Author: Jay

Do what you do best in – that’s what I’ve always believed in and that’s what I preach. Over the past 25+ years (yup that’s my expertise ‘n’ experience in the Information Technology domain), I’ve been consulting to small, medium and large companies ‘About Web Technologies, Mobile Future as well as on the good-and-bad of tech. Blogger, International Business Advisor, Web Technology Expert, Sales Guru, Startup Mentor, Insurance Sales Portal Expert & a Tennis Player. And top of all – a complete family man!

What Makes WooCommerce the Best eCommerce Platform?

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Jay

To be able to adapt to the changing eCommerce space and meet increasing customer demands is not an easy feat to achieve. You will need more than just a sales strategy, you also need to leverage the technology available in the market. You need a flexible and cost-effective platform to create your online store that gives you the flexibility to customize your store to meet your business goals.

Today, we have over 24 million ecommerce sites across the globe with WooCommerce powering nearly 13% of all ecommerce sites on the internet. So, what makes WooCommerce so popular among business owners?

If you are unfamiliar with WooCommerce and want to know more about it, then you have come to the right place. In this blog I will write in detail about what WooCommerce is? And why should you choose WooCommerce for your online store?
Lets explore the top factors that make WooCommerce the best platform for online stores.

What is WooCommerce?

WooCommerce is an open-source ecommerce platform built on WordPress. It encompasses over 27% of the market share, powering nearly 13% of all eCommerce sites on the internet. WooCommerce Website in one of the of the easiest platforms for store-owners to create and manage online products, content, user data, and all other elements in an ecommerce business. It is a plugin for WordPress that helps you create and manage online stores using a simple and intuitive interface

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It offers a range of features that enables online stores to manage inventory, manage tax, accept payments, manage shipping and more business functions from one portal. WooCommerce is an open-source platform which makes the eCommerce platform, free-to-use and allows access its source code. You also get the support of the community who are passionate about WooCommerce and contribute to improve its capabilities.

Top Features that make WooCommerce One of the Best eCommerce Platforms

Integrates with WordPress content
Enable guest checkout
Built-in geolocation support
Automate taxation
Reduce page loading speed
Provide a variety of products
Manage inventory effortlessly
Enable shipping options on your store
Enable shipping calculator on your page
Offer multiple shipping methods
SEO optimization of site
Enable coupons and discounts on your ecommerce store
Add product reviews
Sales reports
Send refunds with a single click

and more….

Why Should You Choose WooCommerce for Your Online Store?

It’s Free and Open Source

WooCommerce is free to use and is an open-source platform where you have access to the source code. Store owners can get started on WooCommerce without having to subscribe to any extensive support contract or license. Moreover, they can customize their store interface and functionality with ease.

Storefront Customization:

Storefront UI and UX play an important role in acquiring and retaining your customers. It also enables your store-owners to determine how they present the products they are selling. An optimized storefront can significantly increase your brand appearance and sales revenue. Which makes it important for business owners to opt in for online store platforms that offer higher customization.

Are you looking for a WooCommerce developer

Modular Platform with Built-in Features and Plugins:

WooCommerce is a modular platform where you can upgrade your store’s capabilities with plugins and add-ons. Although the add-ons are premium it provides reliable scalability of site performance and feature offerings to the customers.

Search Engine Friendly Platform:

SEO is a significant part of getting a website ranked in the search engine result pages. If you want your store to drive more traffic, you have to optimize your eCommerce store and rank your website and store products higher in SERP.

Top SEO features in WooCommerce:

Page title optimization
Use breadcrumbs for easy site navigation
Write meta description for every product
Image optimization, add alt text in your image
Use SEO plugins such as Yoast SEO to check your page and product performance

Sell All Types of Products on WooCommerce:

With WooCommerce you can sell both physical and digital products; you can sell subscription-based products, provide online bookings, Amazon affiliate products, online auctions, and set appointments.

Support From One of the Largest Communities:

WooCommerce is an Open-Source platform and supported by a large community who contribute to develop the platform. You can join community meet ups to learn more ways to optimize your WooCommerce site.

