You’ll likely take notice of the issue as you try to do them at scale. The more clients you have, the more difficult it is to manage. Things that used to take a few minutes of your day can turn into hours.

Developing processes for these tasks can help. It’s all about finding ways to create efficiency in your workflow. You can cross items off your to-do list faster and without cutting corners.

How does it work? And what tasks can be streamlined? Here are a few examples to help you get the most out of your time.

Use Tools to Speed up Software Updates

The age of content management systems (CMS) has brought a constant stream of updates. Apps like WordPress require a lot of attention. The core software, plugins, and themes all need to be updated.

The process isn’t too bad if you manage a single website. But it can also get out of hand rather quickly. Keeping track of new versions across multiple sites is difficult. And it’s too easy to miss an important update.

The right tool can help, however. Some services allow you to manage multiple sites via a dashboard.

These tools are a game changer for busy web designers. You can perform maintenance tasks within a singular user interface. They list available updates and can even alert you to security issues.

Keeping your CMS up to date is critical. The right tool can streamline the process and save you time.

Bulk Browser and Device Testing

Modern web browsers are outstanding. But there are plenty of outdated apps still in use. And we can’t forget about the wide range of mobile devices.

Ensuring our websites work across all screens is tedious. A litany of tests is required to verify that everything looks good and works correctly.

Automation can make a positive difference in this area. Browser testing tools will run your site on multiple devices. They’ll then provide screenshots to help you spot any issues.

These tools don’t replace hands-on testing methods. But they will provide you with a heads-up regarding what to look for. Plus, you can use them to test on lesser-used browsers and devices.

The idea is to gauge how your site works across platforms. And do so without spending a lot of time.

Keep Track of Your To-Do List with a Task Management App

How do you keep track of your projects? You’re wasting time if you’re using email or handwritten notes. These methods require fumbling through mounds of content.

Sure, your inbox has search capabilities. But what if you have thousands of messages? And thumbing through a stack of paper isn’t exactly efficient.

A task management app may be what you need. This category has come a long way in recent years. And there’s one for just about every niche. Popular tools like Trello and Asana come to mind.

Even better is that many work across platforms. That means you can look things up on your phone or computer. You can stay in the loop regardless of where you are.

Collaborative features can help you communicate with stakeholders. For example, you can check in with a colleague directly – rather than creating an email chain. And multiple people can cross items off their to-do list.

But even solo freelancers can benefit. Simply having a single point of reference is helpful. You’ll be less likely to forget something.

Automate Client Invoicing and Payment

Billing-related tasks are often a pain. They take precious time away from your projects.

And speaking of which, invoices are time-sensitive. This clashes with other things you have going on. It’s not ideal when you’re working on a tight deadline.

Old-school accounting software can help you create invoices. However, it often lacks the polished automation features of specialized platforms. You still have to get those invoices to your clients somehow.

Several cloud-based providers will do the dirty work for you. They’ll take your input and automatically email an invoice to your clients. An integrated payment gateway will collect your hard-earned money.

But these services offer more than just time savings. They also make it easier for clients to pay on the spot. Thus, your invoice is less likely to sit on their desk collecting dust.

Tax time is also simplified. Earnings and expense reports can be generated and shared with your accountant.

Make Your Web Design Business More Manageable

Every aspect of your web design business can benefit from repeatable processes. That covers technical areas like CMS updates. And it also applies to more mundane tasks like billing.

The ideas above are only a starting point. Think about other tasks that could use some attention. You can then identify ways to streamline them.

It may be easier than you think. Sometimes, it’s a matter of finding the right tool. Several apps cater to web designers and freelancers. And they can transform your workflow.

Don’t panic if you’re feeling stuck and falling behind on projects. Refining a process or two can make all the difference.

The post Develop Processes for These Web Design Tasks appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

They may vary in scope. But most have one thing in common: the promise of making our job easier. They claim to write code, offer advanced functionality, or add killer special effects. These solutions aim to do the dirty work for us. How convenient!

I, for one, feel a bit disappointed. There’s so much hype. But I’m not convinced things are that much easier. It’s not as if artificial intelligence (AI) has replaced every monotonous task. If anything, web design seems to have become even more complex.

Besides, tools that promise an easier experience often come with serious tradeoffs. Thus, easier doesn’t always mean better.

With that, here are a few things to consider before you trade the tried-and-true parts of your workflow for a quick fix.

Does the Tool Lock You In?

Just about every design and development decision requires some sort of buy-in. This is part of the process.

Let’s say you’re creating a website mockup in Figma, Photoshop, or Sketch. You’re committing to a design tool. You’ll need to come back to the chosen app again and again. The same principle applies to everything from DIY website builders to programming frameworks.

The difference is in the required level of commitment. Pick the wrong tool, and you may be stuck with it for longer than you’d like. Becoming locked into a specific path may limit your ability to evolve. And those new features that everyone else is using? They may be unavailable to you.

That’s why it’s important to know what you’re getting into. An untested solution may seem attractive now. But where will it be in five years? You might have to start from scratch if things don’t work out.

It may be worth the risk. But there’s also something to be said for stability and flexibility.

Easier to Build, Harder to Maintain

The promise of a quicker path to launching a website is tempting. It attracts the attention of the design community. Skip over the hard stuff and get paid sooner. Who wouldn’t want that?

It sounds wonderful. But there can be more than meets the eye. A fast start often means more difficult maintenance down the road.

Take, for example, content management system (CMS) plugins. Platforms like WordPress make it easy to piece together a website.

It’s certainly possible to build a functional site with this approach. But there is danger in having bits of related functionality controlled by multiple plugins. It’s akin to using string to keep all of your favorite books together. Take one book out of the stack, and things fall apart.

This delicate balance can start to crumble if your needs change. Some plugins may no longer be suitable or are simply too rigid. That could mean swapping out critical pieces and trying to patch a gaping hole.

This doesn’t mean that you should avoid plugins. But it is worthwhile to think about sustainability. Determine the most sustainable path forward. That may take a little more work upfront. But it will save you from future difficulties.

