories to my nephew. I check ebooks out for free with my local library, record the book and my face with Loom, download the video and schedule an email to send every day at 4PM with Boomerang. He’s a little young to sit still during the whole story, but maybe someday he’ll dig them. How can you use technology to connect with those you love this holiday season?