Brenda Stokes Barron Author at 1stWebDesigner https://1stwebdesigner.com/author/brenda/ Helping You Build a Better Web Mon, 21 Nov 2022 21:50:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://1stwebdesigner.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/1stwebdesigner-logo-2020-125x125.png Brenda Stokes Barron Author at 1stWebDesigner https://1stwebdesigner.com/author/brenda/ 32 32 11 Typography Styles to Consider for Your Next Design https://1stwebdesigner.com/11-typography-styles-to-consider-for-your-next-design/ Tue, 29 Nov 2022 09:36:45 +0000 https://1stwebdesigner.com/?p=158525 When it comes to typography, there’s a seemingly infinite number of styles to choose from. But which one is the right one for your next design?

That is the ultimate question when it comes to typography. And, unfortunately, there …

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When it comes to typography, there’s a seemingly infinite number of styles to choose from. But which one is the right one for your next design?

That is the ultimate question when it comes to typography. And, unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It all depends on the specific project you’re working on and what kind of message you’re trying to communicate.

However, we can narrow it down to a few general categories.

Here are 11 popular typography styles to consider for your next project.

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1. Serif

01 - times new roman-Typography Styles

Serif fonts are the ones with the little feet (serifs) on the end of each letter. They are classic and elegant, and they have been around for centuries. Think of Times New Roman or Garamond – these are both serif fonts.

Serif fonts are generally seen as being more formal and traditional than other types of fonts. They are often used for headlines, logos, and other high-impact pieces.

2. Sans Serif

02 - sans serif-Typography Styles

Sans serif fonts are the exact opposite of serif fonts. They have no little feet on the end of the letters, hence the name “sans serif.”

Sans serif fonts are generally seen as being more modern and clean than serif fonts. They are often used for body copy, menus, and other pieces where readability is key.

3. Script

03 - adelia-Typography Styles

Script fonts are designed to look like they were written by hand. They are usually very flowing and cursive, and they can be difficult to read if they are used for large blocks of text.

Script fonts are best used for small pieces, such as headlines or logos. They can also be used for body copy, but only if the design is very simple and easy to read. A good example would be the Adelia Font.

4. Display

Display fonts are any type of font that is designed to be used at large sizes. They are often very bold and eye-catching, and they can be difficult to read at smaller sizes.

Display fonts are best used for headlines, logos, and other short pieces of text. They should not be used for body copy or any other type of long-form text. A good example that shows how bold these fonts can be is Arbutus.

5. Decorative

05 - space time - Typography Styles

Decorative fonts are just what they sound like – they are designed to be used for decorative purposes only. They are often very ornate and can be difficult to read.

Decorative fonts should only be used sparingly, if at all. They can be used for headlines or logos, but they should never be used for body copy. They are a lot of fun though. Just check out the Space Time font.

6. Blackletter

06- cloister black - Typography Styles

Blackletter fonts are a type of serif font that is designed to look like it was written in the Middle Ages. They are very ornate and can be difficult to read. It also goes by the name of gothic script or Old English.

Cloister Black is a great example of a blackletter font that encapsulates this old-fashioned style.

7. Handwritten

07 - autography

Handwritten fonts are designed to look like they were written by hand. They can be either serif or sans serif, but they usually have a more organic feel than other types of fonts.

Handwritten fonts are best used for small pieces, such as headlines or logos. The Autography Font illustrates this typography style well.

8. Slab Serif

08 - rosette

Slab serif fonts are a type of serif font that is designed to be used at large sizes. They are often very bold and eye-catching, and they can be difficult to read at smaller sizes.

Slab serif fonts are ideal for headlines, logos, and titles. They should not be used for body copy or any other type of long-form text though as the line weight is too thick for the confined spaces of paragraphs. The Rosette Font has a chunky look that serves as a good example of a slab serif.

9. Geometric

09 - geometric

Geometric fonts are designed to be very clean and simple. They often have straight lines and angles and rely on a geometric construction to achieve their letter shapes.

This kind of font is best used for headlines or logos, or any other spot where just a few words are needed. They can also be used for body copy, but only if the design is very simple, large, and easy to read.

10. Grotesque

10 - grotesque

Grotesque fonts are a type of sans serif font that is designed to be used at large sizes. Historically, they’re known for looking a bit awkward and unusual.

It is advisable to only use grotesque fonts for headlines, logos, and other brief pieces of text. They are not meant to be used for paragraphs or long stretches of text. Work Sans is a great example of a neo-grotesque style.

11. Humanistic

Humanistic fonts are sans serif fonts as well that are designed to look very natural and organic. They often have curved lines and softened edges.

Humanistic fonts are most successful when used for titles, headlines, or logos. They can also be readable if used sparingly in body copy with a simple design layout. You can look to the Centaur Font as a good example of this classic font style.

Let Typography Style Options Inspire You

There you have it! These are the 11 most common types of fonts that you’ll see used in graphic design. As you can see, each one has its own unique purpose and should be used accordingly.

When it comes to choosing the right font for your project, it’s important to think about the overall style you’re going for. Do you want something clean and modern? Or are you going for a more vintage or retro feel?

Once you have a general idea of the style you’re after, you can start browsing through different font options until you find one that fits your vision. Good luck!

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How to Negotiate Competitive Freelance Rates https://1stwebdesigner.com/how-to-negotiate-competitive-freelance-rates/ Tue, 22 Nov 2022 09:33:56 +0000 https://1stwebdesigner.com/?p=158519 If you’re a freelancer, then you know that one of the most important aspects of your business is getting paid what you’re worth. But negotiating competitive freelance rates can be daunting-especially when you don’t have much experience doing it.

There …

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If you’re a freelancer, then you know that one of the most important aspects of your business is getting paid what you’re worth. But negotiating competitive freelance rates can be daunting-especially when you don’t have much experience doing it.