Powerful Analytics to Measure and Improve Your Site:

WooCommerce’s default report and analytics tools provide important insights into your store’s performance on metrics such as cart abandonment tracking, shopping behavior monitoring, sales report, average order value, average cart value, refunds, revenue and tax reports, discount reports, and more.

For more in-depth analytics, you could install a third party plugin, below are mentioned some of the best analytics and reporting add-ons for WooCommerce.

Conclusion:

WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin, which enables businesses to start their online stores in a short time and with the least investment. WooCommerce plugins make it possible for online store owners to scale up their online store offerings without having to invest in store feature development. As WooCommerce is an open source platform, business owners can opt for more customized store features from professional WooCommerce developers.

Andolasoft is a leading WooCommerce development company, developing bespoke solutions for businesses who want to take their brick-and-mortar store online. We have a holistic approach to WooCommerce development incorporating various industry-standard design elements, and security features to deliver a high-performing online store for our global customers.

Everything You Need To Know About WordPress Firewall Security

Posted on February 16, 2023 by Jay

Website security basically refers to the measures taken to protect a website from potential security threats, such as hacking, data theft, or malware infections. Website security is crucial for protecting sensitive information and ensuring that a website remains accessible to users. The goal of website security is to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the website and its data.

Some common security measures of a WordPress website are,

Using strong passwords and implementing two-factor authentication
Keeping the website and its components (e.g., themes, plugins) up to date
Using a reputable web host with built-in security features
Implementing an SSL/TLS certificate for encryption
Installing a security plugin, such as a firewall or antivirus software
Regularly backing up the website’s data
Monitoring the website for suspicious activity
Educating users on safe browsing practices.

A firewall is a security tool that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. In the context of WordPress website security, a WordPress firewall acts as a barrier between your website and potential security threats, such as hacking attempts, malware infections, or data theft.

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Here are some of the benefits of using a WordPress firewall for your website security:

Protects against hacking attempts: Firewall helps to prevent unauthorized access to your website by blocking malicious traffic & suspicious IP addresses.
Prevents malware infections: A WordPress firewall can detect and block malware-infected requests before they reach your website.
Increases website speed: By blocking malicious traffic, a WordPress firewall can improve the overall speed and performance of your website.
Enhances security: A WordPress firewall provides an additional layer of security to complement other security measures, such as SSL certificates, anti-virus software, and regular backups.
Simplifies security management: Many WordPress firewalls come with user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for non-technical users to manage security settings.

What is WordPress Firewalls?

A WordPress firewall is a security tool that helps protect a WordPress website from various online threats, such as hacking attempts, malware, and malicious traffic. It acts as a barrier between the website and the internet, analyzing incoming traffic and blocking any requests that may be harmful to the site.

The firewall helps to prevent unauthorized access, data theft, and other security breaches, making the site more secure and reliable. Some popular WordPress firewalls include Sucuri, Wordfence, and All In One WP Security and Firewall.

Why use WordPress Firewall

Using a WordPress firewall in a website provides several benefits, like;

Improved security: A firewall helps to protect the website from various online security threats, such as hacking attempts, malware, and malicious traffic. It acts as an extra layer of security, filtering out harmful traffic and blocking potential attacks before they can cause damage.
Protection against attacks: A firewall helps to prevent unauthorized access, data theft, and other security breaches, making the site more secure and reliable.
Real-time monitoring: A firewall provides real-time monitoring of incoming traffic and alerts administrators if any suspicious activity is detected.
Enhanced website performance: By blocking malicious traffic and reducing the load on the server, a firewall can help improve the overall performance and speed of the website.
Easy to install and use: Many WordPress firewall plugins are easy to install and configure, making it simple for website owners to implement this extra layer of security without needing technical expertise.

Therefore, using firewall is a smart and effective way to secure a WordPress website and protect it from potential security threats.

