I got started in tech in 2011 when I went to Barnes & Noble and bought “HTML, CSS, and XML for Dummies,” followed the instructions, and built my first “hand coded” website. My big thing was organic SEO and I heard that WordPress was the best framework to “get found” on the internet. I found the Genesis framework and built my first WordPress site. Since then, I have built over 200 WordPress sites for myself and clients. The platform has changed immensely over the last 12 years and more change is on the way.
I started doing custom WordPress work (themes and plugins) in 2014, writing HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript and SQL in 2014. The page builder and theme builders such Beaver Builder became popular a few years later and soon I was building sites in Beaver Builder
Over the years, I have had questions. Lots of questions. Here are a few resources I have turned to to answer these questions. I still turn to these bloggers and follow them myself.
1. Matt Mullenweg
Why not start with the guy who started it all? Matt Mullenweg’s blog is Ma.tt. Clasiming to be Unlucky in Cards, his blog is a mixed bag of what he is up to lately, as well as technical changes that he is personally interested in. But that is what a blog is all about, right? Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little started building WordPress in 2003. Matt is the CEO of Automattic, the company that owns WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, and some of the most popular features on the internet. So, if you want to see what the founder of WordPress is doing, check out Ma.tt today.
2. WPBeginner
Contrary to the name, WPBeginner isn’t just for people getting started in WordPress. I find myself turning to WPBeginner today when seeking answers to the intricacies of WordPress development. WPBeginner’s categories include the Beginners Guide, News, Opinion, Showcase, Themes, Tutorials, and WordPress plugins. It has really grown from the reference site that I first encountered in 2011. They also have their own Facebook group and WordPress Glossary. Whether you are just starting out with WordPress or are a seasoned pro, WPBeginner has something for everyone.
3. WPTavern
For years, I have turned to WPTavern as a reliable source of information regarding WordPress and the future development of WordPress. WPTavern is a news site that focuses on all things that WordPress is. Launched in 2009 by Jeff Chandler, WPTavern began blogging on all things WordPress. In 2013, WPTavern was purchased by Matt Mullenweg and Jeff moved to Matt’s investment company Audrey.co to continue managing content for WPTavern. They write about theme and plugins, review different aspects of the WP ecosystem and have some of teh freshest news available on WordPress. Check out WPTavern today and stay in touch with everything WordPress.
4. Torque Magazine
Published by WP Engine, Torque Magazine is a great reference guide for everything WordPress from the latest in categories such as Development, Tools for Agencies and Developers, Community, Videos, E-books and more. There are other topics revolving around teh WordPress ecosystem such as Agency, the Torque Archives, Beginners, Business, Events, Torque Toons, and more. If you are interested in learning more about WordPress, Torque Magazine is definitely another great source of information.
5. WPKube
WPKube gives unbiased reviews of everything WordPress and has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Search Engine Journal. WPKube focuses ion WordPress tutorials, How-to’s, guides, plugins, news, and more. WPKube has over 500 tutorials, product reviews, tips, and tricks. Check out WPKube today for more information on how to make WordPress work better for you.
6. Syed Balkhi
Syed Balkhi is the founder of WPBeginner and a well-known entrepreneur. His blog shares tips on his journey as an entrepreneur and investor. He started a software holding company called Awesome Motive and today over 25 million WordPress websites use his software. Check out the About Page for his fascinating journey from starting WPBeginner to becoming one of the biggest authorities on WordPress.
7. Chris Lema
Chris Lema has worked with some of the biggest names in WordPress and open-source ecosystems as a business coach and mentor. He’s CEO of Motivated AI with deep experience in product strategy for SaaS, eCommerce, courseware (LMS) and membership and subscription platforms. His CaboPress Conference is touted as “The Best Business Conference in Mexico” and is a draw every year for agency owners, and business people in the WordPress and open-source ecosystems. When you are ready to level up your business, Chris Lema is a great resource to turn to.
8. Make WordPress
This isn’t a blog per se but if you want to see what is coming up next for WordPress, the Make WordPress community is a great place to start. Here, you can see what is changing with the WordPress core, Design, Mobile, Accessibility, WP-CLI teams and more. Visit meetings on what is happening behind the scenes and see the future of WordPress happen before your very eyes. Get updates on themes before they are released and even contribute to the future of WordPress. It’s pretty technical so you may have some homework to do to find out what everyone is talking about. Make WordPress is the best place to see what is coming up for WordPress.
Conclusion
This concludes my (very) shortlist of favorite resources for WordPress. Stay tuned for more as 2024 will prove to be a very exciting year moving forward. Do you have any topics that you would like to know more about? Let me know and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog.
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