Login and logout redirect for WordPress
February 2, 2011
We’ve just made the WPMU DEV log out and log in redirect plugins work for regular old individual installations of WordPress too.
So, what that means is that if you logged in users to be directed somewhere (anywhere) in particular when they logout of a single install of WordPress, then all you have to do is install the log out redirect plugin and configure.
And, if you want your users to be redirected to a certain admin page within WordPress when they log in, for example, the new post or new page links, rather than the dashboard, then you just need to install the log in redirect plugin, and you’re laughing!
Enjoy!
Daily Tip: New Plugin Fixes TwentyTen Gallery Style Issues
February 2, 2011
If you’ve ever used the default WordPress TwentyTen theme, then you know the gallery style ends up being a little screwy when you have multiple columns. A new plugin called TwentyTen Gallery Fix adds some custom classes to galleries and some CSS that fixes the width problem. Below are a couple of screenshots of the default gallery style vs. the new style with the TwentyTen Gallery Fix:
Default TwentyTen Gallery Style
TwentyTen Gallery Fix Style
I think you’ll agree that the columns look much better with this plugin. The best part is that it doesn’t require any configuration. Simply install TwentyTen Gallery Fix and activate.
Daily Tip: New Plugin Fixes TwentyTen Gallery Style Issues
February 2, 2011
If you’ve ever used the default WordPress TwentyTen theme, then you know the gallery style ends up being a little screwy when you have multiple columns. A new plugin called TwentyTen Gallery Fix adds some custom classes to galleries and some CSS that fixes the width problem. Below are a couple of screenshots of the default gallery style vs. the new style with the TwentyTen Gallery Fix:
Default TwentyTen Gallery Style
TwentyTen Gallery Fix Style
I think you’ll agree that the columns look much better with this plugin. The best part is that it doesn’t require any configuration. Simply install TwentyTen Gallery Fix and activate.
Building a Business Around WordPress: The Plugin Developer
February 2, 2011
Yesterday I posted about how you can build your own business around WordPress. Over the next few days you’ll get to meet a few people who have made that happen. Today it’s Seth Shoultes. Seth is the developer of the Event Espresso WordPress plugin. He only gave up his day job in December so he’s right in the throes of a fledgling WordPress business. Event Espresso is a wonderful event management plugin that forms the basis of Seth’s company. As well as the core plugin there are a number of different extensions to functionality, including Groupon integration (me = massive Groupon fan).
That’s enough from me. Here’s what Seth has to say:
1. What did you do before working with WordPress?
Before working with WordPress I worked in construction and did website design on the side. I usually created websites using static HTML and sometimes a Content Management System, depending on the clients needs. Throughout the years, I used several different types of CMS soltution on client websites. I even created my own simple solution at one point in time, that was used on about twenty of the websites I designed.
2. At what time did you realize “Hey, I can make money out of this!”
I started realizing the potential that plugins could make money shortly after I released the predecessor to Event Espresso (Advanced Events Registration) onto the WordPress.org repository. I started getting overwhelmed with support emails and questions by users. I made several customizations for people that I eventually packed up and sold a support license for the modified version as Event Espresso.
3. When did you take the big step from your day job to working for yourself? Was it a difficult decision to make? How did it feel?
I took the leap of faith on December 1st 2010. It was a very difficult decision to make. One that took several months of planning and many hours of discussion with my spouse and several close friends and colleagues. The entire process was a little stressful, but very elating to finally walk away from a full time dead-end job.
4. What is your typical work day like?
Other than taking my son back and forth to school and running errands for my wife. My typical work day consists of answering emails and forum posts, then working on new features for Event Espresso.
5. How has working for yourself changed your life?
Working for myself has been very beneficial. It gives me full control of how spend my day. If I need to take a little time to spend with my family or stay home with a sick kid, then I just do it. I don’t have to call anyone and ask permission.
6. What are the downsides to working for yourself?
I am very lucky in the fact that there are very few downsides to working for myself. The only major downside I have at this time is the long hours that I have to put in – mainly because my time management skills are little lacking. There is the stress factor of hoping that the business continues to grow and doesn’t come screeching to a halt someday.
7. What are your favourite apps and tools for running your WordPress business?
I have a few tools I use everyday. Google Apps is a huge part of my day-to-day operations. My favorite dev tools is Dreamweaver and my favorite Subversion client for the Mac is Versions.
8. What’s the best advice you could give to someone who wants to start their own WordPress business?
If you have an idea for something that can save other businesses time and money take the time to develop it and nurture it into fruition. It helps to start out with a free version of your plugin or theme and expand upon it from there.
