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Full site editing in WordPress!

What is Full Site Editing in WordPress? Everything You Need to Know!

Editing (FSE) in WordPress and what it means for designing and customizing your website? In this video, we’ll dive deep into what Full Site Editing is, how it changes the way you work with WordPress, and how you can take advantage of this powerful feature!

From customizing headers and footers to editing your entire website layout using blocks, FSE offers you unprecedented control and flexibility without needing any code.

In this video, you’ll learn: The basics of Full Site Editing in WordPress How to enable and use FSE features Get started at https://maxiblocks.com/ - MaxiBlocks is a no-code page builder to helps creators build websites faster with an integrated design library and 2000+ ready-to-deploy responsive templates. Also comes with 13.6K icons and 100 design styles. Join our community!

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Early days of WordPress websites

Back in 2004, WordPress websites got their first big upgrade with version 1.0, named "Miles" after the cool jazz musician Miles Davis. Released on 3rd January, this update brought some awesome features that made the platform way better. It introduced a new templating system, so users could create their own custom themes and styles, giving them more control over their site's look. The admin interface also got a major makeover, making it super user-friendly with easier post editing, better user role management, and smoother navigation.

One of the most exciting additions was the introduction of plugins. Just like how Apple’s app store changed the game for the iPhone, WordPress plugins let third-party developers add all sorts of cool features and tools. This made WordPress super flexible and perfect for more than just blogging. Plus, it opened up opportunities for developers and designers to make a living by creating and selling plugins and themes.

Fast forward to today, and there are nearly 60,000 free plugins on the WordPress.org repository, along with loads of paid options. WP Engine estimated the WordPress ecosystem's value at a whopping $635 billion by the end of 2021. This shows just how massive and valuable the platform has become for users and developers alike, with the plugin market playing a huge role in making WordPress a powerful and adaptable tool for creating websites.

MaxiBlocks a tool for modern WordPress websites

MaxiBlocks is like the ultimate cheat code for WordPress websites! It's a super versatile plugin that lets you build stunning pages with a simple drag-and-drop interface, making it perfect for everyone, from beginners to pros. With MaxiBlocks, you can easily create eye-catching layouts and add cool features without touching a single line of code. It’s packed with pre-designed blocks and templates, so you can mix and match to create the perfect look for your site. Whether you're building a blog, an online store, or a portfolio, MaxiBlocks makes the process fun, fast, and super easy!

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What to use for your WordPress website if not expensive Elementor?

Hey there, website creators! Are you tired of using Elementor and want to explore other options? You're in the right place! We're going to chat about the best alternative to Elementor.

Look no further!

Choosing the right website builder lcan be a daunting task, especially when you're looking for an alternative to Elementor. But don't worry, we've got you covered! When it comes to building a website, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

You want a builder that's easy to use, even if you're not a tech expert. You want to be able to customise every aspect of your WordPress website, from the layout to the colours and fonts. And let's be real, you want it to load quickly and work smoothly on all devices. Oh, and it's got to be affordable, right?

MaxiBlocks is a powerful and accessible WordPress page builder that ticks all those boxes. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can build and customise pages in no time, even if you're a beginner. And with over 14,400 SVG icons, 2,000+ pre-made patterns, and more, you've got the flexibility to make your website truly unique. Plus, MaxiBlocks is designed with performance in mind, so you can rest assured that your site will load quickly and work seamlessly on all devices.

And the best part? You can use the page builder for free with all essential features unlocked. Even the SVG icons are free. The only cost is a small fee for the pre-made patterns. With its massive library of pre-designed elements, you'll be able to get started on your website in no time.

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A Quick Spin Through the History of WordPress and Its Impact on Web Design

Once upon a time in the early 2000s, building a website was like trying to solve an Ikea flat pack build without the instructions (actually even with instructions)– complicated, frustrating, and often ending in a mess. Then came WordPress in 2003, a game-changer for anyone wanting to create their own website without a computer science degree.

The Early Days: From Blogs to Bigger Things

WordPress started as a straightforward blogging tool created by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little. Back then, it was all about sharing thoughts, stories, and ideas in a user-friendly way. The internet was a growing playground for bloggers, and WordPress quickly became their favourite platform. It was free, open-source, and most importantly, easy to use.

Growing Up: From Blog Platform to CMS

As WordPress evolved, so did its capabilities. By the late 2000s, it had morphed from a basic blogging platform into a comprehensive content management system (CMS). This transformation was fueled by the introduction of plugins and themes. Need an online shop? There’s a plugin for that. Want a stylish portfolio? Pick a theme. WordPress became the ultimate toolkit for web design – versatile and easy to customise.

