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WordPress Mastery: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Configuration and Optimisation for Elementor users

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WordPress Mastery: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Configuration and Optimisation

Table of Contents

What is WordPress?

WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that allows you to create and manage a website without needing to code everything from scratch. At its core, WordPress is:

  1. Dynamic: It generates web pages on the fly when a visitor requests them.
  2. Database-Driven: It stores your content (posts, pages, comments, etc.) in a database.
  3. Extensible: It can be customised and extended with themes and plugins.
  4. User-Friendly: It provides a graphical interface for creating and managing content.

Let’s dive deeper into how WordPress works:

The Role of the Database

WordPress uses a relational database (typically MySQL) to store almost all of your website’s content and settings. This includes:

  • Posts and pages
  • Comments
  • User information
  • Site settings
  • Metadata (such as categories, tags, and custom fields)
  • Plugin and theme settings

This database-driven approach is what makes WordPress so flexible and powerful. Instead of having separate HTML files for each page, WordPress stores the content in a structured format in the database.

Dynamic Page Generation

When a visitor requests a page from your WordPress site, here’s what happens:

  1. The request is received by WordPress.
  2. WordPress queries the database to retrieve the necessary content and settings.
  3. It then applies the current theme’s template to structure the content.
  4. Any active plugins may modify or add to the content.
  5. Finally, WordPress compiles all this into an HTML page, which is sent to the visitor’s browser.

This entire process happens in a fraction of a second, creating the illusion of a static page to the end-user.

Advantages of This Approach

  1. Easy Content Management: You can add, edit, or delete content through the WordPress admin interface without touching any code.
  2. Separation of Content and Design: You can change your site’s entire look by switching themes without altering your content.
  3. Dynamic Functionality: Features like search, categories, and archives are easily implemented because the content is in a structured database.
  4. User Management: WordPress can handle multiple users with different permissions, all managed through the database.

Considerations

While this dynamic, database-driven approach offers great flexibility, it also means:

  1. Performance Considerations: Generating pages on the fly can be more resource-intensive than serving static files. This is why caching is important for WordPress sites.
  2. Security Importance: Because WordPress interacts with a database and generates pages dynamically, proper security measures are crucial to protect against vulnerabilities.
  3. Backup Complexity: Backing up a WordPress site involves both the database and the file system, not just static files.

Understanding this fundamental aspect of how WordPress works will help you make informed decisions about configuration, optimisation, and management of your WordPress site.

WordPress vs Static Websites

To understand WordPress better, let’s compare it with static websites:

Static Websites:

  • Are composed of fixed HTML pages
  • Don’t use a database
  • Typically require coding knowledge to update
  • Load very quickly
  • Are highly secure due to their simplicity

WordPress Websites:

  • Generate pages dynamically
  • Use a database to store content
  • Can be updated easily through a user-friendly interface
  • May load more slowly without optimisation
  • Require regular updates and security measures

Here are some pros and cons of each:

Static Websites: Pros:

  • Fast loading times
  • High security
  • Low hosting requirements
  • Great for small, simple websites

Cons:

  • Difficult to update without technical knowledge
  • Limited functionality
  • Challenging to scale for larger sites

WordPress Websites: Pros:

  • Easy to update and manage content
  • Highly customisable and extensible
  • Suitable for various types of websites (blogs, e-commerce, portfolios, etc.)
  • Large community and ecosystem of themes and plugins

Cons:

  • Can be slower if not optimised properly
  • Requires regular updates and maintenance
  • More vulnerable to security issues if not properly managed
  • Can be overkill for very simple websites

WordPress is an excellent choice for most websites due to its flexibility and ease of use. However, it does require proper configuration and management to ensure optimal performance and security. That’s what this guide will help you achieve.

