In a recent BBC article about the 2022 Commonwealth Games a short quote highlighting the importance of the ‘boring’ side of things really jumped out at me:
Birmingham Commonwealth Games was a mistake – ex-advisor
“You can’t do nice things if you haven’t done the boring really well.“
These words resonate deeply in the realm of web design and development, especially for those who specialise in WordPress. In a saturated market where differentiation is vital, achieving excellence in the basics can set you apart from the competition.
Fact is, WordPress is pretty “boring” as it’s been around for a while and has become a staple in web design projects big and small and while innovation is key if you fail to understand and spend time on the “boring” fundamentals it can lead to problems for any WordPress project at any scale.
Understanding The ‘Boring‘ WordPress Principles
While flashy designs and intricate functionalities can be tempting the foundation of any successful WordPress site lies in a deep understanding of its core functions.
This encompasses not just mastering the WordPress editor or getting educated around essential plugins but really diving deep into the CMS’s technical architecture and best practices. This granular grasp of WordPress’s core allows agencies like ours to better customise and optimise sites leading to enhanced performance and a less bloated and more stable codebase.
For example, using a plugin like ACF to construct your Blocks might appear like a valid choice but it introduces added overheads and complexity in the long haul and directly utilising the native WordPress Blocks API would be the correct choice. And why resort to external page builders such as WPBakery or Beaver Builder when WordPress now offers an integrated one that is tried-and-tested?
As a technical WordPress expert team, mastering and effectively executing this might demand time but it’s a strategic move that pays off significantly in the future. A true WordPress fundamentalist would always aim to use the built-in and most effective solution, no matter how boring.
Consistency is Boring
A well-oiled WordPress design agency understands that clients value consistency. Themes should be responsive across devices, load times must be fully optimised, and any chosen plugins need regular updates. The back-end tasks, often perceived as “boring”, are what keep a website running smoothly.
Missing out on these can lead to errors, downtimes, and security vulnerabilities. Additionally, maintaining a consistent brand image across different platforms and mediums enhances brand recall and trustworthiness in the eyes of the user.
SEO & Accessibility, Boring but Essential
In the age of digital marketing, having a website that’s both discoverable by search engines and accessible to all users is paramount.
While SEO drives a site’s visibility in search results, adhering to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) ensures that it caters to a diverse range of users, including those with disabilities. Optimising a site for search engines is instrumental in driving organic traffic, while ensuring WCAG compliance enhances user experience exponentially.
Not only does this dual focus enhance a site’s reach and usability, but it also solidifies a brand’s reputation as forward-thinking and inclusive.
A Boring User Experience (UX) is the Best
While experimenting with designs is essential, it should never come at the cost of user experience. Simple aspects like intuitive navigation, clear call-to-actions, and seamless site flow can make all the difference.
By ensuring that foundational UX principles are met, visitors are more likely to stay, engage, and convert. As technology and user habits evolve, regularly revisiting and refining UX strategies becomes crucial to remain relevant and user-friendly.
Continuous Learning is Paramount, but Boring
The world of WordPress is ever-evolving. With every update, new features are introduced, and existing ones are enhanced. An agency’s commitment to continuous learning, attending workshops, and staying updated with the latest trends offers a competitive edge.
Furthermore, it’s not just about keeping up with technological advancements. Understanding emerging user preferences, design philosophies, and market dynamics ensures that the agency stays ahead of the curve.
Building Relationships is Boring
The day-to-day operations of running a web design and development agency involve client meetings, feedback sessions, and sometimes dealing with challenging requests. However, these interactions offer a golden opportunity to build lasting relationships.
Going the extra mile, paying attention to minor client preferences, and being available for post-launch support can transform one-time projects into long-term partnerships.
Establishing trust and open communication with clients not only facilitates smoother project execution but also fosters loyalty and referrals.
When Boring is Fun…
In an era where innovation is celebrated, and out-of-the-box thinking is rewarded, it’s easy to overlook the basics.
But as any seasoned WordPress agency would vouch, it’s the mastery over the foundational elements that paves the way for excellence. Only when the foundation is robust and well-maintained can a true masterpiece emerge.
