Life is an assortment of choices, and the same thing goes for the business world. Every day, we’re faced with decisions that shape the trajectory of our businesses. And one of the biggest ones for a company — whether it’s a start-up or a multinational corporation — is the selection of software systems to manage operations.

In the realm of business management software, two terms often float around: CRM (customer relationship management) and ERP (enterprise resource planning). Each of these has a role to play, and they can be as different as apples and oranges. So, let’s delve deep into these systems, understand their unique features and benefits, and most importantly, learn how to choose the right one for your business.

Understanding CRM systems

What is a CRM?

A CRM, or customer relationship management system, is essentially a tool for managing all of your company’s relationships and interactions with customers and prospects. It pumps vital sales information where it needs to go, ensuring that every part of the company is on the same beat.

Common features of CRM systems

CRM systems are robust, with features that are as varied as the businesses they serve. However, most have a number of things in common.

1. Customer data management

CRM systems excel in their ability to manage customer data. They collate every piece of information about a customer, whether it’s their basic contact information, buying preferences, interaction history, or social media activity.

2. Lead and opportunity management

A lead is potential gold waiting to be mined. CRM systems help businesses manage these golden opportunities by tracking, scoring, and nurturing leads.

3. Sales and pipeline tracking

Sales can be seen as a journey. It’s the process of moving a potential customer from interest to purchase. CRM systems help map and monitor this journey, providing real-time visibility of the sales pipeline.

4. Customer service and support

CRM systems enable businesses to provide top-notch customer service. By maintaining a history of customer interactions, these systems allow representatives to personalize their approach and solve issues faster.

5. Marketing automation

Marketing automation streamlines repetitive marketing tasks, which not only frees up your time, but also ensures consistent and timely engagement with your audience.

Key benefits of using CRM systems

CRM systems aren’t just fancy pieces of technology. They bring tangible benefits to the table, including:

1. Enhanced customer engagement and satisfaction

A CRM system allows you to know your customers inside out, which in turn enables you to engage them effectively and boost satisfaction levels.

2. More effective sales and marketing

By providing visibility into sales processes and automating marketing tasks, CRM systems enhance the effectiveness of your sales and marketing teams.

3. More personalized and targeted communication

In today’s business world, personalization isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. CRM systems help businesses personalize their communication and target their audience more precisely.

4. Increased customer retention and loyalty

By helping you engage customers in meaningful ways, CRM systems play a pivotal role in increasing customer retention and loyalty.

5. Improved cross-selling and upselling

Since CRM systems provide insights into customer preferences and buying behavior, they enable businesses to cross-sell and upsell effectively.

Key factors to consider when selecting a CRM

Choosing a CRM isn’t a task that should be taken lightly. It’s an investment, both in terms of money and time. Below are some of the factors you should consider before taking the plunge.

1. Sales and marketing features

Since a CRM is instrumental in sales and marketing, you must ensure that the system you choose is equipped with all the necessary features for your business, like lead management, pipeline tracking, and marketing automation.

2. Ease of use and user interface

A tool is only as good as its usability. If your team finds it hard to navigate, your shiny new CRM will just end up gathering digital dust. So, pay attention to the ease of use and the quality of the user interface.

3. Integration with existing tools

Your CRM doesn’t exist in isolation. It needs to play well with other tools you use, whether it’s your email marketing software or customer service tools.

4. Mobile accessibility and compatibility

In the era of remote working, mobile accessibility is a must-have feature. Ensure that the CRM you choose offers mobile compatibility, so your team can access customer data on the go.

Popular examples of CRM systems

The CRM market is crowded, but a few names stand out, such as:

1. Jetpack CRM

For businesses running their websites on WordPress, Jetpack CRM offers a seamless and robust CRM solution. More on this later.

2. Salesforce

Salesforce is a giant in the CRM landscape. It’s well-known for its wide array of features and cloud-based operations.

3. HubSpot CRM

HubSpot CRM is known for its user-friendly interface and integration capabilities. It’s especially popular among small to midsize businesses.

4. Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is lauded for its affordability and the range of features it offers, making it a common choice for many small businesses.

Understanding ERP systems

What is an ERP?

ERP (enterprise resource planning) is a type of software that integrates all aspects of a business into one comprehensive information system. Think of it as the brain of your business, analyzing data, making plans, and ensuring all parts of the business are working in harmony.

Common features of ERP systems

ERP systems are complex, and their features often span across all business operations. Below are some of the most common features you’ll find in an ERP system:

1. Resource management

ERP systems help businesses manage their resources more effectively. Whether it’s your employees’ time or office supplies, ERPs ensure optimal utilization.

2. Supply chain management

Managing your supply chain can be a tough nut to crack. ERP systems streamline this process by providing real-time visibility into inventory levels, order statuses, and demand forecasts.

3. Inventory management

Inventory management is a balancing act, and ERP systems help maintain this balance by tracking inventory levels and providing alerts when it’s time to restock.

4. Financial management

From maintaining a general ledger to managing payroll and taxes, ERP systems handle all financial aspects of a business.

5. Human resources management

Whether it’s recruiting new employees, managing payroll, or tracking employee performance, ERP systems help businesses manage their human resources.

Key benefits of using ERP systems

Just like a CRM, an ERP system brings a plethora of benefits to a business, including:

1. Streamlined business processes

An ERP system integrates all business operations into one single system, thereby eliminating data silos and streamlining processes.

2. Improved operational efficiency

By automating routine tasks and providing insights into business operations, ERP systems improve operational efficiency.

3. Increased data visibility and accuracy

ERP systems provide real-time visibility into business operations and ensure data accuracy, which is crucial for making informed decisions.

4. Better decision-making capabilities

By providing timely and accurate data, ERP systems enable businesses to make informed decisions.

5. Enhanced scalability and growth

ERP systems are scalable. They can handle increased workload without a significant decline in performance, making them ideal for growing businesses.

Key factors to consider when selecting an ERP

Choosing an ERP system is a monumental decision. Here are the factors you need to consider before making a choice:

1. Functionality and modules

Consider the functionalities and modules offered by the ERP system. Ensure that it meets your business needs. If your business deals with complex supply chain processes, ensure the ERP you choose excels in supply chain management.

2. Scalability and customization options

As your business grows, your needs increase. The ERP system you choose should be able to scale with you and offer customization options to adapt to your changing requirements.

3. Integration capabilities

Just like a CRM, your ERP system should seamlessly integrate with your existing tools and software to create a cohesive digital ecosystem.

4. Vendor reputation and support

Don’t forget to consider the reputation of the ERP vendor. Look at their track record, their customer support capabilities, and the regularity of their software updates.

Popular examples of ERP systems

1. SAP

SAP is a big player in the ERP space, providing robust solutions for large enterprises.

2. Oracle

Oracle ERP is known for its strong financial management capabilities, making it a preferred choice for many businesses.

3. Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics provides comprehensive ERP functionalities and integrates well with other Microsoft products.

4. NetSuite

NetSuite, a cloud-based ERP solution, is popular among small to midsize businesses for its scalability and customization options.

Comparing ERP and CRM systems

What are the key differences between ERP and CRM systems?

While CRM and ERP systems may seem similar on the surface, there are distinct differences.

CRM systems focus on the customer. They are designed to manage customer relationships, boost customer satisfaction, and improve sales and marketing processes.

ERP systems, on the other hand, are designed to manage business operations. They focus on streamlining processes, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing data visibility.

In other words, while CRM systems aim to increase profitability by nurturing customer relationships, ERP systems aim to increase profitability by reducing operational costs and improving efficiency.

Making the right choice: ERP, CRM, or both?

Choosing between a CRM and an ERP system isn’t about picking the better one. It’s about understanding your business needs and choosing the system that best addresses those needs.

If your business has a strong customer focus, a CRM system might be the best choice. If you’re struggling with managing business operations, an ERP system might be more suitable.

However, many businesses can benefit from implementing both systems. CRM and ERP systems complement each other. While a CRM focuses on front-end operations (sales, customer service, marketing), an ERP takes care of back-end operations (inventory, finance, HR). When used together, they can create a powerful synergy that drives business growth.

The role of business size and type in choosing between ERP and CRM

The size and type of your business play a significant role in choosing between an ERP and a CRM system.

Smaller businesses, especially those with a strong customer focus, might find more value in a CRM system. It can help them build strong customer relationships and improve sales and marketing efficiency.

Large businesses that manage complex operations and supply chains might benefit more from an ERP system. It can help them streamline processes and improve operational efficiency.

However, this doesn’t mean that small businesses can’t benefit from an ERP or large businesses from a CRM. It ultimately depends on your specific business needs.

Spotlight: Jetpack CRM for WordPress

An in-depth look at Jetpack CRM

Jetpack CRM is a powerful CRM system specifically designed for WordPress. It offers a plethora of features, from customer data management to sales and pipeline tracking, and marketing automation.

One of the key benefits of Jetpack CRM is its seamless integration with WordPress. It allows you to manage your customer relationships right from your WordPress dashboard.

How Jetpack CRM stands out from other CRM systems

Jetpack CRM stands out from the crowd with its user-friendly interface and robust features. It’s designed with small to midsize businesses in mind, providing all the necessary CRM functionalities without overwhelming you with complex features that you may not need.

Moreover, Jetpack CRM is incredibly affordable, making it an ideal choice for businesses on a tight budget.

Steps to integrate Jetpack CRM into a WordPress site

Integrating Jetpack CRM with your WordPress site is a piece of cake.

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard and go to Plugins → Add New. Search for “Jetpack CRM” and click Install now → Activate.

2. This will open a setup wizard that will help you get started. You’ll first answer a few questions about your site and business, such as your company name and industry. Answer these and click Next.

3. Now, you can import contacts from other tools, if appropriate. These include Stripe and WooCommerce. If you’d like to do so, toggle the ones you want to use, then click Connect your CRM to other services.

4. You’ll now see a screen for turning on additional features and enabling extensions. This includes functionality like WooSync. Enable these as needed.

5. Lastly, you’ll be able to subscribe to the Jetpack CRM newsletter if you’d like. Click Finish and go to your CRM.

With the initial setup complete, you can get to know your dashboard and configure your settings. For more information and detailed walkthroughs, check out the Jetpack CRM documentation.

How a CRM can work with an ERP system

While a CRM system like Jetpack CRM excels in managing customer relationships, an ERP system shines in managing business operations. They complement each other and can be used together to drive business growth.

For instance, data from certain CRMs can be fed into the right ERP systems to provide insights into customer behavior, which can help in demand forecasting and inventory management. Conversely, data from the ERP system can inform your customer service reps about product availability or delivery statuses.

Frequently asked questions about ERPs and CRMs

What is the main difference between an ERP and CRM?

At the most fundamental level, the difference between ERP (enterprise resource planning) and CRM (customer relationship management) systems lie in their primary focus. ERP systems are designed to optimize and streamline internal business processes across an organization, providing a holistic view of operations from finance to human resources to supply chain management. They’re the engines that keep the business running smoothly, efficiently, and profitably.

On the other hand, CRM systems put customers at the center. They help businesses understand and manage their relationships with customers, both potential and existing. CRM systems consolidate customer data, track interactions, and foster sales and marketing efforts, contributing to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty, and thus driving business growth.

Can an organization benefit from implementing both ERP and CRM systems?

Absolutely. While ERP and CRM systems have different focuses, together they provide a comprehensive solution for managing both internal processes and external relationships. 

For instance, the sales department can use a CRM to track a potential deal, while the production department can use the ERP system to ensure that there’s sufficient inventory to fulfill the order. 

So, both systems work in harmony, enabling different departments to work together seamlessly. Therefore, organizations can definitely reap substantial benefits by implementing both systems, given they have the resources and needs for both.

How do ERP and CRM systems integrate with each other?

The integration of ERP and CRM systems depends on the specific solutions in use. Most modern systems are designed to facilitate such integration, either natively, through third-party interfaces, or with custom-developed solutions.

With integration, data can flow freely between the two systems, eliminating data silos and reducing the need for manual data entry. For example, customer orders captured in the CRM system can be automatically sent to the ERP system for fulfillment.

Can ERP systems handle customer-related data and activities?

ERP systems do have the capacity to handle some customer-related data and activities, but it’s not their primary function. Their key focus lies in the integration of all internal business operations. 

While they can include a customer module that stores basic customer details and tracks sales orders, they lack the specialized features of a CRM system. Those features include the ability to manage customer relationships, like tracking interactions, managing leads and opportunities, and supporting targeted marketing campaigns. Therefore, for in-depth and comprehensive handling of customer data and customer-facing activities, a dedicated CRM system would be a better choice.

Can CRM systems handle financial management and resource planning?

While CRM systems excel at managing customer relationships, they aren’t typically designed for comprehensive financial management or resource planning. Some CRM systems might offer rudimentary features, like tracking sales revenue or basic project management, but for extensive capabilities like managing financial accounts, cash flow, supply chain, and human resources, ERP systems are the go-to choice.

Are there industries or business sizes where one system is more suitable than the other?

The choice of system depends more on the nature of operations rather than the size or industry of the business. A business with complex operational processes like manufacturing or distribution would likely benefit more from an ERP system.

In contrast, a business where customer interactions are central, such as in the retail or service industry, might find a CRM system more valuable. That said, both ERP and CRM systems can be beneficial to businesses of all sizes.

How long does it typically take to implement an ERP system? What about a CRM system?

The implementation timeframe for both ERP and CRM systems can vary widely based on the specific system, the size and complexity of the business, and the level of customization required.

Typically, ERP implementations are more time-intensive, often taking several months to over a year, given their extensive scope and the necessity for precise data migration. CRM implementations, being more focused, can often be completed in a few weeks to a few months. However, these timelines are general estimates and can differ from case to case.

What are some common challenges faced during ERP or CRM system implementations?

Implementing either of these systems can be a complex task. Common challenges include:

• Resistance to change. Employees might resist the new system, making it crucial to manage change effectively and maintain clear, open communication about the benefits of the new system.
• Inadequate training. Without proper training, users may not fully understand or utilize the system’s capabilities, diminishing its value.
• Data migration issues. Moving data from old systems to the new one can be a complex and error-prone process, needing careful planning and execution.
• Inaccurate resource allocation. Companies often underestimate the time, money, and personnel needed to implement the system, leading to overruns and frustration.

Can ERP and CRM systems be customized to meet specific business needs?

Yes, most modern ERP and CRM systems offer considerable flexibility and can be customized to align with the specific processes and needs of a business. However, customization should be approached judiciously. Over-customization can lead to increased complexity, longer implementation times, higher costs, and potential issues with system upgrades.

Are there any notable differences in pricing structures between ERP and CRM systems?

Pricing structures for both ERP and CRM systems can vary significantly based on factors such as the number of users, degree of customization, deployment model (on-premise vs. cloud), and vendor’s pricing model. However, given the more extensive scope of ERP systems, they often tend to be more costly than CRM systems.

How do ERP and CRM systems contribute to business intelligence and analytics?

Both ERP and CRM systems are rich sources of data that feed into business intelligence and analytics. ERP systems offer in-depth insights into operational efficiency, cost management, and resource utilization, while CRM systems reveal patterns in customer behavior, sales trends, and marketing campaign effectiveness. By analyzing this data, businesses can make informed strategic decisions to drive growth and profitability.

Are there any best practices for successfully using ERP and CRM systems together?

There are several best practices that can help businesses reap maximum benefits from their ERP and CRM systems:

• Integration. Ensure that your ERP and CRM systems can communicate effectively with each other, allowing for a free flow of data and eliminating information silos.
• Training. Invest in comprehensive user training to ensure your team can effectively utilize the systems.
• Clean data practices. Maintain high data quality in both systems to ensure reliable insights and smooth operation.
• Regular updates. Keep your systems up to date to benefit from the latest features and security enhancements.

By following these best practices, businesses can ensure that their ERP and CRM systems provide the greatest possible value.

Jetpack CRM: The #1 CRM for businesses using WordPress

Jetpack CRM is a robust CRM system designed with WordPress users in mind. It provides all the necessary CRM functionalities right from the WordPress dashboard, allowing you to manage your customer relationships without leaving your website.

Jetpack CRM offers powerful features such as customer data management, lead and opportunity management, sales and pipeline tracking, and marketing automation. Moreover, it’s incredibly user-friendly and affordable, making it an ideal choice for small to midsize businesses.

With Jetpack CRM, you can enhance your customer engagement and satisfaction, improve your sales and marketing effectiveness, and increase your customer retention and loyalty. All of this, while also benefiting from the powerful capabilities of WordPress.

In conclusion, the choice between an ERP and a CRM system depends on your specific business needs. Both systems offer valuable benefits and can drive your business growth when used properly. And if you’re a WordPress user looking for a CRM solution, look no further than Jetpack CRM.

Learn more about Jetpack CRM and get started today: https://jetpackcrm.com/

This month, Jetpack 12.6 brings updates to AI Assistant, Newsletter, Social, and more. Read on to learn more.

AI: Generate excerpts for your posts

You can now ask AI to create a post excerpt for your posts to save you time in writing short summaries of your content. This is great if you’re producing a lot of content and want a consistent post summary on your blog page. Custom excerpts can give an overall summary of a post and increase the number of click-throughs to read the whole post.

Add a paywall to your content

If you’re using the Newsletter feature, you can now add a paywall divider, which lets you control how much of a post visitors see before subscribing to your site or becoming a paid subscriber to access the full content. It’s a great way to monetize your content and keep visitors coming back for more.

Automatically optimize your social image sizes

When adding images to your Social posts, we now automatically optimize them to ensure that they are the right size for each social network that you are sharing to.

And More

We’ve also improved the plugin by making important bug fixes, including improved escaping around attributes, hiding the subscriptions modal if a post is set to subscribers only, fixing an issue that caused the notice displayed when updating widgets to overlap the admin menu and showing two-year plans on the my plans page.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this release!

Addison Stavlo, Adnan Haque, Andrés Blanco, Antonio Sejas, bindlegirl, Bogdan Ungureanu, Brad Jorsch, Brandon Kraft, Brent Nef, Caroline Moore, Chris McCluskey, Christopher Smith, Clemen, daledupreez, Damián Suárez, Daniel Bachhuber, David Calhoun, Derek Smart, Douglas Henri, Dylan Munson, Erick Danzer, Gergely Márk Juhász, gogdzl, Harris Papazoglou, Ian Ramos, Igor Zinovyev, Jasper Kang, Jeremy Herve, Jeroen P, John Caruso, katinthehatsite, Kev, Kosta, Kuba Birecki, Luiz Kowalski, Miguel Lezama, Mikael Korpela, MILLER/F, Nauris Pūķis, Neil Roberts, Omar Alshaker, ouikhuan, Paulo Cruz, Peter Petrov, Rafael Agostini, Rahul Gavande, Richard Ortiz, robertf4, Sebastián Barbosa, Sérgio Gomes, Siddarthan Sarumathi Pandian, Steve D, tbradsha, Tim Broddin, valterlorran

Building on the innovative capabilities of our backup file browser, we’re excited to introduce granular restores and downloads in Jetpack VaultPress Backup. Now, not only can you access, preview, and download with ease, but you can also select specific files for download or restoration. Backup control has never been this simple and efficient!

Select, Bundle, and Download

Ever wished to download just a subset of your backup files? Now you can! Simply use the checkboxes next to each item—be it files, plugins, themes, or database tables—and create a tailored bundle. Once selected, you’ll receive a link to download an archive containing only those specific items.

Restore with Precision

Your peace of mind is our priority. With granular restores, you decide which elements to restore. After making your selections, you’ll be presented with a confirmation screen to double-check your choices. A single click later, your site starts restoring the selected items, ensuring you maintain control every step of the way.

Simplified Backup Management

Our goal remains clear—making your backup experience as easy and seamless as possible. With granular restores and downloads, you have enhanced power to pick, choose, and manage. Whether you want to download a specific set of plugins or restore a couple of database tables, we’ve got you covered.

Dive into granular restores and downloads

If you’re already using Jetpack VaultPress Backup, navigate your backups with added precision. Try out the new Granular Restores and Downloads feature today!

Not yet a part of the Jetpack VaultPress Backup experience? Discover the depth of our backup capabilities. Get started here.

Are you aware that oversized images can slow down your website and impact the user experience? Jetpack Boost is proud to introduce the image size analyzer.

Boost Your Website’s Performance

The speed and performance of your website are critical to keeping your visitors engaged and improving your search engine ranking. An often overlooked factor affecting site speed is the size of the images you’re using. Larger than necessary images can slow down your site, negatively impacting user experience.

Meet the Image Analyzer

The image analyzer is a new addition to Jetpack Boost. It’s designed to enhance your website’s performance by automatically checking the size of images on your site. This feature ensures your images are properly sized for both desktop and mobile users, taking the guesswork out of image optimization.

Detailed Reporting, Simplified

After the image analyzer completes its scan, you’ll receive a comprehensive report. This report lists any image size issues, allowing you to easily see and address the most impactful problems first. It’s a straightforward way to enhance your website’s performance.

Optimize Your Website Today

Don’t let oversized images slow down your website. Upgrade your version of Jetpack Boost to include the image size analyzer today and effortlessly enhance your website’s performance.

• * Discount is for the first year only, all renewals are at full price.

93% of internet users have at least one social media account, which makes social media an excellent opportunity to connect with your audience, no matter what type of business you run.

But when you need to manage social media accounts while also writing content, marketing across other platforms, and running every other aspect of your company, it can be a bit like trying to juggle a dozen balls in the air. 

Thankfully, there’s a wide range of social media management tools for business that can help you run your social media, so you can focus on what’s most important.

In this helpful guide, we’ll help you decide on the best social media management tool for your business. We’ll explore ten of the best options, look at the key features you should keep in mind, and answer your burning questions about social media management software. 

1. Jetpack Social

Jetpack Social is one of the best social media management tools for WordPress website owners, allowing you to easily share your content on various channels. This social media management plugin is trusted by tens of thousands of WordPress site owners, who collectively share over one million posts a day.

Jetpack Social has easy-to-use tools that allow you to schedule posts to publish at the date and time your audience is most engaged on a particular platform. Plus, it enhances your content strategy by making it easy to reshare posts for the perfect stream of evergreen media on your feed.

Social media posts with images create up to 2.3x higher engagement than those without. Jetpack Social’s image generator enables you to always include the perfect graphics with your posts. It will automatically look at the images in the post and select the ones in the best dimensions for each social media platform. If your post includes a video, Jetpack Social will also allow you to share this directly on your social media post.

Simply sharing links to a post on your site likely won’t get much attention. But when you upload a curated image and take the time to add a bit of written context, suddenly that post is much more alluring to followers. 

Jetpack’s tools mimic this curated approach to social media while streamlining processes so social media managers (or small business owners) can work much more efficiently. 

Jetpack Social also works perfectly alongside the social sharing tools in the Jetpack plugin, which automatically add buttons for visitors to share their favorite content on their own profiles with just a few clicks.

Created by the team behind WordPress.com, Jetpack Social is a safe, robust, solution for WordPress sites. It integrates seamlessly with the latest version of WordPress and is supported by true WordPress experts.

Key features of Jetpack Social:

• The ability to post and share your WordPress site’s content to Facebook, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Mastodon
• Tools to customize the content of your posts
• Options to reshare existing content
• A scheduler for auto-posting 24/7
• Unlimited shares (paid plans)
• An image generator (advanced plan)
• Multi-image sharing (advanced plan)
• Video sharing (advanced plan)

Pros of Jetpack Social:

• Jetpack Social makes it easy to share your WordPress website’s content on social media, enabling you to expand the audience for your content beyond your site visitors.
• You can manage your social media sharing from within your WordPress dashboard.
• The plugin’s scheduling feature enables you to post your content at the time that’s best for your audience, without having to be online.
• Jetpack Social allows you to share the best images or videos from your post along with custom text, which creates the illusion of manually-created social media posts. 

Cons of Jetpack Social:

• Jetpack Social is designed to make sharing your website’s content with followers simple, but it won’t share posts with content that’s not already on your site.  

Ease of use

Jetpack Social is user-friendly. It guides you through the process of connecting your social accounts, so you can begin using the plugin and sharing your posts within minutes of installation. You can also take advantage of documentation, along with email and live chat support from Jetpack’s Happiness Engineers.

Pricing

Jetpack Social’s free plan allows you to share up to 30 posts per month. The Basic plan allows unlimited sharing for just $3.99 a month, and the Advanced plan unlocks all features, including image sharing, for only $12.99 a month. 

2. Hootsuite

Hootsuite is a popular social media management tool that helps you coordinate your social media profiles from one centralized dashboard. 

It offers a wide range of features, including post scheduling, which helps ensure your content lands in your audience’s social media feeds at the most effective times. Hootsuite also provides tools to curate content from across the web, which you can then share on your social media profiles. 

From your Hootsuite dashboard, you can edit and create images for your posts that follow the best practices and required sizes for each platform, and then preview how each one will appear. You can also use Hootsuite for social media monitoring through a centralized feed, and it enhances social media ‘listening’ by alerting you to mentions of your brand or chosen keywords.

Key features of Hootsuite:

• A tool to post and schedule content across multiple social media platforms
• Previews of how your posts will look on each social media platform
• Support for a range of platforms, including Facebook and LinkedIn
• The ability to curate content from across the web to use in your posts
• Built-in image editing
• Video upload and sharing tools
• Social media tracking and analysis

Pros of Hootsuite:

• Hootsuite provides detailed analytics on your social media activity, so you can see how your content is performing across different platforms, helping you make data-driven decisions and refine your social media strategy.
• Hootsuite allows you to monitor and post to all of your social media accounts from one platform.

Cons of Hootsuite:

• While Hootsuite has a plugin that allows you to post to WordPress from your Hootsuite dashboard, you can’t auto-share your WordPress posts to your social media profiles, meaning you have to create a manual post in Hootsuite for each new piece of content you add to your site or use a limited third-party plugin.
• You can’t manage your social media posts from within your WordPress website.

Ease of use:

Hootsuite has a large number of features that can be daunting at first. However, a comprehensive help center is provided, as well as email and live chat support so you, or your social media manager, can get up to speed quickly. 

Pricing:

The Hootsuite Professional plan allows you to manage up to ten social media accounts and costs $99 a month.

3. Buffer

Buffer is a well-known social media management software tool that offers a range of features to help individuals and businesses manage their social media accounts.

Buffer was initially created to allow users to write and schedule posts across various social media platforms, and this functionality remains at the platform’s core. Buffer’s paid accounts now also allow users to interact with their audiences from directly within the platform and analyze their posts and their followers’ engagement with them on social media. 

Buffer has also recently launched a set of AI features that help you grow your social media audience across a range of platforms by repurposing your existing content. 