Best WordPress Firewalls

There are many options available for WordPress firewalls, and the best one for a specific website will depend on its unique needs. Here are some popular and well-regarded WordPress firewalls below,

Sucuri: A comprehensive security solution that offers a firewall, malware scanning, and website monitoring.
Wordfence: A security plugin that includes a firewall, malware scanning, and real-time traffic monitoring.
All In One WP Security and Firewall: A security plugin that provides a range of security features, including a firewall, malware scanning, and website optimization.
Jetpack Security: A security solution that offers a firewall, automatic backups, and real-time security scanning.
IThemes Security: A security plugin that provides a firewall, two-factor authentication, and malware scanning.

These are just a few examples of the many WordPress firewalls available. It’s important to research and compare different options to find the one that best fits your site’s needs and budget.

How to Install a WordPress Firewall on Website

Installing a WordPress firewall on a website typically involves the following steps:

Choose a firewall plugin:

Choose a WordPress firewall plugin that fits the needs of your website. Some popular options include Sucuri, Wordfence, and All in One WP Security and Firewall.

Install the plugin:

Login to the WordPress admin dashboard and go to the “Plugins” section. Click “Add New” and search for the firewall plugin you’ve chosen. Install and activate the plugin.

Configure the plugin:

Once the plugin is installed and activated, navigate to its settings page to configure it according to your preferences. Some plugins may offer default settings that you can use or adjust as needed.

Test the firewall:

After configuring the firewall, test it to make sure it’s working correctly. You can do this by visiting your website and checking for any errors or issues.

Regularly update the plugin:

To ensure the firewall remains effective, it’s important to regularly update the plugin to the latest version. This will help to address any known security vulnerabilities and improve the overall security of your website.

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These are the general steps for installing a WordPress firewall. However, the exact steps may vary depending on the specific plugin you choose, so it’s recommended to consult the plugin’s documentation for detailed instructions.

Conclusion

WordPress firewall security is a crucial aspect of maintaining the security of your website. By using a combination of security plugins, server-side security measures, and best practices for website management, you can significantly reduce the risk of your site being hacked or compromised.

Regularly updating your WordPress software, plugins, and themes, and backing up your website regularly can also help ensure that your site remains secure and protected from potential threats.

Security must be taken seriously: a breached website can lead to sensitive data loss, reputational harm, and costly losses.

How To Migrate Your WordPress Website Manually

Posted on January 27, 2023 by Jay

Migrating a WordPress website manually can seem daunting, but with the right steps and preparation, it can be a relatively straightforward process. Here in this article I will walk you through the process of manually migrating your WordPress site, including how to backup your current site, install a new version of WordPress, import your content, update URLs and file paths, test your new site, and finally go live.

Whether you’re moving to a new hosting provider or simply want to change the domain of your website, this guide will provide the information you need to successfully migrate your site.

Keep in mind that the process can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s always best to consult with an expert if you’re not sure about how to proceed.

Manually WordPress website Migrating steps –

Migrating a WordPress website manually involves several steps, including:

1. Backing up your current site:

This includes creating a full backup of your site’s files, as well as a database export. Backing up your current website is an essential step in the process of manually migrating a WordPress website. Here are the steps to create a full backup of your site:

Database Backup: Using a plugin like “Duplicator” or phpMyAdmin, export a copy of your database. This will save all of your posts, pages, comments, and settings.
File Backup: Use an FTP client like FileZilla to download a copy of all the files from your website. This includes all of your themes, plugins, images, and other media.
Store the Backup: Store the backups in a safe place, like an external hard drive or cloud storage service.

It’s important to regularly backup your site to have a recent copy to restore if something goes wrong during the migration process. Once you have created a backup of your website, you can then proceed to the next step, which is installing a new version of WordPress on your new server or hosting account.

Note: You also can use various backup plugins for WordPress to automate the backup process

2. Installing a new version of WordPress:

Installing a new version of WordPress is the next step after you have backed up your current website. Download and install the latest version of WordPress on your new server or hosting account. Here are the steps to install a new version of WordPress:

Download WordPress: Go to the WordPress.org website and download the latest version of WordPress.
Upload WordPress: Use an FTP client like FileZilla to upload the WordPress files to your new server or hosting account.
Create a Database: Create a new database on your new server or hosting account. Make sure to note the database name, username, and password, as you will need them during the installation process.
Run the Installation: Go to the URL of your new server or hosting account and run the WordPress installation process. This will involve entering the information for your new database, such as the name, username, and password.
Complete the Installation: Follow the prompts to complete the installation process, including setting up your site title, creating a username and password, and selecting a theme.