Themes and Plugins: The Secret Sauce

Themes let users change their site's look and feel without touching any code. Whether you’re into minimalist design or something more elaborate, there’s a theme to match. Plugins are like little add-ons that enhance functionality, from SEO tools to social media integration. They turned simple sites into dynamic, interactive experiences with just a few clicks.

The Evolution of Web Design

WordPress didn’t just make building websites easier; it changed web design entirely. In the early internet days, sites were static and boring. Designers were limited by basic HTML and CSS, and dynamic content was a distant dream. WordPress’s flexibility encouraged creativity and innovation. Suddenly, anyone with a computer and an internet connection could design a stunning, functional website.

The introduction of the Gutenberg editor in 2018 was a big step forward. This block-based editor made content creation more intuitive. Users could drag and drop blocks of text, images, and multimedia, arranging them effortlessly. It made web design more visual and less about coding.

Community and Collaboration

One of the coolest things about WordPress is its community. Developers, designers, and users worldwide contribute to its growth. This collaborative spirit keeps WordPress at the cutting edge of web design, with constant updates and improvements. Whether you’re new or experienced, there’s always someone willing to help or share advice.

Looking Forward

Today, WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. It shows how a simple idea – making web publishing accessible – can revolutionise an industry. As technology evolves, so will WordPress, adapting to new trends and challenges.

In summary, WordPress has been a major force in web design. It’s made creating websites more accessible, encouraged innovation, and fostered a supportive community. So, whether you’re starting a blog, launching an online store, or showcasing your work, remember: with WordPress, the possibilities are endless, and the journey is just as exciting as the destination.

Building a website? You might be interested in MaxiBlocks page builder and awesome template library. Check it out.

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Want to design a cool new website?

Check this out.

First of all let’s have a look at how you can keep the budget low. Often, when starting something using tech you think, oh wow that looks like a reasonable price, by the time you have finished getting all the features you need the budget has taken off like an Elon Musk rocket ship.

So here’s a way to really keep the costs down!

First thing! You need WordPress as your content management system. Totally free to use. Nice start.

Second thing! You need a page builder tool that works with WordPress. This is where MaxiBlocks fits in. This amazing tool will make you a great WordPress website designer. Super easy to use page builder and it is totally free. Woohoo. Let’s add that to the basket. So far - NO cost.

Third! You need a whole bunch of pre-designed WordPress block templates like a homepage, add to that patterns or also known as WordPress block patterns like headers or footers, and of course funky icons to add some fun to the overall look.

Would you pay $6.95 a month to be able to use these amazing number of goodies?

# 173 homepages # 2118 patterns # 14 073 free SVG icons.

Check them out here:

With WordPress, the WordPress website builder MaxiBlocks and a fabulous design library all at a cost of $6.95 per month that allows you to build as many websites as you want, you can’t go wrong.

MaxiBlocks is also publishing a theme in the next few weeks (in beta testing right now). Also free. That will make it even easier to build your website as it will provide you with the full structure. You just need to drop the homepage and patterns into the blocks provided.

Of course, a word of warning, you do still need to pay for hosting of your website. After all you need a ‘parking spot’ on the world wide web. You might also want to add some plugins for special extra tricks such as WooCommerce if you want to have a shop on your website. Many of these are also free but usually you need to pay a small fee if you want the plugin to do more than what the basic free version offers. Just be careful and take your time when you shop around. There are still some good deals to be found.

Such a winning combination for WordPress website designers!

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WordPress - a web designers best tool

WordPress is a free and open-source tool that allows you to create and manage digital content online. Initially a blogging platform, it has expanded into a versatile tool for building various types of websites, including simple blogs, complex online shops, portfolios, and social networks. The best part? You can download and use the main software for free, making it an excellent choice for both individuals and businesses.

At its heart, WordPress enables you to create, edit, and manage content on your website without needing technical expertise. It features a user-friendly interface that simplifies the creation and publication of text, images, videos, and more. Additionally, there's a vast community of themes, plugins, and widgets available to help you personalise and enhance its capabilities.

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Why you have to use Maxiblocks’ WordPress block templates to build your next website

The thrill of building a website from scratch! It's like going on a treasure hunt, except instead of foraging for gold and jewels, you're searching for the perfect design, functionality, and user experience. And that's where MaxiBlocks' WordPress block templates come in - the ultimate treasure map to help you navigate the wild west of web development!