Key features of Buffer:

• Social media post scheduling
• The ability to share the same posts across multiple platforms
• Social media analytics (paid accounts)
• Hashtag management (paid accounts)
• Tool to view social media comments, engagements, and mentions (paid accounts)
• AI features for post creation and repurposing 

Pros of Buffer:

• Buffer has a streamlined interface that makes creating and scheduling posts simple. 
• Buffer’s AI features allow you to automatically repurpose high-performing posts to create new content.

Cons of Buffer:

• You aren’t able to automatically share your website’s posts from within Buffer, meaning you have to either use a third-party workaround or create separate posts to share your content. 

Ease of use

Buffer has a simple interface that’s easy to use. A detailed knowledge base is available, as well as email support for all users.

Pricing

Buffer has a limited free plan that allows you to plan and publish posts to 3 social media platforms. Its essential plan unlocks more features, including engagement tools and analytics, for $6 per month per social media account. 

4. Tailwind 

Tailwind is a unique social media management platform specializing in sharing visual content on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. As well as support for manual scheduling, Tailwind can help take the guesswork out of posting by automatically scheduling your posts when your audience is most likely to be engaged.

The platform also helps you create on-brand social media posts using its built-in editor — you can add text, images, and videos, and Tailwind will then automatically resize your content to fit the dimensions of each social media platform. 

Tailwind also provides detailed analytics, allowing you to track impressions, clicks, saves, and other metrics to see how your visual content performs. 

Key features of Tailwind:

• Post planning and idea generation
• Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook post scheduling 
• Auto-scheduling to engage your audience at peak times
• Image and post-creation tools
• Hashtag suggestions
• Post analytics
• AI tools to write copy that accompanies your images
• Email marketing features 

Pros of Tailwind:

• Tailwind includes advanced post-creation tools that allow you to build optimized image-based posts for each platform by uploading images, videos, and text.
• Tailwind features advanced analytics, which allows you to track your Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram posts and discover which types of posts gain the highest level of engagement. 

Cons of Tailwind:

• As Tailwind focuses only on image-based posts on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook, it may not be suitable for those looking to share text-based posts and content from their website on their social media channels. 
• Tailwind does not support automatic posting from WordPress websites, meaning you need to create a social media post in Tailwind for everything you want to share.    

Ease of use

Tailwind’s social media management platform is user-centric and intuitive, making creating and scheduling image-based posts simple. There’s also a comprehensive help center, and email support is offered to all users.

Pricing

Tailwind’s Pro plan, which allows you to connect one Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook account, costs $12.99 per month. The Advanced Plan includes more resources and additional accounts for $19.99 a month.

5. Revive Old Posts

Revive Old Posts is designed to help you automatically share your website content with social media followers.

Revive Old Posts helps you share and bring visitors to your old content by automatically resharing posts at your chosen interval. The premium versions of the plugin can also help you automate the scheduling and sharing of posts from the WordPress dashboard. 

Key features of Revive Old Posts:

• Support for a range of social media accounts, like Facebook, LinkedIn, and more
• Automatic sharing of posts, pages, and custom post types at set intervals
• The ability to add categories or tags as hashtags
• Custom post scheduling (premium)
• A URL shortener with click tracking (premium)
• Custom post variations (premium)

Pros of Revive Old Posts:

• Revive Old Posts allows you to drive traffic to your older blog content by automatically resharing links, which can help keep a consistent social media presence.

Cons of Revive Old Posts:

• Scheduling of social media posts is not available with the free or basic premium subscription, meaning you’re restricted to sharing posts when they’re published and then at a set interval.
• Revive Old Posts does not allow you to customize your social media posts completely. While the premium plans allow you to create custom messages for your posts, these are always used in rotation with your default post structure.
• Revive Old Posts does not automatically select the best image from your posts to share.

Ease of use

Revive Old Posts is simple to use. Once you have connected your social media accounts, the plugin will automatically start sharing your old posts. Some of the advanced features of the plugin require additional configuration, but a knowledge base is available. The plugin authors also offer email support to premium users.

Pricing

Revive Old Posts is a freemium plugin. The basic free version is available from the WordPress plugin directory. Premium plans start at $75 a year, and plans that incorporate custom scheduling start at $149 a year.

6. Later

Later began life as an Instagram-only social media management tool for small businesses, but has evolved over time and now supports a wider range of social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok. Later allows you to create, schedule, and publish social media posts through its mobile app and web platform using an intuitive visual content calendar to drag and drop images and posts to schedule them.

Later also features a range of built-in content creation tools, which help you create compelling posts for each platform, as well as tools that allow you to source, repurpose and share relevant user-generated content for your brand.

Key features of Later:

• The ability to plan, schedule, and publish posts across a range of platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest
• A visual social media content calendar
• Content creation tools
• User generated content (UGC) curation tools
• Social media analytics
• A ‘link in bio’ tool, which allows you to provide a collection of links or a shoppable Instagram feed in your social media account bios

 Pros of Later:

• Later’s visual content calendar offers a clear view of your scheduled content and allows you to drag and drop posts to reschedule or re-use them.
• Later’s content creation tools allow you to take an image and turn it into an effective Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest post in a couple of clicks. 

Cons of Later:

• While Later now offers support for a wider range of platforms, its tools are still geared towards businesses who primarily want to share image-focused content with their followers.
• Later limits the number of posts that you can publish per month to each platform.
• Later doesn’t support auto-publishing of your WordPress website’s posts and pages, meaning you’ll need to manually create a post and upload your images in Later to share your website’s content.

Ease of use

Later offers an easy-to-navigate interface centered around a visual calendar, which makes fairly intuitive. Email support is offered to all users.

Pricing

Later’s Starter plan costs $18 a month and allows you to connect a single account per platform and allows for 30 posts a month for each one. Their advanced plan costs $40 a month for up to three accounts per platform and 150 posts a month.

7. Social Engine

Social Engine is a WordPress social media management tool that allows you to create, schedule, and manage your social media posts from within your WordPress website. 

Social Engine allows you to automatically schedule and publish new posts and pages that you’ve created on your site, as well as re-post older content to help fill the gaps in your social media schedule. 

The plugin also has a fully-featured social media calendar which allows you to create and schedule all of your social media posts — even those with content other than existing posts or pages on your site — in a single location.

Key features of Social Engine:

• Social media post creation and scheduling
• Support for a range of social media networks, including Facebook and Instagram
• The ability to automatically post your website content
• Tools to customize your social media post content
• The ability to automatically reshare old posts and pages (premium)
• LinkedIn and Pinterest support (premium)
• Social media statistics (premium)

Pros of Social Engine:

• Beyond support for promoting what’s already on your WordPress site, Social Engine also allows you to create, schedule, and publish separate content. So it can function as a complete social media management tool.
• Social Engine enables the automatic resharing of old posts and pages to help you drive traffic to your site.

Cons of Social Engine:

• Social Engine requires you to create your own free developer accounts with each social media network, which it then uses to post on your behalf.
• While Social Engine offers support for images, it won’t automatically select the best image from your WordPress posts or pages when sharing them.

Ease of use

Once configured, Social Engine is easy to use. However, some users may find the process of creating social network developer accounts and entering API keys into the plugin confusing. Email support is offered for paid plans, and the plugin developer is active on the WordPress support forum.

Pricing

There’s a free version of Social Engine available from the WordPress plugin directory. The premium plan costs $29 a year for a single site and offers support for additional social networks, as well as analytics and automatic post re-sharing.

8. Blog2Social

Blog2Social is a popular WordPress social media management software tool that allows you to turn your website’s posts and pages into social media posts. Blog2Social lets you select individual posts or enable auto-posting, which will automatically share your posts once they’ve been published.

Blog2Social also includes a scheduling tool that allows you to schedule posts in advance, and its ‘Best Time Manager’ will automatically analyze your social media accounts and select the optimum time for each one. 

Social media managers can also easily cross-post content between different social media networks by creating customized templates that follow the best practices for each network.  

Key features of Blog2Social:

• The ability to share your WordPress posts and pages on social media
• Automatic sharing of posts and pages when they’re published (premium)
• Support for a range of networks, including Facebook and LinkedIn
• The ability to automatically reshare posts (premium)
• The option to create posts from any text, image, or link 
• Auto-resharing of old posts (premium)
• Post scheduling (premium)
• Customizable post formats for each social media account (premium)

Pros of Blog2Social:

• Blog2Social allows you to schedule and share any text, link, or image, which means it can be used to manage all your posts from within your WordPress site.

Cons of Blog2Social:

• While Blog2Social supports the inclusion of images in your social media posts, it won’t automatically select the best image for each network. 
• Sharing videos with Blog2Social requires an additional paid add-on, even for premium users.

Ease of use

Blog2Social guides you through the process of connecting your social media profiles, which makes getting started with the plugin easy. Some features, including setting customized post templates for different networks and automatically sharing old posts, require additional configuration that some users may find confusing. A knowledge base is provided for all users, along with email support for all premium plans.

Pricing

Blog2Social has a limited free version available from the WordPress plugin directory. Premium plans start at $11 a month for the ‘smart’ plan, which includes post-scheduling. The ‘Pro’ plan costs $16 a month and adds additional features, including sharing images and support for additional social media networks.

9. Sprout Social

Sprout Social is a popular social media management platform that combines a range of post creation tools with powerful analytics.

Sprout Social allows you to create a unified inbox that combines posts, comments, and interactions from all of your social media accounts. You can also schedule posts and re-use them across different accounts and Sprout Social will suggest the best time to post them on each one.

Sprout Social’s analytics tools allow you to track engagement, conduct social media monitoring for brand mentions, analyze social media performance, and generate detailed reports about your social media strategy and engagement.

Key features of Sprout Social:

• Support for Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and other popular networks
• A unified social media inbox
• Social media post scheduling
• WooCommerce integration
• Post creation and optimization tools
• AI-powered engagement tools
• Advanced social media analytics

Pros of Sprout Social:

• Sprout Social offers a set of AI-powered engagement tools that help you automate tasks such as replying to followers and sharing user-generated content.
• Sprout Social’s WooCommerce integration allows you to add product links, images, and information to your social media posts.
• The analytics and reporting features within Sprout Social allow you to monitor the impact of your social media strategy. 

Cons of Sprout Social:

• Sprout Social is considerably more expensive than the other tools in this guide, making it only suitable for companies with large social media marketing budgets.
• While Sprout Social allows you to share WooCommerce product information, it cannot automatically share your WordPress website’s posts and pages.

Ease of use

Sprout Social offers a range of advanced features that can make it overwhelming to simply share your website’s content and posts with your followers. To help users adjust to the platform, Sprout Social offers a comprehensive resource center, knowledge base guides, and email support to all users.

Pricing

Sprout Social’s standard plan, which allows you to connect to five social media accounts, starts at $249 a month. The professional plan starts at $349 a month and adds advanced analytics and an unlimited number of social accounts.

10. CoSchedule

CoSchedule is a popular social media management platform that’s based around a marketing calendar that allows you to see all of your social media and website posts in one place. 

Using the calendar, you can schedule content across multiple social media channels, as well as see when you have new posts scheduled to go live on your WordPress website.

CoSchedule allows you to create social media content from within the WordPress editor, so you can schedule posts to share your website content on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other popular social media channels. CoSchedule also offers a ‘ReQueue’ feature which automatically fills any gaps in your social media schedule by republishing previous posts.

Key features of CoSchedule:

• A calendar overview of scheduled social media posts and website content
• Unlimited posting to Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and other major social media platforms
• Team collaboration tools (paid accounts only)
• An AI writing assistant
• Basic social analytics (paid accounts only)

Pros of CoSchedule:

• CoSchedule integrates with a range of content management systems, including WordPress, which allows you to see your scheduled website posts and create social media posts to share them with your followers.
• CoSchedule will analyze your social media accounts to help you determine the best times to post your content.

Cons of CoSchedule:

• CoSchedule’s social media analytics features are limited compared to other similarly-priced options.
• While CoSchedule’s ReQueue feature can help fill gaps in your social media schedule, it does this by re-posting previous posts without changing them, which could result in your social media accounts becoming stale and repetitive.

Ease of use

CoSchedule’s calendar-based approach makes it simple to schedule content, but some of the advanced features require a significant amount of configuration. CoSchedule offers a knowledge base and email support to all users.

Pricing

CoSchedule offers a limited free plan, which allows for the scheduling of five posts at a time. Unlimited posts and additional features are available in the ‘Pro’ plan, which starts at $29 per user per month.

A comparison of the best social media management tools

Frequently asked questions about social media management tools

What features should I look for in a social media tool for my business? 

When looking for a social media sharing tool for your WordPress website, it’s important to make sure that it’s affordable and easy to use. You should also consider if it was built specifically for WordPress and check out the options for support. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, compare it against a list of your most critical features and make sure it checks all the boxes.

Affordability 

Social media management tools have a wide range of price points, with some costing as much as $249 a month per user. Jetpack Social, on the other hand, offers a range of affordable plans starting at just $3.99 a month.

Ease of use

It’s important that your social media management tool is easy to use. Some services offer many different features that are only used by a small section of users but which can make the platforms more challenging to navigate and use. 

However, other social media management services, such as Jetpack Social, offer all the features most businesses need to share their website content on social media with a user-friendly interface that takes the hassle out of the process.

Built for WordPress

If your website is built on WordPress, then you’ll want to ensure that your social media management tool is built specifically with the needs of WordPress site owners in mind. For example, Jetpack Social was created specifically for WordPress by Automattic, the team behind WordPress.com.

Great support

When choosing which social media management tool to use, it’s important to consider the level of support offered. For example, Jetpack Social users can connect to Jetpack’s team of expert Happiness Engineers by email or live chat for help with the plugin.

Delivers the features you need

With so many different features offered by social media management services, you must ensure the tool you choose delivers all the features you need to manage your social media without complicating your life with things you’ll never use. 

For example, most WordPress website owners will find that Jetpack Social offers the perfect set of features to help them boost the reach of their posts on social media. 

How do I choose the right social media management tool for my business?

After reading through the popular options in this article, it’s probably clear that companies using WordPress for their website will want to choose Jetpack Social. It offers everything a business needs to share their website’s content on social media.

If your business doesn’t use WordPress, the best social media management tool will depend on the features your business is looking for and what platform or content-management system your website is built on. 

How do I integrate a social media management tool with my website or blog?

Some social media management tools, such as Jetpack Social, are made specifically for WordPress and will integrate smoothly with your WordPress site. When you install Jetpack Social, you’re guided through connecting your social media profiles, and then the plugin will get to work automatically. 

Can social media management tools help me manage multiple social media accounts?

Yes, social media management services can help you manage multiple accounts. For example, the leading service in our review, Jetpack Social, will automatically share your website’s posts in the best formats for Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumbler, and Mastodon.

Which social media platforms do social media management tools generally support?

Each social media management tool supports its own set of social media software, but most integrate with Facebook. Some tools, such as Jetpack Social, also support other platforms, including LinkedIn, Tumblr, and Mastodon, whereas other tools focus primarily on visual platforms, such as Pinterest and Instagram. 

Can a social media management tool help me automate my social media posting process?

Yes, some social media management tools allow you to automate your social media posting process. For example, Jetpack Social can post new site content when it’s published or automatically post pre-scheduled posts at the time of your choosing. 

Can I customize my messaging when using an automated social media management tool?

Some social media sharing tools only allow you to share links to your content. However, other tools such as Jetpack Social allow you to customize content included within posts, so you can speak more directly to followers and boost engagement.  

Jetpack Social: The leading social media management tool for WordPress

With its perfect combination of affordability, ease of use, and seamless WordPress integration, Jetpack Social is the leading social media management tool for WordPress. It’s poised to become a powerful partner for your business.

Jetpack Social provides all the important features your WordPress website needs to reach the world. Sign up for your Jetpack Social account today!

If you’re a WordPress developer or site owner, you’ve undoubtedly heard a lot of praise surrounding the Site Editor. This powerful tool enables users to edit every single component of their site — from headers and footers to templates — using blocks. 

To take advantage of the Site Editor, however, you’ll need to have a block theme installed and activated on your site. The process of switching from a classic theme to a block theme may seem complicated, but will be more than worthwhile, whether you’re working on your own site or improving a client’s.

Let’s explore why you might want to switch to a block theme and how you can do so safely and efficiently.

What are the different theme options in WordPress?

There are several different types of themes that are available in WordPress, and understanding the difference will help you identify the best solution for your situation.

1. Classic themes

WordPress classic themes have been around the longest, and are built using PHP-based templates. They’re typically not as flexible as block themes, and site owners use the Customizer and widget areas to make design changes. Classic themes are typically more difficult to customize, especially for global site elements and templates.

If you’ve been working in the WordPress community for very long, you’re certainly familiar with classic themes.

2. Block themes

Block themes are built with HTML templates that are entirely composed of blocks. Instead of using widgets and the Customizer, site owners employ the Site Editor to make changes. This allows for a lot more flexibility, enabling users to edit everything from headers and footers to templates with blocks. 

WordPress has supported block themes since Version 5.9, and there are some excellent options to choose from.

3. Hybrid themes

A hybrid theme is exactly what it sounds like — a mix of classic and block themes. They provide some of the traditional editing experiences from classic themes, alongside more advanced tools from block themes.

Essentially, hybrid WordPress themes are classic themes that have incorporated one or more aspects of block themes (e.g. the Site Editor or theme.json file). 

4. Universal themes

Universal themes allow users to take full advantage of the Site Editor, but can also be set up to use classic WordPress elements like the Customizer and widget areas. These are designed to essentially “bridge the gap” between block and classic themes.

Why switch to a block theme?

Now that we’ve touched on the different types of themes, we’ll look at why it’s worth switching from a classic to a block theme.

1. Improved performance

Performance is always top of mind when building a website since it impacts everything from user experience to conversions and search engine rankings. Block themes are typically faster than classic themes because they load styles just for the rendered blocks on the page. 

In many cases, you can also avoid heavy plugins that weigh down your site, using built-in functionality from the WordPress block editor instead. 

2. Ease of updating and making changes

When you can edit absolutely everything with blocks, the design and updating process is simpler and faster. Developers can build WordPress websites and make changes for their clients in less time by dragging and dropping blocks instead of editing classic theme templates. And thanks to features like reusable blocks, you can work smarter, not harder.

Website owners can also make changes to their WordPress site — even templates for blog posts, product pages, and 404 pages — without having to work with code. This means they’re less likely to break their website and, at the same time, can avoid heavy page builder plugins.

3. The ability to keep up with the future of WordPress

Block themes and the Site Editor are a major part of the direction that WordPress is moving. These tools open up endless online possibilities for everyone, including those who wouldn’t consider themselves to be “tech-savvy.” 

As Matt Mullenweg said, “[It] meets our challenges and opportunities head on while simultaneously benefiting everyone who makes a living working in the WP ecosystem. It’s about a lot more than just blocks.”

As such, these features are constantly in development and improving. With each iteration, they’re more powerful and effective for both site owners and developers. With WordPress continuing to move in this direction, don’t get left behind.

4. The ability to edit all parts of your site using blocks

We’ve touched on this a bit so far, but flexibility is definitely one of the biggest benefits of using a block theme. In addition to building pages and posts with blocks, you can customize nearly all parts of your website, including:

• Headers and footers
• Page and post templates
• Cart and Checkout pages
• Product and archive pages
• 404 and search pages

This provides a much better experience for developers — who want to save time for themselves and their clients — and site owners, no matter their experience level. Plus, it enables you to craft a truly unique WordPress website design that goes beyond out-of-the-box templates without having to spend a lot of time editing code.

5. Built-in accessibility tools

The Site Editor was built with accessibility in mind. Accessibility features like Skip to content, keyboard navigation, and landmarks are generated automatically without developers needing to add any code at all. With these responsibilities taken out of theme developers’ hands, it’s easier for themes to be usable for all.

6. The ability to more easily switch themes in the future if needed

With classic themes, you’re much more dependent on theme components like static templates, widgets, and page builders. If you want to switch themes, it requires a lot of work, often involving recreating much (if not all) of your site.

However, if you go ahead and make the switch from a classic to a block theme, changing themes in the future will be much simpler. 

Because everything — even templates and global site elements like headers and footers — will be block-based, you won’t need to recreate them each time you switch themes.

What are the practical steps to take before switching?

Ready to switch from a classic to a block theme? There are a few steps to take first to ensure that things go smoothly.

1. Back up your site

It’s always important to have a backup of your site on hand before making any major changes. If something goes wrong, or if you simply want to revert your actions, a copy of your site will be invaluable. 

While you can do this manually, the best solution is to use a real-time backup plugin like Jetpack VaultPress Backup. This tool saves a copy of your website each time you make a change, so you always have one on hand. And you can easily and quickly restore a backup even if your website is completely down. 

2. Test in a staging environment

It’s critical that you switch to a block theme within a staging environment. This will give you a safe place to make all your changes and ensure that everything’s working properly while your WordPress website remains usable. Then, once you’re ready, you can easily push your website with the new theme live. 

Many hosting providers include staging environments in their hosting packages. Alternatively, you can use a plugin like WP Staging. 

Learn more about creating a staging site.

3. Copy your widget content

Widgets are an important part of classic themes, but aren’t used in block themes. So, take the time to save any widget content that you’d like to keep.

If you have a widgetized homepage template, for example, copy any text that you’d like to keep and save it for future reference. Or, perhaps you have a powerful call to action for an email newsletter in your sidebar. You’ll want to save all of this information, so you can recreate it in your block theme.

4. Ensure that your plugins are compatible

Make sure that any plugins you’re using work well with the block theme you’re switching to. In many cases, this won’t be a problem. 

But if, for example, your WordPress website is built using a theme-specific page builder, you won’t be able to use that tool with the new block theme. Or, if a plugin works using widgets, you’ll need to confirm that it also has blocks available that provide the same functionality. 

Here are some other cases in which plugins may not work with your block theme:

• Tools that are designed for editing the classic menus rather than the Navigation block
• Plugins for managing comments that don’t work with the comment blocks
• Tools that were built for using the WordPress Customizer

However, as we mentioned earlier, the majority of established WordPress plugins are adapting to work seamlessly with block themes, the Site Editor, and the future of WordPress.

5. Save any custom code

Check for any custom code you might have created in your current theme files. For example, you might have added PHP to the functions.php file or CSS to the style.css file. 

Also copy anything you added to the Additional CSS section of the WordPress Customizer and any tracking codes you might be using, such as the Facebook Pixel.

How to switch from a classic theme to a block theme in WordPress

Have everything saved and backed up? Then let’s get started!

This process will be very dependent on the classic theme you were using, along with the block theme you switch to. Some transitions will take more work, especially if your website was built largely using widgets and custom code. 

So, understand that the steps below are a framework, and you may need to play around within them to achieve exactly what you’re looking for.

1. Choose and activate your new block theme

Your first step is to install and activate your block theme. Remember, you should be doing this in a staging environment so that your live site is not affected.

If you haven’t selected a block theme, there are great options to choose from, including a plethora of free ones in the WordPress.org theme repository. 

Go to Appearance → Themes, then slick Add New at the top. There, you can scroll through a variety of themes, search for one by name, and even preview a theme by hovering over it and selecting Preview.

Simply click Activate once you’ve made your selection. For the purposes of this example, we’ll be using the Twenty Twenty-Three theme. 

2.  Set up sitewide styles 

Your next task is to set up the styles for your theme. This allows you to choose how certain aspects of your WordPress website will look on a sitewide level. 

To do this, go to Appearance → Editor. This will open the Site Editor. Then, click Styles in the left-hand menu.

Let’s take a closer look at the options that are available to you. First, you’ll see a grid of pre-built style collections that you can toggle between and preview on the right side of the page. You can implement one of these if you’d like, to give you a head start on the design of your site.

Now, click the pencil icon next to Styles. This will open a new menu on the right side of the page. Click Typography to see all the global options for fonts and text color. You can edit settings like the font family, appearance, line height, and size for everything from paragraphs to headings and buttons.

The Colors panel lets you set a color palette for your site, and make color decisions for the background, text, links, buttons, and more.

In the Layout section, set options like content area width and padding.

Click Blocks at the bottom of the Styles panel for options that apply to specific blocks. Remember that any changes you make here will apply to blocks on a global level.

Let’s use the Tiled Gallery block as an example. When you click on this in the list of blocks, you’ll see settings for colors, layouts, and style variations. You can also add custom CSS that’s specific to this block. 

Being able to style blocks and site elements on a global level saves you a lot of development time and ensures that you can achieve a consistent look across your site. Spend some time here to get the style settings the way you’d like, whether you’re working to emulate the original classic theme you were using or are moving on to a new design entirely.

One of the most interesting features of the Style panel is the Style Book, which you can access by clicking on the eye icon in the top right. This allows you to preview all the design changes you make across a wide variety of elements and blocks, like headings, paragraphs, quotes, tables, and more.

3. Build the framework of your site

Now that you have your styles in place, it’s time to build the framework of your site, including your:

• Header and footer
• Site navigation/menus
• Templates for blog posts, pages, ecommerce content, etc.

You can access all of these by going to Appearance → Editor in the WordPress dashboard. You’ll see several options, including Templates and Patterns. Templates are page layouts for site content like blog posts, archives pages, and products. In the Patterns section, you’ll find template parts, which include elements like headers and footers. These will all vary based on the theme you’re using.

Let’s look at the header, for example. Click on Patterns → Header, then select your specific header. You can now edit this using blocks. In this example, the header has a Site Title Block and a Navigation block.

You’ll use the Navigation block to create your site navigation, rather than going to Appearance → Menus as you did with a classic theme. 

When you click on the Navigation Block, options will appear in a menu on top of the block, and in the Settings panel on the right side of the page. In that Settings panel, you’ll see the pages that are in your menu listed out. Click the + icon, followed by Page Link or Custom Link to add pages to the menu.

You can use the other tabs in the Settings panel to style the menu and make other design and functionality changes to the site’s navigation.

Then, you can add blocks to the header just as you would with the block editor that you’re already familiar with. For example, you may want to add a search bar or social media icons.

Once you’re happy with the header, go through any other template parts — like your footer — and get those to the place you’d like them to be.

Now, let’s take a look at a template. Go to Appearance → Editor → Templates. In our example, we’re going to choose the Single template, which is the layout for blog posts.

Once you open the template, you’ll see that you can edit it just as you would any other page or post that uses the block editor. You’ll have some default blocks already added, such as the Featured Image block, Post Title block, and Post Content block. You can make changes to these, move them around, and style them as you wish.

But you can also add blocks that will appear on all the blog posts across your website. For example, you might add a call to action that directs readers to an email newsletter signup form, a contact page, or a product for sale. 