Once the installation is complete, you can proceed to the next step, which is importing your content into the new site.

It’s important to note that, before installing the new version of WordPress, you must check the server requirements and also the compatibility of the theme and plugins you’re going to use with the latest version of WordPress.

3. Importing your content:

Importing your content is the next step after installing a new version of WordPress. Here are the steps to import your content:

Install the Import/Export Plugin- Go to the WordPress plugin repository and install an import/export plugin such as “All-in-One WP Migration” or “Duplicator”.
Import the Database: Using the plugin, import the database export file that you created earlier in the process. This will import all of your posts, pages, comments, and settings into your new site.
Import Media Files: Use the plugin to import the media files from your file backup. This will include all of your images, videos, and other media.
Check your content: Once the import process is complete, check your new site to make sure that all of your content has been imported correctly. You should also check that all of your links are working properly.
Update Permalinks: Go to the permalink settings page and update the permalinks structure.

It’s important to note that, depending on the size of your website, the import process may take some time. Also, some plugins can have limitations in importing large files, in that case, you may need to split the database into smaller chunks and import them one by one.

Once your content has been imported, you can proceed to the next step, which is updating URLs and file paths.

4. Updating URLs and file paths:

Update any URLs and file paths that have changed, such as when moving from a development domain to a live domain.

Updating URLs and file paths is an important step in the process of manually migrating a WordPress site. This step ensures that all of your links and media files are working properly on your new site. Here are the steps to update URLs and file paths:

Update the URLs: Go to the general settings page in your WordPress dashboard and update the site URL and home URL to the new URL of your site.
Update the file paths: If your file paths have changed, you will need to update them in the database. You can use a plugin such as “Better Search Replace” to do this.
Check your links: After updating the URLs and file paths, check your site to ensure that all of your links and media files are working properly.
Update hard coded links: If you have any hard coded links in your theme or plugin files, you will need to update them manually.
Update internal links: Go through your website and update any internal links that may have changed as a result of the migration.

It’s important to note that, Updating the URLs and file paths can be a tedious task, so it’s essential to double-check everything to avoid any broken links. A broken link can harm the user experience and your SEO ranking.

Once you have updated the URLs and file paths, you can then proceed to the next step which is testing your new site to ensure that everything is working properly.

5. Testing your new site:

Test your new site to ensure that all of your content has been transferred correctly, and that all of your links are working properly.

Testing your new site is an important step in the process of manually migrating a WordPress site. This step ensures that everything is working properly on your new site before you make it live. Here are the steps to test your new site:

Test all the links: Go through your site and test all of the links to ensure that they are working properly.
Test forms: Test all the forms on your site, such as contact forms and registration forms, to ensure that they are submitting and sending properly.
Test media: Check that all of your media, such as images and videos, are displaying correctly.
Test e-commerce functionality: If you have an e-commerce site, test the checkout and payment process to ensure that everything is working correctly.
Test on different devices: Test your site on different devices, such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, to ensure that it is responsive and working correctly on all devices.
Test on different browsers: Test your site on different web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, to ensure that it is working correctly on all browsers.

It’s important to note that, testing your new site thoroughly is crucial before you make it live, as any issues found after going live can be harmful to your users and your business.

Once you have thoroughly tested your new site and are satisfied that everything is working properly, you can then proceed to the final step, which is going live.

6. Going live:

Once you are satisfied that your new site is working as expected, you can update your DNS settings and make your new site live.

