WP.com Ditches Calypso: Users Voice Concerns Over “Core” Experience

WordPress new admin UI

WordPress.com has made waves in the blogging community with its latest decision to retire Calypso, the modern JavaScript-based dashboard, in favor of moving towards a more “core” WordPress experience. Over the weekend, the team rolled out a significant interface update, part of an ongoing project to unify WordPress.com with the self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org) environment. However, user feedback so far has been less than enthusiastic.

The Shift Towards “Core”

For years, WordPress.com had set itself apart from its self-hosted counterpart by offering Calypso, an intuitive, sleek, and modern interface that relied on JavaScript and REST API. This provided a streamlined experience for users who preferred a more app-like interface to manage their websites. The decision to phase out Calypso marks a major shift as WordPress.com attempts to align itself more closely with the traditional WordPress “core” dashboard used by WordPress.org users.

According to WordPress.com’s announcement on their blog, the interface update is part of a broader plan to unify their products and provide a more consistent user experience across the platform. Recent updates to navigation and settings have also aimed at this goal, creating a more “familiar” environment for those already acquainted with the WordPress core experience.

User Reactions: A Mixed Bag

The announcement has sparked debate among WordPress.com users. While some appreciate the effort to create a unified experience, many have expressed dissatisfaction with the changes, citing issues with the new user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).

In the blog post’s comments section, recurring themes include:

  • Degraded UI and UX: Users lament that the new interface feels clunky and less intuitive compared to the polished experience Calypso provided. Some have noted that certain workflows, such as editing posts or navigating settings, now take more clicks or feel less streamlined.
  • Loss of Innovation: Calypso’s modern design and seamless integration were praised as a standout feature of WordPress.com. Its removal has left some users questioning whether the platform is taking a step backward.
  • Familiarity Doesn’t Equal Usability: While the goal of unifying the experience with WordPress core may benefit those transitioning from WordPress.org, long-time WordPress.com users argue that this shift ignores their needs and preferences.

One commenter shared, “The new dashboard feels like a downgrade in every sense. Calypso was intuitive and fast. This new approach makes everything harder to find and feels outdated.”

Another user stated, “I’ve been with WordPress.com for over a decade because it was modern and easy to use. This move makes me reconsider if it’s still the best platform for me.”

The Bigger Picture

This decision aligns with WordPress’s broader philosophy of focusing on its open-source “core” experience. By retiring Calypso and consolidating development efforts, Automattic (the company behind WordPress.com) can potentially improve feature parity between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. However, it’s clear that this comes at the expense of alienating users who valued Calypso’s distinctiveness.

The update also raises questions about how WordPress.com positions itself in the competitive website builder market. With platforms like Squarespace and Wix continuing to innovate with cutting-edge UIs, WordPress.com’s decision to align itself more closely with the traditional WordPress dashboard could make it harder to attract users who prioritize ease of use.

Similarly, UltimateWB offers a compelling alternative for users who seek a more integrated, customizable solution that doesn’t require constant shifts in design or functionality. Its flexibility and ease of use make it a strong competitor for those looking for an intuitive website builder that combines power with simplicity.

What’s Next?

WordPress.com has indicated that this update is just the beginning of a gradual rollout of changes over the coming months. While this suggests that there’s room for refinement, the current backlash highlights the importance of listening to user feedback during such transitions.

For users dissatisfied with the new experience, there’s little choice but to adapt or consider alternative platforms. For Automattic, the challenge lies in balancing their long-term vision with the immediate needs of their user base—a task easier said than done.

What are your thoughts on WordPress.com’s shift away from Calypso? Let us know in the comments!

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How Do I Create a Website for Free?

free website builders

Creating a website doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. With various free tools and platforms available, you can establish your online presence without spending a dime. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a website for free, highlighting some of the best platforms and tips to make your site stand out.

Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Goals

Before jumping into website creation, take some time to determine why you want a website. Ask yourself:

  • What is the primary purpose of my website? (e.g., personal blog, portfolio, business, or e-commerce)
  • Who is my target audience?
  • What features and functionalities do I need?

Having clear goals will help you choose the right platform and design for your website.

Step 2: Choose a Free Website Builder

Several free website builders offer easy-to-use tools for creating professional-looking websites. Here are some popular options:

1. Wix

Wix offers a drag-and-drop editor, free templates, and a free plan that includes hosting. However, your site will have Wix branding and a Wix domain (e.g., username.wixsite.com). You have to pay to use your own custom domain, i.e. www.your-domain.com.

2. WordPress.com

WordPress.com provides a free plan ideal for bloggers and content creators. It includes a WordPress subdomain (e.g., yoursite.wordpress.com) and basic customization options. If you are open to paying for web hosting, check out wordpress.org for a free website builder to download and install on your own host. The core is free, but there may bee fees for premium themes or plugins. Please note that WordPress.com puts more limitations on the core WordPress that you can download and use from wordpress.org.