2. Basic Settings

After logging into your WordPress admin panel, your first stop should be the Settings menu. Here are the key areas to configure:

General Settings

  • Site Title and Tagline: Navigate to Settings > General. Enter your website’s name and a brief description. This appears in search results and the browser tab.
  • WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL): Ensure these are correct. They should typically be the same unless you’re using WordPress in a subdirectory.
  • Admin Email: Use a reliable email address. Important notifications will be sent here.
  • Time Zone: Set this to your local time zone for accurate post scheduling and time stamps.
  • Date and Time Format: Choose how dates and times appear on your site.

Reading Settings

Go to Settings > Reading to configure:

  • Your homepage displays: Choose between latest posts or a static page.
  • Search engine visibility: Uncheck this only if you don’t want search engines to index your site.

Discussion Settings

Under Settings > Discussion, you can manage:

  • Comment moderation
  • Avatar displays
  • Pingbacks and trackbacks

Understanding Pingbacks and Trackbacks

Pingbacks and trackbacks are ways for blogs to communicate with each other. They notify you when someone links to your content and can create a type of conversation between blogs.

Trackbacks are manual. When a blogger links to your post, they can choose to send you a trackback to let you know.

Pingbacks are automatic. When someone links to your post, their blog automatically notifies your blog.

Pros of enabling pingbacks and trackbacks:

  1. Network building: They help you connect with other bloggers in your niche.
  2. Increased engagement: They can lead to interesting discussions across blogs.
  3. SEO benefits: They can create more inbound links to your site, potentially improving your search engine rankings.
  4. Content discovery: They help you find other blogs discussing similar topics.

Cons of enabling pingbacks and trackbacks:

  1. Spam: They can be abused by spammers, leading to a lot of unwanted notifications and comments.
  2. Site performance: Processing pingbacks and trackbacks can slow down your site, especially if you receive a lot of them.
  3. Clutter: They can make your comment section look messy if not moderated properly.
  4. Privacy concerns: They reveal to other site owners when you link to their content.

To manage pingbacks and trackbacks:

  1. Go to Settings > Discussion
  2. Look for the option “Allow link notifications from other blogs (pingbacks and trackbacks) on new articles”
  3. Check or uncheck this option based on your preference
  4. Click “Save Changes” at the bottom of the page

If you decide to enable them, make sure to moderate them carefully to prevent spam. Many WordPress users choose to disable pingbacks and trackbacks to avoid potential issues, especially on newer sites.

3. Permalink Structure

Permalinks are the permanent URLs to your individual pages and blog posts. A good permalink structure improves SEO and makes your URLs more user-friendly.

To set up your permalink structure:

  1. Go to Settings > Permalinks
  2. Choose a permalink structure. The “Post name” option (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/sample-post/) is often the best for most sites as it’s both user-friendly and SEO-friendly.
  3. Click “Save Changes”

Important Note on SEO: It’s crucial to set up your permalink structure early in your site’s development, ideally before launching. Changing the permalink structure on an established site can have significant SEO consequences:

  • Existing links (both internal and external) will break, leading to 404 errors
  • Search engines will need to re-crawl and re-index your site, which can temporarily affect your search rankings
  • You may lose social share counts associated with your old URLs

If you must change permalinks on an established site:

  1. Implement 301 redirects from old URLs to new ones
  2. Update all internal links
  3. Inform external sites linking to you about the change
  4. Submit your new sitemap to search engines

Given these potential issues, it’s best to choose a permalink structure you’re happy with from the start and stick with it. If you’re unsure, consult with an SEO professional before making changes to an established site’s permalink structure.

4. Understanding Memory Limits

As your WordPress site grows, it may require more memory to run smoothly. While managing memory limits can be technical, it’s good to be aware of this concept.

What is a Memory Limit?

The memory limit is the maximum amount of memory a website can use. Think of it like the RAM in your computer – more memory often means better performance, especially when running complex tasks.

Checking Your Memory Limit

You can check your current PHP memory limit directly from your WordPress dashboard:

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin area
  2. Go to Tools > Site Health
  3. Click on the “Info” tab
  4. Look for the “Server” section
  5. Find the “PHP memory limit” entry

This will show you the current memory limit set for your WordPress site.