With MaxiBlocks, you can create a website that's as unique as a snowflake (but, you know, not as fragile or cold). The WordPress block templates are like Legos for your website - you can mix and match different blocks to create a design that's all your own. Want a hero section with a bold headline and a call-to-action button? Boom! Done. Need a section with a grid of images and some snazzy text? Bam! With MaxiBlocks, you can build a website that's both visually stunning and absolutely functional.

So, why use MaxiBlocks' WordPress block templates? Well, for starters, they're ridiculously easy to use. No coding skills required (although, if you're a coding mastermind, you can totally get creative with customisations). Plus, their templates are optimised for speed and SEO, so your website will be fast, secure, and search-engine-friendly. And, let's be real, who doesn't love the idea of building a website that's both beautiful and functional? It's like having your cake and eating it too (but, you know, without the calories). So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of MaxiBlocks and start building your dream website today! Get the MaxiBlocks free WordPress page builder now to get going.

See how it's done!

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How do you find the perfect WordPress website builder?

Check out MaxiBlocks for an ideal WordPress website builder!

When it comes to selecting the ideal WordPress website builder, it's essential to start with a clear understanding of your goals. Define your website's purpose, identify your target audience, and envision the desired outcome. This foundation will guide your decisions on content presentation, eCommerce functionality, SEO tools, necessary plugins, and mobile responsiveness.

Next, consider the costs involved. Will you need to pay for advanced features or multiple website builds? Weigh the benefits of free and premium options, and be mindful of potential hidden costs that can add up quickly. Also, investigate the cancellation policies and lifetime deals.

To ensure success, prioritize three key factors: ease of use, customization capabilities, and ongoing support. The right WordPress website builder will align with your specific goals and enhance user engagement.

Ultimately, do your due diligence. Don't rely solely on social media recommendations, as everyone's needs and skill levels vary. Take the time to research and find the WordPress website builder that best fits your needs, budget, and effort.

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Introducing the co-founder of MaxiBlocks

Free WordPress page builder MaxiBlocks

I am Kyra Pieterse Co-Founder of Maxiblocks. I am originally from South Africa but now live in Lisbon (Portugal). I am what I like to call myself a slowmad. We have moved around a lot but tend to stay for at least a year in a country. I have lived in South Africa, Dubai, Malaysia, Vietnam, Spain, Malta and Berlin (Germany) I am a designer more than a developer, and I stopped coding many years ago.

The Journey Began

I have been a web designer since 1999, and my career began before WordPress. I started old school with Dreamweaver and Flash. My designs tend to be more interactive than most, and I think this is because of my Flash background. The web kind of became boring, so I hope to breathe some life back into web design.

I found WordPress in 2010 when I was living and freelancing in Vietnam. It was love at first use. Making my own custom themes was easy for me as I have some coding background, although they were simple themes.

The Need for “MaxiBlocks”

MaxiBlocks

Our first digital product (company) Is Divi Den. We started this almost 7 years ago. We have been very successful selling Divi Layouts.

We started MaxiBlocks out of our own frustration from our support. We have been forced to use CSS and code to make our layouts in Divi. When Gutenberg launched, we saw it as an opportunity to create our own solution. Building on top of Gutenberg has been hard. Much harder than I thought it would be. And it took much longer than we planned. The challenges are the slow pace of the core development and building on top of a moving object. Each update they make sets us back as we have to stop everything to fix it. But even with these challenges, I am very proud of the end result. We have made all these designs.

The full article of this profile can be found at WPFounders.

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The 5 best open source website builders in 2024

Websites are created for many reasons, such as sharing information, selling products, or connecting with customers. Some websites are designed to build communities, share videos, or manage blogs. For businesses, a professional website is essential for connecting with clients and showing that they're a trustworthy company.

Having a well-designed website is crucial for a business's growth. A good website can even increase revenue, as seen in the case of ESPN.com, which saw a 35% increase in revenue by simply updating their homepage.

In the past, creating a website required technical expertise and coding skills. But now, anyone with basic computer skills can create a professional website using user-friendly open-source software. This has made website builders a valuable tool for designers, developers, and non-technical individuals alike.

Think of a website builder as a shortcut to creating a website. Without it, you'd have to spend hours coding each page and testing it across different browsers to ensure it looks good on different screen sizes. A website builder makes this process much faster and more accessible. Even experienced developers can use website builders to speed up their work.

For more info on 5 top open source (they are free to use) website builders head on over to MaxiBlocks to read more.

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Try MaxiBlocks’ funky style cards when using its WordPress free theme

MaxiBlocks style cards are like design blueprints that guide the visual appearance of your website. They serve as a reference point for the layout, colour scheme, typography, and other stylistic elements of your site. Each style card represents a specific design concept or theme, providing a blueprint for how your website will look and feel. By utilising style cards, web designers can make sure their websites have consistency and coherence throughout, even across different pages or sections.

