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Show and Hide Content via the Block Visibility WordPress Plugin

Published

4 years ago

January 14, 2021

show-and-hide-content-via-the-block-visibility-wordpress-plugin

Nick Diego’s Block Visibility is not the only plugin to take on the challenge of controlling when blocks are visible on the front end. Other plugins like EditorsKit do a fine job of it. However, Block Visibility is a solution users should not overlook, even if they have already begun testing other options.

Diego first released the plugin in August 2020. Since then, he has added routine updates that have added value without shifting its focus.

One of the biggest reasons to use this plugin is that it is a standalone project. It is purely about doing one thing and doing it well. Its settings are all about giving users complete control over how they want to manage block visibility. From my experience with it, the plugin does its job better than alternatives.

It may not have a large number of installs, but if its five-star rating on WordPress.org is any indication, it at least has a happy user base.

Diego does have plans for a pro add-on. The tentative release date is set for Spring 2021. He seems to be moving forward with that launch after adding some foundational code in the recent version 1.4 release.

“As Block Visibility grows, there will be advanced and/or niche functionality that will be useful for certain users,” wrote Diego in the 1.4 release announcement. “Think integrations with other third-party plugins. There will always be a free version of the plugin but some of these additional features will ultimately be provided by a premium (paid) add-on called Block Visibility Pro.”

In my previous job, one of my primary products focused on membership solutions. There is a seemingly endless number of possibilities that users dream up to control content visibility. I have little doubt that a pro add-on is necessary for catching all of the edge cases.

How the Plugin Works

Block Visibility is easy to use. End-users click a toggle switch, select from a date-picker, or tick a radio box. Their blocks are shown or hidden on the front end based on their selections. It does not get much simpler than that.

The plugin adds a new “Visibility” tab for each block, which displays the visibility controls. The exception to this is for inner blocks. For example, the Columns block has controls, but the inner Column blocks do not. However, this can be enabled for inner blocks via the “Full Control Mode” on the plugin’s settings screen.

There are three primary types of options:

Hide the block from everyone.
Time-based start and stop dates for displaying.
Visibility by user role.

Block Visibility plugin controls in the WordPress block editor. — Block Visibility’s controls in the inspector.

Hiding the block from everyone might be useful for users who are testing on a page or for blocks that are a work in progress. Start and stop dates create the potential for drip or trial content on membership-based sites, especially when combined with the role-based visibility options.

These basic options will cover the majority of scenarios that the average user will need them for.

One of the nicer features of the plugin is that it adds a transparent gray overlay, dashed border, and icon to each block that has visibility options set. This is shown when the block is not selected in the editor. It is one of those small touches that make the plugin useful.

Block Visibility plugin gray overlay when a block is not selected. — Overlay for blocks with visibility options.

There is one confusing piece of the UI. There are two instances where there is a “public” option. That label immediately makes me think that the block should be visible to everyone. However, reading the description is necessary. These options are for showing content to logged-out users only. I would rather see these two options renamed to “logged out” for clarity.

A Promising Future

While Block Visibility is a solid plugin right now, we are barely scratching the surface of what will be possible in the long run. In version 1.4, released two weeks ago, Diego added preliminary compatibility with Full Site Editing. This means visibility options will no longer be confined to the post or page content.

“Once every piece of content on a website is a ‘block,’ you will be able to easily control the visibility of practically anything on a WordPress website,” wrote Diego in the version 1.4 announcement post. “From dynamic navigation menus to user specific headers and footers, the possibilities are endless!”

Gutenberg’s site editor is a beta feature right now, but the plugin’s integration seems to already work well. I ran a quick test to show a custom nav menu to shop customers only. I had no problems on my end.

Using the Block Visibility plugin with the Gutenberg site editor. — Setting visibility options for a menu in Gutenberg’s site editor.

Users will not be limited to such basic needs in the future. Imagine showing ads in a sidebar to logged-out users. Imagine adding a time-sensitive holiday sale banner in the header. Imagine designing a homepage template that displays different content to subscribers vs. visitors.

There are ways to do all of this today by piecing various plugins together, using custom shortcodes, or writing code. However, when an entire site is made of blocks, you only need one method to control anything’s visibility. Literally.

WORDPRESS

Automattic’s Contribution to the New Social Web Foundation

Published

8 hours ago

October 1, 2024

Max

Automattic's Contribution to the New Social Web Foundation

The Social Web Foundation is aiming to grow the fediverse and make the social web a better place for everyone.

Social media, in its current form, is broken and chaotic. A new organization, the Social Web Foundation, aims to change that. This initiative has launched with a clear mission: fuel the growth of the fediverse and make the social web a better place for everyone.