Going live is the final step in the process of manually migrating a WordPress site. This step makes your new site live and accessible to the public. Here are the steps to go live:

Update DNS settings: Update the DNS settings of your domain to point to the new server or hosting account where your new site is located.
Update the CDN: If you’re using a Content Delivery Network (CDN), make sure to update the CDN settings to point to your new site’s IP address.
Set up redirects: Set up redirects from your old site to your new site, to ensure that any incoming traffic to your old site is redirected to your new site.
Monitor your site: Monitor your site’s performance and uptime after going live, to ensure that everything is working as expected.
Update Google Analytics: Update the tracking code of your Google Analytics account with the new site’s tracking code
Notify your visitors: Inform your visitors that the site has been moved and provide them with the new site’s URL

It’s important to note that, going live is a critical step, so make sure to double-check everything before making the switch. It’s also recommended to schedule the migration during a low traffic time to minimize the impact on your visitors.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your site migration is successful, and your new site is up and running smoothly for your visitors.

It’s important to note that this process can be complex and time-consuming, and it’s always recommended to consult with an expert if you’re not sure about how to proceed.

Conclusion:

Manually migrating a WordPress website can be a complex process, but with the right steps and preparation, it can be done successfully. The key to a successful migration is to create a full backup of your site, including both files and database export. Additionally, it’s important to install the latest version of WordPress, import your content, update URLs and file paths, test your new site, and finally go live.

It’s important to note that migrating a site can be time-consuming and may require some technical expertise, so it’s always recommended to consult with an expert if you’re not sure about how to proceed. Here is the quick recap,

Backup your current site.
Install the latest version of WordPress.
Import your content.
Update URLs and file paths.
Test your new site.
Go live.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your migration goes smoothly and your site is up and running on your new server or hosting account in no time. Andolasoft has experienced and skillful experts for consultation. So feel free to communicate with us and schedule a free consultation now.

How to Choose Best Mobile Game Development Company

Posted on December 19, 2022 by Jay

With the rapid growth in the use of smartphones, the mobile market is shooting up. Many companies are coming up with new ideas to develop gaming mobile applications in android and iOS. So companies are searching for a well-experienced app development company to convert their ideas into an engaging game app to blast in the market.

I understand, you have awesome ideas to develop mobile games but don’t know how to make them successful.

In this article, I will share the best tips to select the right mobile game app development company and the list of top mobile app development companies.

Before that let’s have a quick look at the below information,

Number of smartphone users on a global basis –

(Source – mordorintelligence.com)

Gaming market growth by regions –

(Source – mordorintelligence.com)

Worldwide consumers spending on games –

(Source- sea.mashable.com)

Weekly mobile games downloads by regions –

(Source – sea.mashable.com)(Source – sea.mashable.com)

Here are the tips to choose the right mobile game app development company,

1. Experienced Company with a dedicated mobile app developer

It’s always important to consider the industry experience of a company’s in-game mobile app development. Developing innovative, engaging, and fun games is not a small task for mobile app developers. Technology expertise and creative thinking are much needed for the desired output. One experienced company with dedicated mobile app developers can deliver quality solutions on time. Also, you need to check and consider the market reputation and customer reviews of that company.

2. Mobile Game Development Portfolio

Before going for consultation or hiring a mobile app development company you need to check the services they are offering and what they have done in the near past on game mobile app development.

Typically, a good game development company offers a wide range of services for android, iOS, and hybrid platforms. They must be familiar with developing various types of games like playing, adventure, family, puzzle games, action educational games, and many more.

Andolasoft has developed a Christmas tree puzzle game by our android developers. Your kids would like it for sure!

3. Comprehensive Mobile App Development Process

A smooth and comprehensive development process is another point of consideration when choosing the right game mobile app development company. You need to check each and every step of your development and app developers must include you in every stage so that your idea can be implemented in the right way. The app development company or the developer must be comfortable discussing each and every step of your app development from scratch to the app launch.

4. Quick Turnaround and Development Cost

We understood every good thing needs time to shape up but mobile app development should be a faster and quick turnaround to avoid market competition. The faster you complete and launch the app in the market the more there is a chance of generating more revenue. So you should discuss the same at the beginning and they should commit to going with a fast turnaround, without compromising on quality.

Andolasoft is a leading web and mobile app development company offering custom app development services at a cost-effective price. It has long experience in developing and delivering world-class mobile application development solutions that empower your business, and enhance your business growth. Its dedicated mobile app developers are familiar with developing mobile apps using AI and ML technologies. They develop user-friendly and custom mobile applications on iOS and Android platforms and also have expertise in developing cross-platform mobile applications in platforms like Flutter, Xamarin, PhoneGap, etc.