Don’t get discouraged when the suggestions, support requests and a few complaints come rolling in. Just keep your head down and keep moving. Once you are ready to release the premium version of your plugin or themes make sure your forums and delivery methods are all integrated and working well.
9. Five years from now, where do you think you’ll be?
Hopefully I will be managing Event Espresso part time and spending more time with my wife and kids. Maybe even helping my wife to expand her crafting business :)
Thanks to Seth for agreeing to be interviewed :) Hopefully you’ve picked up a few tips for your own business.
Tomorrow: The Consultant.
20 jQuery-Powered Design and Usability Plugins for WordPress
February 2, 2011
jQuery is the most popular JavaScript library for creating and adding simple, dynamic effects to your content. WordPress users who love jQuery will find that there are hundreds of free tools available in the repository, but you can spend all day sorting through them. We’ve selected 20 high quality, recently-updated plugins that will help you to add a little something extra to your site. Install a couple of these to give your site a quick facelift and keep users engaged.
jQuery Colorbox
jQuery Colorbox adds a “lightbox” style popup for images. This plugin features 11 themes to choose from for styling your colorbox. It works out-of-the-box with both WordPress and NextGEN galleries. Check out the plugin’s homepage for demos.
Download Plugin
GL Facebook Likebox
This plugin adds a Facebook Likebox to your WordPress site, powered by jQuery. You can select your icons and position of ‘sidebar’ (left/right) in the plugin’s options panel. You’ll want to check to make sure that this plugin plays nicely with any other plugins you have that use jQuery. View a live demo at: selenagomez.com.pl.
Download Plugin
W4 Content Tabset
This plugin creates jQuery tabs within posts and pages so that you can arrange your content with flexible navigation. It’s easy to use. Simply drop the shortcode in the content area. The plugin comes with three effects: normal show/hide, slide (up/down), and a fade effect. Use as many instances of the tabset as you want. Check out a demo on the plugin’s homepage.
Download Plugin
jQuery Collapse-O-Matic
Collapse-O-Matic, inspired by DrLebowski’s Collapsing Objects, is a handy plugin for putting content into a collapsible div. Simply surround the content with the plugin’s shortcode. It even works with other shorcodes inside the collapsible div.
Download Plugin
Slidenote for WordPress
This plugin adds a widget for displaying flexible, customizable sliding notifications on your WordPress site. Activate it by using the included shortcodes or the widget. You can also customize the notifications using CSS. See it in action at slidenote.info.
Download Plugin
DynamicWP Fisheye Menu
This jQuery plugin, this plugin builds a Fisheye menu from a list of links. The effect is similar to the Mac OS user interface at the bottom of the screen, where there is a dockbar with icons on it. Qhen you mouse over the icons they grow in size, giving the “fisheye” effect. Check out a live example on the plugin’s homepage.
Download Plugin
Easy Table Creator
Let’s face it – creating tables in order to display tabular data is a huge pain in the ass. This plugin makes creating an html table inside of your posts very easy. It’s bundled with the jQuery plugin Tablesorter to nicely format the table and make things sortable. Tables are created in a popup screen where you can set the table headers, table rows, and table footers without writing any html.
Download Plugin
jQuery T Minus CountDown Widget
This plugin dispalys a highly customizable, flash-free countdown timer in your sidebar via a widget sidebar or in a post using a shortcode. Use it to build anticipation for an upcoming event or launch by displaying your own customized countdown timer.
Download Plugin
jQuery Page Peel
This plugin adds a page peel affect to the top right corner of the page using jQuery. Follow the instructions on the plugin’s options page for sizing and uploading the image that the plugin will use in the corner. You’ll be able to set the link locations in the options as well. Check out the live demo.
Download Plugin
Meteor Slides
Meteor Slides uses custom post types to make it simple to create slideshows with WordPress. They can be published using a shortcode or a widget. The slideshows are powered by jQuery Cycle with more than 20 transition styles to choose from. This plugin is very polished and easy to use.
Download Plugin
Fancybox for WordPress
This plugin uses jQuery to apply FancyBox to any thumbnails that link directly to an image on your WordPress site. Simply upload it and activate it. There’s no configuration necessary. However, you there are several aspects that you can customize on the plugin’s option page: the border, margin width and color, zoom speed, animation type, close button position, overlay color and opacity, options to group images into galleries, and more.