Automattic, WordPress.com’s parent company, is excited to be part of this movement and to support the Foundation’s vision for a healthier, more diverse social web.

What is the Social Web Foundation?

Founded by leaders in the open social networking space, including Evan Prodromou, Tom Coates, and Mallory Knodel, the Social Web Foundation is focused on fostering a financially sustainable, decentralized social web. It will empower users and creators by enhancing platform diversity, encouraging innovation, and promoting user safety across the fediverse.

The Social Web Foundation’s immediate focus is on building the infrastructure needed to connect users and developers across platforms. The Foundation will also work to educate the public, policymakers, and developers about the benefits of the fediverse while continuing to improve the ActivityPub protocol and the tools that power it.

Automattic’s role in supporting the Social Web Foundation

Automattic has a long history of championing open source software and open standards, and we believe the fediverse plays a critical role in shaping the future of the web. That’s why Automattic is eager to collaborate with the Social Web Foundation to ensure a stronger, more open ecosystem for all users.

Matthias Pfefferle, Open Web Lead at Automattic, said, “We’re excited about the launch of the Social Web Foundation and its mission. We’re eager to collaborate with the Foundation to expand platform diversity and enhance the support for various content types—especially long-form content—within the fediverse, fostering greater interoperability across the ecosystem.”

Alongside Automattic, companies like Mastodon, Flipboard, Ghost, and Meta have expressed their support for the Foundation’s mission. As Eugen Rochko, Founder and CEO of Mastodon, states, “Mastodon is committed to the fediverse and proud to back the Social Web Foundation’s efforts to build a stronger, more open, and dynamic social web for all.”

Federating WordPress.com with ActivityPub

For creators using WordPress.com, there’s already an easy way to join the fediverse. The ActivityPub plugin federates your WordPress.com site, allowing readers on other fediverse platforms like Mastodon and Pixelfed to follow your site directly. This integration gives creators even more control and reach, offering a seamless way to distribute content across multiple networks while maintaining ownership of what you publish.

Why this matters

As the Social Web Foundation builds out its program, Automattic and WordPress.com are proud to be part of the next wave of social networking. The ability to control your own data, interact across platforms, and have a say in the future of the social web aligns perfectly with our own values as an organization dedicated to empowering creators and users worldwide. And with the ActivityPub plugin, WordPress.com users can easily join in, helping to build a more open and federated web.

To learn more about the Social Web Foundation, visit their website, or follow them at @swf on the fediverse.

Also be sure to catch up on all things fediverse with our five-part YouTube series, The Fediverse Files.

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Choosing The Right E-Commerce Platform

Published

4 days ago

September 27, 2024

Max

Robert Giovannini, CEO, IronPlane.

getty

As the CEO of an e-commerce development agency, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of selecting the right e-commerce platform—and the issues that can bring a company down if they select the wrong one.

With so many options available, understanding the key differences and factors to consider is crucial for any business. This article will explore these aspects in detail and provide the tools needed to help you make an informed decision.

E-Commerce Platform Options

The e-commerce landscape is rich with diverse platforms, each designed to cater to different business needs. Among the most popular are Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce and BigCommerce—though there are many others that I won’t cover here. (Full disclosure: My company is a provider of development services for companies like Magento, BigCommerce and Adobe/Magento.)

With about 32% e-commerce platform market share in the U.S., Shopify is renowned for its ease of use, scalability and robust app ecosystem, making it a favorite among small to medium-sized businesses and those new to e-commerce. Magento, on the other hand, is celebrated for its flexibility and extensive customization capabilities, which appeal to larger businesses with specific requirements and technical resources.

I think WooCommerce, one of the largest e-commerce platforms worldwide, stands out for its seamless integration with WordPress, offering a highly customizable and cost-effective solution; this is particularly attractive to content-driven sites. BigCommerce is appreciated by many users for its comprehensive built-in features and scalability, suitable for businesses with ambitious growth plans.

Understanding the key differentiators among these platforms is essential. Platforms like Squarespace, Wix, Shopify and BigCommerce are particularly user-friendly, which can be ideal for businesses that lack extensive technical expertise. These platforms provide a straightforward, intuitive interface that allows users to set up and manage their stores with ease.

Magento, while offering extensive customization, requires a higher degree of technical know-how, often necessitating a dedicated development team. I find it well-suited for businesses that need a tailored solution and have the resources to support ongoing development and maintenance. WooCommerce offers a middle ground in many respects, providing significant customization options through plug-ins and themes but requiring additional management for hosting and security.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An E-Commerce Platform

Several key factors should be considered when choosing an e-commerce platform.