3. Google Sites

Google Sites is a straightforward and free platform for building simple websites. It’s best for basic portfolios or informational sites and integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace.

If having a custom domain is important to you and you have a small budget…

Sometimes the free website builders actually end up costing you more than using a website builder that has a small fee, like UltimateWB. You can get UltimateWB Promo for under $20, one-time fee, and web hosting there as well for under $5/month. You get more features and customization options than the other website builders, fast-loading backend code, and all at a great price. WordPress, while popular, can become expensive due to theme and plugin costs, contribute to website bloat, and present a steeper learning curve compared to platforms like UltimateWB.

Step 3: Register for an Account

Once you’ve chosen your platform, sign up for a free account. You’ll typically need to provide basic information, such as your email address and a username.

Step 4: Choose a Template

Most free website builders offer a selection of templates to get you started. Pick one that aligns with your website’s purpose and customize it to reflect your brand or style. With UltimateWB, you get a Styles Manager to design your own website style, and you can pick your formatting on each page, as well as build-out sections of your website with the built-in Templates Generator.

Step 5: Customize Your Website

Use the website builder’s tools to:

  • Add text, images, and videos.
  • Create pages like Home, About, Services, or Blog.
  • Customize fonts, colors, and layouts to match your brand.

Step 6: Get a Free Domain

With free website builders, you’ll usually get a subdomain. If you’d like a custom domain (e.g., yourname.com), you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan and buy your domain name.

Step 7: Publish Your Website

Once your website looks the way you want, hit the publish button! Your site will be live and accessible to the world.

Step 8: Promote and Update Your Website

Share your website on social media, email, and other platforms to attract visitors. Regularly update your content to keep it fresh and engaging.

Limitations of Free Website Builders

While creating a website for free is convenient, it’s important to be aware of the limitations:

  • Subdomains with platform branding.
  • Limited storage and bandwidth.
  • Fewer customization options compared to paid plans.
  • Ads displayed on your website in some cases.

Final Thoughts

Creating a website for free is a fantastic way to get started, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Platforms like Wix, WordPress, and Google Sites offer excellent tools to help you start build a professional online presence. As your website grows, you may consider upgrading to a paid plan for more features and greater control. Or you may opt to start out with UltimateWB Promo from the beginning and enjoy the benefits of a powerful yet affordable website builder. Whether you choose a free platform or an affordable solution like UltimateWB, the key is to start and refine your website as you grow. Your online presence is an essential part of your brand, and with the right tools, you can create a site that truly represents you without breaking the bank.

Take the time to explore your options, experiment with different layouts, and optimize your site for the best user experience. With persistence and creativity, you can establish a strong online presence that meets your needs and helps you achieve your goals.

Ready to build your website? Get started today and make your mark on the web!

Explore your website builder options and read reviews at choosewebsitebuilder.com .

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How to fix the Google Adsense Policy Violation, “Low value content”?

Google Adsense policy violation notice, low value content

To fix the “Low value content” issue flagged by AdSense, you’ll need to improve your website to meet Google’s content quality and user experience standards. Here are steps you can take:

1. Enhance Content Quality

  • Create unique, original content: Ensure that your content is not copied or scraped from other websites. Write articles or pages with a unique perspective or added value.
  • Focus on depth and usefulness: Each page should provide value to the user. For example, if it’s an article, it should be detailed, well-researched, and provide actionable insights or solutions.
  • Cover a niche: Instead of trying to cover broad topics, focus on a specific niche and become an expert in that area. Specialized, well-crafted content is more likely to be seen as valuable.

2. Increase Content Quantity

  • Build out content-rich pages: Ensure your site has a sufficient number of well-written pages. A blog with only a few posts may be considered “thin content.”
  • Target keywords effectively: Conduct keyword research and write content around terms that your target audience is searching for.
  • Avoid “placeholder” pages: Pages with little to no content (like “coming soon” pages) should be removed or replaced with substantive content.

3. Improve User Experience

  • Optimize site navigation: Ensure your site is easy to navigate. Use clear menus, categories, and search functionality.
  • Mobile responsiveness: Make sure your website is fully responsive and provides a good experience on mobile devices.
  • Speed optimization: Improve page load times using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. A slow website can hurt user experience and SEO.

4. Follow Webmaster Quality Guidelines

  • Avoid “thin content”: Pages with little content, duplicate content, or autogenerated material are considered low-value.
  • Eliminate spammy elements: Remove irrelevant ads, excessive affiliate links, or anything that might look like spam.
  • Check for plagiarism: Use tools like Copyscape to ensure all your content is original.