Edit this template, along with any others that you’d like, saving your changes as you go. 

If your classic theme was heavily dependent on widgets, you can also use the Widget Importer tool to make the migration process easier. You can watch a full tutorial video from the Learn WordPress blog.

Learn more about using the block editor and site editor here. 

4. Rebuild or tweak any pages and posts, as necessary

If your pages were built using the block editor or the classic editor, they’ll likely need little to no work when migrating to a block theme. Content created with the classic editor will automatically appear in a Classic block. You can select the Classic block, then click Convert to blocks to separate the content into blocks.

You may need to make some tweaks and changes to blocks here and there. Take some time to go through your pages and posts and make sure that everything is to your liking.

5. Remove any unused plugins

You never want to install plugins you don’t need. And if you no longer need some of the plugins you have installed already — either because you’ve replaced the functionality with that of your block theme or because they’re not compatible — make sure to deactivate and delete them. 

Unnecessary plugins can pose a security liability and slow down your WordPress website.

6. Test the site in full

Once you’re happy with how things look on your site, go through and test everything. Look at your pages on various screen sizes, test functionality like forms and payments, and ensure that everything works the way that you or your client prefer.

7. Push the new website design live

Now, use your staging environment to push the changes and new theme live. And your migration from a classic to a block theme is complete!

Frequently asked questions about switching from a classic theme to a block theme

Do you have some additional questions? Here are answers to some commonly-asked ones.

What if I’m not ready to fully switch to a block theme?

If you’re nervous about making the switch, you can take a more gradual approach. For example, you could choose a hybrid or universal theme that ties in some elements of a block theme while still allowing for classic theme features. 

However, block themes are the future of WordPress and are quickly becoming the norm. In most scenarios, it’s best to go ahead and adopt these themes and get to know them as soon as possible.

How do you convert the classic editor to blocks?

When switching to the block editor, content created with the classic editor will automatically be turned into a Classic block. When you select this block, you’ll see a menu appear with the option to Convert to blocks. This will automatically separate the content into the appropriate blocks.

In some cases, you may need to make some tweaks to get your content exactly the way you’d like.

How can I change my theme without losing content?

When you switch themes, all the content from your posts, pages, products, and other post types will remain in place. The same thing goes for your media library and any information saved in your database. Switching themes will simply change the layout and design of your site.

That being said, it’s always best to create a full backup of your site before switching themes. You should also work in a staging environment so that your live site is not affected.

What’s the difference between a classic theme and a block theme?

With classic themes, site owners and developers use the WordPress Customizer and widget areas to make design and layout changes. Classic themes are built using PHP, and aren’t as flexible and easy to use as block themes.

In contrast, block themes use HTML-based templates that are made up of blocks. To make changes, site owners use the Site Editor and Global Styles, which enables them to edit every single part of their site using blocks. This means that they can make changes to everything from headers and footers to templates without editing any code.

What’s the difference between the Gutenberg Editor and the Site Editor?

If you’ve heard the term “Gutenberg,” you may be wondering how that differs from words like “block editor” and “site editor.” In general, these mean the same thing — the tools that enable WordPress users to edit their site with blocks.

However, the name “Gutenberg” was used for the specific project of developing and implementing blocks in WordPress. This name is being retired as the project nears completion, with WordPress using “block editor” and “site editor” as the permanent names for these tools.

The Gutenberg plugin is a free plugin from WordPress that allows site owners to test features before they’re released as part of WordPress core.

Where can I learn more about block themes?

There are several places that you can learn more about block themes and the block editor:

• Learn WordPress, which is chock-full of tutorials and videos
• WordPress.org documentation, which includes detailed guides 
• WordPress.tv, which lets you view a video tutorial for numerous aspects of WordPress 
• A Complete Guide to the Block Editor, a detailed post from Jetpack that contains everything you need to know about the block editor

Once you’ve made the transition, maximize your site’s performance, security, and marketing potential with a free plugin with premium options like Jetpack.

“Always back up your data.” 

You’ve undoubtedly heard this advice time and time again. But when you’re running a business, the urgent often supersedes the important. You’re busy grappling with day-to-day challenges and this crucial advice goes ignored. 

It’s not until disaster strikes — a malware attack, a server crash, or even simple human error — that the hard truth sinks in.

Imagine losing all your website data and content in a single swoop. All the blood, sweat, and tears poured into creating your unique online presence, gone. It’s not just about the time, energy, and resources you’ve invested; it’s about your reputation, customer trust, and business continuity.

Enter Jetpack VaultPress Backup, a powerful, intuitive, and automated solution designed to safeguard your site against this kind of catastrophic event. With VaultPress Backup, you don’t just get an important business tool; you get peace of mind and the ability to bounce back, even in the face of disaster.

What are automatic website backups?

Automatic website backups are your website’s safety net. They’re essentially a complete copy of your website, including your database, themes, plugins, posts, comments, and everything in between. In the case of VaultPress Backup, the files are stored in a secure, off-site location. 

The “automatic” part is crucial here, as it means that these backups are created without any manual intervention and are ready to be restored at a moment’s notice.

What are the benefits of automatic backups?

1. Reduced liability

At first glance, backups might just seem like an additional expense. But when you factor in the potential cost of data and content loss — the time spent reconstructing your site, the loss of customer trust and potential business, and the technical expertise needed for recovery — the investment in an automatic WordPress backup solution like VaultPress Backup is a drop in the ocean.

2. Convenience

With automatic backups, there’s no need to mark your calendar or set reminders. Once VaultPress Backup is configured, every update or change is saved in real time, without any effort on your part. It’s all the convenience of “set it and forget it.” 

3. Enhanced security

Website security is an ongoing battle. Despite your best efforts, threats can find a way through your defenses. Automatic backups ensure that even if your site is compromised, you can quickly revert to a secure, uncompromised version.

4. Protection from data loss

From human errors and hardware failures to cyberattacks and natural disasters, data loss threats are varied and unpredictable. Automatic backups offer a robust safety net, protecting against these scenarios.

5. Reliability

With an automatic backup solution like VaultPress Backup, you get consistent, reliable backups. There’s no risk of forgetting a backup or a manual process failing.

6. Fast disaster recovery

The faster you can get your site back up and running after a disaster, the less damage done to your business. With an automatic backup, you can quickly restore your site to its pre-disaster state.

7. Scalability 

As your website grows, so does the amount of data and content you’re storing. An automatic backup solution can easily scale with your needs, ensuring all your information is protected.

8. Regulatory compliance and legal protection

In many sectors, maintaining regular backups is not just best practice; it’s a legal requirement. Automatic backups can help you meet these requirements with minimal effort.

9. Peace of mind

There’s a tranquility in knowing that your data is safe no matter what. With automatic backups, you have that peace of mind.

How do automatic backups differ from manual backups?

With a manual backup process, you’re in the driver’s seat. You decide when to back up your data, what to back up, and where to store it. On the surface, it might seem like a good thing — after all, who knows your website better than you? But we’re human, and with our human tendencies come oversights, procrastination, and plain old forgetfulness.

Here’s where automatic backups swoop in to save the day. With a tool like VaultPress Backup, your site is backed up regularly, without any work on your end. It’s a hands-off approach that offers a higher degree of consistency, accuracy, and reliability. While you’re focusing on growing your business, your backup solution is quietly working in the background, securing your website data and content.

Common misconceptions about automatic backups

1. “I don’t need backups; my host provides them.”

It’s true that many web hosts provide backups. Unfortunately, these are typically infrequent and may not cover your entire site. Plus, in many cases, backups are stored on the same server as your site. This means that if your site is compromised due to a hack, your backups could be, too. Not to mention, restoring these backups can be complicated and time-consuming.

2. “My site is too small for backups.”

No website is too small for backups. If it’s important to you or your business, it’s worth protecting.

3. “Backups are too complicated for me.”

With an intuitive solution like VaultPress Backup, setting up automatic backups is a breeze. It’s designed to be user-friendly, even for those with minimal technical knowledge.

4. “Backups slow down my website.”

A well-optimized backup solution won’t hinder your website’s performance. VaultPress Backup, for instance, is designed to work quietly in the background, without diminishing your site’s speed or user experience.

How to choose the right backup solution

The right solution for your business should include several features: real-time backups, full-site coverage, off-site storage, easy restoration, and a secure environment. Beyond these, you should consider factors like scalability, cost, customer support, and compatibility with your website platform.

Introducing Jetpack’s VaultPress Backup plugin

VaultPress Backup, developed by the trusted team behind WordPress.com, is designed with these factors in mind. It’s more than just a backup tool — it’s a comprehensive security solution for your WordPress site.

Features and benefits of VaultPress Backup

VaultPress offers real-time backups, ample storage space, and easy restoration. It can also be bundled with WordPress security features like malware scanning, spam protection, and brute force attack protection. The plugin also provides a seamless experience for WordPress users.

How VaultPress Backup works

VaultPress Backup runs in the background, automatically backing up your website data every time something happens on your site — an update to a page, a new order, a new comment, and more. It stores these backups securely off-site, ready to be restored whenever needed. And with Jetpack’s team of Happiness Engineers, you’re never alone in your data protection journey.

How to set up up automatic, real-time backups with VaultPress Backup

Setting up VaultPress Backup is straightforward. Once you’ve purchased a plan, you’ll need to install and activate the plugin, connect to your WordPress.com account, and activate VaultPress. It’s a set-and-forget solution — the plugin will automatically start backing up your site. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of the easy setup procedure:

1. Go to Plugins → Add New in your WordPress dashboard. Search for “Jetpack VaultPress Backup” and click Install Now → Activate.

2. There, you’ll see a prompt to set up Jetpack VaultPress Backup. Click Set up Jetpack.

3. Click Approve to connect your site to WordPress.com. There, you can log into an existing account or create a new one. 

4. There will now be a table with several options for plans. Choose the one that best fits your needs and continue through the checkout process.

And that’s all there is to it! Once VaultPress Backup is set up, your backups will start running automatically.

How to quickly restore a backup with VaultPress Backup

With VaultPress Backup, restoring a backup is as easy as creating one. Simply choose the time to which you want to revert, and click Restore. VaultPress will take it from there, restoring your site to the state it was in when the backup was created. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough of the restore procedure:

1. Go to https://cloud.jetpack.com and click on your Activity Log.

2. Now, you can filter by activity type or date range to find a specific restore point.

3. Click Actions → Restore to this point. 

4. You’ll see a list of items that you’d like to restore. In most scenarios, you should leave them all checked. Click Confirm Restore.

And your backup will start! Keep track of the restore progress on this same page, or just wait for a notification when the restoration is complete.

Best practices for website backups

1. Create backups in real time

In the digital world, a lot can happen in a short span of time. That’s why real-time backups, like those offered by VaultPress Backup, are crucial. They ensure that even the most recent changes to your site are saved and protected.

2. Store backups offsite for disaster recovery

Storing backups on the same server as your website is a risky move. To ensure your backups are safe from server crashes or data breaches, it’s crucial to store them offsite, just like VaultPress Backup does.

3. Store backups in an ultra-secure environment

Your backups are only as good as the security protecting them. With VaultPress Backup, your site’s files are stored in a secure environment, protected against threats and breaches.

4. Have a fast backup restoration procedure

When disaster strikes, every second counts. An efficient, straightforward restoration procedure can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a major catastrophe. VaultPress Backup’s one-click restore feature ensures that you’re back in business in no time.

Frequently asked questions about automatic WordPress backups

What is the difference between manual backups and automatic backups?

Manual backups involve a hands-on approach where you’ll manually create a copy of your site’s data and store it yourself. This process might involve navigating your site’s control panel, finding the appropriate option to download your site data, and saving it to a secure location of your choice.

In contrast, automatic backups, like those performed by VaultPress Backup, happen without any intervention on your part. Once set up, they automatically save a copy of your site data at regular intervals or in real-time, depending on the tool you choose. You won’t need to remember to back up your data or worry about storing it securely.

How often should I schedule automatic website backups?

The frequency of your backups will largely depend on how often your website changes. However, most sites should opt for real-time backups so that every change is saved as it happens, and you never lose a moment on your site.

For less frequently updated sites, daily backups might suffice. But remember, more frequent backups provide a more up-to-date safety net in case of data loss.

How long does it take to restore a backup using VaultPress Backup?

The duration of restoring a backup using VaultPress Backup depends on the size of your website and the speed of your server. However, VaultPress Backup aims to make this process as swift and seamless as possible. Once you initiate a restore, it goes to work immediately. For an average-sized website, the restoration can typically be completed within minutes.

What happens if my website is compromised or hacked? Can I restore a clean backup?

Yes, VaultPress Backup has you covered. If your site is compromised or hacked, you can select a backup version from before the breach occurred and restore your site to that state. By doing this, you’re essentially turning back the clock to a point when your site was safe and clean, thus eliminating any malicious alterations made by the hackers.

Can I use VaultPress Backup with non-WordPress websites?

VaultPress Backup is tailor-made for WordPress sites. It’s designed to work seamlessly with the WordPress ecosystem, backing up everything from posts, comments, and media files to your themes, plugins, and settings. As such, it does not support non-WordPress sites.

How secure is the backup data stored with VaultPress Backup?

Security is at the core of VaultPress Backup. Your data is stored on servers that are highly secure and monitored 24/7. These servers are designed to protect against unauthorized access and are equipped with multiple layers of protection to safeguard your data. 

Are there any known conflicts between VaultPress Backup and other plugins or themes?

VaultPress is developed by the same team behind WordPress.com, and is designed to work seamlessly with most plugins and themes. However, if you encounter any issues, Jetpack’s Happiness Engineers are ready to assist you.

Who created VaultPress Backup?

VaultPress Backup was created by Automattic, the same experienced team behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, and many other widely-used WordPress products. The team’s in-depth experience with WordPress allows them to create a backup solution that integrates seamlessly with WordPress, providing a smooth and reliable experience.

VaultPress Backup: Real time, automated backups for WordPress

Data protection should not be an afterthought — it’s an essential part of running a successful website. 

VaultPress Backup offers WordPress site owners a powerful, convenient, and reliable solution for data protection. Whether you’re a small business owner managing a single site, or a larger organization overseeing multiple WordPress sites, VaultPress is ready to safeguard your online presence. 

Remember, there’s no such thing as a small disaster when it comes to data loss. 

VaultPress Backup is more than just a backup solution. It’s a commitment to protect the website that represents your business, your livelihood, and your passion. With the Jetpack team standing by to support you, you’re never alone in this journey.

You have the power of automatic backups, real-time updates, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your website data is safe, secure, and ready to be restored at a moment’s notice.

So take the leap. Leave behind the uncertainty and stress of manual backups, and step into the future with VaultPress Backup. 

Learn more about VaultPress Backup here: https://jetpack.com/upgrade/backup/

If you take a moment to think about the websites you visit these days, you might be amazed at how many features even the ‘simplest’ have. In the past, if you wanted to create a professional-looking website, you needed at least some basic coding skills. Now, anyone can build a site that looks great and functions well, with zero coding required.

That is possible thanks to content management systems (CMS) and website builders. These types of tools democratize web development and enable you to create the exact type of website you want. All you need is to be willing to learn how they work, and put in a little time and effort.

In this article, we’ll discuss exactly what it takes to build a website from scratch. We’ll guide you through the process step by step, so you know everything you’ll need to get started. 

What is needed to create a website from scratch?

If you want to create a website without coding, you’ll need the right tools for the job. At a minimum, you’ll want:

1. A website building platform. The website builder or CMS you use should offer all the features you need to design and publish as many pages as you want. That includes tools to create and design pages and content, sell products online (if relevant), manage users, and anything else you require.
2. Access to hosting. Every website needs hosting. This involves paying for a server that’s configured to store your files and make your website available to the public.
3. A domain name. This is how people can access your website (outside of finding it in search engines). A great domain name can make or break a site.

If you’re thinking about creating your first website, these elements might sound intimidating. You have a nearly infinite number of choices and combinations for which website builder and web host to use (not to mention domain names!). 

In particular, your choice of a website building platform will determine how complicated it will be to get your site ready. That’s where WordPress.com comes in.

WordPress.com: The best way to build your website

Since you need a website builder, hosting, and a domain to create a site, it makes sense to opt for a solution that offers all three components. That’s precisely what WordPress.com does.

You’re probably familiar with WordPress. It’s the web’s most popular CMS and blogging platform. But what you may not know is that you can use it to create almost any type of website you can imagine. A lot of its features are designed with blogging in mind, but the CMS is incredibly customizable.

There’s a reason WordPress powers around 43% of all websites. That’s billions of sites, and includes major brands like Slack, TIME Magazine, CNN, and many more.

With WordPress, you get access to an intuitive system that includes tools for content creation and management, style customization, user management, ecommerce, and more. Add plugins into the mix, and you can transform WordPress into the perfect platform for almost any type of project.

Unlike ‘self-hosted’ WordPress, WordPress.com includes hosting and a free domain (depending on which plan you choose). The CMS comes pre-installed with every plan, so you can get right to work after signing up for an account. Plus, WordPress.com offers a lot more protection and optimization than most other web hosts.

How to build a website from scratch (in 7 steps)

If you’re excited to get started, you’ve come to the right place. In the following sections, we’ll take you through the entire process of creating your new website with WordPress.com!

Step 1: Create a WordPress.com account

The first step is the easiest. WordPress.com offers a variety of plans, so you should be able to find something that fits your budget. Every plan gives you access to the full version of WordPress (aside from plugin support, which we’ll discuss shortly).

The free WordPress.com plan doesn’t place any limits on the amount of traffic your site can get, and you receive 1 GB of storage. That’s enough for a small blog, if you don’t mind having your website display ads.

Premium plans progressively add more functionality and an ad-free experience. From the Personal plan onward, you also get a free domain for one year and a secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate, as well as automatic HTTPS (which helps protect your site and visitors).

The real magic of WordPress unlocks with the Business plan. This is the option that includes support for installing plugins. You can use plugins to add all kinds of new features to your website — everything from contact forms to online courses.

Finally, if you want to use WordPress to launch an ecommerce store, you’ll need the Commerce plan. This is the most exhaustive plan that WordPress.com offers, but it translates to top-of-the-line security and performance for an online store.

Take some time to consider what plan you want to use. If this is your first time with WordPress, it might be best to take the free plan for a spin first. That way, you can get familiar with the platform and figure out what more advanced features you want.

Step 2: Pick and register a domain name

Next, you’ll need a domain name. This forms the basis of your website’s URL (e.g. jetpack.com).

If you choose one of the WordPress.com plans that come with a free domain name registration, this process is quick. You can use a third-party domain registrar instead, but that comes with its own additional costs. 

On average, .com domains cost around $10 per year. That cost can vary depending on the domain, though, and prices are not the same for every top-level (.com vs .net vs .org) domain. 

For your first website, it’s typically best to stick with .com, since it’s a safe and well-known option. All you need to do is figure out the perfect name for your website.

This step is very personal, and it will vary depending on what goals you have for your website. With that in mind, here are some quick tips to remember when choosing your domain:

1. Keep it simple. You’ll want your domain name to be easy to remember and type.
2. Either make it unique, or clearly connected to your business/brand. If you’re struggling to find a unique name, stick with terms and keywords that relate to your business or brand. For portfolios and personal websites, you can use variations of your own name instead.
3. Avoid generic domains. Although it’s best for your domain to be simple and clear, you don’t want it to be easily confused with other brands. A domain like cheaptents.com may get the point across, but it doesn’t contribute to unique brand recognition. 

If you’re struggling to come up with a name, there are a lot of domain name generator tools you can use. These tools will take in keywords and generate hundreds of potential domains (and even show you which ones are available). Even if they don’t suggest any options you like, they can be great for brainstorming.

Step 3: Choose a theme to customize your site’s look

Once you sign up for WordPress.com, you’ll get access to your new dashboard right away. There, you’ll be able to see your website and start making changes to it. Right now, your website should be pretty empty, with only the default pages your theme sets up for you.

A WordPress theme is a collection of templates with unique styles. Themes enable you to change your website’s design easily. There are even themes designed for specific types of websites, like blogs or online stores.

The design you see right away will be determined by WordPress’ latest default theme. To change it, go to the Appearance → Themes page. There, you’ll see an overview of all the themes installed on your website.

You can change themes by selecting one and clicking the Activate button. To find new options, select Add New. This will open the WordPress theme repository without leaving the dashboard.

From here, you have access to all the free themes available for WordPress. If you see one you like, mouse over it to get a preview, or go right ahead and click on Install.

WordPress will download the theme in the background, and when it’s ready, you’ll be able to activate it. Once you do, check out how your website looks using the new theme.

It might take a few tries to find the perfect theme. There are thousands of free options available, so be patient until you find a design that fits your vision for your site.

Note that some WordPress.com plans also give you the option to upload themes. That’s so you can use themes that you download or buy from third-party websites and marketplaces.

Premium themes can be very useful, but it may be best to not spend money on them until you’re more familiar with how WordPress works. That way, you’ll know exactly what you want when you do start browsing third-party marketplaces.

Step 4: Design your site with the drag-and-drop editor

Once you’re happy with your theme, it’s time for the real work to begin. That means creating a homepage for your website. For that, you’ll use the WordPress drag-and-drop editor, also known as the Block Editor.

To get started, go to the Pages section of your dashboard and select Add New. This will launch the Block Editor. When you’re starting with a blank page, the editor will look something like this:

The plus sign button that you see in the middle of the screen enables you to add blocks to the page. Blocks are pre-built elements that can be almost anything, from paragraphs to lists, images, forms, and more. WordPress comes with dozens of blocks, including every element you need to design a website.

After adding a block, you can click on it, and the menu to the right of the screen will show you its customization options. You can also add basic text blocks, like the Paragraph and List options.

At this stage, we recommend that you play around a bit and familiarize yourself with the blocks that the editor offers. Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start. Simply learn how the editor works, try using different blocks, re-arrange them by dragging and dropping, and see what customization options are available.

You can click on the Preview button at the top of the screen at any time to see what your design will look like once you publish it. If you’re not happy, you can always continue to tinker with it, as every page in WordPress is fully customizable.

If you’re not sure what kind of design you want to use, you can go into the Patterns menu by clicking on the blue plus sign at the top of the screen. This menu will show all blocks in a sidebar, as well as a category labeled Patterns.

Patterns are pre-designed page sections that you can use as starting points. Selecting a pattern will add it to the page, and you’ll be able to edit its components (they’re all blocks) to customize them to your liking.

Using patterns is a great shortcut, giving you excellent designs as starting points. Every pattern is free to use, so go ahead and experiment with them.

When you’re happy with the page’s design, click on the Publish button. WordPress will save your progress as a “draft” while you edit a page or a post. It doesn’t actually publish the page (make it visible to visitors) until you click on the Publish button.

Before you start working on other pages, you’ll also want to learn how to edit WordPress menus and how to set a homepage. This will enable you to customize your site’s navigation in any way you want.

Learn more in our guide to the WordPress Block Editor.

Step 5: Add pages, content, images, and videos

Creating one page is a great start, but it doesn’t make a full website. Depending on what idea you have in mind, you’ll probably need to design multiple pages.

You may also want to create posts, if you plan to set up a blog, news feed, or similar feature. WordPress will display your latest posts on the Blog page by default.

The process of creating and publishing posts works just the same as with pages. Go to the Posts screen and click on Add New. This will launch the editor with a blank slate.

How you structure your site’s content is up to you. Still, every post will likely need text, images, and sometimes video. You can add any of those elements by selecting the option to place a block on the page.

To add images or videos, you’ll first need to upload them to WordPress. To do this, select either the Image or Video option from the block menu and click on Upload.

You’ll get the option to select a file from your local device and upload it to the website. Once the upload is done, you’ll be able to select the image and place it on the page or post.

Keep in mind that you might have storage limits, depending on which WordPress.com plan you use. The platform also doesn’t support every image or video format, but it works with all the major options. If you plan to feature a lot of media, you can get video hosting with Jetpack.

As with pages, when you’re done working on your latest piece of content, you can choose to publish it or save it as a draft. After you hit the Publish button, visitors will be able to see the content on your website.

Step 6: Add products, payment, and shipping (if applicable)

This step only applies if you’re building an online store, and if you opt for a WordPress.com plan that enables you to publish and sell products using WooCommerce. If you’re not already familiar with it, WooCommerce is an ecommerce plugin for WordPress. It adds all the features you need for a storefront.

Once you have WooCommerce installed, you can start adding products to your website using the Products → Add New option. This will launch a simple editor where you can set the product’s title and price, add a description, and specify what kind of item it is (physical or virtual).

The WooCommerce editor doesn’t use blocks. It’s more like a series of forms that you fill out to add product information. 

If you want to learn more, check out this tutorial on how to add and edit WooCommerce products. While you’re at it, you might also visit these tutorials that explain WooCommerce payment methods and how to configure shipping.

Step 7: Launch your website

With WordPress.com, there’s no “launch” button or anything you have to click on for your website to go live. As soon as you hit the Publish button for a page or a post, visitors will be able to see it. All you have to do is actually attract those visitors.

If you want to rely on search engines, you’ll need to learn about search engine optimization (SEO). You can also use social media or paid ads to drive traffic to your website, depending on your audience and budget.

Whatever route you choose, keep in mind that building an audience can take a while. No website launches and gets thousands of visitors overnight (unless you’re famous), so be patient and keep publishing new content.

Examples of websites built with WordPress.com

Even with a beginner-friendly platform like WordPress.com, building an entire website can seem intimidating. You might not be sure what you want it to look like, or what it should include. If that sounds familiar, this section is for you.

The best way to start is by exploring existing websites built using WordPress.com. This will give you an idea of what’s possible, and help you figure out what you do and don’t like.

For example, Kiss My Spatula is a food blog, featuring stories of people eating around the world. Posts are categorized by continent, along with showcasing a list of travel tips.

WordPress isn’t just the home of blogs. Major corporations and news outfits also rely on WordPress.com. For instance, FiveThirtyEight is one of the most popular opinion poll analysis and politics sites in the US.

For a lot of big companies, using WordPress makes sense because it’s a tested, business-ready website builder that offers everything you’ll need to grow your brand. The Meta Newsroom focuses on publishing news about all the companies under its umbrella.

This website is powered by WordPress VIP (owned by Automattic, just like WordPress.com), which caters to enterprise-level websites. If your website grows enough, you might end up using those services at some point!

Frequently asked questions

By now, you’re ready to begin building your own website with WordPress.com. Before you go, let’s clear up any lingering questions.

How much does it cost to create and host a website?

The cost of creating and hosting a website will depend on what type of site you want to create and the hosting platform you choose. If you want to hire a developer, for example, your website can end up costing thousands of dollars.