Firstly, the size of your business and its growth projections are crucial. A platform should not only meet your current needs but also scale with your business as it grows. Shopify and BigCommerce excel in scalability, allowing businesses to expand without worrying about outgrowing their e-commerce solution.

Secondly, budget constraints play a significant role. While some platforms may have lower upfront costs, they might incur higher long-term expenses due to additional plug-ins, themes and hosting fees. It’s essential to evaluate both the initial investment and the ongoing costs associated with each platform.

The technical expertise within your team is another crucial consideration. As outlined earlier, some platforms are more accessible for nontechnical users, whereas others may require substantial technical skills and a development team to manage effectively—but the rewards for doing so can be high. The need for customization also influences your choice.

Certain platforms offer extensive customization options, enabling you to tailor the platform to your specific needs. In contrast, others, while customizable, have more predefined structures that can also be helpful depending on your needs.

I’ve found that integration with existing systems, such as CRM, ERP and marketing tools, is vital for streamlining operations and improving efficiency. Ensuring that your chosen platform integrates seamlessly with your current systems can save time and reduce operational headaches.

Additionally, effective SEO and marketing features are critical for driving traffic and conversions. Evaluate the SEO capabilities and available marketing plug-ins of each platform to ensure they align with your business goals.

Reliable customer support and an active community can be invaluable when issues arise. Look into the reputations of the support systems and for evidence of an active community of users who can provide a wealth of resources and assistance.

What To Do When You Make A Decision

When making a decision, it’s essential to follow a structured approach. Start with a thorough needs assessment to identify your business requirements, goals and challenges. This assessment will serve as a foundation for evaluating potential platforms. Research each platform’s features, strengths, and weaknesses, and create a shortlist based on your needs assessment and the critical factors discussed earlier.

Take advantage of demos and free trials offered by many platforms. These opportunities allow you to explore the platform’s functionality and user experience firsthand. Engage stakeholders, including your technical team, marketing department and key decision makers, to gather their input and ensure the platform meets cross-functional needs. Consider both upfront and ongoing costs and assess the potential return on investment by estimating how the platform will support your business goals and growth.

Consulting with an e-commerce development agency or industry experts can also provide additional perspectives and recommendations based on your specific needs. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, carefully select your option and create a comprehensive implementation plan that can help ensure a smooth transition.

Making The Right Choice

By understanding the key differences between popular platforms, considering essential factors and following a structured decision-making process, you can choose a platform that aligns with your business needs and goals.

I encourage all businesses I speak with to take this strategic approach and leverage expert insights and thorough research to make the best possible choice.

Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?

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WORDPRESS

Automattic’s Open Source Contributions

Published

4 days ago

September 27, 2024

Max

Whether you’re a developer at an agency or an aspiring creator, you can trust us to invest in the future of WordPress.

WordPress.com Staff

As an open source project, the WordPress software relies on contributions from individuals and businesses alike to remain a healthy and innovative ecosystem.

Individuals can contribute in a number of ways, from writing code to organizing meetups to working on WordPress’s accessibility. Companies can contribute by permitting their employees to allocate part-time or full-time hours to WordPress.

For the latest WordPress release Automattic provided over 3,500 core contributions—over half of all WordPress 6.6 contributions—at the hands of 105 individual contributors.

WordPress core contributors, by company. Image source: WordPress.org.
WordPress core contributions, by company. Image source: WordPress.org.

Given that WordPress powers over 40% of your favorite websites, it’s in the best interest of every company that benefits from WordPress to give back to the project and community.

This idea is codified in WordPress’s Five for the Future initiative. Any company that profits from the software—including every business offering hosting for WordPress—is encouraged to put 5% of its resources back into WordPress development.

At Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, we take this responsibility very seriously.

Automattic employs just under 2,000 people. Over 100 of them work on the WordPress project full-time. In terms of workforce hours, this puts the company at almost exactly 5%.

Contributor day at WordCamp Europe 2024.

Though this is not a requirement and it is not policed by the WordPress Foundation, every company that profits from WordPress should think about the long-term health and vibrancy of the WordPress ecosystem. At Automattic and WordPress.com, we’re proud to give back and to constantly be thinking about bettering WordPress as a whole when we’re working on features, squashing bugs, and generally doing our best to democratize publishing for the entire world.

As a customer—whether you’re a developer at an agency or an aspiring creator—you have a say in the future of WordPress. You have options when it comes to hosting. We recommend that the dollars you spend go towards a WordPress host that acts as a good steward of open source philosophy—like WordPress.com.