There can be a lot of trepidation when it comes to asking clients for a fair rate, but it’s important to remember that you provide a valuable service and that you deserve to be compensated accordingly.

In this article, we’ll walk you through some tips and strategies for negotiating better freelance rates with your clients, so that you can feel more confident and secure in your work. Keep reading to learn more!

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Know Your Worth

Before you can start negotiating with clients, you need to have a good understanding of your own value. What are your skills and experience worth in the marketplace?

Payscale - How to Negotiate Competitive Freelance Rates

You can use online resources like PayScale or Paysa to research average rates for freelancers with your skill and experience level. Once you have a benchmark to work with, you can start thinking about what you’re willing to accept.

Do Your Research

In addition to knowing your own worth, it’s also helpful to do some research on the client themselves. What is their budget for this project? Are they known for going above market value or below with their contractors?

The more information you have going into the negotiation, the better. Try to find out as much as you can about the client and their history with paying freelancers.

Ask As Many Questions About the Project As You Can

When you’re first approached about a project, it’s important to ask as many questions as possible. The more details you have about the scope of freelance work, the better equipped you’ll be to give an accurate quote.

Some key questions to ask include:

  • What is the expected timeline for the project?
  • How many revisions will be needed?
  • What format do you need the final deliverables in?
  • Will I be working with anyone else on the project?
  • What is the project budget?

By getting as much information up front, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises later on.

Start High

When you’re finally ready to start negotiating rates with a client, it’s important to start high. Remember, you can always come down in price, but it’s much harder to go up once you’ve already quoted a lower rate.

If the client counters with a lower offer, then you can begin to negotiate from there. But by starting high, you give yourself some room to work with and you’re more likely to end up at a rate that you’re happy with.

Ask About Expenses

In addition to your hourly or project rate, don’t forget to factor in any expenses that you may incur while working on the project. These could include things like travel costs, software licenses, or stock photography.

Be sure to ask the client if they will be reimbursing you for any out-of-pocket expenses before you agree to take on the project.

Be Professional

Throughout the negotiation process, it’s important to remain professional and courteous. This is true even if the client is being difficult to work with.

Keep your cool and don’t get too emotional about the situation. Maintain a positive attitude and be confident in the value that you bring to the table. If you do this, then chances are good that the client will come around and meet you at a fair rate.

Be Prepared to Walk Away

If the client isn’t willing to meet you at a rate that you’re comfortable with, then be prepared to walk away from the project. It’s not worth your time and energy to work for someone who isn’t going to pay you what you’re worth.

There are plenty of other clients out there who will be happy to pay you a fair rate for your work. So don’t sell yourself short just to land a project.

Get Everything in Writing

Contract

Once you’ve reached an agreement with the client, it’s important to get everything in writing. This way, there’s no confusion about what was agreed upon and you have a contract to fall back on if the client tries to cut costs later on.

Make sure that all of the details are included in the contract, such as the agreed-upon rate, the scope of work, and the timeline for the project. Once everything is signed off on, then you can start working and get paid what you’re worth.

Include a Contingency Rate

If you’re working on a project that could potentially go over the agreed-upon scope, then it’s a good idea to include a contingency rate in your contract. This way, if the project does take longer than expected, you’ll still be compensated for your time.

Including a contingency rate is a good way to protect yourself and make sure that you’re fairly compensated for any unforeseen circumstances.

Let the Negotiations Begin

Negotiating better rates with your freelance clients doesn’t have to be a nightmare. By following these tips, you can approach the conversation with confidence and walk away with the pay that you deserve.

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9 Ways to Prep Your Online Store for Black Friday Now https://1stwebdesigner.com/9-ways-to-prep-your-online-store-for-black-friday-now/ Tue, 08 Nov 2022 09:51:19 +0000 https://1stwebdesigner.com/?p=158499 Black Friday is coming up, and that means a lot of people are going to be looking to buy things online. If you’re an online store owner, now is absolutely the time to start preparing for the rush. You definitely don’t want to wait until the week of Thanksgiving to make sure everything is in order. Talk about unnecessary stress!

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do now to make sure your store is ready for the influx of traffic prior to the big weekend. And we’ve compiled 9 tips to set you on the right path toward the holiday season.

Let’s take a look!

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1. Create a Plan of Attack

First things first, you need to have a plan for how you’re going to approach Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This means having an idea of what sort of deals you want to offer, what kind of products you want to promote, and how you’re going to market everything to your customers.

This is the time to really sit down and think about your goals for the holiday season and what you need to do to achieve them.

2. Get Your Website Ready

Next, you need to make sure your website is actually ready to handle the influx of traffic it’s going to receive. This means doing things like the following:

  • Testing your site’s speed: If your site is slow, customers are going to get frustrated and leave without making a purchase. Use tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to see how your site is currently performing and get some tips on how to improve things.
  • Making sure your site is mobile-friendly: A large portion of online shopping is done on mobile devices these days, so you need to make sure your site looks good and functions well on smaller screens.
  • Making sure your payment gateway can handle the volume: You don’t want to run into any issues with your payment gateway on one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. Perform any required updates and perhaps even reach out to your provider to ensure reliability.
  • Ensuring that your server can handle the load: Again, you don’t want your site to go down in the middle of all the Black Friday madness. Talk to your web hosting provider and see what they recommend in terms of preparing your server for the increased traffic.

Pagespeed Insights - Black Friday

If you’re not sure how to do this, we recommend working with a developer or someone who knows their way around these sorts of things. The last thing you want is for your site to crash in the middle of Black Friday!

3. Prepare Your Product Inventory

Of course, you’re also going to want to make sure you have enough inventory on hand to meet the demand of your customers. This is especially important if you sell physical products that need to be shipped out.