Recommended Memory Limits

For basic WordPress sites, a memory limit of 64MB is often sufficient. However, if you’re using resource-intensive plugins or page builders, you’ll need more. For example:

  • Elementor: To run Elementor smoothly, it’s recommended to have a minimum of 512MB of memory allocated. Ideally, you should aim for 768MB or more, especially for complex sites or if you’re using Elementor Pro.

Signs You Might Need More Memory

Even if you’re not sure what the numbers mean, you might notice signs that your site needs more memory:

  1. Your site loads very slowly
  2. You see error messages mentioning “memory exhausted”
  3. Parts of your site’s admin area don’t load properly
  4. You have trouble uploading images or other media files
  5. Page builders like Elementor are slow, unresponsive, or show error messages

What to Do If You Suspect Memory Issues

If you notice these signs, don’t worry! Here are some beginner-friendly steps:

  1. Update Everything: Make sure WordPress, your theme, and all plugins are up to date. Sometimes, updates include optimisations that reduce memory usage.
  2. Deactivate Plugins: If you recently activated a new plugin when issues started, try deactivating it to see if that helps.
  3. Switch to a Default Theme: Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One. If this resolves the issue, your previous theme might be the cause.
  4. Contact Your Hosting Provider: If you’ve tried the above steps and still have issues, reach out to your hosting provider. Let them know what your current memory limit is (from the Site Health page) and describe any issues you’re experiencing. If you’re using Elementor, mention that you need at least 512MB, preferably 768MB or more. They can potentially increase your memory limit if needed.

Remember, while increasing memory can solve many issues, it’s not always the only solution. Sometimes, choosing a better hosting plan, optimising your site, or using more efficient plugins can also improve performance.

5. Security Basics

Securing your WordPress site is crucial. Here are some initial steps:

  1. Use strong passwords For all accounts, especially the admin.
  2. Keep WordPress updated: Always run the latest version of WordPress, themes, and plugins.
  3. Use SSL: Ensure your site uses HTTPS. Many hosts offer free SSL certificates.

6. Understanding Plugins, Themes, and Page Builders

WordPress’s flexibility comes largely from its use of plugins, themes, and page builders. Understanding these concepts is crucial for managing your site effectively.

Plugins

Plugins are pieces of software that add new features or functionality to your WordPress site. They’re like apps for your smartphone – you can add, remove, or update them as needed without changing your site’s core files.

Key points about plugins:

  • They extend WordPress’s capabilities
  • Can be activated or deactivated as needed
  • Should be kept updated for security and performance
  • Available from the WordPress.org repository or third-party developers

To manage plugins, go to the Plugins menu in your WordPress dashboard.

Important Rule: Keep Plugins to a Minimum

While plugins can greatly enhance your site’s functionality, it’s crucial to use them judiciously. Here’s why:

  1. Performance: Each plugin you add can potentially slow down your site. More plugins mean more code to load, which can increase page load times.
  2. Security Risks: Plugins can introduce security vulnerabilities, especially if they’re not well-maintained or regularly updated. The more plugins you have, the larger your potential attack surface.
  3. Conflicts: Plugins can sometimes conflict with each other or with your theme, leading to functionality issues or even site crashes.
  4. Maintenance Overhead: Each plugin needs to be regularly updated and monitored for compatibility with new WordPress versions.

Best practices for plugin usage:

  • Only install plugins that are essential for your site’s functionality.
  • Regularly review your plugins and remove any that are no longer necessary.
  • Before installing a new plugin, check when it was last updated. Avoid plugins that haven’t been updated in a long time (e.g., more than 6 months).
  • Check the plugin’s ratings and reviews before installing.
  • Always keep your plugins updated to the latest version.
  • If a plugin offers multiple features but you only need one, look for a simpler alternative that focuses on just the feature you need.
  • For simpler tasks, consider using a code snippet instead of installing a full plugin.

