WordPress is the world’s most-used content management system. And there’s a lot happening in the WordPress space these days that can make it challenging to keep up. But we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a look at the latest WordPress developments, plus tips and insights, that marketers need to know right now to get the most out of their WordPress websites in 2024.
WordPress Security
To ensure optimal functionality and security, your WordPress website requires consistent and thorough maintenance.
Unlike smartphones, which can auto-update seamlessly, WordPress – including the core platform, themes, and plugins – requires regular oversight to maintain system integrity and performance.
So far, 2024 has underscored the critical importance of security for WordPress websites, bringing to light significant vulnerabilities with WordPress plugins – some of which were compromised at the development stage (unbeknown to the developers) and subsequently affected users who installed them on their sites.
Vulnerable plugins and themes are among the top reasons why WordPress websites get hacked, which highlights the necessity for ongoing application of security patches to protect against potential threats. Effective maintenance transcends basic functionality; it’s absolutely imperative to help safeguard your company's digital infrastructure.
If you do one thing this year to improve your WordPress website, it’s this: Prioritize regular maintenance tasks to ensure stability and security.
Here are five easy-to-implement and critical ways to secure your WordPress website.
If your team doesn’t have the time to stay on top of routine maintenance, our Worry-Free WordPress services are designed to do just that!
Get to Know the Full Power of WordPress
A significant challenge faced by marketers utilizing WordPress is the comprehensive understanding of the platform's capabilities and the extensive functionality of its plugins.
This lack of deep knowledge frequently results in the underutilization of robust features or the excessive installation of redundant plugins, which not only clutter the system but also elevate security risks.
To harness the full power of WordPress, marketers need to dedicate time to thoroughly learning the technology. This involves exploring the various features of each plugin, understanding how different plugins interact, and identifying which ones truly meet your needs. (Read What Every Business Should Know About WordPress Plugins for more detail.)
Selecting the right tools is critical for optimizing both the efficiency and the security of your website. And conducting regular maintenance and participating in ongoing training sessions can significantly enhance your team's ability to utilize WordPress to its full potential. These practices ensure that your website remains not only functional but also secure and aligned with the latest digital marketing strategies.
Here are the must-have WordPress tools marketers need to achieve success.
Emerging WordPress Design Trends
As we progress through 2024, the prevailing design trends in the WordPress space emphasize a clean, straightforward aesthetic that focuses on enhancing user engagement. We’ve seen a notable shift towards incorporating more visual elements within website designs that aims to forge a stronger connection between consumers and the products and services they encounter online.
These visual strategies aren’t just about attractiveness; they’re meticulously crafted to facilitate a smoother user experience and to make product interactions feel more intuitive and engaging.
Read more about the WordPress website design trends that are inspiring creativity for B2B and B2C marketers in 2024.
AI Integration in WordPress
The adoption of AI in WordPress is in its early stages, predominantly visible in plugins that improve search engine optimization (SEO) and streamline content management processes.
Similar AI-powered tools are designed to augment the capabilities of marketing professionals by automating routine tasks, providing insightful data analysis, and generating content. However, as these technologies continue to develop, it’s crucial for marketers to remember that AI should serve as a complement to their skills rather than a complete substitute.
Maintaining the human touch is still necessary to ensure that the creativity and emotional connection that are so essential for compelling marketing aren’t lost.
Check out these free AI tools that are helping to make life easier for digital marketers.
WordPress Has Upped Its Complex Data Game
Despite common misconceptions, WordPress has proven itself to be highly proficient in managing data-heavy sites, complex catalogs, and facilitating large-scale e-commerce activities. The evolution of tools such as WooCommerce has markedly expanded WordPress’s functional capabilities, making it one of the best platforms for online commerce.
For marketers tasked with overseeing intricate product catalogs, WordPress presents a suite of customizable options designed to meet diverse business requirements. This flexibility allows for the tailoring of the platform to fit your specific operational needs.
WordPress also enables the seamless integration of comprehensive product details, ensuring that consumers have access to all necessary information. It can also streamline inventory management, allowing businesses to keep accurate stock levels with ease.
Additionally, one of the standout features of WordPress is its ability to automate processes. For instance, updates to product listings can be automated by uploading revised spreadsheets, which the system then processes to update your website in real time. This automation significantly reduces the manual effort required in maintaining large and detailed catalogs and data sets, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing the potential for human error in data management.
Learn more about WordPress for manufacturers with catalogs.
Final Thoughts
As the world of WordPress continues to evolve, so too must marketers take the time to keep up with those changes. Only through a deep understanding of your WordPress website and a dedication to routine maintenance will you be able to harness the full power of WordPress to achieve your business and marketing goals.
Need help keeping your WordPress website up-to-date and secure? Learn more about Worry-Free WordPress services and contact us for a complimentary consultation. Our expert WordPress team is always available to assist.