Now is the time to check in with your suppliers, make sure you have enough products in stock, and create a plan for how you’re going to keep everything organized during the holiday rush.

4. Create Black Friday-Specific Landing Pages

If you really want to take your Black Friday game up a notch, we recommend creating some specific landing pages for your deals and promotions. This is a great way to showcase everything you’re offering and make it easy for your customers to find what they’re looking for.

If you use WordPress, you can easily integrate these landing pages into your standard marketing efforts. For example, you can use a landing page plugin like Beaver Builder to create custom pages with ease.

Beaver Builder - Black Friday

A good Black Friday landing page should include:

  • A clear and concise headline
  • A description of the deals and promotions you’re offering
  • Images or videos to help highlight everything
  • CTAs for customers to take advantage of your deals
  • A countdown timer to create a sense of urgency

5. Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!

You also need to make sure your potential customers are actually aware of the deals and promotions you’ll be running for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The best way to do this is to start advertising early and often. This includes posting reminders and updates about your Black Friday deals, coupons, and special discounts across your social media accounts.

6. Get Your Email List in Order

Email is still one of the best ways to reach your customers, so if you haven’t already, now is the time to start building up your list. This way, you can send out special Black Friday deals and promotions directly to their inboxes. If your email marketing system isn’t yet integrated with your eCommerce platform, now’s the time to set that up.

Again, if you use WordPress, there are plenty of email marketing plugins that can help you get started, like MailChimp for WordPress.

Mailchimp For WordPress

And make sure you’re also segmenting your list so you’re only sending relevant information to people who actually want to receive it. No one likes getting bombarded with emails they don’t care about!

7. Offer Incentives for Customers Who Shop Early

If you really want to get people excited about your Black Friday deals, offer special incentives for those who shop early. This could be in the form of a discount code for those who make a purchase on your site before a certain date. Or you could offer early access to your Black Friday deals for VIP customers or email subscribers.

8. Make Checkout as Easy as Possible

Another way to ensure a smooth Black Friday for both you and your customers is to make the checkout process as easy as possible. This means having a user-friendly checkout flow on your site and offering a variety of payment options.

Some things you can do to streamline the checkout process include:

  • Offering a guest checkout option.
  • Making sure your forms are short and easy to understand.
  • Including a progress bar so customers can see how far along they are in the checkout process.
  • Allowing customers to save their information for future purchases.

9. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Finally, one of the most important things you can do to prepare for Black Friday is to make sure your customer service game is on point. This means having a team in place to answer any questions or concerns your customers might have.

You should also have a plan for how you’re going to handle any increased customer service volume. This might include additional staff, extended hours, or live chat support. Whatever you do, just make sure your customers feel taken care of and that their concerns are being addressed in a timely manner.

Plan for Black Friday Success with Online Store Prep

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the busiest shopping days of the year. But with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can make sure your online store is ready to take advantage of all the holiday shoppers. Just follow the tips in this post and you’ll be well on your way to a successful Black Friday!

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How to Setup a WooCommerce Store for Point-of-Sale Purchases https://1stwebdesigner.com/how-to-setup-a-woocommerce-store-for-point-of-sale-purchases/ Tue, 01 Nov 2022 08:34:55 +0000 https://1stwebdesigner.com/?p=158493 Taking point-of-sale orders is a thrilling prospect. Imagine this: customers come up to your popup store or vendor booth at a convention or fair, find the products they’re looking for, and make a purchase right then and there without having to wait in line or worry about stock availability.

This could be a game-changer for your business, and luckily, it’s not too difficult to set up a WooCommerce point-of-sale system. If you’re looking to start taking point-of-sale (POS) payments for your WooCommerce store, then this guide is for you.

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What is Point-of-Sale?

Point-of-sale (POS) refers to the location where a customer makes a purchase. This can be either in-person or online.

In-person POS purchases are made using electronic terminals, which are also known as point-of-sale machines. These machines are connected to a central computer system that processes and records the transaction. The customer’s bank account is then debited for the purchase amount and the funds are transferred to the seller’s account.

Online POS purchases are made using a payment gateway, which is a software that processes and records online transactions. The customer’s bank account is then debited for the purchase amount and the funds are transferred to the seller’s account.

There are many benefits of taking POS orders, such as:

  • Increased efficiency and accuracy of orders
  • Reduced wait times for customers
  • Ability to upsell and cross-sell products
  • Increased customer satisfaction

With those specifics out of the way, let’s move on to setting up your WooCommerce point-of-sale system.

How to Set Up a WooCommerce Point-of-Sale System

There are two main components to setting up a point-of-sale system with WooCommerce: the hardware and the software.

The hardware refers to the physical devices that will be used to take and process payments. This includes the point-of-sale machine, receipt printer, barcode scanner, and cash drawer.

The software refers to the software that will be used to manage your POS system. This includes the WooCommerce point-of-sale plugin and a payment gateway.

Point-of-Sale Hardware

There are many different types of POS hardware available on the market, so it’s important to choose the right devices for your needs.

The most important thing to consider is compatibility. All of your point-of-sale hardware must be compatible with the software you’re using. For example, if you’re using s specific WooCommerce POS plugin or extension, then you’ll need to use hardware, such as a USB receipt printer and barcode scanner, that works with these systems.

If you only intend to conduct POS transactions on occasion, an in-person transaction device like those available from payment processors may be all you need.

Point-of-Sale Software

Point-of-Sale Software

Point of Sale for WooCommerce is a great option for managing your POS system. It’s compatible with all major payment gateway providers and offers many features, such as:

  • Inventory management
  • Customer management
  • Coupons and discounts
  • Sales reporting
  • Tax calculations
  • Compatibility with multiple registers
  • Store department support

This extension is available for $199 per year.

Other plugin or extension options include wePOS and Square for WooCommerce.