Analyze the Cost vs. Benefit

Products advertised as making your job easier often tout cost savings as well. But is the easiest way forward really the cheapest?

That depends upon the factors mentioned above. If your website is up and running weeks earlier because of a specific tool, that’s great. But what if it makes future maintenance a nightmare? Any upfront savings may be short-lived.

Then, there’s the ability for future growth. For example, subscribing to a proprietary website platform can get you access to specific features. But what happens if that service cannot provide the advanced features you need later? Meanwhile, how much money have you spent to continue using it?

You may find that the savings weren’t worth the included hassles and limitations. Trading a few extra dollars in your pocket for a less-than-ideal website is unlikely to make you happy.

Be cautious before spending your money. Weigh the potential costs, benefits, and pitfalls of a given solution. This ensures that you’re thinking with both the short and long-term in mind.

Beware of Easy Website Solutions

Every path to building a website has an associated cost. It doesn’t matter if you use free or commercial tools. They all require time and effort. There’s also the cost of future maintenance.

Sometimes you can find a solution that makes web design easier and more cost-effective. However, it takes scrutiny to determine if that’s the case.

There are a lot of products that make such claims. Don’t take them at their word. Instead, do some research and find the tools that will work best for you.

The post In Web Design, Easier Doesn’t Always Mean Better appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

If you’re not a full-on expert just yet, you’re not alone. And there’s no reason to worry. There are plenty of great opportunities to learn. Some are completely free – perfect for the budget-conscious developer.

We took a trip around the internet to find some top resources for learning React. There’s something here for everyone, from beginners to those looking to dive even deeper into the library.

Intro to React

This official tutorial is aimed at absolute beginners (though they do recommend that you have at least some HTML and JS background). In it, you’ll go through the process of creating an interactive tic-tac-toe game. The guide is fairly quick to complete and provides plenty of help along the way. It’s a perfect introduction to the concepts of building a React app.

Learn React.js in 5 minutes

Need to learn the basics in a hurry? Per Harald Borgen’s guide will take you through the very basics in short order. These are the building blocks you’ll need to take things further. And, once you’re ready to move on, check out Per’s free “Building a chat app with React” course.

Learn ReactJS: Part I

Codeacademy’s React course offers a look at JSX, components and how to interact with them. You’ll find that both some basic and advanced concepts are covered. Note that the actual lessons here are free (you just need to sign up for an account). However, there are some “Pro” portions that take you through real-world projects and quizzes.

React for Beginners

Instructor Wes Bos offers two levels of premium React video courses. There is a total of 29 videos available, depending on which package you purchase. Either way, students receive free lifetime updates that will cover new techniques as they become available.

React 101

This free course is meant for intermediate learners who have at least some knowledge of how React works. During the course, you’ll build three unique components from scratch. Plus, there are lessons regarding data retrieval and localStorage.

Learn React By Itself

One of the more confusing aspects of React is that there are so many companion libraries. When starting out, trying to absorb it all can really lead to frustration. So, this free course includes nothing but React. And it’s entirely browser-based, meaning there are no further tools to install.

Learn React

KIRUPA offers a versatile free course that includes both video and text-based tutorials. So, no matter how you prefer to learn, you have a method for doing so. It covers all the basics, along with some more advanced use cases.

Learn React Track

This compilation of 8 React courses from Treehouse will take you through pretty much every aspect of the library. Start off with the React Basics course and work your way through to Building Applications with React and Redux. In all, it’s 10 hours of course material. These courses do require a paid Treehouse membership, however.

A Variety of Learning Avenues

React is a vast library, but the resources above provide you with plenty of choices. You can learn as much as you want and do so in a manner that is the most comfortable.

If you just need to know enough to get by, choose one of the super-fast tutorials. However, if you want to become an expert developer, there are more in-depth offerings as well. Choose the path that makes the most sense for you and your goals.

Either way, congratulations on furthering your education and best of luck!

The post 8 Fantastic Resources for Learning React.js appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

In the grander scheme of things, running WordPress locally offers a virtually limitless playground. It’s a completely free and private way to learn and use the content management system (CMS). You don’t need to worry about web hosting policies or restrictions, nor the potential for breaking a live site. This might just be the most stress-free way to experiment.

With that in mind, here are five great ways to use your local install.

1. Create a Staging Site

One of the most common reasons to run WordPress locally is to test a copy of an existing website. This provides a safe environment for troubleshooting, testing software updates or playing with some custom code you’ve written.

Pulling down a site and running it on your own machine is often preferable to simply making another copy online. For one, your web hosting account’s resources for storage and bandwidth aren’t affected – which is important for larger sites. Plus, you can more easily avoid accidental file or database overwrites that can leave you in a bind.

As a bonus, if you’re familiar with (or looking to learn) Git, this can be a great opportunity to test updates and the push them to your production site.

2. Learn to Code

When it comes to mastering the art of code, everyone needs to start somewhere. And WordPress provides a terrific gateway to learning PHP, CSS and JavaScript. These languages are all crucial components to themes, plugins and WordPress core itself (see the Codex for more).

Utilizing a local install lets you practice and refine your skills in a safe environment. Create a WordPress site and try building some custom post queries or even dig into how custom blocks work for the Gutenberg editor. This is a great way to expand your horizons.

3. Accelerate Theme/Plugin Development

Once you have a good grasp of coding fundamentals, a local copy of WordPress can help you level up your workflow.

The process of tweaking themes or plugins via a remote server can be a huge pain. You make changes, FTP them up to the server, then test. And the process needs to be repeated over and over again. There can be a whole lot of navigating through various folders and clearing cache as well. Tired yet?

A local environment is the perfect place to develop your next theme or plugin. Write your code, save it and refresh your browser. It saves time and also serves as a handy environment for debugging.

4. Build an Internal Productivity App

Sure, there are a ton of third-party productivity apps out there. But where’s the fun in that? With a local installation of WordPress, you can build one of your own and personalize it to fit your needs.