Using Code Snippets as an Alternative to Plugins

For simpler tasks or minor customisations, using a code snippet can be more efficient than installing an entire plugin. Here’s why:

  1. Performance: Code snippets typically have less overhead than full plugins, potentially improving your site’s speed.
  2. Specificity: You can add exactly the functionality you need without any extra features.
  3. Reduced Clutter: It helps keep your WordPress dashboard cleaner by reducing the number of installed plugins.

To use code snippets:

  1. Install a code snippet plugin like “Code Snippets” or “WPCode”. This single plugin can replace many task-specific plugins.
  2. Add your custom code snippets through the plugin’s interface.
  3. Activate or deactivate snippets as needed, just like you would with plugins.

Examples of tasks suitable for code snippets:

  • Adding custom CSS
  • Modifying WordPress behaviours (e.g., changing the login logo, customising the footer text)
  • Adding small functionality tweaks

Remember, while code snippets can be powerful, they require some coding knowledge. If you’re not comfortable with code, stick to well-reviewed plugins or consult with a developer.

Generating Code Snippets

If you’re not sure how to write the code for a specific customisation, you can ask AI assistants to generate code snippets for you. Here’s an example of how you might use this capability:

Let’s say you want to add a custom message to the bottom of all your posts. You could ask an AI:

“Can you provide a code snippet for WordPress that adds a custom message at the end of every post content?”

The AI might generate a snippet like this:

php
function add_custom_message_to_posts($content) { if (is_single() && is_main_query()) { $custom_message = '<p class="custom-message">Thank you for reading! Don\'t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.</p>'; $content .= $custom_message; } return $content; } add_filter('the_content', 'add_custom_message_to_posts');

You can then add this snippet using a code snippet plugin:

  1. Go to Snippets > Add New in your WordPress dashboard
  2. Give your snippet a name (e.g., “Add Custom Message to Posts”)
  3. Paste the code into the code editor
  4. Set it to run everywhere
  5. Save and activate the snippet

Remember to always review and understand any code before adding it to your site, even when generated by an AI. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult with a developer.

By leveraging AI-generated code snippets, you can implement custom functionality without relying on additional plugins, helping to keep your WordPress site lean and efficient.

Themes

Themes control the look and feel of your WordPress site. They determine your site’s layout, colours, fonts, and overall design.

Important aspects of themes:

  • Affect your site’s appearance and sometimes functionality
  • Can be customised to varying degrees depending on the theme
  • Should be responsive (mobile-friendly) and regularly updated
  • Available from the WordPress.org repository or third-party developers

To manage themes, go to Appearance > Themes in your WordPress dashboard.

Page Builders

Page builders are powerful tools that allow you to create and design web pages visually, without needing to write code. They’re especially useful for beginners or those who want to create complex layouts quickly.

Key points about page builders:

  • Offer drag-and-drop interfaces for easy page design
  • Often come with pre-designed templates and elements
  • Can be plugins (like Elementor) or built into themes
  • May require more server resources (memory) to run smoothly
  • Popular options include Elementor, Beaver Builder, and Divi Builder

To use a page builder:

  1. Install and activate it like a plugin (unless it’s built into your theme)
  2. Look for a new menu item or button in your WordPress dashboard to start building pages

Page Builders and Themes

Some page builders, like Elementor, offer their own themes designed to work seamlessly with the builder. For example, Elementor has the Hello theme. Understanding the relationship between page builders and themes is crucial for creating a well-functioning website.

A helpful analogy to consider is this: Using a feature-rich page builder like Elementor with a separate, complex theme (like Astra or OceanWP) is like having two steering wheels in a car. It can lead to confusion and conflicts, as both the theme and the page builder are trying to control the design and layout of your site.

Advantages of using page builder-specific themes:

  1. Optimised compatibility: These themes are designed to work perfectly with the page builder, reducing conflicts.
  2. Performance: They’re often lightweight, allowing the page builder to handle most of the design work.
  3. Fewer restrictions: These themes typically have minimal styling, giving you more control through the page builder.
  4. Easier updates: When the theme and page builder are from the same developer, updates are often more coordinated.
  5. Clear control: Like having one steering wheel in a car, you have a clear understanding of what’s controlling your site’s design.