WordPress.com gives you a lot of options that adapt to different budgets. There’s even a free plan that includes both the website builder and hosting. It does include ads, but it doesn’t limit traffic in any way.

You can also opt to start with an ad-free plan from the beginning. WordPress.com offers a great starting plan called Personal, which costs $4 per month and includes a free domain.

Do I need coding skills to create a website?

If you want to create a completely custom website from scratch, you’ll need to know how to code. The alternative is to hire a web developer or an agency to do it for you (which can be expensive). 

Want to take this route? Built by WordPress.com can take care of everything for you. Created by WordPress.com Happiness Engineers, you’ll be sure to get a quality site in as little as four days.

For everyone else, WordPress.com offers a visual website builder experience that lets you create a unique website without knowing anything about code. Even if you do have web development experience, WordPress.com enables you to launch websites faster and easier than ever.

How long will it take to create a website from scratch?

How long it takes to create a website depends on how familiar you are with the process, the tools you’re using, and the scope of your project. WordPress.com is remarkably user-friendly. Still, you do need to familiarize yourself with how the platform and the Block Editor work.

Once you understand how to use the Block Editor, you can design multiple pages in just a few hours. If you’re building a relatively small website, you should be able to put everything together in a couple of days.

Will the website be secure and safe for visitors?

One of the disadvantages of having to shop around for a web host is that security falls largely in your hands. Some hosts offer decent security features, but the responsibility for protecting your website is ultimately yours.

WordPress.com does things differently. The platform is designed to offer a secure hosting experience out of the box. Every plan comes with a free secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate included, as well as the Jetpack plugin. That means you get access to built-in security, real-time backups, speed optimizations, and more.

Will the website be mobile-friendly?

The WordPress Block Editor is very mobile-friendly. You can use the editor to preview how your site will look at different resolutions, including on mobile devices.

It’s also worth noting that some themes are more mobile-friendly than others. It’s best to test multiple options before making a decision, so your site looks and functions well for all visitors.

Build a website without coding thanks to WordPress.com

Whether you know how to code or not, using WordPress.com to build your website is a smart choice. This website builder offers all the tools you need to create professional-looking pages, and you don’t need any special technical expertise.

On top of that, WordPress.com plans bundle everything you’ll need, including hosting and a domain name. You also get access to Jetpack, which means free automated backups, speed optimizations, malware scanning, and much more!

As a website owner welcoming people to your site, you have not only a responsibility to provide a warm greeting and relevant information, but to protect users and their information. Most visitors don’t keep web security on the top of their minds, but you should. 

Thankfully, you don’t need a full time team of security experts constantly on guard. A few basic steps and tools can take care of the majority of potential threats for the average website and its visitors. Today we’ll talk about two. 

The first is an SSL certificate — a non-negotiable tool that can encrypt information sent between your site and users. 

The second is a WordPress security plugin that provides everything from spam protection to site backups, malware scans, and more.  

What is an SSL certificate?

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a tiny bit of code that provides security for online communications. Think of it as the lock on your front door. It secures the information that travels from your computer to the site you’re visiting and back. 

An SSL certificate enables an encrypted connection. It does this by establishing a ‘handshake’ between the user’s browser and the server. When this handshake is complete, a padlock or a green bar will appear in the browser’s address bar, signifying a secure connection.

The different types of SSL certificates

1. Domain Validated (DV) certificates

Domain Validated Certificates are the ‘entry-level’ option. The verification process is quick and relatively easy, requiring only a check that the applicant owns the domain for which they’ve applied for the certificate.

These certificates are a good fit for small websites or blogs where financial transactions or the transfer of sensitive data don’t occur. However, their simplicity is also their limitation; DV certificates only certify domain ownership, not the legitimacy of the organization behind the website.

2. Organization Validated (OV) certificates

Here, the validation process is more stringent, requiring verification of the business’s existence and legitimacy. This can include things like checking the business’s registration, physical location, and the authority of the applicant.

OV certificates enhance your website’s credibility, making them ideal for businesses that require more trust from their visitors. The catch? The verification process takes a bit longer, and they’re more expensive than DV certificates.

3. Extended Validation (EV) certificates

For those who want the most stringent level of validation, Extended Validation (EV) Certificates are the answer. The process to obtain an EV certificate is rigorous, including all the checks of an OV certificate, plus some additional steps. 

One key benefit of an EV certificate is the visual cues it provides, such as the green address bar. These cues offer immediate trust to visitors and are particularly valuable for websites dealing with sensitive information or financial transactions.

4. Wildcard and Multi-Domain certificates

Think about Wildcard and Multi-Domain Certificates as the jack-of-all-trades in the SSL world. A Wildcard SSL certificate secures your main domain and an unlimited number of its subdomains, while a Multi-Domain SSL Certificate allows you to secure multiple distinct domains with a single certificate.

These are particularly handy for businesses with multiple subdomains or completely separate domains, offering a cost-effective, streamlined way to manage SSL certificates.

Why SSL certificates are essential for site security

1. Encryption and data integrity

SSL certificates turn your sensitive information into an unintelligible series of characters that can only be returned to a readable format by the intended recipient. This ensures data integrity by protecting it from being tampered with or intercepted during transmission.

2. Authentication and trust

Think of a handshake when you first meet someone. The handshake isn’t just about being polite, it’s also about building trust. SSL certificates do just that for your website, assuring visitors that they’re interacting with the authentic website and not a malicious clone.

The trust seal or green bar that appears in the browser is akin to a digital signature. It tells your visitors, “You can trust us. We’re not imposters.” 

3. SEO and trust signals

It’s not just about trust between you and your visitors, it’s also about trust between your site and search engines. SSL certificates are considered trust signals, and search engines like Google favor websites that are secure. As a result, having an SSL certificate can give your site a slight SEO boost. 

4. Machine-in-the-middle attack mitigation

In a machine-in-the-middle attack, a cybercriminal intercepts, and can potentially alter, the communication between two parties. SSL certificates help prevent these attacks by ensuring that communication between your site and its visitors is encrypted and secure.

5. PCI compliance

If your website accepts credit card payments, you need to be PCI compliant. One requirement of PCI compliance is having an SSL certificate. It’s a fundamental box to tick, the equivalent of making sure your car has an engine before you try to drive it.

How to get an SSL certificate

1. Choose the right SSL certificate for your site

Just like you wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, you need to choose the right SSL certificate for your needs. Use DV for small, non-commercial sites, OV for businesses requiring more trust, and EV for websites dealing with sensitive data. Multi-domain or wildcard certificates are your go-to if you’re juggling multiple domains or subdomains.

2. Find a provider

Many hosting providers offer SSL certificates as part of their plans or for a small additional fee. If that’s the case, they’ll usually also install them on your behalf. Bluehost, Pressable, and A2 Hosting, among others on our recommended WordPress hosting list, include SSL certificates at no additional cost.

Don’t want to use your hosting provider? 

SSL For Free and Let’s Encrypt are two providers that offer free, DV SSL certificates. To find more options, read our article about how to get a free SSL certificate.

3. Activate and install the SSL certificate

You’ve chosen your certificate. Now, it’s time to install it. This process will vary based on the provider you choose, but each one should provide detailed documentation. Once installed, you’ll need to update your site to use HTTPS instead of HTTP. Most content management systems, like WordPress, offer tools to simplify this process.

Best practices for using SSL certificates

1. Choose the right SSL certificate for your needs

Choosing the right SSL certificate is not just about ticking a box. It’s about understanding the different types of certificates, their strengths, and their limitations. By selecting the most appropriate certificate for your needs, you’re signaling to your visitors that you value their security and trust.

2. Renew your SSL certificate

It’s simple: a lapsed SSL certificate equates to an unsecured website. This can lead to warning messages appearing in users’ browsers, deterring them from visiting your site. It can also cause search engines to lose trust in your website, and could even cause hackers to gain access to user data.

Most SSL certificate providers will email you when your term is about to lapse, while others have auto-renewal set up, so you don’t have to do anything. Make sure to know what the process is for your certificate and always stay on top of it.

3. Ensure full website compatibility with SSL

Every part of your website must align with SSL encryption. All your site’s elements, including images, videos, scripts, and CSS files, need to be served over HTTPS to avoid mixed content issues. Mixed content can undermine your site’s security and result in warnings being displayed in visitors’ browsers.

Tools like Why No Padlock? can help you debug and troubleshoot mixed content warnings.

4. Enhance security with SSL and other security measures

Securing your website isn’t a one-time process. It takes continual monitoring and adjustments to stay ahead of threats. SSL certificates are just one part of site security.

This is where Jetpack Security shines, offering a comprehensive suite of WordPress security features that go hand-in-hand with your SSL certificate, like automated backups, malware scanning, and spam protection.

Frequently asked questions about SSL certificates

What is an SSL certificate, and why do I need one for my website?

An SSL certificate encrypts the data between your website and its visitors, ensuring it can’t be intercepted or tampered with. In today’s digital age, an SSL certificate is an essential component of any website, not just those that handle sensitive information.

What is HTTPS, and how does it relate to SSL certificates?

HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It’s essentially the secure version of HTTP, and it’s enabled by installing an SSL certificate on your website. When your website uses HTTPS, it assures visitors that their connection is secure.

How does an SSL certificate work to secure data transmission?

An SSL certificate encrypts data in transit between your website and its visitors. It does this by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel through which data can safely travel. Without an SSL certificate, data is sent in plain text, making it easy for cybercriminals to intercept.

What are the different types of SSL certificates available, and how do they differ from one another?

There are several types of SSL certificates, each offering a different level of validation:

• Domain Validated (DV) certificates offer basic validation by confirming domain ownership.
• Organization Validated (OV) certificates provide an extra layer of trust by verifying the organization behind the domain.
• Extended Validation (EV) certificates undergo a stringent validation process and offer visible cues, like a green address bar, to visitors.
• Wildcard certificates secure a domain and its subdomains, while Multi-Domain certificates secure multiple separate domains.

How can I obtain an SSL certificate for my website?

You can obtain an SSL certificate from a certificate authority (CA). There are many CAs to choose from, and they all offer different types of certificates to cater to varying needs. Some hosting providers include SSL certificates in their plans or for an additional fee, while there are also external providers, like Let’s Encrypt.

Can I use a free SSL certificate instead of purchasing one?

Yes, you can. Free SSL certificates, like those provided by Let’s Encrypt, offer the same level of encryption as paid ones. However, they often lack some of the extras that come with paid certificates, such as warranties and the higher trust level offered by OV and EV certificates. 

What is the process of installing and activating an SSL certificate on my website?

Installing an SSL certificate involves several steps. First, you need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) on your server. You then submit this CSR to a Certificate Authority when you apply for your certificate. Once the CA has validated your details, they’ll send you your SSL certificate, which you then install on your server. 

In most cases, your hosting provider will take care of all these steps for you, automatically.

How often should I renew my SSL certificate, and what happens if I let it expire?

Most SSL certificates need to be renewed every 1 to 2 years, although the exact timeline can vary. SSL For Free, for example, requires a renewal every 90 days. 

If you let your SSL certificate expire, your website data will become unsecured and visitors will be greeted with warning messages. 

Can I use the same SSL certificate for multiple websites or subdomains?

If you have a Wildcard SSL certificate, you can use it for one domain and all its subdomains. If you want to secure multiple separate domains with one certificate, you’ll need a Multi-Domain SSL certificate.

Are SSL certificates compatible with all web browsers and devices?

Yes, most SSL certificates are compatible with all major web browsers and devices. That said, the visual indicators of the website’s security (like the padlock icon or green address bar) can vary between browsers.

How can I verify if my SSL certificate is properly installed and working correctly?

You can use an SSL Checker tool, which will analyze your SSL certificate and report on its status, expiration date, and any potential issues. 

What is mixed content, and why is it important to address it for a secure website?

Mixed content occurs when a secure (HTTPS) webpage includes unsecured (HTTP) elements. This can create a weak spot in your website’s security, allowing hackers a chance to exploit it. It’s like having a fortress with one unguarded door — the entire fortress becomes vulnerable.

How can I fix mixed content issues on my website?

To fix mixed content issues, you need to ensure all elements of your website are served over HTTPS. This might involve updating links in your website’s code or configuring your server to automatically redirect HTTP requests to HTTPS.

Are SSL certificates only necessary for websites that handle sensitive information?

While it’s especially critical for websites handling sensitive information, such as payment details or personal data, every website will benefit from the added security and trust an SSL certificate provides. An SSL certificate tells your visitors that you care about their safety and is important from an SEO perspective as well.

Some browsers will even display a warning for users who try to visit sites without an SSL certificate. So, for all intents and purposes, SSL certificates are required for every site regardless of its size or purpose.

Can I transfer an SSL certificate from one hosting provider to another?

Transferring an SSL certificate between hosts can be technically challenging and is often unnecessary. Instead, it’s usually easier to simply apply for a new SSL certificate from your new host or a third-party CA.

What are some common SSL certificate errors, and how can I troubleshoot them?

Common SSL certificate errors include an expired certificate, a domain name mismatch (where the domain name in the certificate doesn’t match the domain it’s installed on), or a certificate that’s not trusted (usually because it’s self-signed, or the CA isn’t recognized). Troubleshooting these errors usually involves renewing, reissuing, or replacing your certificate.

Can I have multiple SSL certificates on my website for different purposes?

Yes, you can. For instance, if you operate an ecommerce store with a blog, you might use an EV SSL certificate for the store and a DV SSL certificate for the blog. This allows you to tailor your security measures to the specific needs and risks of different parts of your website.

Jetpack Security: a full security suite for WordPress sites

Now that we’ve gone through the nitty-gritty of SSL certificates, let’s take a moment to switch gears. Because while SSL is vital for site security, it’s not the only tool in the toolbox. You need a comprehensive workshop to create and maintain a secure environment for your site and its users.

That’s where Jetpack Security comes in. It’s the all-in-one security solution that takes care of your WordPress site’s security needs. 

While SSL certificates secure the transmission of data between your site and its visitors, Jetpack Security focuses on protecting your site itself. It offers a suite of powerful security tools that can help you fend off attacks, monitor your site’s health, and recover quickly if things do go wrong.

For instance, Jetpack Security’s automated real-time backups ensure you always have a safe point to revert to, should the worst happen. 

The WordPress malware scanning feature performs regular checks to sniff out any potential security threats. It’s your dedicated security guard, keeping an eagle eye on everything that’s happening on your site.

The spam protection feature is like your personal doorman, keeping out any unwanted, spammy “visitors” that might try to wreak havoc in your comments section or contact forms.

The activity log allows you to keep an eye on everything that happens on your site and even restore a backup to a specific point in time.

Last but certainly not least, the downtime monitoring feature keeps tabs on your website’s availability. It’s the equivalent of a neighbor keeping an eye on your house while you’re on vacation, alerting you if something seems amiss.

As we’ve shown, security is not a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing commitment that requires attention to many different facets. SSL certificates are a cornerstone of that commitment, providing a critical layer of protection for the data traveling between your website and its visitors. But they’re just one part of the picture.

By using SSL certificates in conjunction with a comprehensive security solution like Jetpack Security, you’re doing your part to build a safer, more trustworthy internet.

So tighten the bolts, check the locks, and turn on the alarm. Welcome to Jetpack Security. Start your journey by discovering more here: https://jetpack.com/features/security/

WordPress has built a strong reputation of trust, ease, and adaptability, cementing its role as the backbone of countless websites. But even the most stable platforms aren’t immune to issues.

The reality is that site owners can make mistakes, websites can be hacked, and servers can crash. And if any of these things happen, you could experience downtime, hassle, stress, compromised data, lost sales, and more.

But this is where a WordPress backup service can save the day. While insurance can help compensate you for a loss, it can’t change whatever hiccup caused the damage. The right WordPress backup plugin allows you to essentially go back in time and return things to the way they were before, before anything went wrong. 

But how do you choose the best solution? 

The importance of a reliable WordPress backup service

We often get caught in a false sense of security — the “It won’t happen to us!” mentality. That is until, of course, it does. 

A server crash, a cyberattack, or a simple error can turn your busy WordPress site into a ghost town. But when something goes wrong, a WordPress backup service allows you to roll back the clock, restoring your site to a time when all was well.

A reliable backup service isn’t just a contingency plan; it’s your peace of mind. It safeguards your hard work, your customer data, and your digital presence. It’s your assurance that, despite what may come, your website will endure. 

Key considerations for choosing a WordPress backup solution

When it comes to choosing a WordPress backup solution, your unique requirements need to guide your decision-making process. But how do you know what to look for? We’ve organized the myriad of factors into eight key considerations that should help.

1. Backup method: automated vs. manual

You might think you’re saving money by opting for manual backups, but they’re not worth the savings. Manual backups require your time, and time, as you know, is money. Moreover, they demand constant attention and, if missed, can leave your site vulnerable.

On the other hand, an automated backup solution ensures your site is backed up regularly without your active involvement. This allows you to focus on what really matters — growing your business.

If you almost never create new posts or pages, accept form submissions, or update content, you may be okay to choose a manual method. For the majority of sites, however, automatic backups are the way to go. 

2. Backup frequency: real-time vs. scheduled vs. manual

The frequency of backups is a vital aspect to consider. Are real-time backups necessary for your business, or would daily or weekly backups suffice? Real-time backups mean that your site data is backed up immediately whenever changes are made, ensuring you never lose a bit of your work. These are absolutely critical for any website that regularly publishes blog posts, receives form submissions, or accepts ecommerce orders. 

Scheduled backups — whether daily or weekly — provide a regular snapshot of your site. If your site isn’t updated frequently, this might be an acceptable solution. Manual backups, on the other hand, give you full control but demand the highest level of attention and are completely dependent on how often you’re available to perform the task.

For the majority of websites, real-time backups will be the best and most secure option to safeguard your hard work.

3. Data storage location

The location of your backup storage can make all the difference when disaster strikes. Backups stored on your server are certainly better than nothing, but they share the same risks as your website. If your server goes down or is compromised, you lose your backups.

Cloud storage, on the other hand, provides an extra layer of security by storing your backups offsite. Traditionally, the choice came down to a trade-off between convenience and security. But recent tools like Jetpack VaultPress Backup are so easy to integrate that you can benefit from convenience without sacrificing security. 

4. Storage security and data encryption

Not all storage is created equal, especially when it comes to security. A backup solution that doesn’t offer robust security measures is like a bank without vaults. It’s essential to ensure your backup tool offers solid security measures, including data encryption, to keep your files and data away from prying eyes.

5. Ease of restoring a backup

When your site goes down, time is of the essence. You need a backup solution that makes restoring your site as easy as possible. Some options can get you back online with a single click, while others might require you to go through complex procedures, often under stressful circumstances. You don’t want to be waiting through a long support chat queue while your site’s in distress.

6. Scalability for growing websites

As your presence grows, your website will too. You’ll add more content, get more traffic, or expand your commerce activities. It’s important to choose a backup solution that can grow with your site so, once it’s set up, you don’t have to ever worry about it again.

7. Compatibility with WordPress versions and plugins

Imagine buying a jigsaw puzzle only to discover the pieces don’t fit together. That’s what it’s like when your backup solution isn’t compatible with your WordPress version or the plugins you use. Ensuring compatibility is crucial to avoid unexpected surprises down the road.

For example, if you’re running WordPress Multisite, verify that the backup plugin you choose is compatible with that type of installation.  

Review the popularity, update frequency, and reviews of potential backup plugins. This should give you an idea of how reliable the solution is and how attentive its developers are to potential conflicts between software versions. 

Learn more about how to choose the best WordPress plugins for your site. 

8. Complexity

Some backup solutions require a level of technical expertise that goes beyond the reach of most website owners. These solutions might offer more customizability, but they could also leave you reliant on a developer for setup and management. 

Conversely, user-friendly solutions are designed with the average person in mind, making it easy to set up and manage backups without a costly developer. 

So, what’s the best WordPress backup solution?

An ideal backup solution is one that combines the best of these features — a solution that offers automated, real-time backups. One that stores your data securely offsite, yet allows for easy restoration. One that’s built by reliable developers who support integrations with the majority of popular plugins and can quickly troubleshoot and resolve issues.

Enter Jetpack VaultPress Backup: real-time, disaster-proof backups

From the people behind WordPress.com comes a backup solution built with the same philosophy of simplicity, accessibility, and reliability — VaultPress Backup. Picture this: your own personal vault, tucked safely away in the digital clouds, holding all of your precious website data, ready to be unlocked at a moment’s notice. That’s the essence of VaultPress.

Overview of Jetpack VaultPress Backup

Jetpack developed VaultPress Backup with every type of WordPress site owner in mind. The goal was to provide a way to easily safeguard your WordPress site and restore it without any advanced technical knowledge.

VaultPress Backup saves every single change that happens on your site in real time, keeping it safe on secure cloud servers, and making it readily available if you ever need to restore a backup.

It even has an activity log, so you can identify the exact point in time that issues occurred and restore to just moments before that action took place. 

Features and benefits of Jetpack VaultPress Backup

1. Real-time backups

VaultPress Backup captures every change on your site as it happens. So whether you’re updating a post or adding a new product, you can rest easy knowing that every change is safely stored. 

This even includes WooCommerce orders. And, if you have to restore a backup, all of your orders will be saved — no matter when they took place — so things can keep running smoothly. 

2. Ultra-secure offsite cloud storage

With VaultPress Backup, your files aren’t just stored anywhere. They’re tucked away in secure, offsite cloud storage. The digital vault is armored against threats, ensuring your data is safe and sound.

3. A one-click restore process

If you ever need to restore your site, VaultPress Backup makes it as simple as a mouse click. VaultPress Backup’s one-click restore feature is your express ticket back to normalcy, minimizing downtime and keeping your digital presence intact. You can even restore a backup if your site is completely down, and take advantage of the Jetpack mobile app if you’re on the go.

4. Cost-effective pricing options

Jetpack believes that peace of mind shouldn’t break the bank. That’s why pricing plans were crafted with small- and medium-sized organizations in mind. With VaultPress Backup, you’re not just buying a service, you’re investing in reliability, security, and peace of mind.

5. Built by leading WordPress experts

Who better to trust your site with than the folks who know WordPress inside out? VaultPress Backup is built by the same team behind WordPress.com, ensuring seamless integration, top-notch compatibility, and continued updates.

6. Easy and fast to set up

With VaultPress Backup, you won’t need to hire a developer or spend hours reading through a complex manual. The setup process is straightforward and user-friendly. And if you ever need assistance, Jetpack’s customer support team is always ready to help.

How to set up VaultPress Backup on your WordPress site

Setting up VaultPress Backup is a breeze. It’s a matter of a few clicks and entering a bit of information. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New. Search for “Jetpack VaultPress Backup,” then click Install Now → Activate.

2. A new screen will appear asking you to set up Jetpack VaultPress Backup. Click the Set up Jetpack button.

3. On the next screen, click Approve to connect your site to an existing WordPress.com account or create a new one. 

4. Then, choose a VaultPress Backup plan based on the needs of your site. Complete the purchase process. Your first backup will begin automatically.

It’s as simple as that. No coding, no complex configuration — just straightforward, reliable backups.

Comparing VaultPress Backup to other WordPress backup solutions

In the sea of backup solutions, VaultPress Backup shines like a lighthouse, guiding you safely through the storm. But don’t just take our word for it. We invite you to compare it to other WordPress backup solutions. 

You’ll find that when it comes to real-time backups, secure offsite storage, one-click restoration, scalability, and overall reliability, VaultPress stands tall and proud. For a detailed, side-by-side look, check our comprehensive post: A Comparison of the Best Backup Plugins for WordPress.

Frequently asked questions about WordPress backup services

What is Jetpack VaultPress Backup, and why choose it as my WordPress backup service?

VaultPress Backup is a real-time backup and security scanning service designed and built by Automattic, the same people who are behind WordPress.com and contribute to the WordPress open source project. Choosing VaultPress Backup means investing in a reliable, comprehensive, and easy-to-use backup solution for your WordPress site.

How does VaultPress Backup differ from other WordPress backup solutions?

VaultPress stands out with its real-time backup capability, secure offsite storage, one-click restore feature, and seamless WordPress integration. It’s a robust, reliable, and comprehensive solution for WordPress site backups.

Is VaultPress Backup suitable for small and large WordPress sites?

Absolutely. VaultPress is built to scale with your site, whether you’re running a small blog or a large ecommerce store. Jetpack offers plans that cater to different needs, ensuring you pay only for what you use.

It’s important to note, however, that Jetpack VaultPress Backup does not currently support WordPress Multisite.

How often does VaultPress Backup back up my WordPress site?

Jetpack VaultPress Backup performs real-time backups, meaning it records changes to your site as they happen. You can rest easy knowing that every update, every post, every comment, and every order is backed up immediately.

What does “real-time backups” mean?

“Real-time backups” means that Jetpack VaultPress Backup saves changes to your site as they happen. Whether you publish a new post or receive a new comment, it’s saved immediately.

Are my backups secure and protected with VaultPress Backup?

Yes. VaultPress Backup stores your backups in secure, offsite cloud storage. Additionally, the storage system is built to be resilient against hardware faults and cyber threats.

How long does VaultPress Backup store my backups?

VaultPress Backup stores your backups based on the plan you’ve chosen, and the storage space used by your site. You can choose a plan that stores for up to 30 days or even a full year. For more information, check out our detailed documentation.

How do I restore a WordPress backup created by VaultPress backup?

Restoring your site from a VaultPress backup is as simple as clicking a button. You can restore your site to the time of a particular event in the activity log or to a specific day. Either way, it just requires clicking a button and waiting for the restore process to complete. You can view the full documentation here.

Does Jetpack VaultPress Backup save only my database or files as well?

VaultPress Backup saves both your database and the files that make your site unique. This includes everything necessary to restore your website in case you ever need to. Learn more about what VaultPress Backup does and does not save. 

Will using VaultPress Backup slow down my WordPress site?

VaultPress Backup is designed to work in the background, saving copies of your site without impacting its performance. However, to make the most of the tool, make sure that you add server credentials to your settings. This allows your backups to run as efficiently as possible, plus ensures that you’re ready to restore a backup the second you need to.

Can an agency use VaultPress Backup to back up its clients’ WordPress sites?

Yes, agencies can definitely use VaultPress Backup to back up client sites. Jetpack has a dedicated Jetpack Agency program designed specifically for this. Learn how one agency has streamlined their recurring maintenance programs through Jetpack. 

Jetpack VaultPress Backup: The most proven backup service for WordPress

The value of your WordPress site extends beyond the bits and bytes that form its digital structure. It’s a collection of your hard work, dedication, creative expression, and professional growth. It’s your digital home. Safeguarding it should be a priority. 