You might, for example, want to build an internal task management site to keep track of your to-do list. Or, if you share an office with team members, even a simple install of BuddyPress can help you stay on the same page. If you really want to go for something big, use an LMS to offer employee training.

The project can be as serious (or not) as you want. In some cases, the build process itself can be the main point. At the very least, it can serve as a great learning experience for future client projects.

5. Teach Someone to Use WordPress

While the other items on our list are about self-improvement and efficiency, our last project is solely focused on others. It’s about taking some time to help someone else learn the ins and outs of WordPress.

A local copy of the CMS can be an easy way for a friend, relative or a youngster to get a close up look at how WordPress works. They won’t have to worry about breaking anything or making a mistake online. Instead, they’ll get to click around, install plugins and practice all manner of mayhem in private. This is especially nice for parents who don’t want their little ones potentially exposed to the online world just yet.

Plus, an aspiring developer can also get a behind-the-scenes tour of how a server is set up. This can give them a solid foundational understanding that will benefit them for years to come.

Going Local

If you’re looking to learn, teach, troubleshoot or just play around, a local WordPress installation could be exactly what you need. And like WordPress itself, the barriers to entry are extremely low.

With minimal hardware and software requirements, just about any old machine you have lying around can be turned into a real, working server that runs the world’s most popular CMS. With a little elbow grease, you can be up and running in under an hour.

From there, an unending amount of possibilities await. So, what will you create?

The post 5 Cool Things You Can Do with a Local Install of WordPress appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

For example, CSS has made it possible to create complex layouts. Yet responsiveness and accessibility must also be taken into account. Creating something that can withstand various devices and use cases requires a lot of care.

This can be difficult for seasoned web designers to manage. But if you’re coming from the world of print design, the challenge is even greater.

For those making the transition from print to the web, this article is for you. We’ll offer some tips on what subjects to study, potential pitfalls, and some key concepts to keep in mind.

Look under the Hood and Find Out What Makes the Web Work

The web is full of visual tools that allow for building websites without writing code. They make the design and build processes easier. It’s perfectly OK to use them.

However, it’s also worth your time to get to know HTML and CSS. They’re foundational elements of web design. By understanding how they work, you’ll gain an advantage when using no-code tools.

As good as these tools are, they’re not perfect. And there will likely be occasions when the results aren’t what you expected. Working knowledge of these languages can be a huge help when troubleshooting.

For example, consider a layout that looks great on a desktop device but not on a phone. Having some background information on CSS Grid or Flexbox might lead you to diagnose and fix the issue.

Once you have a feel for the basics, you’re free to expand your horizons. Learning languages like JavaScript and PHP can also be beneficial. They may even help you think about design differently.

Thankfully, coding expertise isn’t a requirement. But a little knowledge can go a long way.

Keep Your Designs Simple to Start

A talented graphic designer can produce amazing work. Intricate layouts, elements that are positioned perfectly, layer upon layer of textures. The possibilities are endless.

These effects are possible on the web, just as they are in print. But if you’re just starting with web design, embrace simplicity first.

Effective web design needs to work on every device. It must also be easy to read and navigate – regardless of a user’s screen or physical abilities.

There’s a cost to being a bit too ambitious with web layouts. Sometimes, they don’t hold up on mobile devices. Or they may do more harm than good when it comes to accessibility.

Therefore, there’s no need to pressure yourself into building a complex design right off the bat. Starting small allows space for growth. You can always add those extra bells and whistles as you gain experience.

Get To Know Users

One of the biggest differences between print and web design is the intended audience. You could, for instance, design a business card and print 1,000 copies. Each person that receives your card will experience it in pretty much the same way.

That’s not so on the web. There are different devices, internet connection speeds, assistive technologies, and web browsers. Not to mention that people from all over the world can access your website. And let’s not forget about the search engines that will index your content.

In practice, we build websites for an untold number of use cases. We don’t necessarily know how every single user will access a site, but we can do some predictive analysis.

Data exists to help us know a bit more about how people use the web. In the broadest sense, it can tell us the most popular web browsers, screen sizes, and operating systems, among other useful stats.

For existing websites, tools such as Google Analytics can provide a snapshot of who’s visiting your website and how they found it.

The idea is that, once you know your users, you can build a website that gives them the best possible experience. The more you learn about them, the more you can cater to their needs.

Apply Your Talents to a New Medium

If you already have an eye for design, you’re in a great position to start building on the web. And knowledge of tools such as Figma and Photoshop will also come in handy.

But web design is indeed a different discipline. And you may run into roadblocks when trying to make sense of its unique challenges. But take heart in knowing that virtually every other web designer has gone through the same thing.

All told, the transition from print to the web is as much about perspective as it is about skills. That’s why it’s important to have a basic grasp of how web technologies work. By starting with a solid foundation, you’ll likely have an easier time understanding the differences.

From there, aim to start with a few simple projects. Experiment to see what works and what doesn’t. Determine how typical users will view your work and keep refining the experience to please them.

Most of all, take advantage of the myriad of available resources. Tutorials and code references can help you get past those rough spots. And there is an online community that you can lean on for guidance.

In time, designing for the web can become like second nature. It just takes practice!

The post Tips for Graphic Designers Who Want to Build Websites appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

That’s how my career started. I studied the source code of different websites and figured out how things worked. I experimented with Photoshop, CSS, and eventually PHP and JavaScript. Most of what I know has come from the process of trial and error.

But being self-taught brings a mixed bag of feelings and challenges. On the one hand, it’s very freeing. On the other, it can be scary. It can even lead to feeling less qualified than your peers.

With that in mind, let’s explore the good, bad, and ugly of being a self-taught web designer.

Learn What You Want, How You Want

This is where the sense of freedom comes from. There’s an incredible depth of educational resources available for web design and development. Thus, you can pick and choose your focus.

That contrasts with formal education. There, you are obliged to follow a set path in your learning. This is usually for a good reason (you need to understand the basic principles before tackling the smaller details). Still, learning on your own means having the right to set your agenda.