5. Visual Appeal

  • Add media: Use high-quality images, videos, and infographics to make your site more engaging and visually appealing.
  • Format for readability: Break up content into smaller paragraphs, use headings, bullet points, and white space for better readability.

6. Build Authority

  • Add an “About Us” page: Include details about your website, its mission, and who is behind it. This builds credibility.
  • Include a “Contact Us” page: Ensure users and Google can see your site as trustworthy.
  • Develop backlinks: Gain backlinks from reputable websites to signal authority to search engines.

7. Monetization Policy Compliance

  • Limit ads initially: A site with excessive or intrusive ads can be flagged as low value. Focus on improving your content before adding more ads.
  • Check for policy violations: Ensure your site complies with all of AdSense’s program policies. For example, avoid adult, copyrighted, or sensitive content.

8. Request a Review

Once you’ve improved your site, follow these steps to request a review:

  1. Login to your AdSense account.
  2. Go to “Policy Center”.
  3. Find the violation notice.
  4. Click “Request Review”.
  5. Provide a clear explanation of the changes you’ve made to address the issue.

Read website builder reviews and pick the best website builder for you at ChooseWebsiteBuilder.com !

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What is the hardest website builder? A Look at the Titans of Technicality

hardest website builder

When you’re diving into the world of website creation, the promise of drag-and-drop simplicity can be enticing. However, some platforms, while offering incredible power and flexibility, demand more than just a cursory understanding of web development. So, if we were handing out an award for the “hardest” website builder, which platform would take home the prize? Let’s explore the contenders.

The Contenders: Where Complexity Reigns

We’re not talking about clunky interfaces here; we’re looking at platforms that require a deep understanding of web technologies, coding knowledge, and a willingness to wrestle with technical challenges.

1. Adobe Commerce Open Source (Formerly Magento Open Source)

Our first contender, Adobe Commerce Open Source, is a powerhouse in the e-commerce world. It’s used by businesses with significant online stores, and requires the user to have a strong technical foundation, making it a clear contender in the hardest website builder category.

Why it’s Hard: 

Forget simple drag-and-drop interfaces. This platform demands a deep understanding of PHP, HTML, CSS, and potentially JavaScript. Users must be comfortable with server management, database administration, and extension development. It’s not for the faint of heart; it’s a beast of customization and control that demands considerable expertise.

Who’s it For?: 

Businesses with in-house development teams or those who are prepared to hire seasoned developers to set up, manage, and customize their online store.

2. Drupal

Drupal is another open-source contender renowned for its power and flexibility. It’s used by organizations that require intricate content workflows and custom data structures.

Why it’s Hard:

While Drupal has become more user-friendly over the years, it still maintains a relatively steep learning curve. Understanding its content management system, modules, and theming system requires a deeper level of knowledge than most other platforms. Developers will find it highly adaptable, but average users are likely to struggle.

Who’s it For?:

Organizations with complex websites and content needs, as well as a team of technical personnel to manage the platform.

3. Joomla!

Often considered a middle ground between WordPress and Drupal, Joomla! is still a substantial CMS that introduces complexities of its own.

Why it’s Hard: 

Joomla, with its extensive set of options and features, requires a more involved learning process compared to platforms like WordPress. Understanding its module system, extension management, and templating language is not intuitive. It offers more control than WordPress, but at the cost of ease of use.

Who’s it For?: 

Users who need more functionality and control than what WordPress provides but are still not looking for all the power and complexity of Drupal.

4. Self-Hosted, Hand-Coded Websites 

While technically not a website “builder” in the conventional sense, hand-coding a website from scratch certainly wins a special mention for maximum difficulty.

Why it’s Hard: 

If you’re building a site from the ground up using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and backend languages like Python, Node.js, or PHP, you’re the master of every single detail. You must be well versed in every line of code, and troubleshooting can be like navigating a maze. You are totally reliant on your own skills.

Who’s it For?:

Hardcore developers, agencies, or those with a very specific vision who are willing to take the long and challenging route.

The Verdict: Who Takes the Crown?

While all of these platforms present their own unique challenges, the “hardest” website builder award has to go to Adobe Commerce Open Source (formerly Magento Open Source). Here’s why:

  • Technical Depth: The platform is fundamentally geared towards developers and requires a far greater degree of technical competence compared to the other contenders.
  • Maintenance Burden: The onus is on the user to manage everything, from security updates to performance optimization. There’s no easy way out; users must be hands-on.
  • Complexity: The sheer scope of the platform, with its myriad of features, extensions, and custom code opportunities, makes it a very complex system to master.
  • Less User-Friendly: While there is a large community, getting up to speed takes time and effort, and it is far less intuitive than other platforms.