Andolasoft has developed so many gaming apps and the Christmas tree puzzle is one of them

Conclusion:

Mobile games have higher market value but the development is a little challenging. The game industry has changed a lot to bring innovative, engaging, and unique games to the market to generate more revenue. So developing a game mobile application needs unique and high-tech skills to develop the app according to the market demand and satisfy the customers. At Andolasoft we have highly skilled dedicated mobile app developers to develop your game mobile application in different categories. Hire Us now

How NodeJS Is Better Than JavaScript

Posted on December 1, 2022 by Jay

Both JavaScript and NodeJS are the most popular programming languages in the tech world. JavaScript has long been the language of choice for front-end developers because it’s so simple.

However, due to its versatility, NodeJS is starting to become a popular choice for back-end programming. NodeJS offers a completely different experience than traditional JavaScript development.

Let’s take a closer look at the key features and differences between JavaScript VS NodeJS programming languages.

As per the stack overflow reports JavaScript is one of the most commonly used programming languages and NodeJS become the sixth most popular language.

(Source: https://insights.stackoverflow.com/survey/2021#key-territories-country)

What is JavaScript?

JavaScript is a simple object-oriented programming language for creating interactive HTML pages. JavaScript is also widely used in the development of games and mobile applications. The program can only be executed in an Internet browser because it is interpreted as scripting. To run the code outside the browser, we can use NodeJS.

What is NodeJS?

NodeJS is an open-source and cross-platform JavaScript runtime environment that allows JavaScript to be run on the server side. It has lots of modules that are mostly used for web development. NodeJS also allows JavaScript code to run outside the browser.

So, what is the difference between these two?

The below Infographic will let you know the differences and benefits.

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Conclusion

JavaScript is the most popular a widely-used programming language utilized by nearly every online application developer. NodeJS is a JavaScript library extension, but it includes certain undefined utilities, such as non-blocking operating system operation, which is often critical for meeting company objectives.

Being a developer, you have to take the right decision, depending on your requirement and scenarios. It is always great to take the decision at the beginning and get clarity on this comparison, JavaScript vs. NodeJS, before working on your project because you can still change your mind and make more informed decisions. Otherwise, switching from one language to another in the middle of your development project can be a headache.

If you are still confused about selecting the programming language then feel free to discuss it with us. We have experts to guide you on the right path and help you in your application development.

How to Develop an App for Internet of Things (IoT)

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Jay

IoT (Internet of Things) is a medium of connection and communication that helps to connect one device with another through the internet. Besides smartphones, computers, and laptops, we can use it in other smart devices.

Also, read “how IoT creates an impact on mobile app development”

Both businesses and individuals are showing their interest in IoT applications to take advantage of the latest technology and the number is growing every day.

As the demand is growing day by day, developers and companies are building applications that are compatible with various types of devices with IoT systems and servers.

The main objective of Internet Of Things technology is to clarify the data, analyze it, and create technology that will be faster and more useful for the user.

Why Develop a Custom Internet of Things application?

The Internet of Things market is huge, the annual growth rate of IoT is more than 30%, and this figure is increasing every time.

As a result, big marketing giants such as Apple, Google, Microsoft and Facebook, and more are investing heavily in IoT technology-based applications and solutions.

“The total installed base of Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices worldwide is projected to amount to 30.9 billion units by 2025, a sharp jump from the 13.8 billion units that are expected in 2021.”

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Conclusion

The future of mobile app development is a little challenging to enter in the digital space. Internet Of Things has brought smart and unique business solutions which connect multiple devices seamlessly and securely.

It is an advanced technology and keeps growing globally. More and more companies are trying to jump and secure their positions in verticals like retail or healthcare.

Internet Of Things has great potential to provide solutions within a short time.

We at Andolasoft agree that IoT application development is a promising way to take your business to the next level.

Over the last couple of years, we have developed some IoT applications for our customers and in-house products.

If you are planning to develop a new IoT application for yourself or want to add new features to your existing one then get in touch with us today. We have experienced developers to help you…