Disadvantages of using page builder-specific themes:

  1. Dependence: Your site becomes heavily reliant on the page builder. Switching to a different builder later can be challenging.
  2. Limited built-in features: These themes often lack features that come standard with other themes, assuming you’ll use the page builder for everything.
  3. Potential for bloat: It’s easy to over-design pages, which can lead to slower load times if not managed carefully.
  4. Learning curve: While page builders are generally user-friendly, mastering them to create a cohesive site design can take time.

When using a page builder with a separate, feature-rich theme:

  1. Potential conflicts: The theme and page builder may compete for control over layout and styling.
  2. Performance issues: Having two systems controlling design can lead to unnecessary code bloat and slower site speeds.
  3. Confusion in customisation: It might be unclear whether to use the theme settings or the page builder for specific design elements.
  4. Update complications: Updates to either the theme or the page builder could potentially break designs or cause conflicts.

Remember that while page builders offer great flexibility, they can also add complexity to your site. It’s important to choose a setup that provides clear control over your site’s design and aligns with your long-term site goals. If you decide to use a page builder, consider pairing it with its recommended theme or a very lightweight, flexible theme to avoid the “two steering wheels” problem.

How Plugins, Themes, and Page Builders Work Together

These components work in tandem to create your unique WordPress site:

  • Themes provide the overall design and layout (or a blank canvas for page builders)
  • Plugins add specific features and functionalities
  • Page builders offer visual design tools, sometimes working with specialised themes

When selecting these components, consider:

  • Your site’s specific needs
  • Performance impact (especially for page builders, which may need more server resources)
  • Update frequency and developer support
  • User reviews and ratings
  • Compatibility with each other and with your current WordPress version
  • Long-term flexibility and potential for future changes

Remember, while plugins, themes, and page builders can greatly enhance your site, it’s best to use them judiciously. Too many plugins or a resource-heavy page builder can slow down your site and potentially create security vulnerabilities.

7. Understanding and Managing Caching

Caching is a crucial concept in WordPress that can significantly impact your site’s performance. It’s particularly important to understand when using resource-intensive tools like page builders.

What is Caching?

Caching is the process of storing frequently accessed data in a temporary storage area (called a cache) for quick retrieval. In the context of WordPress:

  • Browser Caching: Stores parts of your website on visitors’ devices so they don’t need to download everything each time they visit.
  • Server-Side Caching: Stores dynamically generated pages as static HTML files on the server, reducing processing time for subsequent visits.

Why is Caching Important?

  1. Faster Load Times: Cached pages load much faster, improving user experience.
  2. Reduced Server Load: Caching decreases the processing power needed to generate pages.
  3. Better SEO: Faster sites often rank better in search engines.
  4. Improved User Experience: Quicker load times lead to lower bounce rates and longer visit durations.

Caching and Page Builders (like Elementor)

Page builders like Elementor can create complex page structures that may impact load times. Caching becomes even more critical when using these tools:

  1. Increased Complexity: Page builders often add extra code, making caching more important for maintaining speed.
  2. Dynamic Elements: Some page builder elements may need special caching configurations to work correctly.
  3. Frequent Updates: When you’re actively building pages, you’ll need to clear the cache more often to see changes.

Managing Caching

  1. Use a Caching Plugin: Popular options include WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, or WP Super Cache.
  2. Clear Cache After Updates: Always clear your cache after making changes to your site.
  3. Configure Browser Caching: Set appropriate expiration times for different types of content.
  4. Be Cautious with Dynamic Content: Ensure dynamic elements (like personalised content) aren’t incorrectly cached.

