{"id":1636,"date":"2019-10-31T08:51:09","date_gmt":"2019-10-31T08:51:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.crazydomains.com\/learn\/?p=937"},"modified":"2020-05-29T15:02:49","modified_gmt":"2020-05-29T07:02:49","slug":"wordpress-predictions-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crazydomains.ae\/learn\/wordpress-predictions-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"Upcoming WordPress Changes to Look Out for in 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

WordPress has come a long way since launching in 2003.<\/p>\n

From a simple publishing system that allows people to write and post blogs, it now powers different websites \u2014 ecommerce stores, forums, job boards, and more.<\/p>\n

And it shows no signs of stopping.<\/p>\n

Now we\u2019re on our way to 2020 \u2014 what updates does WordPress have in store? And how will these affect your existing website?<\/p>\n

Here are 2020 forecasts for WordPress, along with tips on how your website can keep up with the changes.<\/p>\n

Big WordPress Changes Coming in 2020 and Beyond<\/h2>\n

Gutenberg will\u00a0<\/span>revolutionise<\/span>\u00a0how people create content<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"Gutenberg<\/p>\n

Gutenberg made headlines last year when it was released as the new WordPress editor.<\/p>\n

As a block-based editor, Gutenberg makes it easier to build content and layouts. The building blocks include regular text, images, video embeds, widgets, and more. It\u2019s expected to reduce extra plugins needed for contact forms and columns.<\/p>\n

This makes it ideal for media-rich pages and posts.<\/p>\n

And while not a full-blown page editor yet \u2014 Gutenberg\u2019s end goal is to \u201cgo beyond the post into page templates and ultimately, full site customization.\u201d<\/p>\n

As of now, the Gutenberg plugin is still in beta, with developers releasing it as a plugin to gather user feedback. It is expected to be released to the core platform soon.<\/p>\n

How to keep up: Give it a try!<\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re not tech-savvy person, Gutenberg is the editor for you.<\/p>\n

You can create eye-catching layout, add call-to-actions, and anchor links to your headings. There\u2019s so much you can do to provide your audience a good reading experience.<\/p>\n

Though Gutenberg\u2019s reviews have been, erm, less than favourable \u2014 you can always test the plugin out for free.<\/p>\n

WordPress will be more than just a CMS platform<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

\"WordPress<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been keeping up with WordPress in the past months, you likely have heard of REST API.<\/p>\n

REST, an acronym for Representational State Transfer, is an API that\u2019s adopted by tech leaders like Facebook and Google. Developers prefer it thanks to its simple structure and use of lesser bandwidth.<\/p>\n

For a while, REST API was an independent plugin that developers could experiment with. But its recent integration to the core platform signals WordPress\u2019s move towards becoming a \u201cfully-fledged application framework\u201d.<\/p>\n

You can read more on REST API on WordPress\u2019s official developer page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How to keep up: Diversify your online presence<\/h4>\n

With WordPress REST API, you won\u2019t be limited to platforms like say, PHP.<\/p>\n

It creates an exciting opportunity to start mobile apps using WordPress. Say for example you run an ecommerce site \u2014 now you can easily extend your desktop experience on mobile.<\/p>\n

WPblog has a great step-by-step guide<\/a> to using WordPress REST API.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t limit yourself to mobile apps, experiment with other web projects like new plugins. The more you explore WordPress API, the more you understand how powerful this feature is.<\/p>\n

More languages will be supported<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

\"More<\/p>\n

More and more people will be using WordPress. And they\u2019re not just confined in one location, users are from all over the world.<\/p>\n

That means more languages are needed in the platform.<\/p>\n

Predictably, developers will meet that demand and integrate more languages into themes, plugins, and even in the core platform.<\/p>\n

How to keep up: Localise your content<\/h4>\n

Content localisation<\/a> is important, especially if you\u2019re targeting a specific region.<\/p>\n

Translate your content to their local language. While doing so, consider differences in spelling for each reg. For example, personalise and colour in British English is spelt as personalize and color in the U.S. respectively.<\/p>\n

Also use terms that are specific and sensitive to your audience\u2019s culture and lifestyle. Take note of idioms that may mean one thing for a region but a different one in another.<\/p>\n

Lastly, localisation does not just involve text content, but also visuals.<\/p>\n

Some colours, symbols, and images mean differently for each region. So use the right ones for your website!<\/p>\n

There\u2019ll be more accessibility<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

\"There\u2019ll<\/p>\n

The REST API doesn\u2019t just make it possible for developers to create WordPress-based apps. It also allows developers to make platforms that are user-friendly for the sensory-impaired.<\/p>\n

Coupled with the existing WP Accessibility plugin and the WordPress Accessibility Handbook, there\u2019s a lot of room for websites and apps that are usable for everyone.<\/p>\n

How to keep up: Build your website with accessibility in mind<\/h4>\n

Good user experience is inclusive. It considers the needs of users from all walks of life \u2014 including the specially-abled.<\/p>\n

That said, make your website more accessible to them.<\/p>\n