I believe there is a significant upside to learning the skills that interest you the most. For one, you’re more likely to be passionate about the subject matter. When following someone else’s curriculum, it can be difficult to find the same enthusiasm (something I struggled with in school).

And because you are taking a different path, you might start thinking differently. This can lead to creative ideas and solutions that may not have occurred to you otherwise.

Finally, when it comes to how you learn, there are unlimited options. It might be a series of tutorials or a video-based training course. Whatever your preference, you can choose the format that best suits your learning style.

You Might Miss Something Important

Perhaps the biggest downside of being a self-taught web designer is that there could be gaps in your skill set. And that could mean missing something important.

For example, let’s say you want to learn how to do some specific tasks with PHP. You may find a great tutorial and master its content. That’s all well and good. But what if the tutorial left out a major point of emphasis, such as security?

I’ve run into this situation in my career. Learning things in a piecemeal format works to some degree. But when put into practice, I often find that I need to search out other details. Some items may have been either glossed over or ignored.

This isn’t a critique of the available resources. Rather, it’s an observation of this approach to learning. It’s an area where traditional education has the upper hand.

Therefore, it’s important to recognize whatever gaps exist and seek to fill them in the best you can.

Staying Relevant in a Competitive Field

Despite the potential knowledge gap, a self-taught designer can indeed hang in there with the competition. There are a couple of reasons for this.

The first is that our industry includes a wide range of niche markets. Each of us has strengths and preferred areas of specialty. Not to mention the array of price ranges out there. As such, the list of direct competitors may be narrower than we think.

The niche I’ve worked in for the past two decades has allowed me to make a decent living. It has also created opportunities for continued learning. I’m not the most highly-skilled person. But it proves that you don’t have to know everything to find success.

Second, the job description has changed for many of us. The prevalence of content management systems (CMS) and no-code tools provide a great foundation. From there, we can go as far as our skills (and desire to learn) will take us.

Understanding how these multiple pieces fit together is as much a part of our job as building a beautiful UI. That provides a market for both formally and self-educated web designers.

A Unique Opportunity for the Right Person

One of the most amazing aspects of a career in web design is that you don’t necessarily need a formal education. It requires a little bit of talent, an internet connection, and a desire to learn. And you can apply your skills as a freelancer or by working for someone else.

Being self-taught may be the more difficult path to take. For all the freedom it provides, you might miss out on both the fundamentals and finer details of the craft. And once you’ve established yourself as a professional, finding time to improve your skills can be tough.

Still, if you understand the challenges and love what you do, you can overcome just about any obstacle. It’s an opportunity that seems truly unique to web design.

The post The Ups & Downs of Being a Self-Taught Web Designer appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

The best part? All of these books are completely free to download! We’ve curated this collection of our favorite free eBooks for your convenience.

Whether you’re interested in CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, WordPress, Git, UX, or any other web-related topic, you’ll find something that piques your interest. These eBooks come in various formats, including HTML, PDF, and even ePub, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

CSS & HTML Essential Free eBooks

Resilient Web Design By Jeremy Keith (HTML)

Resilient Web Design isn’t a conventional guide. It emphasizes durable techniques and approaches to web design that have proven to last.

The book provides insights into enduring principles to create websites that stay functional, robust, and adaptable as technologies and user needs evolve.

Adaptive Web Design By Aaron Gustafson (HTML)

Adaptive Web Design delves into the origins of progressive enhancement, its philosophy, and mechanisms, and reveals the countless practical ways that you can apply progressive enhancement principles using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Magic of CSS By Adam Schwartz (HTML)

In Adaptive Web Design, the author explores the roots, ideology, and mechanisms of progressive enhancement. The book showcases an array of practical ways to implement progressive enhancement principles using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Discover how to create web designs that adapt to diverse user contexts and improve accessibility without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics.

A Guide to HTML5 & CSS3 By Ashley Menhennett

A Guide to HTML5 and CSS3 is a comprehensive ebook that provides a solid foundation for web development. Whether you’re interested in creating websites, mobile apps, or games with HTML5, this ebook is an excellent starting point. Please keep in mind that you’ll need to register to access the download link.

HTML Canvas Deep Dive By Josh Marinacci (HTML)

The book is structured into two parts: The first part includes interactive reading sections that explain how the Canvas API works, and the second part comprises hands-on lessons that guide you through creating your own Canvas apps. This book will give you practical knowledge and skills to unleash your creativity with Canvas.

HTML5 Canvas By Jeff Fulton

HTML5 Canvas teaches you how to create web games while learning how to draw, render text, manipulate images, and animate with Canvas.

The book includes 53 online interactive examples and exercises, making it a complete guide to creating dynamic and interactive web content.

Pocket Guide to Writing SVG By Joni Trythall (HTML)

This guide offers a comprehensive introduction to building SVG online, providing all the details you need to get started. With this book, you’ll quickly learn how to leverage the power of SVG in your web design and development projects.

Learn JavaScript

Speaking JavaScript By Dr. Axel Rauschmayer (HTML, PDF & ePub)

This is a valuable ebook for both beginners and seasoned programmers. For beginners, it offers just enough JS to help them be productive immediately. For advanced programmers, the book provides an in-depth reference guide that covers every feature of JS comprehensively.

JS MythBusters By Kiko Beats (HTML)

MythBusters JS is a guide to optimizing JavaScript code while maintaining readability. Covering performance patterns and best practices, this book is a practical resource for anyone looking to improve the maintainability and performance of their JavaScript code.

Learning JavaScript Design Patterns By Addy Osmani

Learning JavaScript Design Patterns demonstrates how to write elegant, maintainable, well-structured JavaScript code using classical and modern design patterns. Keep your code efficient and up-to-date with the latest best practices by applying the skills and knowledge gained from this book.

jQuery Fundamentals By Rebecca Murphey

Looking to master jQuery? Look no further than jQuery Fundamentals. This book has been written to help you tackle many of the common challenges you may encounter while using jQuery.