Download Plugin
WP Coda Slider
This plugin adds a jQuery Coda Slider in no conflict mode to any WordPress page, post or custom post type using shortcodes or template tags. It can be customized via CSS and a number of arguments included with the shortcode or template tag. Check out a live demo at http://wp-performance.com/wp-coda-slider/.
Download Plugin
Snazzy Archives
Snazzy Archives offers a unique, visual way of displaying your WordPress archives. The plugin has options for you to select different editable layouts and special jQuery effects. Caching is also optionally available for faster display of your archives.
Download Plugin
Twitter Follow Me Box
This plugin creates a floating “follow me on Twitter” box on the side of your WordPress site, without the need to modify any WordPress templates. It also includes options to change the color, height, and side. Simply add your Twitter ID to hook it up to your account.
Download Plugin
Excerpt Tools
This plugin allows you to change the default title and description of the excerpt box, add an excerpt box to pages and show a customizable jQuery character counter with the ability to limit the amount of characters. It’s especially useful if your site design requires the excerpt to be a precise length.
Download Plugin
Constant Footer
The Constant Footer plugin creates a jQuery powered sticky footer bar that is always visible regardless of how the user scrolls. You can adjust the color, opacity and size of the footer. This plugin is great for encouraging user conversion/action, important announcements, prompting social media following, or use as advertising space.
Download Plugin
DynamicWP Conatact Form
This plugin adds a contact form “contact” button that floats on the side of the page. When the button is clicked, the form will slide out. It uses AJAX, so the page wont be reloaded for the success (or failure) message after the user clicks send. Check out a live demo on the plugin’s homepage.
Download Plugin
WP Nivo Slider
This plugin creates a slideshow/slider using jQuery and post thumbnails. It is configured based on a category that you set and can be added anywhere on your website. This plugin comes with a video that will show you exactly how to add the slider to your site: http://www.vimeo.com/11698666
Download Plugin
Polaroid Gallery
Polaroid Gallery is a CSS3 & jQuery image gallery plugin that makes use of the WordPress media library. It is used to overlay images as polaroid pictures on the current page. It’s really cute for a photoblog or trip journal where you want to display your images in a creative way.
Download Plugin
ScrollTo Top
This is a very handy plugin for sites with lengthy articles. It displays an icon in a corner of the page that, when clicked, will smoothly scroll the user’s browser to the top of the page. You can even upload your own icon for use as the scroll button and set it so that the icon fades in and out when the user scrolls far enough down the page and up again.
Download Plugin
Daily Tip: Add a Bug Tracking Library to a WordPress Page With a Shortcode
February 1, 2011
Do you need a simple bug tracking system without all the hassle of setting up a forum on your WordPress site? The Bug Library plugin is the easiest to do it. Create a page for your bug library and then add the shortcode. The plugin will display a bug list and allow visitors to submit new bugs and/or enhancements:
The Bug Library plugin also provides search and sorting capabilities. A captcha and approval mechanism will keep the site admin from getting spam bugs:
Rather than cluttering up your email, get organized with a central place for users to submit bugs.
Building Your Own Freelance Business Around WordPress
February 1, 2011
Recently I gave up my day job :) In fact, there are loads of people who have given up their day jobs to work solely with WordPress. Being your own boss in one of the best things in the world – and WordPress makes it possible for hundreds of people to take control of their own lives. My boss is great. She often tells me to stay in my pyjamas all day long, work whatever hours I feel like and drink endless cups of coffee at Starbucks. I wish she would stop leaving her shoes all over the house though. I keep tripping over them :(
Are you one of those people who’d love to take the plunge into being self-employed? It’s a big step to take but it is one of the most satisfying steps in the world. If you’ve been tinkering for WordPress for a while and think that you might be able to make money with it, maybe you should try. As someone who has made the shift from workhorse slogging away for the man to happy, shiny, My Little Pony, here’s my advice on making WordPress work for you.
1. Find your niche
There are loads of ways that you can build your business around WordPress, more than you might think.
Theme Developer
This is an obvious place to start – WordPress is all about the themes. There are always people out there who want a new look for their website. You may be put off, thinking that you need loads of web experience in order to develop WordPress themes. This isn’t the case. Just get a book, or start reading some tutorials, and get on it. The sooner you start the sooner you’ll be a web ninja.
There are a few ways you could approach theme development.
- Create bespoke themes for clients. There is a big market for businesses looking for theme developers to create custom themes for them
- Create a commercial theme and release it to the world! You could try a service like Theme Forest or Theme Garden for selling your themes.
- Both!
Who else is doing it?