Caching Best Practices with Page Builders

  1. Disable Cache While Editing: Turn off caching temporarily when making changes to your site.
  2. Clear Cache After Major Changes: Always clear your cache after updating layouts or content.
  3. Test in Incognito Mode: Use your browser’s incognito mode to see how cached pages appear to new visitors.
  4. Use Staging Sites: Make major changes on a staging site before pushing to live, to avoid caching issues.

Potential Caching Issues

  1. Outdated Content: If not managed properly, caching can sometimes show outdated content to users.
  2. Plugin Conflicts: Some plugins may not work well with certain caching setups.
  3. Over-Caching: Caching everything can sometimes cause issues with dynamic or personalised content.

Remember, while caching is powerful, it needs to be configured correctly. If you’re unsure, consult your hosting provider or a WordPress professional for advice on the best caching strategy for your specific site setup.

8. Localisation and International Settings

Localisation is the process of adapting your WordPress site to a specific language or region. Proper localisation ensures that your site speaks the language of your target audience, both literally and culturally. This is crucial for user experience, SEO, and overall site effectiveness.

Language Settings

WordPress supports multiple languages, allowing you to run your site in your preferred language.

To change your site’s language:

  1. Go to Settings > General
  2. Scroll down to ‘Site Language’
  3. Select your desired language from the dropdown menu
  4. Click ‘Save Changes’

If your desired language isn’t available, you may need to download and install language packs.

Why it’s important:

  • Improves user experience for your target audience
  • Enhances SEO for region-specific searches
  • Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and awareness

Date and Time Formats

WordPress allows you to customise how dates and times are displayed on your site.

To set date and time formats:

  1. Go to Settings > General
  2. Scroll to the ‘Date Format’ and ‘Time Format’ sections
  3. Choose from the predefined formats or create a custom one
  4. Click ‘Save Changes’

Why it’s important:

  • Ensures consistency across your site
  • Prevents confusion for users in different regions (e.g., 31/12/2023 vs. 12/31/2023)
  • Enhances professionalism and attention to detail

Timezone

Setting the correct timezone ensures that all time-sensitive content (posts, comments, etc.) displays the correct time for your primary audience.

To set your timezone:

  1. Go to Settings > General
  2. Find the ‘Timezone’ option
  3. Select your timezone from the dropdown menu
  4. Click ‘Save Changes’

Why it’s important:

  • Ensures accurate scheduling of posts
  • Displays correct timestamps on comments and other time-sensitive content
  • Critical for sites with time-sensitive operations (e.g., e-commerce with specific sale times)

Character Encoding

Character encoding determines how text is stored and displayed on your site. For most sites, UTF-8 is the recommended setting.

To set character encoding:

  1. Go to Settings > Reading
  2. Scroll to ‘Encoding for pages and feeds’
  3. Select ‘UTF-8’ (unless you have a specific reason to use another encoding)
  4. Click ‘Save Changes’

Why it’s important:

  • Ensures proper display of special characters and non-Latin alphabets
  • Prevents garbled text or encoding errors
  • Crucial for multilingual sites or sites using non-English characters

Remember, localisation goes beyond these settings. For a fully localised site, you may need to:

  • Translate your content
  • Use locale-specific images and cultural references
  • Adjust your design for right-to-left languages if necessary
  • Consider using translation plugins for multilingual sites

Proper localisation can significantly improve your site’s reach, user engagement, and effectiveness in targeting specific regions or global audiences.

9. Conclusion

By following these steps and understanding these key concepts, you’ve laid a solid foundation for your WordPress site. Remember, WordPress is highly customisable, so don’t be afraid to explore and adjust settings as you become more familiar with the platform. Regular maintenance, updates, and backups will keep your site running smoothly.

As you continue to develop your site, keep in mind the balance between functionality and performance. While it’s tempting to add numerous plugins and complex designs, always consider the impact on your site’s speed and user experience.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to seek help from the WordPress community or professional developers if you encounter challenges. The WordPress ecosystem is vast and supportive, with plenty of resources available for beginners and experienced users alike.

Happy WordPressing!