Payment Gateway

In order to accept payments, you’ll need to connect a payment gateway to your WooCommerce. A payment gateway is a software that processes and records online transactions.

There are many different payment gateway providers available, so it’s important to choose one that’s compatible with WooCommerce, of course. Some popular options include PayPal, Stripe, and Square.

Once you’ve chosen a payment gateway, you’ll need to create an account and obtain the appropriate credentials, such as an API key or code snippet. These credentials will be entered into the settings page for WooCommerce.

How to Use a WooCommerce Point-of-Sale System

Using a WooCommerce POS system is fairly simple. The first thing you’ll need to do is add your products to the system. This can be done by manually entering the product information or by scanning the product’s barcode.

Once your products have been added, you’ll need to create a customer. This can be done by entering the customer’s information.

Next, you can add products to their order. This can be done by scanning the product’s barcode or by searching for the product by name.

Once you’ve added all of the products to the order, you can proceed to checkout. At checkout, you’ll need to select a payment method and enter the appropriate information.

Depending on the system you’ve selected, the customer may be able to tap their payment card against your payment processing device. Or you may need to use a scanner or card slider. Once payment has been processed, you can print a receipt for the customer. You can also email or text the receipt to the customer if they prefer.

How to Use a WooCommerce Point-of-Sale System

And all of this order information including inventory tracking will be reported within WooCommerce, which you can view later via the WordPress dashboard.

And that’s it! You’ve now successfully completed a transaction using your WooCommerce point-of-sale system.

Point-of-Sale Purchases Within WooCommerce Open New Opportunities for Businesses

Utilizing a WooCommerce point-of-sale system can be a great way to streamline transactions and better manage your business. If you’re looking for a way to take your WooCommerce store to the next level, consider adding POS capabilities.

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8 Ways to Identify and Fix Browser-Based Website Errors and Issues https://1stwebdesigner.com/8-ways-to-identify-and-fix-browser-based-website-errors-and-issues/ Tue, 25 Oct 2022 08:26:09 +0000 https://1stwebdesigner.com/?p=158486 No one is perfect, and that goes for website owners as well. Even the best, most well-coded and thoughtfully put together websites will experience errors and issues at some point – it’s simply unavoidable. In fact, part of the process of owning a website is being able to identify and fix an error as it comes up.

Often, you’ll find issues occur after switching hosts, updating plugins or themes in WordPress, or adding code snippets to existing designs. It doesn’t take much to break a site and prevent it from interacting with browsers properly.

However, not all errors or issues are the same. Some are relatively minor and can be fixed with ease; others may require more time and effort on your part.

That’s why in this article, we’ll outline 8 different types of browser-based website errors and issues you may encounter, along with tips on how to identify and fix them on the spot.

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Page Not Found (404) Error

This is perhaps the most common type of error you’ll encounter. A 404 error occurs when a user tries to access a page that doesn’t exist on your website. There can be a number of reasons why this might happen, but usually, it’s because the page in question has been moved or deleted.

Page Not Found (404) Error

In any case, if a user encounters a 404 error on your website, it’s important to have a custom error page set up. This should include a brief message explaining the error, along with links to other pages on your website that the user may find helpful.

Connection Timeout Error

A connection timeout error occurs when a user’s browser is unable to establish a connection with your server. This can happen for a number of reasons, but usually, it’s due to heavy traffic on your website or an issue with your server itself.

If you’re encountering this error frequently, it may be a sign that you need to upgrade your hosting plan to one that can accommodate more traffic. Alternatively, if the issue is with your server, you may need to contact your host or web developer for assistance.

Internal Server Error

An internal server error is similar to a connection timeout error, in that it’s also caused by an issue with your server. However, this error is typically more serious and can be caused by more pressing issues like a corrupt file or database.

Should this error occur, the first thing you should do is access your server directly in order to identify and fix the issue via an FTP client like FileZilla or Cyberduck.

Internal Server Error

Potential solutions include:

  • Checking (and adjusting) your file permissions
  • Clearing your website’s cache
  • Running a malware scan
  • Upgrading your hosting plan

Maintenance Mode Error

If you’re in the process of making changes or updates to your website, you may want to put it into maintenance mode. This essentially means that your website is only accessible to you and other administrators; regular users will see a custom error page explaining that the website is down for maintenance.

Putting your website into maintenance mode is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to remember to take it out of maintenance mode when you’re finished making changes. Otherwise, your regular users will continue to see the error page and may become frustrated.

DNS Error

A DNS, or Domain Name System, error occurs when a user’s browser is unable to resolve your website’s domain name. This usually happens due to an issue with your DNS settings.

Here’s how to adjust your DNS settings to resolve this error:

  1. Log in to your domain name registrar and select the DNS management tool.
  2. Find the A record for your website’s domain name and make sure the IP address is correct.
  3. If there is no A record for your website’s domain name, you’ll need to create one.
  4. Make sure your www CNAME record is pointing to your website’s domain name.
  5. Save your changes and wait for the DNS to propagate (this can take up to 24 hours).

SSL Certificate Error

An SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, certificate is a type of security certificate that helps to encrypt data being transmitted between a user’s browser and your website. If you have an SSL certificate installed on your website, you may encounter an error if it expires or is not properly configured.

SSL Certificate Error

If you’re encountering an SSL certificate error, the first thing you should do is check the expiration date on your certificate. If it has expired, you’ll need to renew it.

If your certificate is still valid, but you’re encountering an error, the issue may be with your configuration. To fix this, simply follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your domain name registrar and select the SSL/TLS certificates tool.
  2. Find the SSL certificate for your website’s domain name and make sure the details are correct.
  3. If there is no SSL certificate for your website’s domain name, you’ll need to create one.
  4. Save your changes and wait for the SSL to propagate (this can take up to 24 hours).