VaultPress Backup offers real-time, cloud-based backups, making sure that every change, every update, every comment, and every order on your site is immediately backed up. And in the event of a site crash, the one-click restore feature enables you to get your site up and running again in no time. 

VaultPress Backup is the most proven WordPress backup plugin, with over 269 million backups over the last ten years. If you want the best for your website and business, then you’ll love what VaultPress Backup has to offer: https://jetpack.com/upgrade/backup/

Last week, the Jetpack team joined the WordPress community for WordCamp US 2023. It was exciting to be so close to our nation’s capital in a picturesque setting like National Harbor. As Super Admin sponsors, we were honored to contribute to this unforgettable celebration of the open source project. It’s one of our favorite events of the year — an opportunity for us to connect with friends and colleagues in the community and share the latest exciting developments in Jetpack.

Empowering WordPress Agencies

We were thrilled to show off our new Pro Dashboard and Agency program at WordPress US. Our mission is to democratize multi-site management, enabling WordPress agencies to remove the tedium and focus on what they do best — providing excellent service to their clients.

We spoke to agencies that manage hundreds of WordPress sites, as well as freelancers who maintain just a handful. The response was rewarding to experience in person. We gave demos of the dashboard and showed off the power of bulk managing plugin updates, uptime monitoring, malware threats, backups, and stats. You can see what they saw and try it for free right now.

Using AI to Enhance Your Productivity

AI has been the buzz for the last year and it wasn’t any different at WordCamp US. To complement an excellent workshop on using AI to enhance the creative process, Jetpack presented its AI tools that help people improve their productivity.

We’ve previously announced that the Jetpack AI Assistant can help you improve your writing directly in the WordPress editor. Change your tone, get suggestions to improve your writing, translate to other languages, and more.

And as a first step in automating site building, now the AI Assistant can help you build custom forms quickly for even the most specific use case.

Personalized Swag

The only thing better than WordCamp swag is personalized WordCamp swag. We had people on site to engrave power packs. Wherever you go, this little Jetpack will make sure you don’t run out of juice.

A Night to Remember

The WordCamp concluded with a social event at the magical Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. It was amazing to be surrounded by such natural beauty along with so many of our friends and colleagues.

Our Jetpack is Fueled by the People

Beyond showcasing what’s new in Jetpack, WordCamp US 2023 was an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and engage with the WordPress community. The conversations were truly inspiring, and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to connect with us.

We left National Harbor with a sense of excitement and gratitude. Being part of WordCamp US 2023 reminded us once again of the incredible power of WordPress and the remarkable community that supports it. As we return to our homes across the globe, fueled by the energy you can only find at WordCamps, we’re more committed than ever to create innovative solutions that empower website owners, agencies, and developers worldwide.

What was your favorite part of WordCamp US? Let us know in the comments!

Choosing the right web host is one of the most important steps when launching a site. If you plan on using WordPress, you’ll want to opt for a service that’s tailored to this platform.

Fortunately, there are many companies that offer top-notch managed WordPress hosting. When you sign up for this service, the web host will handle all essential tasks for you, including updates and software configuration. This leaves you with more time to work on your passion. 

In this article, we’ll go through a managed WordPress hosting comparison and the service works. We’ll also show you how to pick the right web host and review some of the best providers on the market. Let’s get started!

What is managed WordPress hosting?

Managed WordPress hosting is a service that’s designed to offer a VIP experience. With this plan, the provider takes care of tasks that are typically handled by the website owner. 

Some hosting providers focus specifically on WordPress websites. This means they provide features that are unique to the content management system (CMS).

Typically, they offer some or all of the following services:

• Increased security. Your hosting provider will handle some aspects of WordPress security to ensure that your site is protected from hackers and malware. This can include scanning for vulnerabilities and providing regular updates and patches.
• Performance optimization. Managed hosting providers tend to use server-level caching and content delivery networks (CDNs) to enhance website performance.
• Managed updates. Some providers take care of WordPress updates for you. This ensures that the site is always running the latest and most secure versions of software.
• Automatic and on-demand backups. Most managed hosts will create backups of your site on a regular basis.
• Expert WordPress technical support. This type of hosting usually comes with access to premium support from WordPress experts. They can assist with technical issues and provide guidance on best practices for WordPress sites.
• Access to staging environments. Many managed hosting providers offer staging environments where you can test changes or updates to your site before they go live.
• Increased scalability. Managed hosts typically handle traffic spikes better than unmanaged hosts. Depending on the plan you choose, you might get access to a virtual private server (VPS) or a dedicated server. That means that you’ll either share resources with fewer websites, or even have them all to yourself.

The primary goal of the best managed WordPress hosting companies is to offer a hassle-free server environment. This enables you to focus on growing your business. It’s an ideal choice if you want to offload technical site tasks.

The importance of choosing the best WordPress managed hosting provider

If you don’t research web hosting providers, you might end up stuck with a poor hosting service. Of course, you could always migrate to a new web host, but this can be a time-consuming process.

When it comes to choosing a WordPress hosting provider, you’ll want to look at as many reviews as possible. While doing so, try to pay special attention to the following:

• Server performance. Site speed is critical to your website’s success. Your web host should offer top-of-the-line performance.
• Uptime guarantee. These days, any decent web host offers near-perfect uptime. That means that uptime averages above 99% and, typically, close to 100%.
• Security practices and tools. You’ll want to choose a provider that offers a variety of security measures to help protect your site against common threats. 
• Backups and recovery solutions. Your managed hosting provider should offer automated and on-demand backups. Moreover, you should be able to restore your website from a backup directly from your hosting account.
• Expert WordPress support. If you use a managed web host that specializes in WordPress, their support system should reflect that. Agents need to be trained in the CMS, so they can help you troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise.
• Scalability. The web host should have several plans you can upgrade to as your site grows. Managed web hosts tend to cater to sites with higher performance needs.

Price is also an important factor when choosing a hosting provider. With that in mind, we decided to review managed WordPress hosting options that offer great plans at decent starting prices. 

The best managed WordPress hosting providers (10 options)

Now, let’s look at some of the best managed WordPress hosting companies on the market. We’ll discuss the key features, pros and cons, and pricing of each one. 

1. Bluehost

Bluehost is one of the most popular hosting providers. The company offers a large selection of hosting plans, ranging from shared to dedicated options. You can also use Bluehost to register domains, host your email account, and find web design and development professionals to help you with your projects.

On top of its regular plans, Bluehost offers a variety of WordPress-specific options. You have basic WordPress shared hosting, hosting for WooCommerce sites, and managed plans. 

If you sign up for a long-term contract, you’ll benefit from very good prices. This is a common practice among hosting providers, but Bluehost offers some of the best deals on the market.

Bluehost’s managed WordPress plans come with a free content delivery network, a collection of professionally-built WordPress themes, automatic updates, round-the-clock phone support, and free Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates. Some of these plans also include automatic daily backups and malware-scanning tools.

Key Features

• Support for multiple websites (on some plans)
• Free CDN integration
• Free SSL certificate (limited to one year free for the Basic managed plan)
• Around-the-clock phone support
• Automatic daily backups (not available on all plans)
• Malware scanning tools (not available on all plans)
• Bundled premium WordPress themes
• Bundled ecommerce plugins (with the Online Store plan)
• Free WordPress migration

Pros and cons

Bluehost’s main selling point as a managed WordPress hosting company is its prices. Depending on the length of your contract, you can end up paying as little as a couple of dollars per month for hosting (due annually). Plus, you’ll get freebies like bundled premium WordPress themes and ecommerce plugins.

On the other hand, its managed hosting features can feel pretty basic. If you’ve just launched a website, this may not be an issue for now. But if you want top-of-the-line performance or advanced security, you may need to look at other options. 

Bluehost is one of the few web hosts on the market that offers real, around-the-clock phone support. If you want to be able to get someone on the phone at any time, this can be a good option for you.

Pricing

With Bluehost, you can get some of the best managed WordPress hosting deals, with plans starting at just $2.95 per month. The downside is that you only get these low prices if you lock yourself into a multi-year hosting contract. 

2. DreamHost

DreamHost’s line of managed WordPress hosting plans is called DreamPress, and it offers three options. In terms of pricing, DreamHost is in the middle of the pack, neither a budget option nor a super-expensive one.

Every DreamPress plan comes with a trove of WordPress features. You’ll get a free domain, a pre-installed SSL certificate, unlimited email hosting, on-demand backups, and staging functionality. DreamPress will also set up Jetpack on your WordPress website.

If you plan on using a website builder, DreamHost offers its own custom solution. It also comes with a massive library of ready-to-go themes that you can use for your website.

In terms of support, DreamPress enables you to talk to agents through chat or email. The highest tier of DreamPress plans also offers priority support, which means faster responses.

Key Features

• Support for one website (on all plans)
• One-click staging sites
• Built-in caching
• CDN integration
• Free WordPress migrations
• Custom drag-and-drop builder
• Free SSL certificate
• Free domain registration
• Automatic WordPress updates
• Free Jetpack integration
• Automated and on-demand backups
• SFTP, SSH, and WP-CLI support

Pros and cons

DreamPress offers a comprehensive set of features with its managed WordPress plans. If you want a host that comes with plenty of site templates and integrations, DreamPress is one of the few providers that offer these tools. 

There are a few downsides to using DreamPress. First, you don’t get access to phone support (although callbacks are available). 

Additionally, the basic tier doesn’t offer CDN integration, and some Jetpack Security features, like malware scanning, are only available with the more expensive plans. 

Finally, each plan is limited to a single website. This means DreamPress can be an expensive option if you’re looking to host multiple sites. 

Pricing

DreamPress plans start at $19.95 per month and go down a bit if you pay yearly. There’s also a big difference in price between the Plus and Pro plans.

The DreamPress Plus plan offers the best value for money. It gives you access to all managed hosting features. This starts at $24.95 per month when paid yearly. 

3. A2 Hosting

A2 Hosting offers almost every type of hosting plan imaginable. The company’s managed hosting service is among the best in the industry in terms of features and price-to-performance ratio.

Although A2 Hosting’s plans aren’t exactly budget-oriented, they’re still among the best you can find. Moreover, some of these plans support unlimited websites.

With A2 Hosting’s managed WordPress plans, you get automated daily backups, Jetpack integration, around-the-clock support, automatic updates, site staging, and more. When it comes to support, A2 Hosting offers phone, chat, and email access to specialized agents.

Key Features

• Support for one or more websites
• Jetpack integration (with more advanced tools available on the higher plans)
• Support via phone, chat, and email
• Daily website backups
• Daily malware scans (available through the Jetpack integration)
• Staging sites
• Automatic WordPress updates

Pros and cons

One of the main advantages of using A2 Hosting is that you’ll find managed plans for nearly every price point. Moreover, the web host is very generous about the number of websites you can host on a single plan.

The company’s marketing can be a little confusing, though. All the managed plans offer what’s called “Turbo Servers”, but also “A2 Optimized WordPress”. Unless you dig into the documentation, it can be hard to understand exactly what these optimizations are and how they benefit you.

Pricing

A2 Hosting’s prices for managed WordPress hosting vary depending on the number of websites you want to set up. More expensive plans offer support for unlimited websites as well as better Jetpack integrations and site optimizations.

Plans start at $11.99 per month. You get the best value for money with the Jump plan, which supports up to five websites and costs $18.99 per month.

4. Liquid Web

Liquid Web is one of the most developer-friendly hosting providers you can find. Unlike most other web hosts that offer managed plans, Liquid Web gives you full access to the server. This means you can make any changes you want to its configuration.

This web host focuses on providing excellent performance. On top of configuring your server for optimal speed, the company also installs several plugins that can help improve your site’s performance. Among them, you have options for plugin monitoring and image optimization.

If you use WooCommerce, Liquid Web can also set up automatic daily testing for you. This feature will help you identify any issues with your store, and you can have the support team fix any problems that come up. 

Aside from those features, you also get some of the basic perks you can expect from most managed web hosts, including free SSL setup, staging sites, automatic daily backups, and developer tools like WP-CLI support.

Key Features

• Support for large numbers of websites (basically unlimited)
• Full access to the server
• Performance optimization plugins
• Automatic daily testing for WooCommerce stores
• Free SSL setup
• Staging sites
• Automatic daily backups
• WP-CLI support

Pros and cons

Liquid Web is a fantastic option if you want a managed WordPress hosting service that gives you full control over the server. This can be a double-edged sword unless you have experience with server management, as you might undo some of the optimizations by mistake.

You can get the most out of Liquid Web’s managed WordPress hosting if you run a WooCommerce store. The company’s automated daily testing is a fantastic tool that helps ensure your store is running perfectly at all times. 

Another perk is that all the plans offer the same features, aside from the amount of storage and bandwidth you get. This makes it easy to select a plan as you’re not compromising on features if you opt for a cheaper option.

Pricing

Liquid Web’s pricing is very straightforward. Plans start at $19 per month with support for one website. More expensive plans offer additional resources and provide support for more sites, but the managed features you get are the same on every plan.

5. MilesWeb

MilesWeb offers managed WordPress hosting on top of your favorite cloud service provider. The platform integrates with DigitalOcean, Vultr, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Linode. You can choose which cloud service you want to use, and MilesWeb will set it up for you, including access to a custom hosting dashboard.

Prices can vary depending on the cloud provider you want to pair with MilesWeb (although not by a lot), but you get the same features with any of them. These include staging sites, automatic backups, free SSL setup, a dedicated firewall, and support for unlimited websites.

In terms of security, MilesWeb offers a tool that enables you to check the integrity of your site’s files. This can help you detect malicious changes to core files, and if you spot any, the support team will clean up your WordPress site for you. You can reach out to them at any time via chat, email, or phone.

Key Features

• Managed hosting service compatible with DigitalOcean, Vultr, AWS, and Linode
• Support for unlimited websites
• Staging sites
• Automatic backups
• Free SSL setup
• A dedicated firewall
• File integrity checks
• Website cleanup services for hacking or malware removal
• Support via chat, email, and phone

Pros and cons

If you want to use a cloud hosting service while also enjoying the benefits of a managed WordPress hosting provider, MilesWeb could be the right choice. The company offers support for most of the popular cloud hosting services on the web. Plus, it offers similar pricing for all of them.

On the other hand, if you’re not interested in the cloud stack your WordPress web host uses, you’re probably better off with another provider. This is because selecting a MilesWeb plan requires you to have an idea of the kind of resources your website will need, including the number of virtual CPUs, RAM, storage, and bandwidth.

Pricing

MilesWeb prices vary depending on which cloud provider you want to use and the resources you need. Prices start at around $52-56 per month for every provider, which puts MilesWeb among the most expensive managed WordPress hosting providers on the market.

6. EuroDNS

EuroDNS offers an eclectic combination of services, ranging from domain name system (DNS) management to domain registration and managed WordPress hosting. The company’s managed hosting services are designed to be accessible for any kind of use. It offers two main plans to make your choice simpler: Basic and Advanced.

The bulk of EuroDNS’s managed WordPress hosting perks relies on Jetpack. Thanks to its Jetpack integration, you get access to automatic backups, malware scanning, automatic WordPress updates, and CDN integration.

EuroDNS offers support through phone and email. Your account also entitles you to priority support from Jetpack if you experience any issues.

Key Features

• Support for one website
• Jetpack integration
• Automatic backups
• Malware scanning
• Automatic WordPress updates
• CDN integration
• Support via phone or email

Pros and cons

EuroDNS makes your life easy by only offering two managed WordPress hosting plans. The downside is that the WordPress Basic plan offers a meager 1GB of storage, which is not enough for many sites.

The main draw of using EuroDNS is its integration with Jetpack. If you’re a fan of Jetpack and its many features, EuroDNS enables you to get hosting for a cost that’s similar to a premium Jetpack license.

Pricing

As you might guess from the name, EuroDNS prices are in Euros. Prices start at €5.99 per month for the WordPress Basic plan, but you’re better off paying for the Advanced plan if you want more features and storage. This will cost €11.99 per month.

7. IONOS

IONOS is one of the cheapest managed WordPress web hosts on the market, with prices starting at $1-2 per month. On top of that, IONOS offers a unique onboarding experience. 

When you sign up for an IONOS account, the company’s WP Assistant will guide you through a series of questions to help you find the right theme and connect your domain and email with the service. This works because IONOS provides free domain registration and email hosting with all its accounts.

With IONOS, you get to enjoy backups through Jetpack. Plans come with 12 free months of Jetpack Complete, which includes backups, daily malware scanning, CDN integration, and many other features.

Depending on the plan you choose, you’ll also get access to a caching plugin and repairs in case of malware infections. If you find yourself in a technical bind, you can contact IONOS support through phone, chat, or email.

Key Features

• Support for one website
• Jetpack integration with access to the entire suite of tools and a one-year free subscription
• Automatic backups
• Malware scanning and cleanup (the latter is only available with the Boost plan)
• Free domain registration
• Website configuration wizard
• A caching plugin
• Support through chat, email, and phone

Pros and cons

Low prices are the company’s main selling point. Few web hosts can compete with the kind of pricing IONOS offers. 

Like many providers, IONOS offers promotional pricing during the initial contract, then raises the fees upon renewal. But even the renewal prices are competitive. When you add the complimentary domain to the mix, you get a real bargain.

The IONOS WP Assistant tool is also a big plus if you’re working on your first WordPress project. The assistant will walk you through some of the most difficult parts of setting up a website.

IONOS doesn’t offer many perks outside of the many features available through the integration with Jetpack.

Pricing

As we mentioned earlier, IONOS prices are incredibly reasonable. The basic plan starts at $2 per month and goes up to $4 after the initial contract. Meanwhile, the Grow option costs $1 per month and goes up to $8 after that contract expires.

8. Pressable

In terms of performance, few hosting providers can match Pressable. This managed WordPress host focuses on providing the best possible service and combines top-of-the-line security and advanced WordPress features.

This hosting platform is owned by Automattic (the people behind WordPress.com). When it comes to features, Pressable offers just about anything you expect from a managed service, including free SSL certificates, automatic backups and updates, a web application firewall (WAF), malware scanning, hack recovery assistance, and more. 

Pressable also integrates with Jetpack Security. This gives your site protection against brute force attacks and spam.

Additionally, Pressable is very flexible in terms of pricing. You can choose your plan based on the number of sites you need to host, or how many visitors you expect to receive. 

Key Features

• Support for as many websites as you need
• A free SSL certificate
• Automatic backups
• A web application firewall
• Malware scanning
• Hack recovery assistance
• Integration with Jetpack Security

Pros and cons

Pressable is possibly the best managed WordPress hosting company if you want to get the best possible performance for your website. The web host offers a fantastic collection of managed features and some of the best support in the business.

The only downside of using Pressable is that it’s not the best option for small projects. The pricing is flexible, but it’s geared toward websites with high traffic and is priced accordingly.

Pricing

Pressable offers a broad range of plans. Prices start at $19 per month for one website with support for up to 5,000 visitors per month. The company also offers custom options for those who have very specific needs.

9. InMotion Hosting

InMotion Hosting offers all kinds of plans, including managed WordPress hosting options. These are designed to provide the best possible performance and offer many developer-friendly features.

One of the company’s standout features is the option to create WordPress “snaps”. These are blueprints of plugin and theme combinations that you can reuse across different websites. This is particularly useful if you want to deploy multiple WordPress projects with similar functionality.

InMotion Hosting comes with automatic daily backups, staging functionality, and a custom WordPress hosting dashboard that makes it easy to manage multiple websites. Additionally, the managed plans offer direct billing to customers. If you run an agency and use InMotion Hosting to create and host WordPress websites, you can have clients pay for their hosting directly.

Key Features

• Unlimited WordPress websites
• Free SSL setup
• Automatic backups
• Staging environment
• DDoS protection
• A web application firewall
• Customizable WordPress updates
• “Snaps” of themes and plugins for re-use on other sites
• Caching plugin integration
• Direct client billing

Pros and cons

InMotion Hosting offers one of the only managed WordPress hosting services geared towards agencies. If you run an agency or work with clients on WordPress websites, this can be a fantastic option for you.

Meanwhile, the service can be a bit much for small or hobbyist websites. Most of its features are geared towards agencies and developers. If you run a personal website, you might be better off looking elsewhere.

Pricing

InMotion Hosting offers yearly and monthly pricing plans. Prices don’t vary whether you pay by month or by year, which is a welcome bonus. 

Plans start at $15 per month, and they vary in terms of the resources you get. But they all provide access to the same set of managed WordPress features.

10. WPWebHost

WPWebHost bills itself as a beginner-friendly managed WordPress web host, and that label holds true. The company offers a simple selection of managed plans, all at reasonable prices and with most of the features you expect from this kind of service.

With WPWebHost, you get automatic daily and on-demand backups, support for multiple websites (on some plans), staging sites, automatic update management tools, DDoS protection, malware scanning, and more.

A lot of these features are powered by Jetpack Personal and Professional, which come for free with most of the WPWebHost plans. You also get a free domain with no upkeep costs for as long as you maintain your WPWebHost subscription.

Key Features

• Support for multiple WordPress websites (on some plans)
• Jetpack integration (Personal or Professional plans)
• Automatic backups
• Staging functionality
• WordPress update management
• Malware scanning
• DDoS protection
• A free lifetime domain (as long as your WPWebHost subscription is active)

Pros and cons

WPWebHost is a relatively budget-friendly managed WordPress option. The company caters to beginners with simple WordPress projects, but it still offers a solid selection of managed hosting plans.

Just like with IONOS, most of WPWebHost’s perks come from its Jetpack integration. This means you get a good bargain if you sign up for one of its cheapest plans.

Pricing

WPWebHost plans start at $3 per month and those numbers don’t go up upon renewal, which is great news. If you want the Jetpack integration, you’ll need to sign up for the WP Lite plan or above, which costs $7 per month. This plan comes with a Jetpack Personal license.

Comparison of the top managed WordPress hosting providers

Frequently asked questions

Do you still have questions after reading this managed WordPress hosting comparison? Let’s answer some of them.

Is managed WordPress hosting worth it?

Whether managed WordPress hosting is worth it or not depends on your budget and technical expertise. If you don’t mind troubleshooting technical issues, optimizing website performance, and tinkering with security settings, you don’t need managed hosting.

If you don’t want to deal with WordPress site maintenance tasks on your own, managed WordPress hosting can be worth it. With this type of hosting, you’re paying a premium for a more VIP level of service. 

Managed hosting is also a smart investment if you can do these tasks on your own but want to spend your time focusing on other aspects of your website. WordPress maintenance and security can eat up a decent amount of time, so there’s no shame in delegating that work if you have the budget for it.

How does managed WordPress hosting differ from regular shared or VPS hosting?

Managed WordPress hosting plans don’t have anything to do with the kind of server setup that you get. Some managed providers might offer plans on shared servers (although this is very uncommon), a virtual private server (VPS), or even dedicated hardware.

What sets managed hosting apart is the level of service and additional features that you get. Typically, when you pay for a hosting plan, you’re just about on your own. With managed hosting, you can get access to a better support system and have several maintenance and security tasks taken care of for you.

If a hosting provider offers both managed and unmanaged plans, we recommend comparing the features they offer. You’re likely to find that the managed option includes a lot more perks.

Do managed WordPress hosting providers keep backups of my site?

Most managed WordPress hosting providers offer automatic backups. Plus, a lot of them handle backups through their hosting control panels. This means you have access to these copies even if you get locked out of WordPress.

The frequency of backups will vary depending on which hosting provider you choose. Some might also offer on-demand backups, which you can use to create copies of your WordPress site before making significant changes to it.

Top WordPress experts agree, however, that you should keep off-site backups in addition to those stored by your host. This protects your site in case an issue spurs from the host itself.

What should I look for when choosing a managed WordPress hosting provider?

The perks you get will depend on the web host you choose. Not all of them offer the same level of features. Moreover, prices can vary a lot from one web host to another.

Your choice should be based on your budget and the features you want. Before settling on a provider, you should compare multiple hosting companies and look for an option that fits your specific needs.

It’s important to make sure that your chosen provider can perform regular backups for you (preferably in real-time). You’ll also want to choose a company that takes security seriously. For example, it should provide features like malware scanning and protection against brute-force attacks.

Switch to managed WordPress hosting

If you use WordPress, you might want to consider opting for managed hosting. There are a lot of managed WordPress hosting providers that offer competitive prices and give you access to a much better quality of service than with most non-managed options. 

With managed hosting, your web host will take care of a variety of security and performance tasks, so you can focus on growing your website.

Many reputable WordPress providers will automatically install Jetpack to help boost security on your website. Learn more about Jetpack Security!

Find the best managed WordPress hosting plan for you: See Jetpack’s recommended WordPress hosting providers. 

Does your agency handle multiple clients, and as a result, multiple websites? Managing plenty of sites can be time-consuming. For example, setting up Jetpack alone — an essential step in making a website more functional and secure — isn’t exactly simple.

Thankfully, there’s now a way to streamline the process of configuring a site for each client you serve. You can just do the initial setup for one website and just deploy the same configuration across all the other sites you will make, thanks to InstaWP. This not only makes the repetitive task faster but also ensures consistency in all your projects.

In this post, we’ll show you how to do exactly just that.

Why install Jetpack?

You might be wondering why you should install Jetpack in the first place when setting up a site. Well, Jetpack provides a variety of features for WordPress sites, such as better site security and site performance, as well as backups. You don’t have to turn on everything — Jetpack offers plugins that allow you to install only what you want and need.

Ultimately, it really depends on you and/or your client. But it is highly recommended if you want to improve your site’s security, performance, and speed. Jetpack can help you attract more traffic.

The question is, how do you make sure that you only set up Jetpack once and just copy your settings to every website you make? This is where InstaWP comes in with its test site/sandbox feature.

What is InstaWP, and why use it?

InstaWP is a tool to create a WordPress Sandbox Environment. It lets you spin a test environment for your website in a few seconds. You can use it to make a completely new test website or a clone of your current website and test out plugins and configurations. You’ll get to do this all without affecting your original website’s settings and without fear of breaking your site!

Plus, you don’t have to worry about things like your local storage, setting up DB, or even using a third party paid cloud hosting service. InstaWP handles all that, even with their free plan. And you can also use InstaWP in various ways, like building sites for your clients or developing and testing WordPress sites and products. 

But one of the best features of InstaWP is the ability to create a website template with your preferred themes, plugins, and settings. That means you no longer have to do time-consuming setups for each new website you make. Instead, you can make one website as a base and start from there.

How do you use InstaWP to generate a test WordPress site?

Go to InstaWP and sign up for an account. Alternatively, use this link for quick onboarding.