Why This Matters

This exploration isn’t about discouraging people from using these powerful platforms. Rather, it’s about having realistic expectations and understanding what different tools are best suited for. Before you jump into a project with a platform like Adobe Commerce Open Source, it’s essential to consider:

  • Your Technical Skills: Are you a developer, or do you have access to one?
  • Your Resources: Do you have the budget for a complex setup, ongoing maintenance, and potential custom development?
  • Your Goals: What are you trying to achieve with your website? Do you need that high degree of customization and control?

Conclusion:

The “hardest” website builder award shines a light on the platforms that don’t compromise on power and flexibility, but that also demand a higher degree of technical skill. While Adobe Commerce Open Source takes the top spot, each of these contenders offers valuable lessons about website development complexities. The most important takeaway is to choose a platform that matches your specific needs and skill level.

Check out more website builder options at ChooseWebsiteBuilder.com!

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How to Build Your Own Website, Beginner’s Guide

how to build website

Building your own website might seem intimidating at first, but with the right steps, you can create a functional and visually appealing site that suits your needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Goals

Before diving into building your website, clarify its purpose. Ask yourself:

  • Is this a personal blog, portfolio, business website, or online store?
  • What features do I need (e.g., a contact form, blog section, e-commerce capabilities)?
  • Who is my target audience?

This clarity will guide your design and content decisions, as well as help you choose which website builder is right for you.

Step 2: Choose a Domain Name

Your domain name is your website’s address (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com). Pick something:

  • Memorable: Short, simple, and easy to spell.
  • Relevant: Reflects your brand or purpose.
  • Unique: Ensure it’s not already taken by using a domain registration site like Namecheap or GoDaddy.

Once chosen, register your domain through a domain registrar.

Step 3: Select a Website Builder or CMS

A website builder or content management system (CMS) is the platform you’ll use to create your site. Popular options include:

UltimateWB: Flexible and fully customizable with built-in features.

WordPress: Versatile but often requires plugins for functionality.

Wix/Squarespace: Drag-and-drop builders with user-friendly interfaces.

You can read reviews and compare website builders at ChooseWebsiteBuilder.com to find the best option for your needs.

Hosted vs. Downloadable Website Builders

  • Hosted Website Builders: These platforms (e.g., Wix, Squarespace) include hosting, so you don’t need to purchase separate web hosting. They’re convenient for beginners but may have limitations in scalability and customization.
  • Downloadable Website Builders: Platforms like UltimateWB allow you to download the software and host it yourself. UltimateWB also offers web hosting, which includes free installation, updates, SSL, traffic statistics, and custom email addresses—making it an excellent value.

Step 4: Choose a Web Hosting Service (if necessary)

Web hosting stores your website files and makes them accessible online. If you’re using a downloadable website builder or coding your site from scratch, you’ll need a hosting service. Popular hosting services include:

  • Bluehost
  • SiteGround
  • HostGator

If you choose UltimateWB, their hosting plan provides everything you need, including free installation and updates.

Step 5: Plan Your Website’s Structure

Create a sitemap to organize your pages. Common pages include:

  • Home: An overview of your website.
  • About: Information about you or your business.
  • Services/Products: Details about what you offer.
  • Contact: A way for visitors to reach you.
  • Blog: Optional, for sharing updates and articles.

Step 6: Design Your Website

When designing, focus on:

  • Consistency: Use a cohesive color scheme and font pairing.
  • Navigation: Ensure your menu is easy to use.
  • Mobile Responsiveness: Your site should work well on all devices.
  • Accessibility: Make sure your site is usable for everyone, including people with disabilities.

Most website builders offer templates that can be customized to match your style.

Step 7: Add Content

Content is king! Include:

  • Text: Write clear and engaging copy tailored to your audience.
  • Images: Use high-quality visuals. Free resources like Unsplash or Canva can help.
  • Videos: If applicable, include video content to enhance engagement.

Step 8: Optimize for SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your website rank higher in search results. Basic SEO tips:

  • Use relevant keywords in your titles, headings, and content.
  • Add alt text to images.
  • Optimize loading speed by compressing images and using efficient code.
  • Use an SEO plugin if you’re on WordPress (e.g., Yoast SEO).
  • For UltimateWB users, built-in SEO tools make optimization easier.

Step 9: Test Your Website

Before launching, test your site for:

  • Functionality: Ensure links, forms, and buttons work.
  • Responsiveness: Check how your site looks on different devices.
  • Performance: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to analyze loading speed.

Step 10: Launch and Maintain

Once everything is ready, publish your website. Share it on social media, email newsletters, and other channels to attract visitors.

Regularly update your content, monitor performance, and back up your site to keep it secure and relevant.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a website that meets your needs and showcases your vision to the world. Happy building!

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