Browser Compatibility Error

Browser compatibility errors occur when a user’s browser is not compatible with the code used to build your website. This can happen for a number of reasons, but usually, it’s because the user is using an outdated or unsupported browser.

If you’re encountering this error, the first thing you should do is check to see if the browser you’re using is supported or up-to-date. If not, you may need to update your browser or switch to a different browser to view the website properly.

It can also be helpful to create a notice on your website that indicates its browser compatibility clearly — especially if your site has a very new feature or attribute that isn’t universally supported yet.

Malicious Website Errors

If you’re encountering an error that says your website has been flagged as malicious, it’s likely because your website has been hacked. This can happen for a number of reasons, but usually, it’s because the hackers were able to exploit a security vulnerability on your site.

If you believe your website has been hacked, the first thing you should do is change all of your passwords — especially if you think the hackers may have access to them. You should also run a security scan on your website to check for any malicious code or files that may have been injected. If you find any, you’ll need to delete them and then update your website to the latest version to patch the security vulnerability.

Don’t Let Browser Issues Halt Site Progress

Website errors that show up in browsers can be frustrating, but luckily, most of them are relatively easy to fix. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to identify and fix any browser-based website errors and issues you encounter.

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7 Full Site Editing WordPress Themes for 2022 https://1stwebdesigner.com/7-full-site-editing-wordpress-themes-for-2022/ Wed, 19 Oct 2022 08:51:05 +0000 https://1stwebdesigner.com/?p=158475 WordPress has undergone quite a few changes as of late. In the past few years alone, there have been major updates to WordPress core, changing how people interact with the CMS in major ways. The biggest innovation is the addition of full site editing to WordPress. We’ve already gotten acquainted with Gutenberg and how the Block Editor has transformed the way blog posts and pages are created. But now, the aim is to adjust how we customize entire websites from within WordPress as well.

And while this might sound a bit scary at first, rest assured, there are still plenty of WordPress themes created every day that incorporate this new feature and make it easier than ever to design and customize websites in WordPress.

That’s precisely what our focus will be here today. Let’s take a look at 7 full site enabled WordPress themes that make full site editing accessible and familiar.

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Twenty Twenty-Two

Twenty Twenty-Two Full Site Editing Theme

The TwentyTwenty-Two WordPress theme was created with the belief that everyone deserves a website that is truly one-of-a-kind. The theme’s understated styles take inspiration from birds, which are themselves known for their diversity and versatility. The typography in the theme is light yet strong, the color palette is inspired by nature, and the layout elements are designed to sit gently on the page.

Twenty-Two is meant to be easily customizable, taking advantage of WordPress 5.9 Full Site Editing capabilities. This means that the colors, typefaces, and site layout of each individual page on your site can all be altered to match your preferences. It also includes several block patterns for you to use in creating professionally designed layouts with just a few clicks.

Catch FSE

Catch FSE

Catch FSE is a responsive, minimal WordPress theme with a dark or light color scheme. It’s been created using Twenty Twenty-Two and is ideal for blogs and corporate sites, alike. You can select your site color style in WordPress 6.0’s Global Styles feature and start creating your content with the easy drag-and-drop interface by utilizing block patterns.

It’s free and easy to use, with a clean, modern aesthetic. It allows you to create a distinctive site by providing 15 distinct block patterns, 15 FSE Templates, and 9 Template Parts so you can build your own website the way you want it.

Bricksy

Bricksy Full Site Editing WordPress Theme

Bricksy is perfect for those who want to build their own modern website without having to code or design from scratch. With an easy drag-and-drop interface, you can use the premade block patterns to create beautiful pages in minutes.

The theme takes full advantage of WordPress’ Full Site Editing features, making it easier than ever to create a professional site that looks great and functions as you want – no compromises required.

Allele

Allele Full Site Editing WordPress Theme

Allele is a WordPress theme that comes with pre-defined block patterns and full-page templates. It has a modern, clean design and provides full site editing support. This theme is perfect for creating professional websites that need to be edited often.

Other features of this theme include support for multiple languages and RTL, it’s accessibility-ready, it’s SEO friendly, and it’s lightweight, too.

Avant-Garde

Avant-Garde Full Site Editing WordPress Theme

Avant-Garde is a simple, experimental block theme for WordPress. It features an easy-to-use interface and a minimal design, perfect for those who want a streamlined blog or website.

The theme is fully responsive and retina-ready, ensuring that your content looks great on any device. Avant-Garde is also translation-ready and supports the WPML plugin, making it easy to create a multilingual website.

The simple design here would lend itself well to a wide variety of content types and topics. And, if you’re wanting to experiment with a new design direction for your website, Avant-Garde could be the perfect theme to help you do just that.

Frost

Frost

The Frost WordPress theme is a well-designed and feature-rich theme that can be used for a variety of website types. The theme includes a hero section with an image and text, as well as a portfolio section to showcase your work. The theme also includes calls-to-action, testimonials, and more.

This versatile, mobile-optimized WordPress theme makes it easy for designers, developers, and creators to build a sophisticated website in minutes. With a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, Frost is perfect for anyone who wants to create a powerful online presence.

Wabi

Wabi

Wabi is a WordPress block theme created to assist you in telling your story in the most effective way possible. The clean lines, beautiful typefaces, and dynamic accent color system used to aid with your storytelling. This is all further emphasized through the use of simple curves and lovely letterforms. Wabi comes with three different style variants (light, dark, and dynamics) for maximum expressiveness and flexibility.

Which Full Site Editing WordPress Theme Will Serve Your Next Project?

These are only a few of the hundreds of Full Site Editing WordPress themes available. But hopefully, this gives you a starting point for finding the perfect one for your next project. Good luck!