Once you sign in, you will see this screen:

Click Add New + or + New Site to make this pop-up menu appear:

You can customize your WP version, PHP version, and site configuration, whether you want your website to be a default WordPress site, a WooCommerce site, or a multisite. When you’re done, press the Create Site button.

This screen will appear:

Click on the Magic Login button. It will take you to your WordPress test site instantly.

How do you install the Jetpack Plugin on your InstaWP test site?

When you have a test site ready, install the Jetpack plugin by following any of these procedures.

Via the test website dashboard

From your Dashboard, hove over Plugins and click Add New. On the next screen, type Jetpack in the search bar.

When you see Jetpack, press Install Now.

After installation, don’t forget to press the Activate button.

Once you activate the plugin, the Jetpack button will appear on your dashboard menu. Set it up according to your preferences.

Via InstaWP’s Chrome Extension

If you have the InstaWP Chrome Extension, an InstaWP account, and a ready test site, follow these steps.
On WordPress, hover your cursor over the Download & Extend section then click Plugins.

Input Jetpack in the white section next to the magnifying glass, then click on it when it appears.

You’ll see this appear on the next screen:

Click Launch to install it on your current test website on InstaWP. 

If you have two or more test websites on your InstaWP account, click the arrow on the right of the button. That will make a dropdown menu appear. You can then choose the site for plugin installation.

A check will appear if you have installed Jetpack successfully.

And when you go to your test site, the Jetpack button will be on the left-hand menu:

What features of Jetpack should you activate?

As mentioned earlier, Jetpack has plenty of features that will benefit your website and keep it safe, but you don’t have to turn them all on. If you feel confused about what to activate, here are some of our recommendations:

• Brute Force Attack Protection – This feature will protect your site from brute force attacks when a hacker tries to guess your login credentials by repeatedly using diverse username-password pairs until they succeed. If a hacker ever attacks your site, Brute Force Attack Protection will limit the number of login attempts from the hacker’s IP address. And if the hacker keeps trying, the feature will temporarily block that IP address so that no new attempts can be made.

• Downtime Monitoring – With this feature, Jetpack will continuously monitor your site and let you know if any downtime is detected. You’ll get notified via email.

• Jetpack Scan – Anything that involves security, you can now view it in one location. You can also fix problems and restore backups. You’ll be notified via email.

• VaultPress Backup – Whatever changes you make on your website, you can save them. And if your site gets broken for whatever reason, you can restore the original site in one click, even if you’re offline. 

• Activity Log – Get a complete record of everything that happens on your website. This is especially important if you have a team with multiple people working on it. This is a clear way to monitor changes and remove the guesswork from the equation.

What if you prefer using Jetpack CLI?

Jetpack CLI is a command-line interface (CLI) tool for managing and deploying WordPress sites when you use Jetpack. It is used to make WP-CLI feature-rich and powerful. 

You can configure Jetpack offline to your preference from the command line, making it easier to automate tasks and streamline your workflow.

The question is, what if you want to edit Jetpack using this option? Is it possible with InstaWP? Yes – you can access InstaWP using SSH, and from there, access Jetpack CLI. 

You first need to go to the rightmost part of your test website and press the three-dot menu.

A drop-down menu will appear. Scroll down and click on the SFTP/SSH option.

On the next screen, make sure to enable SSH and follow the instructions.

Once this is set up, you can run Jetpack CLI commands like the example below.

Whatever changes you make here will be carried out on the InstaWP test site, such as:

• wp jetpack disconnect – Disconnect Jetpack from WordPress.com, or unlink any user’s account from their WordPress.com connection.
  • Use wp jetpack disconnect blog to disconnect Jetpack from WordPress
  • Use wp jetpack disconnect user <id|email|username> to unlink a user account from WordPress

• wp jetpack reset – This command resets the Jetpack environment and brings it back to the starting default states. You can either reset all current options or simply revert to default active module settings.
  • Use wp jetpack reset modules to return modules to their default active state
  • Use wp jetpack reset options to go to the very initial Jetpack settings that you find upon getting started with it. This also resets all modules to default. 

• wp jetpack options  – This command is for you to manage various available options. List them, their values, fetch separate option values, and update or delete them. 
  • Use wp jetpack options list to get all your options and their values related to the Jetpack configuration
  • Use wp jetpack options get <option_name> to fetch a specific option’s value.
  • Use wp jetpack options update <option_name> <option_value> to update an option’s current value to a new value. Take note that it only works for strings.
  • Use wp jetpack options delete <option_name> to delete any option – but only ones that are not important for keeping you connected with WordPress.com.

Template Creation With Pre-Configured Jetpack Settings

When you’re done setting up your Jetpack on the test site, here’s what you do next. At InstaWP, click on Templates.

Click Add New + or the + Add Template.

When this popup appears, click on your created site, then Next.

You’ll see this next:

Name your template, describe it, and set it as a shared or private template. Since you’ll be doing this template for your agency, making it a shared one might be better.

Using this template to make an entirely new site

Return to the Sites page and hit the Add New + button.

Instead of making a blank website and starting over, click From Template. You’ll see your freshly-made template.

Select it, then press Create Site. InstaWP will make a site based on the template. The settings you configured on Jetpack earlier will be there. Do this whenever you need to create different websites with the same settings for your convenience.

Take The Website Live

The great thing about InstaWP is that you can make many different websites from a template and take all those websites live if you want to. Go to your Sites page, look for the site you want to make live, click the three vertical dots adjacent to this site’s name. Select Migrate:

Choose the hosting server you prefer. InstaWP can migrate to the following hosts:

Enter the important details and sit back, as InstaWP will handle the entire process. Read this comprehensive checklist before you go live, though, to have a launch, as smooth as possible.

Conclusion

To sum things up, installing Jetpack on any WordPress site you plan to make is recommended because of its many benefits. And by using InstaWP, you only need to configure Jetpack once and deploy it across all your sites, and you’ll save valuable time and resources.

By doing so, you’ll not only have more protected and more efficient websites, you’ll have a better workflow and get to focus on delivering top-quality sites for your clients.
Sign up at InstaWP today to get started.

Looking to save time when creating forms? Seeking actionable feedback on your posts? With Jetpack 12.5, our AI Assistant delivers solutions tailored to your needs, whether you’re new to WordPress or a seasoned vet.

Create and Customize Forms with Ease

New AI-powered functionality for the Forms Block empowers you to create and customize forms effortlessly. With a user-friendly interface and intelligent guidance, Jetpack AI Assistant turns form creation into a smooth and efficient process:

• Creating a registration form for a global event? When you need a dropdown list of countries, Jetpack AI Assistant can populate all countries automatically for you.
• Need to gather feedback for your newly launched product? Tell Jetpack AI Assistant your key questions, and it will design a comprehensive feedback form for you.
• Hosting a workshop? Ask Jetpack AI Assistant to create a form with fields like ‘Preferred Session,’ ‘Dietary Preferences,’ and ‘Contact Info’ to streamline your attendee management.
• Planning an event and need to know who’s attending? Simply ask Jetpack AI Assistant to prepare an RSVP form that includes options for meal preferences, attendance status, and plus-ones.

Just add a Jetpack Form Block and prompt the AI Assistant to create any type of form for you.

Introducing Smart Feedback for Your Posts

Jetpack AI Assistant doesn’t stop at forms. Now you can analyze your entire post before publishing it, offering insights and suggestions tailored to your content:

• Posting a guide on creating handmade jewelry? The AI Assistant can help optimize your tutorial steps for clarity and user engagement.
• Detailing your adventures from a recent trip? Get suggestions on clarity, ensuring all the beautiful spots and experiences stand out for readers.
• Introducing a feature for your app? It will ensure your announcement is persuasive and error-free.

From tone adjustment to spelling corrections, learn how to elevate your content to perfection in just three steps:

• Click Publish to open the pre-publish menu.
• Click on the AI Assistant section.
• Click Generate Feedback.

How to get started

1. Update Jetpack to the latest version and head to the editor within your wp-admin.
2. Simply add the AI Assistant Block to any page or post and tell Jetpack AI what to do. Pro-tip: type “/ai” to use the block shortcut.
3. That’s it. Jetpack will take it from there!

And More

This release also includes various other enhancements and fixes to improve the experience of Jetpack.

We’ve made My Jetpack the page you see when you click the Jetpack main menu. This is where you’ll see key information about the products and features you have available on your site. You can easily navigate around and install new features to your site from here.

We’ve elevated the Newsletter settings to their own tab to make it easier to find. We’ve also made some small improvements to the subscribe content wall, which helps you grow subscribers to your site.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this release!

Adnan Haque, André Kallehauge, Andrés Blanco, Biser Perchinkov, Brandon Kraft, Brent Nef, Bryan Elliott, Chris McCluskey, Christian Gastrell, Clemen, Damián Suárez, Derek Smart, Douglas Henri, Erick Danzer, Foteini Giannaropoulou, Gergely Márk Juhász, Igor Zinovyev, Jasper Kang, Jeremy Herve, Kev, Luiz Kowalski, MILLER/F, Mark Biek, Matthew Reishus, Miguel Lezama, Mikael Korpela, Osk, Panos Kountanis, Paul Bunkham, Peter Petrov, Rafael Agostini, Renato Augusto Gama dos Santos, Samiff, Sebastián Barbosa, Sergey Mitroshin, Siddarthan Sarumathi Pandian, Steve D, daledupreez, gogdzl, nelsonec87, nunyvega, thingalon, valterlorran

The world of business is continuously in motion, ever evolving, always changing, and it’s essential for us to adapt and grow with it. The way we perceive social media today, as a quintessential tool for business growth, was not even a blip on the radar two decades ago. Now, it’s almost unimaginable to run a business without some kind of social media presence.

Today, we’re going to explore the six best social media platforms that can effectively contribute to business growth in 2023. We’ll explain each of these platforms and their potential, and provide you with strategies and best practices to guide your success. Finally, we’ll show you how the Jetpack Social WordPress plugin can streamline your efforts.

1. Facebook

Facebook: As relevant as ever in 2023

Despite new platforms taking their share of the spotlight, Facebook remains the most popular global social network with nearly three million active users each month. It has continued to evolve over time to hold relevance and — despite many flashy, new platforms — remains the standard go-to for many people’s social media identity. 

The benefits of using Facebook for business growth

1. A large user base and diverse demographic reach

Facebook’s vast user base is like a treasure trove for businesses. It’s a melting pot of diverse demographics, giving companies the opportunity to reach a broad spectrum of potential customers.

2. Advanced targeting options for advertising

Facebook’s ad targeting options are a marketer’s dream. Target customers based on demographics, interests, behavior, and more, taking the guessing game out of advertising.

3. Facebook Pages and Groups for brand visibility and engagement

Creating a Facebook Page or Group for your business provides a place where customers can engage, ask questions, and form a community.

4. Messenger for customer service and communication

Messenger isn’t just for chatting with friends. It’s become a valuable customer service tool where businesses can provide immediate assistance and communicate directly with shoppers.

Best practices and strategies for leveraging Facebook’s potential

1. Create engaging content that resonates with your audience

Content is the key to Facebook engagement. When crafting posts, ensure that they spark conversations and connect with your followers.

2. Use Facebook Ads Manager for effective advertising campaigns

The Ads Manager is a sophisticated tool that can help you create targeted ad campaigns. Learn to navigate its complexities, and it can provide an incredible ROI and opportunities for smaller brands to test campaigns with small budgets.

3. Leverage Facebook Insights for data-driven decision-making

Facebook Insights provides a wealth of data about your page’s performance. Use it to analyze trends and behaviors and to make winning business decisions.

2. Instagram

Instagram: A popular choice for business growth

In the world of social media, Instagram is like the chic, trendy celebrity that everyone wants to befriend. With its visual-centric approach and growing user base, it continues to be a lucrative platform for business growth.

The benefits of using Instagram for business growth

1. Visual storytelling and brand identity building

Instagram’s visually-rich platform allows businesses to tell their stories, evoke emotions, and build a distinct brand identity using a variety of tools.

2. The ability to engage with your audience through images, videos, and Stories

The platform’s various formats like posts, Stories, and IGTV provide multiple avenues to engage with your audience and build a loyal following.

3. Instagram Shopping and product tagging for ecommerce businesses

The Instagram Shopping feature has transformed the platform into a digital storefront, making it a great opportunity for ecommerce businesses.

4. Influencer marketing opportunities

Instagram has birthed a new league of celebrities: influencers. They carry clout, and partnering with the right ones can give businesses the boost they need in visibility and credibility.

Best practices and strategies for maximizing Instagram’s impact

1. Craft an attractive and cohesive Instagram aesthetic

Remember, on Instagram, visuals speak volumes. Take time to create an aesthetic that’s distinct and represents your brand effectively.

2. Optimize hashtags and strategically use Instagram’s algorithm

Instagram isn’t a dump-and-run platform. Master the art of using hashtags and understand the platform’s algorithm to ensure that your content is seen and engaged with.

3. Collaborate with influencers and leverage user-generated content

Engaging influencers for collaborations and encouraging user-generated content can have a ripple effect on your reach and engagement.

4. Use Instagram analytics tools for measuring performance

Utilize Instagram’s built-in analytics or third-party tools to gauge your performance and adjust your strategy accordingly.

3. LinkedIn

LinkedIn: The leading professional networking platform

We all know LinkedIn as the go-to platform for professional networking, but it’s more than a digital resume or job-hunting site. It’s a vibrant community where professionals connect, learn, and grow.

The benefits of using LinkedIn for business growth

1. Professional connections and networking opportunities

LinkedIn is a gold mine for forging professional connections that can lead to mutually beneficial collaborations and opportunities.

2. Opportunities to demonstrate thought leadership and industry expertise

By sharing insightful content, businesses can assert their industry expertise, build credibility, and establish themselves as thought leaders.

3. Targeted advertising options for B2B businesses

LinkedIn’s advertising options are especially potent for B2B businesses, allowing them to directly reach decision makers.

4. Recruitment and talent acquisition capabilities

In need of talent? LinkedIn’s recruitment features make it a leading choice for businesses looking to onboard skilled professionals.

Best practices and strategies for effective LinkedIn utilization

1. Optimize personal and company profiles for maximum impact

An incomplete profile on LinkedIn is a missed opportunity. Ensure that your personal and company profiles are fully optimized and professional.

2. Share valuable content and engage in relevant discussions

LinkedIn’s community thrives on insightful discussions and valuable content. Make it a point to share content that sparks conversations and showcases your industry knowledge.

3. Use LinkedIn Groups and Pulse articles for exposure

LinkedIn Groups and publishing on LinkedIn Pulse can amplify your visibility and establish your brand as an industry authority.

4. Leverage LinkedIn Ads for targeted marketing campaigns

LinkedIn Ads can be a strong tool for targeted marketing campaigns. With detailed targeting options, you can reach the right people at the right time.

4. Tumblr

Tumblr: a unique, fan-first platform and user base

Tumblr is the unsung hero of social media platforms. It might not have the same name recognition as others, but it shines bright with its fan-first culture and active user base.

The benefits of using Tumblr for business growth

1. The ability to engage with a creative and niche community

Tumblr houses a hotbed of creativity and niche communities. Businesses can engage these passionate groups with thoughtful content and genuine interactions.

2. The opportunity to build brand personality and authenticity

Tumblr’s laid-back vibe provides businesses with an opportunity to let their hair down, showcase personality, and build authenticity.

3. The chance to take advantage of visual storytelling through multimedia posts

Whether it’s GIFs, images, or short video clips, Tumblr’s multimedia options offer opportunities for dynamic storytelling.

4. A fair shot at viral content and community interactions

The right content on Tumblr can spread quickly across the platform, offering vast exposure.

Best practices and strategies for leveraging Tumblr’s potential

1. Understand Tumblr’s user culture and etiquette

Each social media platform has its culture, and Tumblr is no different. To thrive, brands need to understand and respect the platform’s unique culture and etiquette.

2. Create visually appealing and shareable content

Tumblr is all about the visuals. Stand out by creating content that’s not just attractive, but also shareable.

3. Utilize tags and explore relevant communities

Tags are the lifelines of Tumblr. Use them wisely to get discovered, and don’t forget to interact with relevant communities to boost your presence.

4. Engage with Tumblr users through reblogs, likes, and comments

Interaction is key on Tumblr. Engage with your audience by reblogging their content, liking their posts, and replying to their comments.

5. TikTok

TikTok: rapid growth and popularity

There’s a new kid on the block, and they’re disrupting the social media scene. TikTok offers businesses a unique and exciting platform for their social media strategy.

The benefits of using TikTok for business growth

1. The opportunity to reach younger demographics and capture Gen Z’s attention

If your business wants to connect with younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, there’s no better platform than TikTok.

2. The potential for rapid content discovery

With the right content, you can go viral on TikTok overnight. Its unique algorithm allows for rapid content discovery.

3. The ability to utilize influencer marketing and brand collaborations

TikTok houses its own set of influencers. Collaborating with these powerful individuals can skyrocket your reach and visibility.

4. Creative opportunities for showcasing products and services

TikTok’s short-form video format and creative tools provide businesses with unique ways to showcase their products and services.

Best practices and strategies for leveraging TikTok’s power

1. Understand TikTok’s algorithm and trends

To get ahead on TikTok, you need to understand its algorithm and stay on top of the trends. 

2. Create entertaining and authentic content that aligns with the platform’s culture

TikTok’s culture thrives on authenticity and entertainment. Make sure your content mirrors this culture.

3. Engage with the TikTok community through challenges and duets

Engage with the TikTok community by participating in trends, challenges, and duets.

4. Collaborate with TikTok influencers to expand reach and credibility

Collaborating with TikTok influencers can give your brand a significant boost in credibility and reach.

6. YouTube

YouTube: dominance in video content consumption

YouTube is the leader of video content consumption. With billions of logged-in users per month, it’s a platform that businesses can’t afford to ignore.

The benefits of using YouTube for business growth

1. High engagement and reach through video content

Video is one of the most engaging forms of content, and YouTube is the leading platform for video consumption. The engagement and reach potential is massive.

2. Monetization opportunities through the YouTube Partner Program

With the YouTube Partner Program, businesses can monetize their content and earn revenue directly from the platform.

3. The ability to establish brand authority through tutorials, demos, and vlogs

YouTube is a fantastic platform for businesses to establish their brand authority through tutorials, demos, and vlogs.

4. The opportunity to leverage YouTube SEO and discoverability

YouTube is the second largest search engine, making YouTube SEO an important consideration for businesses.

Best practices and strategies for YouTube success

1. Create high-quality and valuable video content

The key to success on YouTube is creating high-quality, valuable video content that resonates with your audience.

2. Optimize video titles, descriptions, and tags for search rankings

Just like Google SEO, YouTube SEO involves optimizing your video titles, descriptions, and tags to improve your search rankings.

3. Encourage user interaction and engagement through comments and subscriptions

Encourage your viewers to interact with your videos by liking, commenting, and subscribing to your channel. These actions not only increase engagement but also signal to YouTube that your content is valuable.

4. Review YouTube analytics to optimize your content strategy

YouTube analytics provides invaluable insights into your content’s performance. Use this data to optimize your content strategy.

How to choose the right social media platforms for your business

1. Assess your target audience. Which platforms do they prefer?

Not all social media platforms are created equal. Each one serves a different purpose and attracts a unique audience demographic. To choose the right social media platforms for your business, start by assessing your target audience.

Who are they? How old are they? Where are they located? What are their interests? And crucially, which social media platforms do they prefer? By understanding your target audience, you can make an informed decision about the platforms to pursue.

2. Understand your objectives. Do they align with the platform features?

Next, clarify your social media objectives. What do you want to achieve? Are you looking to increase brand awareness? Generate leads? Drive website traffic? Your objectives will influence your choice of social media platforms.

If you want to drive website traffic, a platform like Facebook, which allows clickable links in posts, might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you’re aiming to build brand awareness through visual storytelling, Instagram and Pinterest could be your best bet.

3. Analyze your competitors. Which platforms are working for them?

A competitive analysis can provide valuable insights into which platforms could work best for your business. Look at what platforms your competitors are using and how they’re engaging with their audience. 

How to make the most of your social media growth strategy

1. Focus on consistency 

Consistency breeds familiarity, familiarity breeds trust, and trust breeds loyalty. Being consistent in your social media presence not only increases your brand’s visibility but also strengthens your relationship with your audience.

2. Create a content calendar and schedule posts in advance

Planning and organizing your content in advance can significantly improve your social media management. A social media content calendar helps you maintain consistency, ensure a diverse mix of content, and stay on top of important dates and events.

3. Tailor content to specific platforms and audience preferences

Each social media platform is unique in its user behavior, culture, and content formats. Therefore, it’s crucial to tailor your content to suit each specific platform and audience preferences. 

4. Recycle and repurpose content from one platform to another

While you should create unique content for each platform, you may not have the bandwidth to do this every single time. One way to maximize your content’s reach and lifespan is by recycling and repurposing it across different platforms between publishing uniquely-created posts.

How Jetpack Social helps you manage your social media accounts

With multiple social media platforms to manage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where Jetpack Social comes in. It’s a social media sharing plugin for WordPress that helps you manage your accounts effectively and efficiently.

1. Save time by scheduling your posts in advance

With Jetpack Social, you can schedule your social media posts in advance. This not only saves you time, but also helps with consistency in your social media presence.

2. Automatically post your content on social media

Jetpack Social allows you to automatically post your content on social media. Whether it’s a new blog post or a product update, you can share it with your audience instantly.

3. Manage multiple platforms from one place

Managing multiple social media platforms can be a daunting task. But with Jetpack Social, you can manage all your platforms from one place, simplifying your social media management process.

In conclusion, social media is an indispensable tool for businesses of all sizes. It can help increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, generate leads, and much more. But managing social media effectively can be challenging, especially for small and medium-sized businesses with limited resources.

Tools like Jetpack Social can make the process much easier. By providing simplified scheduling, automatic sharing, and convenient management, Jetpack Social can help you get the most out of your social media strategy.

In just a few minutes, you can make a massive leap forward in your marketing program. Get started with Jetpack Social today.

WordPress is one of the safest content management systems (CMS) you can use to run a website. Still, every software comes with vulnerabilities and security issues, most of which are dependent on user behavior. If you don’t know what these issues are or how to prevent them, even the most secure software might not be able to safeguard your website from attacks.

The good news is that protecting WordPress sites is easier than with other systems because you have access to powerful security plugins. Combine that with safe credentials and all but the most sophisticated attacks won’t stand a chance of breaching your site.

In this article, we’ll talk about the importance of prevention when it comes to keeping WordPress secure. Then, we’ll discuss the most common types of issues WordPress site owners may encounter and what types of attacks websites fall prey to most often.

From your first initial WordPress installation to managing a bustling, successful site, we’ve got you covered.

The importance of closing all potential security vulnerabilities

The concept of keeping your website “safe” can be a bit nebulous. When people talk about protecting your site, they’re usually referring to keeping unauthorized WordPress users from making changes to it, preventing malicious files from getting uploaded, or reducing the chances of data breaches.

Failing to protect your website from potential security breaches can affect you in a multitude of ways, even if you’re not dealing with a large amount of sensitive user information. For instance, if you run a small but established online business, security issues can negatively impact the way customers perceive you. 

To understand how important it is to prevent security issues, let’s elaborate on why they can be so damaging:

• Unauthorized access. Many updates for WordPress sites contain patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered since the previous version was released. If your website isn’t updated, it’s at risk of being accessed and exploited by hackers who are aware of these vulnerabilities.
• Loss of confidential information. If your website gets compromised, malicious actors can gain control of your site and sensitive data, including user information and other confidential materials. If you’re running an online store or any other type of site that handles private user data, this could have serious implications, both legally and in terms of your reputation.
• Poor website performance. If someone gains access to your website, they can modify how it works and negatively impact its performance. In some cases, attackers might not even need to gain entry to bring a website “down”, like with Direct Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
• Breach of compliance. In certain industries, failing to secure user data can put you in breach of regulatory compliance. For example, in the healthcare and financial sectors, companies are required to use up-to-date software to ensure the highest level of data security. And sites that accept credit card payments must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

If you run a WordPress website, security is of the utmost importance. Shoring up your website from the very beginning will prevent the most common types of issues and help you keep user data safe. 

How to uncover security vulnerabilities on your WordPress site

Unfortunately, it’s possible to use an infected computer without knowing it. In a lot of cases, devices end up riddled with malware and users are none the wiser.

The same can happen with a website. Your WordPress site might be vulnerable to attacks, or it could already be infected with malware. Unless the attackers make it obvious, or you have access to the right tools, this can be hard to spot.

Just as you have antivirus software for computers, there are also security scanners for WordPress. Tools like Jetpack Security can scan your website for WordPress security vulnerabilities and let you know if there are any issues or irregularities you need to fix.

Jetpack Security’s Scan tool relies on the WPScan vulnerability database, which is used by enterprise companies. That means the database is very comprehensive, and has the ability to identify the most common vulnerabilities your site may face.

Plus, Jetpack Security is an easy-to-use security plugin developed by Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com. In addition to Jetpack Scan, it includes VaultPress Backup and Akismet. So, when you opt for this tool, you’ll be able to protect your site from vulnerabilities as well as spam, and you’ll get advanced backup features, too.

The 20 most common WordPress security issues and vulnerabilities

In this section, we’ll focus on the most common security issues seen in WordPress sites. Every single one of these issues can lead to vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.

This can be a lot of information to digest, so don’t be overwhelmed. We’ll tell you what you need to know about each security issue, and provide some additional resources to learn more about them and how to fix them.

1. Lack of WordPress security plugins

Security plugins are among the most popular WordPress tools. Depending on which plugin you use, it may be able to scan your website for malware, set up a firewall, help you create backups, prevent spam, and more.

You can do everything that a security plugin does manually. But, that typically involves customizing many aspects of your site on the back end. For instance, editing core files to block suspicious IPs. As you can imagine, manually securing your site can be very time-consuming.

The beauty of security plugins is that they can save you a ton of time and hassle. What’s more, they can act as all-in-one solutions for a lot of the more common WordPress vulnerabilities. 

WordPress plugins offer different functionality, so we recommend opting for a tool that covers as many vulnerabilities as possible, like Jetpack Security.

As we mentioned, Jetpack Security can help you automate backups, keep security logs for your site, set up a firewall, scan your site for malware, and more. Plus, it integrates with Akismet to help you prevent spam in comments and forms on your site. 

2. Lack of regular site scans

Regular scans are like health check-ups for your website. They help you identify threats like malware infections, security loopholes, and unusual activity.

To put it simply, if you’re not running regular scans on your WordPress website, you’re leaving it vulnerable to security threats. This can lead to a compromised site, loss of sensitive data, damaged search engine rankings, and a loss of trust from visitors.

