January 2025

What Is User Engagement? Top 10 Metrics to Track and Improve

Plugins /

User engagement is crucial for building loyalty and boosting conversions on websites. It involves understanding how visitors interact with content through various metrics. Key engagement metrics include page views, time spent on pages, bounce rate, and conversion rates. Types of engagement include emotional, behavioral, and cognitive. Tools like Google Analytics and Jetpack Stats help track these metrics. To improve engagement, optimize website speed, create resonant content, enhance user interface, encourage interaction, display social proof, implement CTAs, run contests, and use video content. Engaged visitors are more likely to remain in the marketing funnel and support your brand.

https://jetpack.com/blog/user-engagement/

Everything You Need to Know About the Rakuten Affiliate Program

Plugins /

Rakuten Affiliate Program connects affiliates with top brands, enabling users to earn commissions by promoting products. It offers benefits like diverse advertisers, strong support, reliable payments, and promotional resources. Joining involves signing up, completing a profile, and applying for partnerships. The user-friendly dashboard helps track performance and manage campaigns efficiently. Utilizing tools like the Pretty Links plugin enhances link management and effectiveness. Overall, it’s a solid opportunity for both new and experienced marketers to grow their earnings.

https://prettylinks.com/blog/rakuten-affiliate-program/

Wordfence Intelligence Weekly WordPress Vulnerability Report (January 20, 2025 to January 26, 2025)

Plugins / ,

Wordfence offers a free Bug Bounty Program for WordPress plugins/themes, rewarding up to $31,200 per vulnerability. Last week, 212 vulnerabilities were disclosed involving 182 plugins and 9 themes, contributed by 77 researchers. The Wordfence Intelligence databases and tools are accessible at no cost for improved internet security. Recent firewall rules were implemented to enhance protection, with 186 vulnerabilities patched and 26 remaining unpatched. High-severity vulnerabilities included 23 high and 6 critical. A report lists contributor researchers and their vulnerabilities discovered.

https://www.wordfence.com/blog/2025/01/wordfence-intelligence-weekly-wordpress-vulnerability-report-january-20-2025-to-january-26-2025/

The Difference Between WordPress Plugins, Must-Use Plugins, and Drop-In Plugins

WordPress

WordPress has three types of plugins: regular, must-use, and drop-in, which enhance site functionality. Regular plugins are easily managed via the Admin Area and can be activated with clicks. Must-use plugins are for advanced users and auto-enable without being listed in regular plugins. Drop-in plugins modify core features by placing specific PHP files in the WP directory and are also not listed among regular plugins. Additionally, the theme's functions.php file allows customization and functionality additions tied to that specific theme. Regular plugins are generally preferred for broader customization, while must-use and drop-in plugins serve specific roles. Theme functions are ideal for theme-specific modifications.

https://digwp.com/2025/01/wordpress-plugins-must-use-drop-in/

Optimizing WordPress Development: Advanced Best Practices

Plugins /

Extreme TLDR: Modern WordPress development needs structured, scalable approaches including automated testing, security-first practices, and performance optimization. Key strategies include understanding WordPress structures, choosing effective tools, automating processes, focusing on maintainability, developing for scalability, prioritizing security, and optimizing performance. Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) enhances these practices by providing organized templates and reliable data structures, making professional development simpler and more efficient.

https://www.advancedcustomfields.com/blog/wordpress-development-best-practices/

How to Add Alt Text to WordPress Images: Guide and Benefits

Plugins /

Alt text describes images on websites, aiding accessibility, SEO, and providing context if images fail to load. It's essential for visitors and search engines to understand image content. In WordPress, you can add alt text via the Media Library or during image insertion in posts. Best practices include being concise, descriptive, and avoiding unnecessary details or keywords. Tools like WP Accessibility and Yoast SEO can enhance alt text management. Alt text improves SEO by helping search engines interpret images, encouraging better search results and user experience. Jetpack AI Assistant can streamline alt text creation and other content tasks.

https://jetpack.com/blog/wordpress-alt-text/

Master WordPress Admin Customization: Tips and Tricks

Plugins /

Default WordPress admin interfaces hinder efficiency due to cluttered menus. Customizing dashboards, menus, and roles enhances workflow and client experiences. Key benefits include structured content management, personalized interfaces, and improved team productivity. Users can streamline their admin by reorganizing the dashboard, using custom fields, and implementing a branded login page. Best practices involve maintaining security and performance. Overall, effective admin customization transforms WordPress into a professional content management system, benefiting teams and clients alike. Explore ACF and ACF PRO for advanced features.

https://www.advancedcustomfields.com/blog/customize-wordpress-admin/

Astra Pro 4.8.12: Accessibility, WooCommerce Enhancements, and Critical Fixes

Themes /

Astra Pro v4.8.12 was released with improvements in accessibility, WooCommerce features, and layout fixes. Key enhancements include an improved Search Widget, compatibility with WooCommerce Subscription's Proration, a hash-based URL for login/registration, and optimized Search Widget rendering. Fixes include corrections for string translations and layout issues in the Astra Mega Menu. Update recommended for a better experience.

https://wpastra.com/changelog/astra-4-8-12-accessibility-woocommerce-enhancements-and-critical-fixes/

Scroll to Top