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10 Email Marketing Platforms for Building an Audience in 2022 https://1stwebdesigner.com/10-email-marketing-platforms-for-building-an-audience-in-2022/ Tue, 11 Oct 2022 08:11:29 +0000 https://1stwebdesigner.com/?p=158453 If you’re looking to build an audience in 2022 and beyond, you’ll need to set up an effective email marketing campaign. Often, this involves using an email marketing platform to automate your campaigns, contact your subscribers, and track your results.

There are a number of great email marketing platforms out there, but which one is right for you? To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best email marketing platforms for building an audience.

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MailChimp

MailChimp - email marketing

MailChimp is one of the most popular email marketing platforms on the market, and for good reason. It’s easy to use, has a wide range of features, and it’s very affordable. It’s often a favorite of those just starting out with email marketing due to its low price point and ease of use.

But beyond the fact that it’s easy to setup and use, this platform also has some great features that make it ideal for building an audience. For example, it offers a wide range of templates to choose from, so you can create beautiful emails that match your brand. Plus, its autoresponder feature allows you to send automated emails to new subscribers, which is a great way to welcome them to your list and start building a relationship with them.

Constant Contact

Constant Contact - email marketing

Constant Contact is another popular email marketing platform that’s known for its ease of use. Like MailChimp, it offers a wide range of features and templates, making it a great choice for those just starting out with email marketing.

One of the things we like about Constant Contact is that it offers a free trial, so you can try out the platform before committing to it. This is a great way to see if it’s the right fit for you and your business.

AWeber

AWeber - email marketing

AWeber is another excellent choice for those looking for an email marketing platform that’s easy to use and packed with features. It offers a wide range of templates, autoresponders, and tracking tools to help you grow your audience and track your results.

AWeber’s customer service is one of the features that sets it apart from other platforms. Their staff is always ready to answer any queries or resolve any difficulties, which is why they’re one of the most popular email marketing services on the market.

GetResponse

Get response - email marketing

GetResponse is a great all-in-one email marketing platform that offers everything you need to grow your audience and track your results. It has a wide range of features, including autoresponders, landing pages, and webinars, making it a great choice for businesses of all sizes.

Like AWeber, GetResponse also offers excellent customer service. So if you ever have any questions or need help with anything, their team is always quick to respond.

iContact

iContact - email marketing

iContact is a great email marketing platform for businesses of all sizes. It offers a wide range of features, including autoresponders, landing pages, and social media integration. Plus, it has a wide range of templates to choose from, so you can create beautiful emails that match your brand.

One of the things we like about iContact is that it offers a free trial, so you can try out the platform before committing to it. This is a great way to see if it’s the right fit for you and your business.

Campaign Monitor

Campaign Monitor

Campaign Monitor is a fantastic option if you’re searching for an email marketing platform that provides everything you need. It has features like autoresponders, landing pages, and social media connections, which allows it to serve businesses of all sizes. Its large range of designs also enables you to create emails that represent your business identity flawlessly.

Campaign Monitor offers a free trial, which we appreciate. This allows users to test out the platform and see if it would be a good fit for their business before making any long-term commitments.

HubSpot

Hubspot

With HubSpot, you get a comprehensive email marketing solution that has everything you need to expand your audience and track your success. It has a deep roster of features and offers a wide range of templates to pick from, so you can create beautiful emails that represent your business.

Build stylish autoresponder series, create newsletters, or even manage lead generation forms all from within this one tool.

Drip

Drip

Drip is a wonderful email marketing software for those looking for an easy-to-use and feature-rich platform. It gives you lots of templates, autoresponders, and analytics tools to help you increase your audience and track your progress with a special emphasis on eCommerce websites.

Drip’s customer support is one of the features that sets it apart from other platforms. Drip’s staff is usually quick to reply and assist you if you have any questions or run into difficulties.

SendinBlue

SendinBlue

SendinBlue is an all-inclusive email marketing platform with every tool you need to increase your following and track your success. From autoresponders to landing pages, social media integration to a wide variety of templates, SendinBlue has everything you need to create stunning emails that represent your brand.

SendinBlue offers a free trial so that you can test out the platform before making a decision. This is an excellent way to figure out if it would work well for you and your business interests.

ConvertKit

ConvertKit

Lastly, there’s ConvertKit, which provides businesses of all sizes all-encompassing email marketing features to streamline their efforts. Just a few of these features include autoresponders, landing pages, and social media tools. On top of that, there’s a beautiful selection of templates to choose from so you can create emails that match your brand perfectly.

The Right Email Marketing Platform Makes All the Difference

These are just a few of the best email marketing platforms out there. If you’re looking to grow your audience and improve your results, be sure to check out one of these platforms. And, don’t be afraid to try out a few to see which best suits your brand and business.

Good luck!

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Shared vs Managed vs VPS Hosting: Which is Right for You? https://1stwebdesigner.com/shared-vs-managed-vs-vps-hosting-which-is-right-for-you/ Tue, 04 Oct 2022 08:24:01 +0000 https://1stwebdesigner.com/?p=158447 There are a lot of different options out there when it comes to hosting your website. And it can be tough to decide which one is right for you, but don’t worry – we’re here to help!

In this article, we’ll compare three popular hosting options: shared, managed, and VPS. And by the end, you should have a good idea of which solution is right for your needs.

We’ll break down each host type into a few key areas, including a broad description of how it works, key features, benefits, who the type would best serve, and rough pricing estimates.

Now, let’s get down to the comparisons.

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Shared Hosting

shared hosting

Shared hosting is an excellent option for most people because it is budget-friendly and easy to set up – no technical skills needed! With a shared host, your website will be on the same server as other websites. This means that features like bandwidth and storage are divided between all of the sites on the server.

It works well for small enterprises and personal websites that receive minimal traffic. It’s also a smart option if you’re just getting started and don’t want to spend money on a more expensive web host.