Each chapter covers a specific concept and provides examples of code related to that concept. With this book, you’ll gain hands-on experience and feel confident using jQuery to solve real-world problems.

Programming JavaScript Applications By Eric Elliott

This book provides an opportunity to learn how to develop complete web-scale or enterprise applications that are both easy to extend and maintain.

Developing Backbone.js Applications By Addy Osmani

Developing Backbone.js Applications teaches you how to create structured JavaScript applications using Backbone’s model-view-controller (MVC) architecture. With expert guidance, you’ll learn how to build scalable and maintainable frontends for your single-page applications.

Learn PHP

PHP: The Right Way By Josh Lockhart

PHP The Right Way is a quick reference for best practices, coding standards, and authoritative tutorials to help new PHP users avoid bad practices and code. This book provides guidance for writing clean, maintainable, and industry-standard PHP code.

Learn WordPress

Locking Down WordPress By Rachel Baker, Brad Williams & John Ford

Locking Down WordPress by WordPress experts Rachel Baker, Brad Williams, and John Ford provides comprehensive guidance on securing your WordPress site. This book covers everything you need to know to protect your site from security threats and malicious attacks.

The WordPress Plugin Business Book

If you’re looking to gain new plugin users and convert them into paying customers, this free ebook is for you.

The book provides a step-by-step guide to help you learn the necessary skills to attract new users and convert them into loyal subscribers. With this ebook, you’ll gain practical insights and actionable tips to boost your plugin’s growth and success.

WordPress Meet Responsive Design By Chris Coyier, Ian Stewart & Sara Cannon

Discover the secrets of designing WordPress responsively with WordPress Meet Responsive Design by Chris Coyier, Ian Stewart, and Sara Cannon.

This book offers real-world strategies and practical tips for designing WordPress sites that are optimized for all devices. With this book, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to create responsive WordPress designs that are beautiful, user-friendly, and effective.

Things to Do with Every New WordPress Install (PDF)

This ebook offers tips and strategies to begin providing WordPress maintenance services to clients.

Learn how to package and deliver services that meet client’s needs, whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting. Take your WordPress services to the next level with this resource.

WordPress Security – A Pocket Guide (PDF)

This introduction to WordPress security provides you with straightforward tips and best practices to help you protect your site from potential threats. With this ebook, you’ll learn the essentials of WordPress security and gain the knowledge you need to keep your site safe.

Learn Git

Pro Git 2nd Edition By Scott Chacon and Ben Straub (HTML, PDF, ePub & Mobi)

The Pro Git eBook, now in its second edition, is the ultimate guide to Git. This book covers Git basics as well as advanced topics, including branching and running distributed Git. With this book, you’ll gain a deep understanding of Git and learn how to use it effectively to manage your projects.

Git From The Bottom Up by John Wiegley

This comprehensive guide covers Git basics to advanced topics and is available as a convenient PDF file that you can download and use at your leisure.

UX – User Experience Free eBooks

Making an Enterprise UX Friendly By Justinmind

This free ebook, Making an Enterprise UX Friendly, provides you with the necessary tools and templates to build a strong UX team, create a business-facing UX strategy, and make a compelling business case for UX. With this book, you’ll gain valuable insights and actionable tips to enhance your enterprise’s UX and drive business success.

UX Design for Start-Ups By Marcin Treder

UX Design for Start-Ups offers valuable insights and practical tips for creating stunning UX designs that can help businesses succeed.

The Little Book Of Modern Frontend Tooling (HTML)

The Little Book Of Modern Frontend Tooling is a free, open-source book that introduces you to the world of tooling for modern web applications. This ebook guides you through the development lifecycle and helps you streamline your process to create high-quality web applications.

Web & Mobile App Design eBook

Modern Web Design Process By John Moore Williams (PDF)

The Modern Web Design Process provides valuable insights into the web design process and how it can translate into successful websites.

You’ll gain practical tips and expert advice on how to create effective web designs that meet your client’s needs and exceed their expectations.

Web Development & Beyond By Kyle Prinsloo

Web Development & Beyond is a free ebook that provides you with the skills and knowledge to become a successful web developer and freelancer. The ebook offers practical tips on honing your skills, finding clients, and managing projects for a successful career in web development.

Mobile Game Design By Chroma Coders (PDF)

Mobile Game Design (or, How to Start Your Own Mobile Game Company) is a free, in-depth ebook that covers the main mechanics for mobile game development and introduces “hidden game mechanics” for standing out in the marketplace. Essential for succeeding in the mobile game industry.

Email Marketing Field Guide By MailChimp (ePub, PDF & Mobi)

The Email Marketing Field Guide by MailChimp covers HTML email basics and provides tips and best practices for developing a successful email marketing plan. Improve your email marketing skills and achieve business success with this essential resource.

Pixel Perfect Precision Handbook (PDF & iBook)

Last year the popular ebook Pixel Perfect Precision Handbook was updated and released with over 40 new pages, as well as some updates to existing content.

Book of Speed By Stoyan Stefanov

The Book of Speed by Stoyan Stefanov is a free, online, open-source book that provides valuable insights and practical tips for optimizing your website’s speed and performance. Enhance your user experience with this essential ebook for creating fast and efficient websites.

50 Logo Design Tips By Ian Paget

This free ebook by Ian Paget provides tips and insights from experienced and influential logo designers. Gain inspiration and knowledge to create stunning logos that effectively represent your clients’ brands. Essential for any designer looking to improve their logo design skills.

Designing for the Web By Mark Boulton

Learn graphic design theory and techniques that you can apply to your designs, taking them from good to great. An essential ebook for beginners and experienced designers alike.

Pay Me… Or Else! By Lior Frenkel (HTML)

Are you tired of struggling to get paid by clients? This short ebook is the ultimate resource for anyone facing payment issues. It covers valuable tactics and tips for recovering your hard-earned money and avoiding similar situations in the future.

