Fix “Error establishing a database connection” with WordPress

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I’ve run across a few WordPress sites recently that have been spontaneously throwing “Error Establishing A Database Connection.”  Some of the fixes are pretty simple but in a few cases the root cause was a bit more obtuse. Below are a few things to look into that might help fix the issue if it’s happening …Read More

9 Utilitarian WordPress Plugins I Always Use

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I love plugin discussions! No matter how many times I hear them I always pick up on some plugin that turns out to be useful to me, either on my site or on a client site. But no matter what site I’m working on there are a hand full of “utilitarian” plugins that I always …Read More

Speaking at OpenCamp on WordPress Taxonomies, Categories and Tags

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OpenCamp, a multi-platform conference is coming up at the end of August with an incredible line-up speakers. I’ll also be presenting in the WordPress track (disclaimer, I’m an OpenCamp Co-Organizer). I’m going to be covering content organization strategies using Categories, Tags and Taxonomies in WordPress. Despite the fact that the use of Categories and Tags …Read More

Building The Ultimate Website Content Map Pt.1

All too often when we start to build a site (or rebuild one) the inclination is to begin with design. But the content we populate the site with is the true foundation, whether it is purely informational, geared toward selling, entertaining or serving whatever purpose your site has. The video tutorial below is a high-level …Read More

Additional Image Sizes In WordPress

I don’t frequently “plug a plug-in” but I just uncovered one today that I can only classify as absolutely essential and almost life-changing if you live and breathe WordPress… “Additional Image Sizes” by Walter Vos. First off I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know about this sooner (I’ll get over it). In a nutshell this plugin …Read More

A Basic Explanation of WordPress Taxonomies

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Over the last week or so I’ve started playing intensely with custom taxonomies in WordPress,  and the geek in me is in love with the possibilities. Now, before you go running off thinking this is only hardcore “geek stuff” let me explain what taxonomies are, why they are important and provide a basic example of …Read More

Create Short URL’s With Your Domain Name Using PrettyLink Pro

It’s not often that something comes along that impresses the hell out of me right out of the gate but PrettyLinkPro did just that. If you’ve been using social media for any amount of time, and especially Twitter you’ve gotten accustomed to seeing shortened urls to save space which redirect to the intended web page. …Read More

Using Custom Fields in WordPress

Custom Fields have a ton of uses and can be a great way for a theme designer to augment the functionality of a theme. Unfortunately, custom fields can feel a little intimidating to “non-techies” and those new to WordPress. The following video provides a simple explanation of what custom fields are, how they work, and …Read More

Using WordPress As a Membership Site – Plugin Reviews

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Update: Some of these plugins have been updated since I wrote this but WishList is still at the top of my list. However, I’ll be revising this review before too long to update the others. If you have an interest in starting a membership based website and don’t know where to begin the options can …Read More