Best WordPress Resources for 2014
2014 is going to be a big year for WordPress, it’s already the most popular content management and blogging system and looks to grow even larger this year. I’ve put together a list of the main resources I use when creating WordPress websites, Hosting websites, sharing files with clients, brushing up on web design and business skills and loads more. Have a fantastic 2014!
Top WordPress Theme Shops 2014
CSSigniter
CSS Igniter have always been one of my favorite theme shops and 2014 is already shaping up to be a good year for them. They have 53 quality themes and growing every month.
Studio press
I’ve only recently begun using studio press and their genesis framework, but I keep going back to it. The genesis framework is one of the best in the WordPress business, super fast loading, security, compliant code; you name it genesis can handle it. I wouldn’t recommend it for absolute beginners though as it does take some code customizing and knowledge to get the best results.
Templatic
I recently used Templatic’s new directory theme for a client and I was seriously impressed. The theme was well coded, had loads of cool features and was easy to use. I’ve since used a couple of other themes from Templatic and they also have the same attention to detail and care.
Best WordPress Hosting for 2014
WPEngine
WPEngine are dedicated only to WordPress hosting and they are the best at it. The cost is higher than that of a shared hosting provider but it pays for itself 10 times over with the quality, speed and support. Try it risk for 60 days.
Media temple
Media Temple are great if you have more than one site to host, their basic grid package allows you to host up to 100 websites for $20 a month. Perfect if you are hosting lots of client sites or have many of your own.
Hostagtor
If you have a smaller website or blog and aren’t expecting too much traffic then Hostgator are the perfect host for you. They have low cost shared hosting with great support, ideal for a beginner or first time hoster. Plus get 25% off with coupon code – wpknight25.
Useful WordPress Plugins for 2014
Manage WP
If you are managing lots of WordPress sites you’ll know it can be time-consuming, That’s where manage WP comes in. Manage all of yours sites from just one dashboard, update, install plugins, manage users and much more. There’s a free trial available and also a free version if you manage 5 or less websites. You’ll also get a 10% discount from WPKnight by clicking the button below.
WPMU Dev
WPMU Dev have over 300 plugins and themes for you to choose from. This may be the only plugin subscription you need, they have nearly everything you can think of. Check it out if you find yourself using a lot of plugins and need reliability.
Learn Coding Online
If you are just starting out or want to brush up and learn some new skills the following are the best places to learn online.
Treehouse
Learning to code online is easy with Treehouse. Learn WordPress, HTML, how to freelance and lots more with their fun and effective videos.
Codeacademy
Codeacademy have been around for a few years now and have some great tutorials for learning code. The HTML, CSS and PHP lessons will help a lot with your WordPress websites.
Dash
Dash by general assembly is a new source for learning to code online. I found the lessons really fun and engaging. Although content is still a little lacking (I’m sure there’s more to come) Learning how to build a CSS robot in the last lesson is great fun.
Online Storage
Cloud storage is becoming a bit thing now with more and more people working in the cloud. As a web designer I find myself sharing lots of files with clients and members of my team, online storage makes this so easy.
Dropbox
I’ve used Dropbox from the start and although they offer less free space than most other cloud storage companies the ease of use and efficiency is one of the best. Use the link Below to get 2.5GB of free Dropbox space.
Copy
Copy are relatively new on the cloud storage scene and are currently offering 20GB free space, 10 times more than Dropbox. They are growing fast and are set to have a great 2014.
Writing and Grammar Help
Grammarly
While WordPress and most web browsers now have their own built in spell checkers they are not always perfect. Most cannot detect grammar and other writing errors very well. That’s where Grammarly can help, this online software can correct up to 10 times more mistakes than the average word processor or spellchecker. Check it out below with a 7 day trial and see the difference.
Visit Grammarly
Have I missed a good one? Let me know in the comments and I’ll check it out and add it to the list.
