In the age of limited budgets, many people are now building websites using free open-source software such as WordPress. Due to customer demand, several of the websites I’ve created use the software and while it may seem somewhat easy to use, albeit time-consuming, there’s much to learn when designing a site. Today I’d like to offer a heads-up on WordPress Themes and Plugins. This is a word of caution about installing purchased themes and free plugins for your WordPress website based on my own experience.

WordPress offers a plethora of themes for people to use. My advice is to go with the most commonly used free themes unless you are willing to offer developers input (meaning your valuable time) in helping them to fine-tune their purchased theme. Some developers are quick to sell themes before fully testing their value. It then becomes your choice as to whether you help them fine-tune their theme or deal with the glitches until enough people complain about them, forcing the developer to revise the theme before WordPress ends product support. Another consideration is worthy of noting. Theme revisions may not be as easy to accomplish because they might not show up when you log-in to WordPress. Sometimes the only way to update purchased themes is by waiting for developers to email you a link to the next revision. It is then necessary to download the file to your computer, unpack it and upload files via FTP to the appropriate WordPress folders.

Free WordPress plugins are abundant but beware; many developers are looking for ways to make money off of their design. While we all relate to making a living, after experiencing a very disheartening issue with malicious ads I can testify that allowing third parties access to other people’s websites is not the best way to run a business. User beware, it is vital to read all information before installing a plugin to avoid any miscommunication or issues with your website. Some plugins, such as sweetcaptcha, make money through deals with third parties that literally control outdated browsers. And let’s face it, not everyone updates their browser or runs a program such as Malwarebytes to detect and omit unwanted issues.

Remember, if you are not employing someone to build or update your website, it’s always best to read all documentation before using themes and plugins and to use the ones most employed by other website builders. Visit SAM I AM PROductions to discover your possibilities. Feel free to connect if you need website help.

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