Key Features

  • Affordable
  • Easy to set up
  • Can be used for small businesses or personal websites
  • Shared resources between all websites on the server

Benefits

The biggest benefit of a shared web host is the cost – it’s much cheaper than other types of plans. Shared hosting is also very easy to set up, which is great for people who are new to web design and not all that technically-oriented.

Who is it Best For?

Small businesses, personal websites, and anyone who is just starting out with web design would find a shared host to be suitable. It’s also a good option if your site doesn’t receive a lot of traffic yet.

Pricing

Shared host plans start at around $5 per month.

Managed Hosting

Managed Hosting

Managed hosting is a step up from shared, and it’s designed for businesses that are ready to invest in a more premium solution. With a managed web host, you still share a server with other websites. But, you also get a dedicated team of experts who proactively manage your website and can help you with any technical issues that come up.

Managed hosting is a great option for businesses that want peace of mind knowing that their website is in good hands. It’s also a good option for those who have outgrown a shared host and need a more robust solution.

Key Features

  • Dedicated team of support experts
  • Proactively manage your website
  • Can help with any technical issues that come up
  • More expensive than shared plans

Benefits

The biggest benefit of a managed web host is the dedicated team of experts who will proactively manage your website, perform backups, pay attention to security, and perform regular updates. This can be a great peace of mind for businesses that want to make sure their website is always running smoothly.

Who is it Best For?

Anyone that’s ready to invest in a more premium web host solution, businesses that have outgrown shared servers, and those that want peace of mind knowing their website is well-supported will find managed hosting to be a good fit.

Pricing

Managed web host plans start at around $25 per month.

VPS Hosting

VPS hosting

VPS hosting is a type of web host that gives you your own virtual server. This means that you don’t share any resources with other websites – everything on your server is just for you.

It’s also a great option for businesses that need more control over their host environment. Businesses that get a lot of traffic or have very specific requirements will find it beneficial, too.

Key Features

  • Your own virtual server
  • Dedicated resources
  • More expensive than shared and managed plans

Benefits

The most significant advantage of VPS hosting is that it gives you your own virtual server. This means you won’t have to share any resources with other websites, and you’ll be able to customize your server to meet your site’s specific requirements.

Who is it Best For?

Businesses that require more control over their hosting environment, those with a lot of traffic, and those with very specific hosting requirements are those best suited for using VPS hosting.

Pricing

VPS hosting plans start at around $50 per month.

Assess Your Situation to Pick the Right Hosting Option

Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of hosting, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. If you’re just starting out, shared hosting is a great option. If you’re ready to invest in a more premium solution, managed hosting might be a better fit. And if you need complete control over your hosting environment, VPS hosting is the way to go.

Which you choose will depend on your site’s needs, your technical acumen, and your budget. But you hopefully now have a better sense of what’s available. Good luck!

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14 CSS Animations for Fall https://1stwebdesigner.com/14-css-animations-for-fall/ Tue, 27 Sep 2022 08:09:33 +0000 https://1stwebdesigner.com/?p=158438 As the leaves change color and the weather starts to cool down, it’s time to start thinking about how to update your website for fall. One easy way to do this is by adding some subtle CSS animations.

Adding a CSS animation to your website is a great way to add some extra flair and personality. And, since they’re relatively easy to create, you can experiment with different animations until you find one that fits your site perfectly.

Check out these 14 CSS animations that will add a touch of autumn to your pages. From falling leaves to acorns dropping from trees, these animations are sure to get you in the mood for fall!

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CSS Falling Leaves

See the Pen
CSS falling leaves
by Aaron Griffin (@uurrnn)
on CodePen.0

This CSS animation features falling leaves that slowly drift down the page. It’s a simple yet effective way to add a touch of fall to your website.

Only CSS – Autumn

See the Pen
Only CSS: 和嵐 -Autumn-
by Yusuke Nakaya (@YusukeNakaya)
on CodePen.0

The Only CSS – Autumn animation features vibrant leaves that change color as they fall. It’s a great way to add some fall flavor to your site.

Autumn

See the Pen
Autumn
by Nelson Rodrigues (@nelsonr)
on CodePen.0

The Autumn CSS animation features an orange tree that has leaves piled up around the base of the tree.

Hello Fall

See the Pen
Hello Fall
by SalwaMugh (@salwamugh)
on CodePen.0

The Hello Fall CSS animation features falling leaves and a friendly message. It’s a great way to welcome visitors to your site this fall. The steaming cup of coffee or tea perched atop a pile of books sets the perfect autumnal tone, too.

Leaves Falling Animation on Scroll

See the Pen
Leaves Falling SVG GSAP animation with Scrollmagic
by Lisa Folkerson (@lisafolkerson)
on CodePen.0

This CSS animation features falling leaves that are triggered when the user scrolls down the page. It’s a great way to add a touch of fall to your site without being too intrusive.

Colours of Autumn

See the Pen
Colours of Autumn | Changing Text Colour Character by Character
by Jamie Brook (@sketchbrook)
on CodePen.0

The Colours of Autumn CSS animation features falling leaves in a variety of colors that pass across a festive seasonal message of your choice. It’s a great way to add some visual interest to your site while also sharing a message with your visitors.

Hello Autumn – Header

See the Pen
Header
by Ruben Vardanyan (@ruben-vardanyan)
on CodePen.0

The Hello Autumn – Header Animation features falling leaves and a welcome message to happily greet site visitors. The leaves are large and prominent, which might be a good fit for those looking to make a real statement.

Fall – Tree with Falling Leaves

See the Pen
gsap fall
by Yi Rui (@yrui)
on CodePen.0

The Fall – Tree with Falling Leaves CSS animation features a tree with leaves falling from the top of the screen. Once the animation loads completely, site visitors will be greeted by a bird that pops out of a nest in the tree. Then a welcome message fades into view.