Whether you’re a freelancer or a small business owner, this ebook is an essential resource for anyone looking to improve their cash flow and avoid payment disputes.

Older, Yet Still Relevant Free ebooks

Introduction to Good Usability by Peter Pixel

This guide aims to improve usability by highlighting common interface elements and errors users often encounter. While not exhaustive, it’s an excellent starting point.

Faster, and More Secure Webfonts By Bram Pitoyo

Font embedding can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the web, but security and load times are valid concerns. This ebook demystifies font embedding, streamlines the process, and enhances performance and security.

Taking Your Talent to the Web By Jeffrey Zeldman

This book was originally written in 2001 for print designers whose clients wanted websites. While some references may feel dated, the advice on adapting to the web remains pertinent.

The Elements of Typographic Style Applied to the Web

This book aims to dispel the myths surrounding web typography. It adopts Bringhurst’s principles and details how to achieve them using HTML and CSS. The book is structured to guide readers through each principle, ensuring clarity and ease of implementation.

Integrating Accessibility Throughout Design

Empower people with disabilities online. This book removes accessibility barriers and offers strategies to enhance inclusivity and usability.

Getting Real: The Book By 37signals

Getting Real is a streamlined approach to website development that prioritizes actual problem-solving over theoretical considerations. By focusing on real issues, it delivers faster, more effective results than traditional methods.

Research-Based Web Design & Usability Guidelines

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the U.S. General Services Administration, has produced this ebook to assist web creators in making informed decisions based on the latest and most reliable data available.

Search User Interfaces

This book delves into the human aspect of information-seeking and highlights how the user interface can best facilitate this process. It explores user interface design and search interface design methodologies to provide insights on building effective interfaces.

Web Style Guide – 3rd Edition

This book details established design principles and offers comprehensive coverage of web design, encompassing planning, production, and maintenance. It illustrates how these principles are applicable in projects focused on information design, interface design, and streamlined search and navigation.

Type Classification eBook By Jacob Cass

This book has been written to help you learn the ten broad classifications of type. These are the basic foundations of what you need to learn to learn typography, and it is essential for any designer to know how to classify type.

How To Be Creative By Hugh MacLeod

Hugh MacLeod, an accomplished advertising executive and renowned blogger, shares his 26 proven techniques for unleashing your creativity. The book is complemented by the author’s original illustrations, adding a touch of whimsy and insight to each point.

The post 50 Free eBooks for Web Designers & Developers appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

My career options were pretty minimal, so going back to school was a no-brainer. Because I had always been a bit fascinated with code, web development seemed the natural choice.

Little did I know that becoming a developer would be so easy. Instead of returning to a college campus for night classes, I discovered a wealth of training, much of it free, online. Way to give the traditional brick-and-mortar schools some competition! And given the potential salary for developers, this was like finding a pot of gold.

Today, life is a lot better – great company, great salary, and great fun doing what I love. For those of you who are toying with the idea of a career in web development, I say “toy no more.”

Here are eight websites where you can get web development training on your own time, choose as few or as many languages as you want, and emerge ready for a great career.

Codecademy

Codecademy was by far my most favorite learning website. The courses are well structured, and the explanations are basic and easy to understand. And it’s interactive.

As you practice, you are told where your errors are and then gives hints on how to fix them. Once you access the site (very simple and sleek – no frills), you register, take a look at the courses, and decide where you want to begin.

Total newbies can start with Web Fundamentals, or you can choose a course in PHP, JavaScript, jQuery, Ruby, jQuery, or API’s. You’ll also see stories of real people (full names given) who went through Codecademy and are now very successful. Best of all? Not a penny will be spent!

TreeHouse

TreeHouse is truly “learn by doing.” The teaching is project-oriented, so anyone wanting to build a website or an app can focus just on that.

All code instruction is project-based too, and it is video-based with practice to follow, along with quizzes. You have access to all of their courses for $25/month, or, as you become more adept, you can upgrade to the $49/month plan for more interaction with experts and access to workshops.

TreeHouse is for beginners through “budding” experts. You can choose from foundation courses in HTML, CSS, CSS3, Ruby, Ruby on Rails, jQuery, or JavaScript, or you can go straight to a project. Everything is in learning modules. If you have a web project or want to develop an app, this is the place to go.

Code Avengers

Code Avengers is my second-favorite site because it is so much fun. These people know how to make what could be kind of boring pretty entertaining. Right now, they only offer JavaScript, CSS, and HTML5, and the focus is on building websites, apps, and games.

There are three levels of training for each language, and the average time is about 10 hours per level. A very comfortable learning environment for beginners. This one’s a freebie too.

Udacity

Highly interactive and for intermediate to advanced learners. Udacity is where you go once you have the basics down. What you get are great video lectures from industry veterans, including employees from Google. You get a screencast and then quizzes.

This site provides more videos than other sites, and you have real-life experts providing the instruction. You have the choice of taking specific courses or enrolling in one of their “nanodegree” programs. These programs are tuition-based, but you get half of your tuition back if you finish the program – a pretty big incentive. There are some beginner degree programs too.

CodeHS

CodeHS is a complete curriculum for teachers and students, focusing on teaching programming/coding to high school students. From introductory courses in the fundamentals of computer science to the development of games and apps, all of the lessons involve problem-solving, using JavaScript, game design, puzzles, and animation as the venues for teaching.

But wait – you do not have to be a teacher or a high school student to benefit from these courses. You will, however, need to pony up some money. If you really want to develop games and apps, this is an excellent site for beginner to intermediate levels.

Coursera

MOOCs have become a hugely popular source for students who want an academic environment and the chance to learn from real professors from top-name universities. With Coursera, students in both web design and web development can take basic programming and/or more specialized courses from such universities as John Hopkins, Stanford, and MIT.

While you will probably pay for certificates for some of the courses, many are free. A beginning student can get all of the introductory courses for free and then move on to the specializations that are fee-based.