These style cards are versatile, catering to a wide range of design preferences and objectives. Whether you're aiming for a minimalist, modern look or a vibrant, eclectic vibe, MaxiBlocks style cards will help with creating the style you are looking for. They offer flexibility in customisation, allowing designers to mix and match elements to achieve the desired look and feel. Moreover, with an extensive library of 100 style cards to choose from, designers can easily find one that aligns with their brand identity or project requirements. Web designers are also able to adapt the style cards by for instance selecting different colours and fonts and saving the style card to make it their own. See how to choose a style card!

Using MaxiBlocks style cards streamlines the design process and saves time for web designers. Instead of starting from scratch, designers can select a style card that fits with their vision and build upon it. This speeds up the website development process while ensuring a polished and professional end result. Additionally, style cards serve as a valuable communication tool, enabling designers to convey their design concepts clearly to clients or team members. Overall, MaxiBlocks style cards help designers to create visually stunning and cohesive websites with ease and at speed.

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You have to use a WordPress website builder!

Calling you, the WordPress website builder! Are you feeling bullied with that headline? Only if you think it fits you. On the whole web designers must be the biggest sitters on fences of any profession. Let’s dip our toe into this plugin, let’s try out that one rather, oh wait here’s another one and so it goes on. Milling around not sure what to try next. 

It is surely only a fraction of the huge web design and website builders fraternity that stays with one solution, really works at knowing how to use the tools and becomes expert in it. Even some website builders who consider themselves influencers don’t really know how to build a functional and good looking website mostly because they dabble rather than really become expert at their profession.

WordPress website builder worth looking at

Regrettably this milling around crowd has not yet discovered one of the best WordPress website builder plugins on the market. That is, there are some exceptions. Here’s one:

Unsolicited review: “I have been following Maxi Blocks for a while now. I saw their product and I highly recommend it for the following reasons:

The plugin is 100% free with all the functionality that comes with it. YES, FREE. There are no pro features. Everything is included.

More than 13k free icons which could be coloured to meet our needs. Each week they are adding new patterns, pages, and icons. There are free patterns and pages available. The cards (style guides) are great for starting your project with consistency. Everything that you import into the pages is styled based on the cards so it reduces changing a lot of styles manually. They are actively working on the pages, patterns, icons, and the plugin itself.

The only pro areas are pages and patterns meant to reduce the design and development type as they are done for us. You could create the same patterns and pages from scratch with the free version but I recommend getting an account to speed up your development time.

I am waiting for their theme because once it is out, I will be moving to Maxi Blocks 100% to our design and development needs related to WordPress.”

But let’s get back to basics. Why would you need to use a WordPress website builder?

There is no need to be intimidated by the technical aspects of building a website. Thankfully, WordPress website builders have taken care of quite a few of the processes, making website design accessible to everyone, regardless of technical background.

Here's why WordPress is the perfect platform for your website. It has a user-friendly interface which means it is relatively easy to get to know your way around the platform. There is ample flexibility and you can easily customise all aspects of the web design process. It’s totally cost-effective. WordPress is free to use. Couldn’t be more cost-effective. It’s SEO friendly which means you can immediately work on making your website come up for search. Of course you need to know your way around SEO. WordPress doesn’t magically push your website up to page 1 in search. Furthermore WordPress is scalable. Start with a blog and grow your site to a full on website. Easily done.

So, if you're looking for a user-friendly, flexible, and cost-effective way to build your website, a WordPress website builder is definitely worth considering. With its drag-and-drop interface, wide range of customization options, and SEO-friendly features, WordPress empowers anyone to create a professional online presence.

What WordPress website builder to use?

There is really only one and that’s MaxiBlocks. MaxiBlocks is an open source WordPress website builder that works with Gutenberg. Gutenberg is core to WordPress. All of these tools from WordPress the content management system to Gutenberg the block editor to MaxiBlocks the WordPress website builder are free to use. You can’t get better than that!

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Shhh... I'm Sharing a Web Design Secret!

Free WordPress Icons!

Ever feel like your website could use a little something extra? Well, buckle up because I'm about to reveal a treasure trove of freebies – over 13,782 amazing free MaxiBlocks icons for WordPress!

This post will be your one-stop shop for all things MaxiBlocks icons. We'll dive into where to find them, how to snag them for free, and why they'll be your new best friend in web design. Plus, we'll sprinkle in some fun facts about SVG icons (because hey, learning is cool!).