Theme Designer
Prefer pixel poking to PHP? If working with Theme functions and MySQL databases isn’t for you, you might prefer to start designing themes rather than developing them. The great thing about WordPress that it is well set up for people who would prefer to design rather than develop. This is becoming even more the case with the proliferation of theme frameworks / parent themes which provide all of the functionality that you’ll need, letting the designer work with a child theme. Check out a framework like:
You could also try out a parent theme like TwentyTen which is a great place to start with your child themes. There are many people out there working on themes who don’t have an IT background. My own background is in Philosophy, so I figure if I can do it anyone else can.
Who else is doing it?
Plugin Developer
Another obvious one but equally important. Sarah posted last week about how the WordPress community is less amenable to commercial plugin developers than it is to commercial theme developers. And while this may be the case, things do look like they are changing. Developers are putting all of their efforts into one super-plugin – like Gravity Forms and Event Espresso – and it looks like it is paying off, with developers able to base an entire business off one plugin.
Plugin development is more difficult than theme development (or, at least, it is to me!) But that doesn’t mean you should be put off. There is no reason that you can’t learn to develop a plugin – all you need is an idea, some determination and some guidance. Lucky that three plugin development experts – Brad Williams, Ozh Richard, and Justin Tadlock – have put together Professional WordPress Plugin Development. It’s out in a few months and should be an excellent way to get to grips with plugin development.
There are a few ways to make money from your plugins:
- Sell it! You could use a site such as WP Plugins to sell your wares.
- Offer support. A good support forum can be invaluable for particularly complex plugins.
Who else is doing it?
WordPress Consultant
A WordPress Consultant can help with a bit of everything. Many companies using WordPress will want to employ a third party to give advice on the best way to operate their WordPress website. This could include:
- Which plugins to install
- The best themes to use
- How to best use WordPress as a CMS
- Search Engine Optimization
- Creating custom functionality
If you’re going to be a WordPress consultant you should have a good overview of everything WordPress. You may not be a hot shot plugin developer but you should know your way around a plugin, and know which hot shot plugin developers to bring in for the job. Same goes for themes. A good way to build up your reputation towards this is to release free, useful plugins and themes to the WordPress community.
Who else is doing it?
Installation and Customization
Have you lost count of how many WordPress websites you have installed and customized for yourself, family and friends? You might not be ready to make a theme from scratch but you can install WordPress and customize it with your eyes closed. There are businesses out there who will want to use a specific commercial theme but need someone to:
- Install WordPress and the theme
- Customize the theme to their needs
This can be a good way to start to develop your business around WordPress. It gives you both more confidence in using WordPress and also teach you the ins and outs of running your own business.
Who else is doing it?
Support Expert
Commercial Theme and Plugin developers are often looking for support experts to help them run their support forums. WPMU DEV puts the occasional call out for support pros, as do other commercial sites. If you’re into helping people and finding the right solution for any problem then providing support could be the niche for you.
Who else is doing it?
- James Goodbrad (our WPMU DEV Support Pro <3 )
- We Fix WP
Teaching & Training
I am all about the training. I love it! There are few things more satisfying than showing someone just how easy WordPress is to use. There is a big market for people who want to be taught how to use WordPress. While there are loads of tutorials and how-tos out there, not everyone finds reading to be a good way to learn. Many people want to be shown practically how to do something. If you’ve got great people skills then this could be a good route to take.
Who else is doing it?
Writing
Yes, you can make money writing about WordPress. Whether you are a blogger, write support documentation, tutorials or articles, there are people out there who would like you to write for them. Developers will often want to be developing, not writing, and commercial WordPress businesses may want someone to produce documentation or website copy for them.
Who else is doing it?
- Lisa Sabin-Wilson (again!)
- Lorelle van Fossen
Of course, you’ll probably end up doing a mixture of all sorts of different things but those are some great places to start.
Can you think of any other ways to make money out of WordPress? Let us know in the comments!
2. Build a reputation, and your confidence
Before you actually start your WordPress business you will need to think about ways to build your reputation, your confidence and to get testimonials. Testimonials and reputation fuel your business. Hiring a freelancer or small business is often about trust and prospective clients will often look to references and testimonials before hiring you. There are some ways you can build up a reputation before starting your business:
- Release a free WordPress Theme
- Release a free WordPress Plugin
- Contribute to WordPress. This could include:
- Contributing to Core Development
- Helping on the Support Forums
- Helping in the IRC Chat
- Contributing to the Documentation
- Translating WordPress
- Offer some free training
- Build some WordPress websites for family and friends
- Write a blog
These are all ways that you can build your reputation and, importantly, learn.