Site scan tools typically run in the background without affecting any functionality. So, if you have a security plugin or scanning tool, it’ll usually run automatically every so often and only alert you if it finds anything wrong with your website.

Think about site scanners like antivirus tools for your website. Every modern operating system (OS) comes with built-in malware scanners and removal tools, even if you’re not aware, they’re running in the background. These tools help keep your computer safe and, without them, your experience would be a lot worse.

3. Lack of regular site backups

Backups act as a safety net, preserving your site’s data in case of technical mishaps or security breaches. Without regular backups, you could lose all website content and user data. 

Perhaps the biggest advantage of regular site backups is that they provide you with restore points in case you run into any issues. Instead of spending hours or days troubleshooting security breaches, you can simply revert your site to a previous state without losing critical data.

Ideally, backups should be automatic, and you shouldn’t let too much time go between them. Plugins like Jetpack Security include backup tools that enable you to save your website’s information to the cloud. With VaultPress Backup (which is part of Jetpack Security), you’ll get access to real-time backups any time you make changes to your website.

4. Outdated WordPress versions or plugins

Keeping your WordPress core and plugins updated is crucial for your site’s security and functionality. That’s because outdated software versions tend to have known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. 

On top of that, they may cause compatibility issues affecting your website’s performance. This could lead to compromised data, loss of site functionality, and a poor user experience.

If your WordPress website has a bunch of pending updates, then it’s time to get to work on updating all of its components. You can also enable automatic updates for WordPress core directly from the Dashboard → Updates screen.

5. Outdated PHP version

Hypertext Preprocessor, or PHP, is the backbone of WordPress. It’s one of the main programming languages that the CMS is built on. Using an outdated version of PHP can lead to WordPress security issues and compatibility issues.

Newer versions of PHP also improve performance drastically. Typically, your web host will update your server to use newer versions of PHP as they come out. If you want to double-check what PHP version you’re using, you can do so directly from WordPress.

6. A hosting environment that’s not secure

Your hosting provider’s job is to help you build a website by providing you with the best resources possible. That means a stable server with decent hardware, an easy-to-use hosting management dashboard, and solid security measures.

If your web host doesn’t provide you with basic security settings, it’ll impact the way you run your website. Basically, you’ll have to spend a lot more time working on covering basic WordPress security vulnerabilities instead of working on your site.

A secure WordPress hosting provider will offer features like automated backups, Web Application Firewalls (WAFs), automatic blocking on known-malicious IPs, DDoS mitigation, and more. If you’re using a web host that doesn’t offer decent WordPress security measures, we recommend switching to a higher-quality WordPress hosting provider.

7. Weak password and login credentials

Using weak passwords and login credentials is probably the most common security issue with WordPress websites. In fact, this is a massive problem for any site or software that requires you to log in.

It’s important to note that this doesn’t just include the WordPress admin login page. Weak web hosting and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) credentials can also lead to vulnerabilities.

Simply put, most users don’t like the hassle of complicated, unique passwords for every application they work with.

Although weak and recycled passwords may be easier to remember, they can put your site at risk. That’s because they make it much easier for attackers to brute force their way into websites or use leaked credentials to gain access to accounts on other platforms.

If you want to keep your site safe, anyone with access to critical tools will need to learn how to use secure credentials, only creating strong passwords and usernames. Additionally, adding support for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) can help you further secure your site.

8. Lack of 2FA

Two-Factor Authentication, or 2FA, adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step during the login process. This makes unauthorized logins significantly harder, since attackers would also need access to your email account or phone, depending on which type of 2FA you configure for your site.

There’s no reason not to offer 2FA as an option on your website. Implementing the system is remarkably easy and there are a lot of WordPress plugins, including Jetpack, that can set up 2FA for you.

9. Insecure login data storage

Storing login data insecurely, like in plaintext (or using a Post-it), is akin to leaving your bank details out in the open. Poor storage practices make it easy for attackers to obtain these details if they gain access to the location. This can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential loss of website control.

As a rule of thumb, don’t store login information anywhere where other people might get access to it, be it physically or digitally. If you have to store login credentials, use a password storage tool, like 1Password, that can encrypt that data for you.

10. Mismanaged and undefined user roles

Poorly managed user roles can lead to users having more permissions than they need, which creates security risks. This can result in unauthorized or accidental changes to the site, data leaks, or a misuse of resources.

Ideally, the Administrator should be the only person with full access to the WordPress backend. For every other user role, accounts should be granted the bare minimum permissions needed to perform their duties.

The good news is that WordPress gives the Administrator full control over user role assignments. Plus, each role comes with a defined set of permissions to match their duties. And, if you want to create additional roles or modify their permissions, you can do so using WordPress plugins.

11. Insufficient monitoring of user logins and activities

Without adequate monitoring, you may miss suspicious behavior or malicious activities on your site. This lack of visibility can lead to unauthorized changes, data breaches, and system misuse — all of which can harm your site’s functionality.

Out of the box, WordPress core doesn’t offer any security log functionality. But, you can use plugins like Jetpack with its activity log feature to keep track of what’s happening on your website (and who’s accessing it).

Some WordPress web hosts also give you access to activity logs at the server level, which enables you to monitor if anyone makes changes to its configuration. 

When using this type of tool, it’s best to configure notifications for specific types of activities, like failed login attempts. That way, you’ll get a heads-up if anything sketchy is going on without having to read through dozens of pages of logs.

12. Themes and plugins containing vulnerabilities

WordPress themes and plugins with security vulnerabilities are often targeted by hackers. If they manage to exploit these vulnerabilities, it can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and more. 

The good news is that this typically only happens if you use outdated plugins and themes. Likewise, it may be more likely to occur when you download “free” versions of premium plugins and themes from disreputable websites. 

These free versions can include code that enables attackers to gain access to your site. So, unless you’re regularly scanning for vulnerabilities, it’s best to avoid this.

Still, there are plenty of quality plugins and themes that are also free. So, if you need to install one, it’s best to read through user comments on sites like WordPress.org before downloading them. A lot of users will share their stories of problems or WordPress security issues, which can help you make an informed decision.

13. Misconfigured WordPress database

A misconfigured database can leave your site’s data exposed, making it susceptible to SQL injection attacks and/or data breaches. One of the most common types of misconfigurations is using the default prefix for databases in WordPress (wp).

This makes it easy for attackers to identify the database and try to access it. Likewise, using weak credentials at the database level can leave it vulnerable.

Keep in mind that WordPress stores all your site’s content in a unique database. That means if someone gains access to the database, they can see everything on your website and modify critical settings.

14. A misconfigured content delivery network (CDN)

If your audience is spread around the world, implementing a Content Delivery Network (CDN) can be a great way to improve its performance for visitors who are further away from your servers. But, a poorly configured CDN may lead to security gaps. 

Attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to launch DDoS attacks, manipulate content, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. By misconfiguration, we mean human error in terms of what content the CDN caches, problems with the SSL/TLS configurations, or exposing the site’s original IP address. 

Configuring a CDN can be tricky with some providers. If you’re looking for a straightforward option, Jetpack’s CDN is super easy to set up and use. There’s no configuration required, so you don’t have to worry about user error!

15. Insecure file and directory permissions

File and directory permissions determine who can read, write, and execute files on your WordPress website. These permissions are crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your site.

If they’re insecure or misconfigured, they can leave your site vulnerable to various threats like attackers being able to upload malware or getting unauthorized access to files.

Unsecure files also open you up to potential data breaches. If the permissions aren’t set correctly, attackers will be able to read or modify the contents of files, which means they can steal or erase critical data.

16. Unrestricted public-facing file uploads

A lot of WordPress websites enable users to upload files through forms. This can be useful if you want people to be able to submit files for you to review, attach images to comments, and more.

Any form that enables users to upload and submit files to your site needs to be tightly secured. That means full control over what type of files people can upload, so they can’t use the forms to get malware on your server.

If you use a WordPress security plugin that offers real-time malware scanning, it should detect any malicious files that make it past your form’s security. Without security scanning, you may end up hosting malicious files that can give attackers access to your site.

17. Insecure third-party services and integrations

As you may already know, it’s common practice to use third-party services and integrations in WordPress. This can help you add new functionality. But, if you connect your website with a service that isn’t secure, you may end up with additional vulnerabilities on your website.

For example, if a third-party service provides an unsecure API for integration, it can serve as a gateway for attacks. Hackers can exploit weak API security to perform actions like injecting malicious code, stealing data, or disrupting your site’s functionality.

Third-party services with low-security standards can also compromise your credentials, which can give attackers access to your website if you’re not using 2FA or additional protections. In a nutshell, you should never connect your website with any third-party service unless you’re sure it’s reputable.

18. Unauthenticated AJAX actions

AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) is a technique used to create dynamic, responsive web applications by sending and retrieving data from a server asynchronously. That means the sending and retrieval process doesn’t interfere with the page loading.

As far as WordPress goes, it’s common to use AJAX to handle data submission and retrieval in the background. For example, a lot of plugins use AJAX to power “infinite” loading of content. It’s also frequently used to enable instant search functionality on ecommerce sites.

Every AJAX action needs to follow security and authentication guidelines to keep your site safe. Without proper user verification, attackers can “trick” your website into performing actions that retrieve sensitive information from the database.

19. Misconfigured web servers

A web server that isn’t properly configured can be vulnerable from a security standpoint. By “server configuration”, we mean implementing basic security and access rules to protect it from attackers.

To give you an example, a secure server won’t allow visitors to execute code because they don’t have the right permissions. Likewise, a good security configuration will prevent known malicious IPs from interacting with the server using tools like a Web Application Firewall (WAF).

Unless you have direct access to the server, this security depends on your web host. Some web hosts take WordPress security issues more seriously than others, so it’s essential that you choose the right provider for your website.

20. Zero-day exploits and unknown vulnerabilities

There will always be new WordPress exploits and vulnerabilities that attackers will seek to use to damage your website. 

Zero-day exploits and unknown vulnerabilities refer to security holes in software that are not known to the developers until they are exploited by attackers. The good news is that once attackers start targeting new vulnerabilities, developers usually patch them pretty quickly.

In theory, it’s impossible to prevent zero-day exploits because we don’t know what they are. Still, you can drastically mitigate the risk they pose by using a robust WordPress security plugin like Jetpack Security. Since Jetpack Scan (powered by WPScan) uses a comprehensive database that’s updated regularly, it will be able to quickly catch the newest WordPress security issues as they emerge.

The main types of security threats WordPress sites face

So far, we’ve focused on specific security vulnerabilities in WordPress and how they can affect your website. But, it’s important to understand what an “attack” or “breach” on your website can look like in real life.

Unlike in the movies, attackers usually aren’t typing away at a screen with neon letters to hack your website. In reality, “hacking” is a lot more interesting and attacks can come in many forms. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common WordPress security issues.

1. Malware and virus infections

You’re probably familiar with the terms malware and viruses. In the context of a website, malware (short for malicious software) and viruses are types of malicious code that can harm your site or its visitors.

Malware is typically inserted into your website, and can cause a wide range of issues. For instance, it can be used to deface your site, steal data, or even spread malware to its visitors. 

Types of website malware can include backdoors (allowing unauthorized access), drive-by downloads (automatically downloading harmful software to a user’s device), and defacement (changing the visual appearance of your website).

2. SQL injection attacks

An SQL Injection is a type of attack that enables someone to interfere with the queries that an application makes to its database. In this case, the queries that WordPress submits to the database. The aim of this type of attack is to gain unauthorized access to information or to the site itself.

Here’s how it works: When WordPress takes user input, it structures it in Structured Query Language (SQL) to fetch the corresponding information from the database. If the query isn’t “sanitized” first, an attacker can modify it. These statements can manipulate the original intent of the query, leading to unauthorized data exposure, data modification, or even data deletion. 

3. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks

Cross-Site Scripting, or XSS attacks, occur when an attacker manages to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. These scripts are usually written in JavaScript and execute in the user’s browser.

Once an XSS attack is successful, the attacker can steal sensitive data (like session cookies) and impersonate the user. Depending on how much access the user has to the site, they can wreak a lot of havoc.

4. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), also known as XSRF, is a type of attack that tricks the victim into submitting a malicious request. It exploits the trust that a site has in a user’s browser, essentially using the identity and privileges of the victim to “infiltrate” it.

Suppose a user is logged into a web application where they can perform certain actions, like changing their email address. A CSRF attack could involve the attacker sending the user an email with a link or embedding a link on another website. 

If the user clicks the link, it triggers a request to the web application that utilizes the user’s already authenticated session to perform the action — in this case, changing their email address to one controlled by the attacker.

5. Brute force attacks

A brute force attack involves trying multiple credential combinations until the right one is found. Attackers typically use bots or software to do this. Meaning, if your website doesn’t lock them out of the login screen, they may be able to try thousands of combinations.

These attempts can be random, but more often, attackers use a dictionary of commonly used passwords or employ more advanced methods like using lists of breached credentials from other sites.

6. DDoS attacks

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks involve multiple computers connecting to a website at the same time to try and overload it. This is possible because every server can only handle so much traffic before it starts to drop requests or goes down temporarily.

Typically, attackers use a network of compromised computers to carry out DDoS attacks. Depending on how protected your site is, this type of attack can result in prolonged downtime.

7. Malicious redirects

A “redirect” is when you visit a URL and your browser sends you to a different address. This happens because the server you’re trying to access has instructions to redirect all or some traffic to that location.

There are a lot of reasons to use redirects. For instance, if you change domain names or want to avoid users visiting pages that no longer exist. But, if attackers have access to the server, they can set up malicious redirects sending users to dangerous websites instead.

8. File inclusion attacks

A file inclusion attack happens when an attacker manages to trick your website into including files from a remote server that they control. This type of attack typically exploits poorly validated or unsanitized user inputs.

Properly sanitizing inputs can help you prevent file inclusion attacks as well as SQL injections and other types of vulnerabilities. Another way to prevent this is by using a WAF and keeping your site updated to avoid holes in its security.

9. Directory traversal attacks

Directory or path traversal attacks involve attackers manipulating a URL in such a way that the server executes or reveals the contents of files located anywhere within its file system.

The goal of this type of attack is to gain access to files you don’t have permission to see or modify. The best way to prevent this type of attack is by configuring secure file and directory permissions.

10. Remote code execution attacks

A remote code execution attack happens when someone can execute harmful code remotely. For websites, this means attackers being able to execute malicious scripts on your hosting server.

This type of attack can happen if your server is vulnerable. Depending on the type of access attackers get, they could potentially run any command they want on the server.

11. Session hijacking and fixation attacks

A “session hijacking” is a type of attack that exploits the mechanisms that sites use to help you remain logged in across multiple visits. Typically, websites use cookies to store information about each session. If an attacker can “steal” these cookies, they can hijack the session.

In practical terms, this means the website will enable the attacker to use your account without having to go through the login process. Depending on what permissions the account has, someone can do a lot of damage with a hijacked session.

12. SEO spam

In terms of search engine optimization (SEO), spam can refer to reusing keywords, sharing the same links multiple times, and otherwise trying to game the algorithms that determine site rankings in results pages.

A lot of times, attackers will try to gain access to websites and use them to improve their own rankings. They can do this by using your site to excessively link to their own.

Depending on how aggressive the spam is, it can affect your own search engine rankings and lead to penalization. It can also erode the trust of your users because they might think you’re the one spamming them.

13. Phishing attacks

You’re probably familiar with phishing attacks. They involve pretending to be someone from an organization or a website to try and obtain login credentials or other critical information from a specific user.

For a WordPress website, this could look like a fake email asking users to reset their credentials and directing them to a page that saves their inputs. A lot of non-tech-savvy users fall for phishing attacks, so it’s important you try and educate your visitors about official communications from your site.

Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions left about WordPress vulnerabilities or the types of attacks you might run into, this section will hopefully answer them. 

Is WordPress secure?

The short answer is yes. By design, WordPress is a secure CMS. What’s more, its core software is regularly updated for maintenance and security purposes.

But, just as with any other software, its security depends on how you use it.

If you don’t update WordPress and its components regularly and use weak login credentials, you’re exposing your site to a lot of risks. 

What are signs a WordPress site has been hacked?

Sometimes, it can be hard to spot if a WordPress website is compromised. Still, there are a lot of telltale signs of attacks that can tip you off. For one, you may notice changes in key pages or differences in links.

If the site is hacked, some search engines will also outright warn visitors when they try to access it. Running into one of these security notices is a solid indicator that you should scan your website for malware and look into ways to remove it.

How can you remove malware from a WordPress site?

The easiest way to remove malware from WordPress is by having access to backups. If you use a malware scanner like Jetpack Scan, it can detect changes to your server files as well as harmful code. 

You can purchase this tool on its own or get it as part of the Jetpack Security bundle.

This scanner may be able to clean your website by removing the malware or restoring a backup from when the server wasn’t infected. 

How can you prevent brute force attacks on WordPress?

You can prevent brute force attacks on your website by using a firewall to block connections from known malicious IPs. Plugins like Jetpack enable you to do this and help protect your login page from repeated attempts to breach it.

What is Jetpack Security?

Jetpack Security is a service that includes VaultPress Backup, Jetpack Scan, and Akismet in one package. That means it helps you automate backups, set up regular malware scans, and protect your website from spam, all in one plan.

What is the WPScan vulnerability database?

WPScan is a database of WordPress vulnerabilities maintained by experts in the CMS and security professions. The database gets constant updates, and you can access it via WP-CLI if you’re a developer. Jetpack Protect uses the WPScan database to identify any potential WordPress security vulnerabilities or malware on your website. 

Jetpack Security: Your WordPress site’s shield against vulnerabilities

No matter what type of WordPress site you run, it’s best to be proactive about protecting it from security threats and vulnerabilities. Otherwise, your website’s performance could suffer, and sensitive user data could fall into the wrong hands. As a result, your business or reputation could suffer.

The easiest way to prevent this is to tighten things up with a WordPress security plugin like Jetpack Security. This powerful tool enables anyone to quickly tackle the most important tasks for more secure WordPress sites, including generating real-time backups, running automatic vulnerability and malware scans, and filtering spam. 

You’ve heard the phrase, “Better safe than sorry”, right? It doesn’t just apply to double-checking that your car is locked or going the extra step with home maintenance. The same holds true in our digital lives as well, particularly if you run a website. 

When you pour your heart, soul, and a great deal of time and resources into building and maintaining a WordPress site, losing it is unthinkable. But, without a backup, it really is a possibility. It could be gone in a flash.

Fortunately, you don’t have to live with that worry. Hope exists in the form of Jetpack VaultPress Backup, a top-tier solution designed specifically for WordPress sites. When activated, it serves as a virtual time machine, giving you the ability to turn back the clock on any disaster. It reliably goes to work in the background with robust protection that you don’t have to even think about unless you need it.

Let’s learn a bit more about WordPress backups. 

Why backing up your WordPress site is essential

You wouldn’t buy a house without insurance, would you? A backup is kind of like insurance, but instead of simply compensating you for your loss, the right backup solution can actually make it like the issue never even happened. A website — whether it’s for personal use or professional — is a crucial asset that needs protection.

1. Loss of data

Have you ever experienced that gut-wrenching feeling of losing a document or photo? Now multiply that feeling by a hundred — that’s what losing a website feels like. And World Backup Day reports that 21% of people have never backed up their data, which is a startling statistic.

2. Potential downtime

Downtime is the stuff of nightmares for any online business. It can cost small businesses a few hundred dollars per hour (or more!) and larger organizations millions. That’s a steep price to pay for not having a reliable backup system in place.

3. Financial implications

The financial implications of a website crash can ripple out beyond just the cost of downtime. There’s the lost revenue from halted operations, not to mention the money needed to repair and restore the site. In some cases, businesses have had to start over entirely, an expense nobody is eager to pay.

4. Loss of customer trust

Imagine being a regular visitor to a site, only to find it vanished one day, with no explanation. You’d lose trust, wouldn’t you? Data from a survey conducted by KPMG showed that 19% of consumers would completely stop shopping at a retailer after a breach, and 33% would take a break from shopping there for an extended period.

Traditional ways of backing up a WordPress site

When it comes to protecting your WordPress site, there are a few traditional routes that developers have used time and again. They include manual backups using cPanel, FTP, and phpMyAdmin. While these methods are better than no backup plan at all, they do have their pitfalls.

Manual backups, for example, can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. They require meticulous attention to detail. If one file is missed, the entire process could be worthless.

cPanel backups come with storage issues, as they’re typically stored on the same server as the website. This means that if the server is compromised due to a hack or other cause, the backups could be lost too. FTP and phpMyAdmin have their merits but require a certain level of technical knowledge to use correctly, which can be daunting for many users.

Plus, manual backups require you to remember and dedicate time to performing them. If you have an active site, this will need to be every single day. Even then, there could still be a gap in between your last backup and whenever an issue occurs. Any work, updates, new user activity, orders, etc. in between those times will be lost.

The need for automated, real-time, off-site backups

With an increasing reliance on digital platforms, automated, real-time, off-site backups are the new standard. You shouldn’t accept anything less. They provide peace of mind, doing all the heavy lifting while you get on with your day.

Real-time means that your backup is always current, up to the last second. Automated means that you’re not required to constantly monitor your website and manually initiate backups. Off-site means that your backups are stored away from your primary server, shielding them from any server-wide damage or data loss.

A trio of scalability, security, and convenience, these features are a must-have for businesses of all sizes. Why? Here are a few reasons:

• Automated backups are scalable because, as your site grows, the backup system keeps pace, saving every bit of new data.
• Off-site backups provide an extra layer of security, preventing a single server issue from wiping out both your site and your backups.
• Real-time backups ensure you don’t lose recent updates or changes if disaster strikes.

And all of this happens with little to no effort on your part.

If you put traditional methods and automated, real-time, off-site backups side by side, the choice is as clear as day. Traditional methods might get the job done, but they can’t hold a candle to the efficiency, comprehensiveness, and peace of mind provided by their modern counterparts.

Introducing Jetpack VaultPress Backup, the leading WordPress backup solution

Jetpack VaultPress Backup was designed with WordPress sites in mind, boasting all the necessary features for an automated, real-time, off-site backup solution.

VaultPress Backup sets itself apart through a variety of unique benefits. One of them is its subscription-based model, which includes not only the backup service but also access to an activity log to help you pinpoint issues and restore to the exact right moment in time. 

Plus, if you subscribe as part of Jetpack Security, you also get a variety of the best WordPress security tools to help prevent issues in the first place and protect your users and digital assets.  

But the real beauty of VaultPress Backup is its simplicity. It takes the complexity out of backing up a WordPress site, turning a potentially arduous process into a matter of a few clicks. Whether you’re a small business owner with no coding experience or a medium-sized company with a dedicated IT department, VaultPress Backup is crafted for your convenience.

How to set up VaultPress Backup for your WordPress site

Taking your first steps with VaultPress Backup is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can set it up for your WordPress site:

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New. There, search for “Jetpack VaultPress Backup” and click Install Now → Activate.

2. You’ll now see a prompt to set up Jetpack VaultPress Backup. Click the Set up Jetpack button.

3. Click Approve to connect your site to WordPress.com — you can either log into an existing account or create a new one. 

4. You’ll now see a table with several plan options. Choose the one that best fits your needs and proceed through the checkout process.

And that’s it! Your first backup will begin automatically.

Once VaultPress is set up, you don’t need to worry about anything. Everything happens in the background, in real-time, and your backups are automatically stored in the ultra-secure Jetpack Cloud.

Restoring your site with VaultPress Backup

Nobody likes to think about worst-case scenarios, but they do happen. In such cases, VaultPress Backup is your best friend. It allows you to restore your WordPress site in a few straightforward steps:

1. Start by going to https://cloud.jetpack.com and find your Activity Log.

2. Here, you can filter by date range or activity type to find a specific restore point.

3. Choose Actions → Restore to this point. 

4. You’ll see a list of items that you’d like to restore. In most cases, you’ll leave them all checked. Click Confirm Restore.

Now, all you have to do is wait! You can keep track of the restore progress on the same page, and you’ll also receive a notification when your site is restored.

Whether your site has been hacked, was infected with malware, or experienced some other issue, VaultPress Backup ensures you’re never more than a few clicks away from getting things back to normal.

Comparison of VaultPress Backup to other backup solutions

There’s no shortage of WordPress backup solutions out there, but VaultPress Backup stands head and shoulders above the rest. This comparison of the best backup plugins puts it all into perspective.

This comprehensive comparison clearly shows that VaultPress Backup excels in all key areas, including real-time backups, off-site storage, automated backups, ease of use, and support.

VaultPress Backup is also part of Jetpack Security

VaultPress Backup is also included in Jetpack Security. a complete security suite for your WordPress site. Picture a fortress, solid and impenetrable, protecting your WordPress site from threats of all kinds. That’s Jetpack Security for you.

By opting for Jetpack Security, you get VaultPress Backup along with a web application firewall (WAF) working round the clock, automated daily malware scans, one-click fixes for most security issues and vulnerabilities, activity monitoring with a 30-day log, and robust anti-spam protection for WordPress forms and comments. It’s like having an expert security team watching over your website, every minute of every day.

The reliability and resilience of Jetpack Security speaks for itself. More importantly, it’s a cost-effective solution for your business. With Jetpack Security, you’re not just buying a backup solution; you’re investing in the safety and longevity of your business.

Frequently asked questions about WordPress backups

What is Jetpack VaultPress Backup, and why choose it for my WordPress backups?

Jetpack VaultPress Backup is a leading backup solution for WordPress sites. It offers automated, real-time, off-site backups, making it a secure and convenient choice for businesses of all sizes. 

How does VaultPress Backup differ from other WordPress backup solutions?

VaultPress Backup stands out with its comprehensive backup features, ease of use, and exceptional support services. You can use it as a standalone plugin, or as part of the Jetpack Security suite, which offers enhanced security and protection for your site.

Is VaultPress Backup suitable for a small business WordPress site?

Absolutely. VaultPress Backup is designed with companies of all sizes in mind, including small businesses. Its simple setup, automated backups, and affordable plans make it a great choice for small businesses.

How often does VaultPress Backup back up my site?

VaultPress Backup provides real-time backups, so every change you make on your site is instantly saved.

What does “real-time backup” mean?

Real-time backup means that VaultPress Backup constantly monitors your site and backs up any changes as they happen. So, every updated page, new blog post, comment, order, and more is available if something goes wrong.

Are my backups safe with VaultPress Backup?

Yes, VaultPress Backup stores your files off-site on secure servers. This means that, even if something happens to your primary server, your backups are safe.

What is the process to set up VaultPress Backup on my WordPress site?

Setting up VaultPress Backup on your WordPress site is a breeze. You just need to install the plugin, connect your website, choose a plan, and VaultPress Backup starts doing its magic automatically.

