At WebDevStudios (WDS), we are dedicated to making the web a better place. Oh sure, we love being creative and having fun, too. And our entire team has a passion for technology. However, whether we’re working on client projects, speaking at a WordCamp, writing content, or developing a WordPress plugin, our primary goals are always focused on making the web a better place for our clients, consumers at large, internet users, the WordPress community, and of course, ourselves.
Did you know that you, too, can join in this effort? If you’re a website owner, whether you have a modest blog or a robust media publishing website, here are some ways that you can help to improve not only your own site, but the internet overall. We even include some suggested reading—articles from our blog—to aid in your journey.
Set up HTTPS
While the whole point of HTTPS is to, of course, add a layer of security to the HTTP protocol of your website, beginning this month (July 2018), Google is now demanding it. Maintaining a secure website means you care about your website visitors. If you still haven’t set up your secure sockets layer (aka SSL), read “How to Set Up HTTPS on WordPress Multisite Without Headaches.”
Think Accessibility
Are you trying to exclude certain readers and/or internet users from accessing your website? If the answer is no, then you had better ensure that your website is accessible by all! First, read the article “How Thinking About Accessibility Can Lead to Success.” And, if you’re a developer who is interested in learning more about building accessible websites, we highly recommend these two pieces here: “Accessibility of Semantics: How Writing Semantic HTML Can Help Accessibility,” and “Accessibility in Chrome DevTools.”
Design Easy-to-Use Web Forms
Not only should the forms (be it a contact form or request for more information) on your website be easy to use, they should also be simple to understand and complete. A long, drawn out form can have a negative impact on the accessibility of your website, too. (See previous recommendation.) Use these “3 Tips for Proper Web Form Design” to help you create forms that your visitors will be happy to fill out.
Speed Up Your Website
Web users hate slow websites! As a matter of fact, so does Google. Do something good for your site, your visitors, and the internet overall: improve the speed of your website today. Read “Ways to Speed Up Your Website” to get started.
Give Back
If you want a safer neighborhood, you should volunteer for your local crime watch committee. If you want to improve your child’s school, join the PTA. It’s the same with the web. Give back.
WDS actively gives back to open-source development and the WordPress community through our Five for the Future contributions. You can give back, too. Read “Five Ways to Contribute to Five for the Future” for ideas on how to donate your time and talents.