Autumn Leaves Blowing

See the Pen
Autumn Leaves
by mauspace (@mauspace)
on CodePen.0

The Autumn Leaves Blowing In The Wind CSS animation features leaves that blow across the screen while fingers clamp onto a single leaf. This would be a great choice for those looking to add a touch of fall without being too on-the-nose, while also adding some visual interest.

CSS Little Witch

See the Pen
CSS Little Witch
by agathaco (@agathaco)
on CodePen.0

The CSS Little Witch animation features a witch pouring something from a beaker into a bubbling cauldron. The background is delightfully festive and features a spider, cat, full moon, broomstick, and many other Halloween-related items.

Vampire and Pumpkins

See the Pen
Vampire and Pumpkins (CSS Image)
by Michael Zhigulin (@michael-zhigulin)
on CodePen.0

The Vampire and Pumpkins CSS animation features a vampire that slowly blinks while holding two pumpkins that have a lot to say. This would make for a great site loading screen around Halloween.

CSS Spooky Halloween Pumpkin

See the Pen
CSS Spooky Halloween Pumpkin
by Jaume Sanchez (@spite)
on CodePen.0

This CSS Spooky Halloween Pumpkin features a pumpkin that shifts and changes shape upon hover.

Happy Halloween

See the Pen
Happy Halloween
by Mohan Khadka (@khadkamhn)
on CodePen.0

The Happy Halloween CSS animation features tombstones, skulls, a full moon, and some jack-o-lanterns that jump when a message that reads “Happy Halloween” appears. And a ghost appears from time to time, too.

CSSpooky Halloween!

See the Pen
CSSpooky Halloween !
by Fehrenbach Baptiste (@medrupaloscil)
on CodePen.0

If you want to keep your site on the cute side, the CSSpooky Halloween! animation is a great choice. This one features a cat that occasionally blinks while sitting in a carved jack-o-lantern.

Bring a Touch of the Fall Season to Your Website

These CSS animations are a great way to add a touch of fall to your website. Whether you want to make a statement or just add a little bit of festive flair, these animations will help you do just that.

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How to Bolster Your Design Ideas with These Unlikely Sources of Inspiration https://1stwebdesigner.com/how-to-bolster-your-design-ideas-with-these-unlikely-sources-of-inspiration/ Tue, 20 Sep 2022 08:22:33 +0000 https://1stwebdesigner.com/?p=158431 We all know how frustrating it can be to feel creatively stuck. Whether you’re trying to come up with new ideas for a project or simply looking for a fresh perspective, sometimes all it takes is some out-of-the-box thinking to …

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We all know how frustrating it can be to feel creatively stuck. Whether you’re trying to come up with new ideas for a project or simply looking for a fresh perspective, sometimes all it takes is some out-of-the-box thinking to find inspiration to jump start your creativity.

Today, we’ll be covering a few unlikely sources of inspiration that can help you bolster your design ideas. These don’t include the super obvious choices like Awwwards or Best Website Gallery. Instead, these inspiring sources delve into less top-of-mind places and offer creative fuel in less conventional ways.

Enjoy!

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Children’s Books

children's books as inspiration

Believe it or not, children’s books can be a great source of inspiration for designers. The vibrant colors and playful illustrations in these books can help spark new ideas and help you see things from a different perspective.

Take a Walk in Nature

There’s no denying that nature is one of the most beautiful things in the world. So why not use it as inspiration for your next design project? From the patterns of leaves to the colors of a sunset, there are endless possibilities when it comes to finding inspiration in nature.

Taking a walk in nature can also help clear your mind and give you some much-needed time to think about your project.

Music

Music may be a wonderful method to stimulate your creative thinking. Music may assist you access your creative side and produce some fantastic design ideas, whether you’re listening to your favorite album or looking at new artists.

Go to an Art Gallery or Museum

art gallery or museum - inspiration

Viewing art can also be a great way to get inspired. Whether you’re visiting a museum or simply looking at paintings online, observing other artists’ work can help you see things in a new light and come up with some fresh ideas for your own projects.

Go to an Antique Store or Vintage Shop

If you’re looking for some unique inspiration, take a trip to an antique store or vintage shop. Surrounded by old items, you may find yourself seeing things in a new way and coming up with some original ideas for your project. You could even browse vintage designs on Etsy to get some inspiration.

Look Through Fashion Magazines

Fashion magazines are another great source of inspiration, especially if you’re working on a design project that involves clothing or accessories. From the latest trends to classic looks, you’ll be sure to find plenty of inspiration in these magazines.

At the very least, you can find some really interesting color palette inspiration in fashion magazines.

Talk to a Friend

Sometimes doing something completely different than the work on hand can clear your mind enough to leave room for fresh inspiration. So go ahead and take a break from your project to chat with a friend. You never know, they may just have the perfect idea for your next great design.

People Watch at Your Local Coffee Shop

coffee shop inspiration

Another great way to get inspired is to watch people at your local coffee shop. You never know who or what you’ll see, and you might just come up with some creative ideas for your project by observing the people around you.

Take a Trip

If you’re really feeling stuck, sometimes the best thing to do is take a trip. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to go somewhere far away; even taking a day trip to a nearby town can help you clear your mind and come up with some new ideas.

Get Some Sleep

If you’re feeling creatively drained, it might be time to get some sleep. Sometimes all you need is a good night’s rest to recharge your batteries and come up with some great new ideas.

Design Inspiration Can Be Found Almost Anywhere

Whether you’re looking for a fresh perspective or simply trying to get out of a design rut, these ten sources of inspiration can help you bolster your ideas and come up with some truly original designs. So don’t be afraid to explore new places and try new things; you never know where you’ll find your next great idea.

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