How do I restore my WordPress site with VaultPress Backup?

VaultPress Backup offers a simple restoration process. You just log into your dashboard, select the backup to restore, and click Restore to this point. VaultPress Backup takes care of the rest.

Does VaultPress Backup save my database or files?

VaultPress Backup saves both your database and your files. This includes posts, comments, media, and more.

Will using VaultPress Backup slow down my WordPress site?

VaultPress Backup operates in the background and doesn’t impact your site’s performance.

Does VaultPress Backup provide support in case I encounter an issue?

Yes. VaultPress Backup prides itself on its stellar customer support. As a subscriber, you’ll have access to expert help whenever you need it.

How secure is my data with VaultPress Backup?

Your data is very secure with VaultPress Backup. Not only are your backups stored off-site on secure servers, but the infrastructure employs strict security protocols to ensure your data’s safety.

Can an agency use VaultPress Backup to back up its clients’ sites?

Yes, and we encourage it. VaultPress is a great tool for agencies to provide secure and reliable backups for their clients’ WordPress sites. For more information, visit our Jetpack for Agencies program at https://jetpack.com/for/agencies/

VaultPress Backup: Simply the best backup solution for WordPress

So, there you have it. We’ve walked through the importance of WordPress backups, the pain points of traditional backup methods, the need for automated, real-time, off-site backups, and how VaultPress Backup is a solution that ticks all those boxes.

Are you still wondering, “Is VaultPress Backup really the best backup solution for WordPress?” 

Without a hint of hesitation, the answer is “Yes!”

Remember, your WordPress site is like a vital organ of your business. You wouldn’t entrust the health of your heart to just anyone, would you? So, why should your WordPress site be any different?

The beauty of VaultPress Backup lies in the incredible simplicity of use despite robust features. It doesn’t just provide a backup solution; it gives you peace of mind. You can sleep easy knowing that even if the unthinkable happens, you have a reliable recovery system at your disposal. 

That’s the power of a solid backup solution. It does more than just store copies of your data. It guarantees that your business can bounce back from any setback, at any time. 

In the end, what matters is not just having a backup solution, but having the right backup solution. And, as we’ve shown, VaultPress Backup is the right backup solution for WordPress.

Are you ready to safeguard your WordPress site? Ready to trade worry for assurance? If so, then it’s time to choose VaultPress Backup. It’s time to choose peace of mind.

Get started with VaultPress Backup today.

On the internet, it’s increasingly difficult to make a lasting impression. But for business owners, it’s absolutely critical to turn passersby into regular followers and, eventually, loyal customers.

You can’t just create a bunch of stale social media profiles and expect success. You have to cook up an entire experience to be remembered. One of the key elements to create this experience is a social media kit. 

So let’s roll up our sleeves and delve into the world of social media kits together.

What is a social media kit?

A social media kit is your brand’s superhero costume. It’s what makes you recognizable in the sea of digital noise. More specifically, it’s a collection of brand assets, guidelines, and tools that define how your brand should appear and communicate on social media.

It’s the blueprint for your online identity. It contributes to consistency, clarity, and cohesion across all social media platforms — and in the digital world — that’s no small feat. 

What does a social media kit include?

Think of your social media kit as a well-stocked toolbox. It holds everything necessary to build and maintain your online brand image. It includes items like your brand story, visual identity (logos, colors, fonts), social media bio templates, content guidelines, and so much more.

But it’s not just a static collection of brand elements. It also includes guidelines for engagement, content planning tools, and key performance indicators. It’s a dynamic system that evolves with your brand and keeps your online presence sharp and engaging.

Google Drive is a great solution for compiling assets and sharing them with the right people. You can determine permissions ideal for your organization — such as granting “read only” access to contractors, but allowing edit permissions for your main team.

A social media kit can include, but isn’t limited to: 

• Stats about your company, stakeholders, and leadership team
• Quotes from leadership or endorsements 
• Approved logo and graphic files in every possible format
• Approved photos and videos (raw and edited) that can be shared at will by the social team
• Pre-made graphic templates for each social platform 
• Instructions for engagement with comments 
• Brand voice and editorial guidelines  
• Examples of successful posts and ideal language
• Your social media and marketing editorial calendar
• KPIs (key performance indicators) by which success can be measured

What are the benefits of having a social media kit?

1. Brand uniformity and consistency

Your social media kit is the thread that ties your online presence together. With it, your brand can project a united front, a consistent image across various platforms. 

Imagine your brand as a choir. Without direction, each singer might still sound good, but they’re all singing different tunes. With your social media kit as the conductor, each platform is singing in harmony, creating a melodious brand symphony.

2. Efficiency in content creation

With a social media kit on hand, your content creation process becomes streamlined and efficient. You’re no longer starting from scratch each time, but building upon a well-structured foundation. This also saves you valuable time when training or working with new team members.

3. An enhanced business image

A well-crafted social media kit helps you build a strong, professional business image. It shows that your brand is organized, forward-thinking, and attentive to detail. It sends the signal that you’re serious about your digital presence, and that you value the experience of your online community.

4. Clear communication of brand values

Your social media kit helps articulate your brand values, mission, and unique selling proposition. It tells your audience not just who you are, but also why you exist and why they should care. It gives your brand a voice and an identity that goes beyond logos and color schemes.

5. Improved crisis management

No brand is immune from a social media crisis. But with a social media kit, you’re better prepared to handle it. You have guidelines on how to respond, how to communicate with your audience, and how to maintain your brand integrity, even in the face of controversy.

6. Enhanced content strategy

Your social media kit is the compass that guides your content strategy. It helps you plan and develop content that aligns with your brand identity and resonates with your audience. It’s the roadmap that directs you towards content that not only drives engagement but also builds brand trust and loyalty.

Your social media efforts should aid the ROI of your content marketing program by promoting new posts and reviving old, still-relevant content. The social media team should also be in tune with the broader marketing and editorial schedule so that posts can go out in a way that supports and adds value to the overall marketing team.

7. Better team collaboration

A social media kit isn’t just for your audience; it’s also a guide for your team. It ensures everyone is on the same page, working towards the same goals. It fosters effective communication and collaboration within your team, leading to a stronger, more unified brand presence.

8. Effective measurement of success

Your social media kit also helps you define key performance indicators (KPIs), setting benchmarks for success. Understanding this information helps you make strategy decisions moving forward, and ultimately helps you find more success.

How to create a powerful social media kit in 15 steps

1. Define your target audience

Creating a social media kit starts with understanding your audience. Who are they? What are their interests, needs, and challenges? Where do they spend time online?

Once you find your target audience, you can direct all of your social media content to meet their specific needs. You can use language and imagery that appeals to them. And you can focus your efforts on the platforms they actively use.

Here’s a guide on how to find your audience. 

2. Create memorable personas of your ideal customers

Beyond demographics, it’s important to delve into the psychographics of your target audience. Create customer personas, detailed profiles of your ideal customers that help you visualize and empathize with them.

This also helps keep your entire team informed about who they’re communicating with and directing their posts to. And use images in your personas, even if they’re just stock images — faces go a long way!

3. List your company’s values, mission, and USP

Your social media kit needs to reflect who you are as a brand. Your values, mission, and unique selling proposition (USP) should be clearly articulated. It’s the heart and soul of your brand, the core of your brand narrative. And, ultimately, it should be considered with each social media post.

4. Ensure your brand positioning and audience are in sync

The magic happens when your brand positioning aligns with your audience’s needs and wants. Your social media kit should reflect this alignment, creating a bridge between your brand and your audience.

5. Build a captivating brand narrative for your bios

Your bio is more than just a few lines about your brand. It’s a micro brand story that should captivate and connect with readers. It should be consistent across platforms, yet tailored to each one’s character limits and tone.

6. Develop a recognizable visual identity

Visual identity goes beyond logos. It involves colors, typography, graphic styles, profile pictures, cover images, post templates, and more. Visuals are a language that speaks volumes about your brand, even before a single word is read.

In your social media kit, define these elements. Include specific HEX codes for your brand colors. Add examples of stock images and graphics that fit with your story. If you have existing social media posts, you can even include some of them as a guide for team members to go by.

7. Establish a unique brand tone and voice

Your brand tone and voice set the mood for your social media presence. They should reflect your brand personality, resonating with your audience and differentiating you from competitors.

Include examples of phrases and words you do and do not use, to avoid any confusion.

8. Build your social media copy templates

Having ready-made copy templates saves you time and ensures consistency. They’re like the quick-start guides for your social media posts, giving you a base to build upon.

For example, if you run an ecommerce store, you might have a template for new product announcements, one for customer testimonials, and one for flatlays of existing items. When you’re ready to post something from one of these categories, you can just pull the template, switch out the text and imagery, and you’re good to go! 

9. Decide on social media management tools

Navigating the social media landscape without the right tools can be daunting. Social media management tools help you schedule posts, engage with your audience, track analytics, and more.

This is where Jetpack Social comes into play. Designed specifically for WordPress, Jetpack Social provides you with a suite of tools that help you manage your social media presence efficiently and effectively.

Automatically share new content, send posts to multiple platforms at the same time, schedule posts in advance and more. 

10. Assemble a list of relevant and important hashtags

Hashtags are signposts that guide people to your content. A list of relevant hashtags is a must-have in your social media kit, helping you maximize your content’s reach. 

However, you won’t use every hashtag every single time because each one’s relevancy will vary by post. Likely, though, there will be at least a few that work for almost every post. 

You can research the best hashtags in a number of ways. Look at what competitors are using. Which hashtags are trending? What do your ideal influencer partners use? 

You can start typing hashtags into platforms like Instagram and get some instant data on the number of times it’s been used. You want a variety of highly-used and moderately-used hashtags. The popularity is an indication of how often people use that term to find posts. 

You want enough popularity that it stands the possibility of driving traffic, but not so much that your post is just a tiny blip on your audience’s radar. 

11. Establish guidelines for user-generated content

User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool for brand engagement and trust-building. Your social media kit should include guidelines on how to encourage, manage, and use UGC effectively.

This might include photos of people using your products, testimonials from clients, or links to followers’ blog posts that were inspired by you.

12. Decide on key performance indicators (KPIs)

To know if your social media efforts are paying off, you need a yardstick. That’s where KPIs come in. They could range from engagement metrics — including likes and comments — to more complex ones, like conversion rates and customer lifetime value. Decide on the KPIs that matter to your brand and include them in your kit.

13. Create a social media policy

This is a blueprint for your team, partners, and contractors. It’s a clear policy on what to post, how to engage, and how to handle sensitive situations. This isn’t just a guideline; it’s your brand’s rule book for social media conduct.

14. Explain how to handle negative comments and reviews

Not every interaction on social media will be roses and rainbows. You need a plan on how to handle negative comments and reviews. How do you respond? When do you intervene? When do you step back? This is crisis management in action, and it needs a dedicated section in your social media kit.

15. Append your content calendar to your media kit

A content calendar is your social media strategy at a glance. It shows what, when, and where you’ll post, helping you maintain a consistent presence. Your content calendar should be a living document, continually evolving with your brand.

Make your mark

A social media kit isn’t just a document. It’s a statement that says you’re here to make a mark, to engage, to resonate, and to build a brand that’s loved and remembered. It’s a toolkit for training, consistency, and success. 

So, get out there and start crafting your social media kit. And remember, Jetpack Social is here to make your journey smoother, easier, and more successful.

Frequently asked questions about social media kits

1. Why is a social media kit important for my business?

To win customers online, you must first gain attention. A social media kit helps you stand out. It ensures consistency, boosts efficiency, enhances your brand image, and allows for effective crisis management, to name a few benefits. 

2. How often should I update my social media kit?

Your social media kit isn’t a set-and-forget it tool. As your brand evolves, so should your social media kit. As a rule of thumb, revisit your kit every six months, or whenever there’s a significant change in your brand or market. 

3. What is a social media content calendar, and how do I create one?

A content calendar is your posting plan. It shows what content you’ll share, when, and on what platform. Creating one involves understanding your audience’s content preferences and behavior, defining content categories, choosing a posting frequency, and scheduling posts ahead of time. For a more in-depth understanding, see our detailed guide on how to create a winning social media content calendar.

4. What types of content should I post on my social media accounts?

Regardless of the type of social media content you create, the golden rule of content creation is this: offer value. 

This could be in the form of information, entertainment, inspiration, or a combination of these. Your content should align with your brand identity, resonate with your audience, and spur engagement. If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a collection of social media post ideas every business can use as a baseline.

5. Can I use tools to streamline content scheduling and posting?

Absolutely! Social media management tools like Jetpack Social can do the heavy lifting for you. They allow you to schedule posts, engage with your audience, and more. It’s your faithful companion in the bustling social media landscape.

6. What is Jetpack Social, and how can it help my business?

Jetpack Social is a WordPress plugin that offers a suite of social media management tools. It’s designed to streamline your social media efforts, saving you time and boosting your efficiency. Jetpack Social is your one-stop solution for effective social media management.

Jetpack Social: Elevate your brand with automated social media posting

Jetpack Social takes the guesswork out of social media management. With its scheduling feature, you can plan your posts ahead of time and publish them when your audience is most active. You can share your content across multiple platforms, broadening your reach without additional effort.

More importantly, Jetpack Social integrates seamlessly with WordPress, making it an excellent choice for businesses running their websites on this platform. With Jetpack Social, you don’t need to jump between your website and multiple social media platforms; you can manage everything right from your WordPress dashboard.

Imagine you’ve just published a blog post. You’re thrilled about it and can’t wait to share it with your audience. Without a tool like Jetpack Social, you’d have to manually log in to each of your social media platforms, create a post, and hit publish — and do it all over again for every new piece of content.

But with Jetpack Social, you can automate this process. It lets you share your new posts to your social media accounts simultaneously, right from your WordPress site. This means less time spent on repetitive tasks and more time creating amazing content and engaging with your audience.

And that’s not all. Jetpack Social also comes with an auto-post feature that lets you automatically share your posts on social media whenever you publish new content. There’s no need to set reminders or worry about missing out on peak engagement times. Jetpack Social handles it all for you.

In a nutshell, Jetpack Social is an all-in-one solution for your social media needs, designed to make your life easier and your social media efforts more effective. Learn more about Jetpack Social here: https://jetpack.com/social/

In an increasingly disjointed world, photographs are the currency of human connection. They invite us to see the world from a unique perspective. They share moments, create emotions, and let us tell our stories without a single uttered word. For photographers, each image is a work of art, an expression of creativity, a narrative waiting to be shared. 

But what is art without an audience? 

Social media platforms have opened a world of opportunities for photographers, democratizing the art and business of photography. They offer a stage to present to a global audience, garner instant feedback, and build a community.

At the same time, the vast landscape of social media can be overwhelming. From Instagram to Flickr, each platform has its own best practices and unspoken rules. Choosing the right platform and curating the right content can be daunting. 

But this is where we step in to provide you with a detailed roadmap to navigate the journey — a roadmap tailored for photographers.

The eight best social media sites for photographers

Before diving into the platforms, let’s consider the key factors that should guide your choice of social media platforms. It’s not about being in every place; it’s about being in the right place. 

You want to choose platforms where your target audience is most active, that align with your style of photography, and that cater to your business goals. Also consider the ease of use, the tools and features available, and how well you can integrate the platform into your existing workflows.

1. Instagram

Instagram and photography go together like the lens and the shutter. Born as a photo-sharing app, Instagram has become a go-to platform for photographers.

Advantages for photographers

Instagram’s visually-driven nature is ideal for photographers. It offers various features such as filters, stories, reels, and IGTV that are perfect for showcasing and experimenting with your work. Its user-friendly interface and vast user base provide an opportunity to reach a global audience.

Best practices and strategies

Use hashtags intentionally to increase your content’s discoverability. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages. Make the most of Instagram’s multiple post formats — photos, carousels, stories, reels, and IGTV. 

Content ideas

Post a mix of your best shots, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and your creative process. Use stories for interactive content such as polls and Q&As. Share a photo series on IGTV or reels to showcase your editing process.

2. Tumblr

Tumblr’s blogging format is a unique choice, and an effective one for photographers.

Advantages for photographers

Tumblr’s emphasis on community and sharing makes it a great platform to build a dedicated fan base. Its blog-like nature allows for more in-depth captions, offering you a chance to delve deeper into your creative process.

Best practices and strategies

Regularly interact with the community by reblogging other people’s posts, responding to messages, and participating in discussions. Customize your Tumblr page to reflect your photography style.

Content ideas

Share photo essays, series, or narratives. Use the platform to provide insight into your artistic process or to discuss photography techniques.

3. Behance

Behance is like a virtual exhibition for photographers, where you can showcase your work in a professional format.

Advantages for photographers

Behance’s focus on creative portfolios makes it a perfect platform for showcasing your best work. The network of professionals on Behance can provide valuable connections and feedback.

Best practices and strategies

Keep your portfolio updated with your latest and best work. Engage with the Behance community through comments and appreciations. Make sure your profile is complete and represents your personal brand.

Content ideas

Showcase your best work, highlight your creative processes, and share your experiences in your industry. 

4. Pinterest

Pinterest, the digital vision board, is an underexplored gem for photographers.

Advantages for photographers

The platform’s emphasis on visuals and discovery makes it a treasure trove for photographers. It’s a perfect place to not just showcase your work but also to discover new inspiration and trends.

Best practices and strategies

Use SEO-friendly descriptions and hashtags to enhance discoverability. Create various boards for different types of work or inspirations. 

Content ideas

Share your photography, behind-the-scenes, photography tips, mood boards, and inspirations. 

5. Facebook

Despite the rise of new platforms, Facebook remains a behemoth and a necessary platform for photographers.

Advantages for photographers

Facebook’s vast user base and versatile post formats make it a must-have platform for photographers. It’s excellent for community building, client engagement, and event promotion.

Best practices and strategies

Make use of Facebook groups to connect with other photographers and potential clients. Regularly engage with your followers through likes, comments, and shares.

Content ideas

Share your latest work, behind-the-scenes, photography events, client testimonials, and promotions.

6. YouTube

In the era of visuals, YouTube’s focus on video content presents a unique opportunity for photographers.

Advantages for photographers

YouTube can enhance your brand through the power of video, enabling you to present your work, personality, and knowledge in a dynamic format. It’s also a great platform for monetization.

Best practices and strategies

Consistency is key on YouTube. Regularly upload videos, engage with comments, and promote your channel on other platforms. 

Content ideas

Share photography tutorials, gear reviews, vlogs, project walkthroughs, and time-lapse videos of your editing process.

7. TikTok

The rising star, TikTok, is not just for dance routines and lip-syncing.

Advantages for photographers

TikTok’s emphasis on short, creative videos makes it a fun and refreshing platform for photographers. Its algorithm also provides a fair chance for your content to go viral.

Best practices and strategies

Keep videos short and entertaining. Make use of trending songs and hashtags. Engage with the community through challenges and duets.

Content ideas

Share quick photography tips, behind-the-scenes videos, the editing process, photo challenges, and humorous content related to photography.

8. Flickr

Flickr, the old faithful, continues to be a beloved platform among photographers.

Advantages for photographers

Flickr’s emphasis on high-quality images and its supportive community make it an excellent platform for serious photographers. 

Best practices and strategies

Regularly participate in groups and discussions. Make use of tags and descriptions for better discoverability.

Content ideas

Share your best work, participate in photo challenges, and engage in critique groups.

Compelling content ideas for photographers on social media

Having touched on some content ideas while discussing individual platforms, let’s delve deeper into what kind of content photographers can share on social media. Remember, content’s most important, but it can’t go very far without engagement. Your posts should not just showcase your work but also engage your audience, inspire conversation, and build community. 

1. Showcase your portfolio and latest work

Your social media platforms serve as a dynamic portfolio of your work. This is where you can show the world what you’re capable of and how your work evolves. 

Behind-the-scenes content

People love to see a peek into what goes on behind the camera. It adds a layer of authenticity and relatability to your work. From setting up the shot to post-processing, your audience will appreciate seeing what goes into making that perfect image.

Before and after shots

Before and after shots, especially of your editing process, can be quite engaging. It helps your audience appreciate the amount of work and skill that goes into each shot.

Photo series and projects

Sharing a series of photos around a particular theme or a long-term project can make for compelling storytelling. It keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.

2. Share photography tips and tutorials

Sharing knowledge not only positions you as an expert in your field, but also builds trust and engagement with your audience.

Editing techniques and software recommendations

Many aspiring photographers and hobbyists follow professionals for tips and learning resources. Sharing your favorite editing techniques and software can be immensely helpful for your followers.

Lighting and composition tips

Lighting and composition are the backbone of a good photograph. Sharing your expertise in these areas can help others improve their photography and appreciate your work better.

Gear reviews and recommendations

Share your insights and experiences with various photography gear. This could range from detailed reviews of the latest camera models to tips on choosing the right lens for a particular type of photography.

3. Feature client stories and testimonials

Nothing speaks louder than the words of a happy client. Client stories and testimonials provide social proof, build trust, and can often lead to new client referrals.

4. Highlight industry events and exhibitions

Are you attending a photography workshop? Participating in an exhibition? Or just visiting a photography fair? Sharing these experiences keeps your content fresh and interesting while also showing your active participation and engagement in the industry.

5. Explore photography-related topics and trends

Stay relevant and engaging by discussing current topics and trends in photography. This could range from the ethical aspects of certain genres to the impact of smartphone cameras on professional photography.

6. Incorporate visual storytelling through captions

While a picture may be worth a thousand words, a well-crafted caption can add depth and context to your image. Use your captions to share the story behind the photo, the thoughts it evokes, or simply the technical details of the shot.

7. Engage with followers through interactive posts

Engagement is key to building a loyal and active social media following. Content like polls, Q&As, and contests can boost engagement and make your followers feel part of your photography journey.

Polls and surveys

Use these tools to gather feedback, understand your audience’s preferences, or simply have fun and create engagement.

Q&A sessions and live videos

Regularly engage with your audience through Q&A sessions or live videos. This makes your followers feel valued and heard, and strengthens your connection with them.

8. Collaborate with other creators for cross-promotion

Collaboration is a powerful tool in the social media world. By collaborating with other creators, you can tap into their audience, bring fresh perspectives to your work, and add variety to your content.

9. Collaborate with brands and clients for sponsored posts

As your following grows, you may find opportunities to collaborate with brands and clients for sponsored posts. While this can be a great source of income, always ensure that the collaborations align with your brand and resonate with your audience.

Frequently asked questions about social media for photographers

As you start working with social media, you may have several questions and concerns. Let’s address some of the most common ones we’ve heard from photographers about social media.

Does it help to have an official website for my photography business?

Absolutely. While social media is great for visibility and engagement, an official website acts as a central hub for your online presence. It’s where potential clients can find detailed information about your services, browse your full portfolio, read client testimonials, and reach out to you for bookings. Having a website also adds credibility to your business. With the right tools, you can even sell your photographs or photography services online directly through your site.

Which platform is easiest to set up and manage a photography website?

This is subjective and depends on your specific needs and technical skills. However, WordPress has proven to be an excellent platform for photographers. It’s easy to use, highly customizable, and comes with a range of plugins, like WooCommerce for selling functionality and Jetpack to enhance security and performance.

Can I schedule social media posts directly from my WordPress site?

Yes, you certainly can, and it’s a real game changer! With Jetpack’s social media sharing plugin, Jetpack Social, you can schedule and share posts on your social media channels directly from your WordPress site. It saves you time and helps you maintain consistency in your social media posting.

How often should I post on social media to maintain engagement with my audience?

Quality always trumps quantity. It’s better to post fewer high-quality posts than bombard your audience with sub-par content. That being said, consistency is still key.

As a general guideline, aim for at least one to two posts per week on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and regular pinning on Pinterest. However, these are just guidelines. Experiment, track your engagement, and find what works best for you.

What are effective ways to incorporate video content into my social media strategy?

Video content is highly engaging and versatile. You can use it to share photography tutorials, gear reviews, behind-the-scenes snippets, or time-lapse videos of your editing process. Live videos and Q&A sessions can be great for engagement. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram (IGTV and Stories), and TikTok are excellent for sharing video content.

Jetpack Social: Automated social media posting for WordPress sites

All the social media platforms and content ideas we’ve discussed might seem overwhelming. Managing multiple social media accounts while running a photography business is no walk in the park. But there are powerful tools, like Jetpack Social, that can help.

Jetpack Social, part of the Jetpack suite of plugins for WordPress, lets you automate your social media posting. Imagine creating a new post on your WordPress site and having it shared across all your social media platforms, instantly or scheduled, without lifting another finger. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? 

Jetpack Social supports many major social media platforms, including some of the ones we’ve discussed in this article. This ensures that your amazing photographs and the captivating stories behind them get the online exposure they deserve. 

Not only does this feature save you time, but it also ensures consistency in your social media presence, which, as we’ve emphasized, is crucial for growing and maintaining your online following.

What’s more, with Jetpack’s optional built-in performance and security tools, you can have peace of mind knowing your website is safe, secure, and performing at its best. So, while Jetpack takes care of your website and social media management, you can focus on what you do best — creating stunning photographs.

A world of opportunities

Social media has helped even the playing field for photographers across the globe. You can showcase your work, connect with an interested audience, and grow your photography business. With the right platforms, engaging content, and handy tools like Jetpack Social, your social media journey can be a truly rewarding one.

Learn more about Jetpack Social today. 

As we’ve been busy adding blocks and functionality to the mobile editor in the Jetpack mobile app, the fundamental design was overdue some love. We’ve started a refresh with modern styles, streamlined writing, and closer alignment to the experience on the web.

Let’s take a look at the changes coming to you with version 22.9 on iOS and Android.

Fresh styles and colors 

We’ve banished the blues for a bolder black and white design. There’s higher contrast and legibility, and more familiarity with what you see on the web. 

The top navigation bar is tidied up and adds a border to separate your content. We’ve replaced your site title with your site icon, which navigates back to your site. We used the extra space to surface undo/redo at the top.

Media shortcuts 

When you have no block selected, we added icons to quickly add an image or video without opening the full block list.

Streamlined writing and a Unified Toolbar

Writing felt clunky with a border and controls surrounding your text. 

We’ve removed the blue box to give your words space to breathe. Those actions all moved to the toolbar, so any action you need to take on a block can be found in one place.

The settings icon moves to the start of the toolbar, while the arrows to move blocks up and down are at the end. And even better, you can drag and drop blocks directly.

More to come

Stay tuned: we’ve got exciting things lined up for the mobile editor experience. Any feedback you have is welcome to help us continue to improve the Jetpack mobile app.

Don’t have the Jetpack mobile app yet? Download it today!