3. Do it
A lack of confidence is often the thing that holds people back from working for themself. It’s easy to prevaricate. Perhaps you think that other people are better than you, or you’re not quite sure how to position yourself. Taking the first step, looking for the first job, is the most difficult thing to do. It’s that first job that gives you the confidence to keep going. I started out on a freelancing website – I started looking through hundreds of jobs and spent days thinking that no one would hire me. First job I bid for I got – I was given a break by a developer who wanted me to write some tutorials for him. I’ve worked ever since. Believe me, I am still surprised about it!
The point is, you’ve got to take that first step.
If you are looking for your first gig, you could check out some of these freelancing websites:
Tip: Bidding sites may not be the best way to maintain your freelancing career but they are a great place to start building your portfolio and your reputation. While you’ll be earning less than you deserve, many of the jobs can lead to ongoing, better paid work. And as your reputation grows you’ll be less and less reliant on bidding for jobs. Freelance Switch has a great post on how to successfully use bidding sites.
4. Things Take Time
The movement from being employed to being self-employed does not happen overnight. Don’t just give up your job and assume that you’ll get work. The first freelance work that you do will be in the evenings, at the weekends, any spare moment you can get you’ll be scrabbling away at your projects. I spent six months working a day job and then working until midnight every night, and all day at weekends (having an understanding and supportive husband helps). You need to build up a reputation and, of course, some cash reserves should work dry up.
Tip: Calculate how much money you will need for two months without work and have that in reserve. Don’t give up your job until you’ve got that – especially if you’ve got people who are financially dependent on you!
The first few months will be some of the most hardworking of your life. But it’s incredibly exciting to see that hard work start to pay off. You’re likely to do a happy dance when the first person cold-calls you for work.
5. Keep on Top of Your Business
It’s important to keep on top of your admin, your finances and your business. This is particularly important when you take the step from semi-self-employed to 100% self-employed. Keeping good records is actually very easy and it is important to be able to show your income and expenditure to the tax man. A blog like Freelance Switch is a good place to go for general freelance tips. However, remember that tax legislation differs from country to country so make sure you check out the law specific to your country.
Further Resources
- 20 Useful, Free WordPress Plugins and Themes that are Perfect for Freelancers
- 101 Essential Freelance Resources
- Disclosure Now Required for Blogs, Twitter and Other Social Media Sites
Later this week I’ll be featuring some interviews with successful WordPress freelancers and business owners. Be sure to check them out!
MassivePress Paves the Way for WordPress Entrepreneurs with Commercial Interests
February 1, 2011
This week the MassivePress team decided to make their efforts public at WordCamp Phoenix and let everyone know what they’re up to. Here’s the scoop:
What is MassivePress?
MassivePress is a group of entrepreneurs in the WordPress community who are working together on shared goals. It is comprised of six successful leaders in the WordPress community – Cory Miller, Lisa Sabin-Wilson, Grant Griffiths, Michael Torbert, Jason Schuller, and Carl Hancock.
MassivePress aims to:
“enhance your online experience, education and support and exposure for the commercial WordPress community by providing you with a network to collaborate with, learn from, share ideas and make connections.
MassivePress will organize a new WordPress event called WordCon
The MassivePress team has announced a new kind of WordPress conference that will cater to entrepreneurs and businesses who are using the WordPress platform to meet their goals.
WordCon has a commercial focus and is friendly to business and commercial interests in the WordPress community and intends to reach out and help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and learning environment, for those who wish to build a commercial venture around open source development…
WordCon is exactly what WordPress needs and I’m excited to see leaders in the community taking the initiative to bring this event to life. An anti-capitalist trend has emerged within the WordPress community during the past several years wherein commercial WordPress developers are treated like second class citizens. While commercial WordPress themes are prominently displayed on wordpress.org, you will find no such benefit for commercial plugins. I believe this WordCon event is the first step in a changing of the tide wherein those with commercial interests related to WordPress will begin to receive the recognition they deserve for high quality products.
Because WordCon isn’t an official WordPress event, there will be a lot more freedom in how it’s organized and who can be involved. Official WordCamps have been increasing the number of restrictions and guidelines that they impose in order to crack down on events that offer any form of publicity for those who are not in full compliance with the philosophies behind WordPress.
Hats off to MassivePress for organizing an unofficial conference to give back to the WordPress community and pave the way for WordPress entrepreneurs to achieve greater commercial success.