So if you are impatient to get to the goodies, whether you're a design pro or just starting out, you can skip ahead to the bottom to grab your free icons (like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!). But if you're curious about the power of SVG icons, keep reading – you might just learn a thing or two!

Web Design Hack: Supercharge Your Site with SVG Icons!

Forget blurry phone-era graphics! SVG icons are your secret weapon for crisp visuals that work on any screen. Here's why they rock:

Sharp & Scalable: No more pixelated mess! SVG icons stay sharp no matter how big or small you make them. Perfect for responsive websites that look great everywhere.

Double Duty Design: These go beyond decoration. Use them to create cool, interactive elements that keep visitors engaged. Imagine buttons that change color or menus that animate – that's SVG in action!

MaxiBlocks to the Rescue! Finding the perfect icon can be a drag. MaxiBlocks has a massive library (over 13,782!) and lets you customise them to match your brand. Thin outlines or bold fills? You got it!

Spice Up Your Site: Headers, services, products, footers – SVG icons work everywhere! They help explain things visually, guide users, and make your site more fun. Just remember, keep things balanced – too many icons can be overwhelming. Use them strategically to make your design shine!

By adding SVG icons, you'll take your web design to the next level. They're clear, flexible, and unleash your creative potential, making your website both beautiful and user-friendly.

Now let’s get to the best part! How to get to the MaxiBlocks free WordPress icons

What do you need to be able to use the free MaxiBlocks icons?

You would obviously need to be using WordPress to build your website with. No go with Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, Hubspot, Joomla, Webflow and any of the other Content Management Systems (CMS). WordPress it is. Get WordPress here!

You need to be working with WordPress 5.6 or more to be able to use MaxiBlocks free page builder and free icons. Yip, dragging you into this ever so new decade. WordPress 5.6 was released December 08, 2020.

All of this is free!

What’s next?

Now that we have that out of the way. Download the free WordPress MaxiBlocks page builder from the wordpress.org repository here. Yes, you guessed it. MaxiBlocks is open source.

And where to find the free MaxiBlocks WordPress icons?

Get access to your free icons here.

Watch this video for a quick introduction to the MaxiBlocks WordPress icons. If you enjoy the video or find it useful subscribe to the MaxiBlocks YouTube channel to get the latest releases.

Enjoy!!

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The Adobe Photoshop Remove tool

Miracle worker… See how easy it is to remove bits from an image.

Easy also to use is Maxi Blocks to build your website with. It’s a free WordPress page builder that comes with hundreds of free designs. Check maxiblocks.com for dets.

For some amazing videos on what you can do with the new AI tools check out Maxi Blocks' YouTube channel here.

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Absolutely!

AI is all the buzz!!

Interested in AI for creators? Check out this video on YouTube where Maxi Blocks' creative director showcases 18 free AI tools that are immensely useful to anybody working in the communications field. You will say 'wow' on many occasions.

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AI is all the buzz!!

Interested in AI for creators? Check out this video on YouTube where Maxi Blocks' creative director showcases 18 free AI tools that are immensely useful to anybody working in the communications field. You will say 'wow' on many occasions.

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Blame it on Matt Mullenweg the Inspiring Founder/CEO of Automattic

I haven’t written anything on Tumblr since December 2012. In fact that was my only blog post ever to see the light of day here. Can’t remember why this was a one off event but would imagine it was work that got in the way.

Then today March 2022 I listened to a podcast. The Verge podcast Decoder hosted by the excellent Nilay Patel showcased a conversation with Matt Mullenweg. Many interesting topics were discussed amongst which were Matt’s company Automattic and its flagship product WordPress.com, the growth of WooCommerce as competitor to Shopify, Open Source and not to forget Web3.

However the topic that was really interesting to me was the fact that Matt’s company Automattic had bought Tumblr in 2019. I had vaguely followed the ups and downs of Tumblr which as a booming blog platform had been bought by Yahoo in 2013 and kind of run down by them, bought by Verizon in 2017 via the purchase of Yahoo and subsequently sold to Automattic in 2019. This was news to me. Verizon had not been able to stop the bleed in Tumblr either.

Why would Matt want to buy Tumblr? Well, if anybody knows something about blogging it’s the co-developer of WordPress. WordPress started its life as an Open Source blogging platform in 2003 and has grown into a CMS that currently runs 43% of websites on the internet. And according to Matt during his podcast with Nilay Patel is estimated to run 85% of websites within the next ten years.

So let’s see what magic Matt can call on to make Tumblr great again. MTGA. LOL!