Coding Boot Camps

Boot camps are not online courses; however, they are short-term total immersion programs that usually last 2-3 months.Students emerge from these as true experts. They are great alternatives to college courses and are the perfect solution for the newly unemployed that wants to train towards a new career.

They can be a bit pricey, but if someone will get right on it and get through a course before that unemployment insurance money runs out, these are great options. Once finished, a graduate will find a high demand for developers or freelance work. Some of these include generalassemb.ly, startupinstitute.com, appacademy.io, fullstackacademy.com, and flatironschool.com.

Khan Academy

Obviously, no list would be complete without a mention of Khan Academy. While there are no structured curricular programs, students can pick and choose and have great video tutorials.

This is a great source for beginners who can take a programming basics course and then move on from there based on their individual goals.

Today, life is a lot better for me – great company, great salary, and great fun doing what I love. For those of you who are toying with the idea of a career in development, I say, “go for it!”

The resources are out there, even if you have no money to spend. And unlike so many other fields, getting a job or striking out on your own doesn’t require that piece of parchment we call a degree. If you have mastered the skills and can demonstrate them, you will be in demand.

The post Learning Web Development in 2023 is Much Easier than You Think! appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

You see, things don’t really go away so much as they fade into the background. The website that used to be buzzing with traffic might turn into a ghost town. And it’s just as likely that the technology behind that site is also sitting there collecting dust.

But it’s not just those old, unattended sites that have issues. There are also situations where a mission-critical website relies on outdated software. That could be anything from an abandoned WordPress plugin to an unsupported version of PHP.

It’s far from an ideal situation. And many potential problems can arise from sticking with these old standbys. Yet, it’s also the reality of the modern web. As quickly as new tech arrives to grab the spotlight, the old continues to lumber along in the shadows.

The problem is complex – and so are the potential solutions. Is it even possible to rid the web of these dinosaurs?

Why Do Websites Continue to Use Legacy Code?

When you picture a website that uses legacy code – what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a blog that hasn’t seen new content in a few years. Or a defunct online community. You might even think of a dormant business site.

The common thread of these examples is that they’re likely small and inexpensive (perhaps free) websites. Entities that are frozen in time.

Now consider a large enterprise site that is heavily customized. Maybe it includes bespoke functionality that enables customers to pay their bills. There could be a custom WordPress plugin that facilitates a specific workflow for team members.

Custom functionality is expensive and time-consuming to produce. And in some cases, it can be fragile. It might rely on a method or feature that isn’t supported in newer versions of its dependent software. For example, an application that was built for PHP 5 may no longer work in PHP 8.

And while a developer (or a team of them) can refactor the code – it’s not always easy or fits within a given budget. Much like the old stories of corporate users who kept Internet Explorer 6 around long after its time, legacy code can live on for years.

The bottom line is that outdated software very much remains in active use. That’s true at both the high and low ends of the scale.

Two Prime Examples: PHP and WordPress

Usage statistics change regularly – and they will undoubtedly shift after this article has been published. But two trends, in particular, are prime examples of outdated software in action: PHP and WordPress.

PHP 5 and 7 Are Still Out There

As of this writing, the latest version of PHP is 8.1. It was released in November 2021, and security updates are scheduled to end in November 2024. Version 8.0 was released in November 2020 (security updates end in November 2023). Version 7.4 was sent out into the world in November 2019 (security updates end in November 2022).

Thus, versions 8 and above have been with us for several years. Yet according to W3Techs’ PHP usage statistics, just over 6% of the sites surveyed are running PHP 8 or 8.1. Meanwhile, 70% are using some flavor of PHP 7, and nearly 23% are still running PHP 5 (which ended support in 2018).

The transition between major versions of PHP tends to be a slow one. That’s likely due in part to changes in compatibility. WordPress and its ecosystem, for example, have had a long road toward full support for PHP 8.

Plus, web hosts haven’t traditionally pushed customers too hard to upgrade (more on that in a bit). At the same time, website owners range from being unaware of PHP to not being overly concerned about upgrading.

In short: there has been little sense of urgency. Or, not enough of it to turn the tide and get more websites using the latest version.

PHP version statistics from W3Techs, as of November 2022

WordPress 4 and 5 Live On

As we go to press (pun intended), WordPress 6.1 has been released. It’s the latest version of the most popular content management system (CMS) known to humankind.

And according to the W3Techs WordPress usage statistics, nearly 60% of surveyed sites are using version 6 or above. It’s significantly higher than the usage rates for PHP 8. That’s probably not too surprising, though.

By comparison, updating WordPress is easier and can even be automated. Site owners and those responsible for maintenance don’t necessarily have to lift a finger to upgrade. Managed hosting providers may also take care of it. And WordPress is known to value backward compatibility, so there’s less chance of a major issue occurring.

But outdated versions are still hanging in there. Version 5 powers 34% of installs, while over 6% of installs cling to version 4.

If there’s any good news, it’s that WordPress core continues to release security updates for several older versions of the software. Still, these sites lose out on new features and performance enhancements. Not to mention possible theme and plugin compatibility issues. Oh, and it’s unlikely they’ll work with the latest version of PHP.

It’s also worth noting that these statistics don’t account for websites running outdated or abandoned plugins and themes. That could be an entirely different galaxy worth exploring, yet just as relevant. This is where the majority of WordPress-related security issues originate.

WordPress version statistics from W3Techs, as of November 2022

Why This Is a Concern

The term “outdated software” can conjure up all sorts of nightmare visions. A person shopping online with an unpatched version of Windows XP comes to mind. It might work, but there are a lot of risks in continuing to use it.

Security is of paramount concern. It stands to reason that using a version of PHP that is no longer receiving security updates is a risk. Attacks that might be easily stopped with newer versions could do damage to a legacy setup.

But so is employing an old JavaScript library or server utility with an open security flaw. Dependencies of all stripes can be dangerous, after all. The recent Log4j vulnerability is but one of many reminders.

Then there are issues of efficiency and performance. Outdated software that lacks these enhancements can negatively impact user experience, SEO, and energy consumption.

And the more outdated the software, the harder (and more expensive) it may be to get up to speed in the future. Each subsequent version can add obstacles to the process.

Some Web Hosts Are Forcing the Issue

Web hosts have a role to play in helping their customers implement new software. And some are becoming more aggressive in these efforts.

PHP has been a primary target. Some hosts will allow customers to continue running an unsupported version but have begun charging an extra fee. This could be a result of higher support costs for customers using outdated software. At the very least, it’s a way to convince users to upgrade.

Still, others have taken a more hardline stance. They’ll notify customers that use an outdated PHP version and provide them with a scheduled upgrade date. From there, the site is upgraded regardless of whether it has been tested or patched for the new version.

It remains to be seen how effective these measures will be. But cleaning up outdated software is a massive undertaking. Thus, someone must get the ball rolling. Hosts are well-positioned to do so.

Out with the Old?

At 30+ years old, the web has hosted an incalculable amount of software. Consider all the apps – large and small – that have been downloaded and installed on servers over time. It’s no wonder that some were left in place well past their expiration date.

Sometimes this legacy code sticks around out of necessity – other applications depend on it. But it might also happen simply because a site’s owner isn’t aware of the situation. No one may have approached them regarding an upgrade.

In either case, resources are what’s needed to increase modernization efforts. At the enterprise level, this means dedicated time and money to keep things evolving with newer versions.

On the lower rungs of the ladder, education is a key factor. Web hosts are starting to realize the importance of keeping customers informed. And web designers should do the same.

It starts by letting clients know where they stand, the dangers of using outdated software, and the benefits of upgrading. From there, they can make informed decisions.

No, a single upgraded site won’t change the world. But each is a tiny step towards a safer web that can take advantage of the latest technologies.

The post The Web Has an Outdated Software Problem appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.

If you’re a web designer, the odds are that client requests for event registration capabilities have increased in recent years. Organizations were already abandoning traditional methods – and a global pandemic only served to accelerate the trend.

And there is a plethora of options for implementation. From niche WordPress plugins to third-party event services, plenty of providers have populated this space. There’s something for every need and budget.

Still, not every method is going to fit your needs. That’s why it’s important to map out the entire process – from user registration, and the handling of data, to what happens after the event.

So, before you start taking online event registrations, read our tips for choosing the right tool.

The Type and Frequency of Your Events

One thing you’ll find when working with clients is that no two are alike. This is particularly so when talking about events. Each organization has unique preferences and policies.

Therefore, you’ll want to ask plenty of questions. Find out what events look like for them. For example, try to determine:

• The number of events held per year;
• Type of events (virtual or in-person);
• How many attendees are expected for each event;
• Where events take place (physical venues or online meeting platforms);
• What costs registrants will pay;

The type and frequency of events play a vital role. Consider a client that hosts a single yearly conference. Their needs may be quite different from someone who runs monthly meetups.

Clients with multiple events could benefit from a registration system that’s tied to a calendar. This would allow users to browse events in chronological order. And displaying upcoming events can become an integral, easy-to-implement part of the site’s home page.

In-person and virtual events tend to have some key differences as well. Using a remote meeting platform such as Zoom means distributing a link to registrants. But wouldn’t it be nice to use a registration system that ties in directly with the platform? That would add a layer of convenience for users and site administrators.

Events taking place in person should include as much venue information as possible. The facility’s address, phone number, and website URL come to mind. Bonus points for systems that include a map and link to driving directions or other modes of transport.

Think About User Data Collection

It’s a safe bet that most event registration systems will collect basic contact information (name, email address). And data such as mailing addresses and phone numbers will be required for compatibility with online payment gateways.

But data needs can go well beyond those essentials. Depending upon the organization, any of the following may be necessary:

• Membership ID;
• Food preferences;
• Accessibility needs;
• T-shirt size;
• Company/organization name;
• Conference session choices;
• Opt-in to receive emails or print materials;
• Photo or other document uploads;

And those examples just scratch the surface of what’s possible. There are no hard limits on what types of data can be collected.

Thus, you’ll want to ensure that the event registration app can accommodate these needs. Some tools provide a selection of form fields that can be customized. The ability to set required fields also comes in handy.

How you access the collected data is also important. Ideally, there will be a web-based UI for viewing registrations. Options for exporting and sharing that data in various formats add even more flexibility.

Lastly, think about how registration data might tie in with services you’re already using. The aforementioned email opt-in, for example, could connect with a provider such as Mailchimp. This bit of automation will make maintenance that much easier.

Communicating before and after the Event

Staying in touch with registrants before and after an event is crucial. It’s a way to provide the latest information, along with helpful reminders. Plus, it encourages user feedback throughout the process.

Again, any functionality that ties into your existing communication tools can simplify this task. At the very least, an option for targeting the registrants of a specific event will suffice.

It’s also worth noting that communication goes beyond sending an email. Your website can also serve as an important hub. It can host event info and allow registrants to make changes to their reservations.

Not every event app is suited for this type of use. However, you might employ a shopping cart or membership plugin to fill in the gaps.

That’s one advantage of using WordPress or a similar content management system (CMS). It’s easy to add related functionality that enhances event registration. Users are empowered to do more, while site owners have more options to manage events and registrants.

Choose the Right Online Event Registration Platform

When accepting online event registrations, the goal is to implement a process that is easy and intuitive for users. On the flip side, it also needs to conform to the needs of clients. It should offer flexibility when collecting data and administering registrations.

Perhaps the biggest hurdle in achieving this is in choosing the right platform. With so many options, it can be difficult to narrow them down.

It all starts with understanding the project’s needs, however. Once you know the type and frequency of events, along with the data and communication requirements, you’ll have a clearer picture of how things should work. From there, you’ll be able to determine which platform makes the most sense.

And the experience you’ll gain is valuable. It will be of great help as you work on similar projects in the future.

The post Tips for Taking Event Registrations on Your Website appeared first on Speckyboy Design Magazine.