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Gutenberg Times: Building a block theme from scratch – Workshop resources

It was great fun to conduct a Workshop at WordCamp Asia contributor day. Roughly 100 students were in the class and it was a great interactive session. I also know that there were quite a few of you who didn’t get to join us because there wasn’t enough room. Birgit Pauli-Haack workshop on the block editor and full-site editing was a highlight of the entire event. Her depth of knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for the future of WordPress left me inspired and ready to dive deeper. – Kinjal Dwivedi If you attended the Block Theme Development workshop at WordCamp Asia 2026 in Mumbai and want to revisit the exercises, or if you couldn’t make it but want to work through it on your own, the complete workshop bundle is available on GitHub. Everything you need to follow along is included: the reference theme, demo content with media, step-by-step instructions to start your theme, and a blueprint to set up a local site with WordPress Studio or with WordPress Playground. You can get started within minutes. If you have used the Site Editor to customize a theme but have not yet built one from scratch, this workshop is a great next step. The exercises stay entirely within the visual editor. By the end, you will have a working portfolio theme and a solid understanding of how template parts, patterns, global styles, and custom templates fit together. Using the Create Block theme plugin, you can save all your changes in the new theme files, export it and use it on other websites. A quick primer before you start Before jumping into the exercises, it is worth reviewing the workshop slide deck. If you are coming from classic WordPress themes, the mental model is different. A block theme replaces PHP template files with HTML templates built from block markup, and it replaces scattered CSS with a single theme.json file that defines your colors, typography, spacing, and layout in one place. Templates and template parts live in their own folders, and every piece of them is made of blocks. The Site Editor is where it all comes together. It gives you a visual canvas for designing templates, setting global styles, and previewing changes in real time. Developers ship defaults through theme.json; site owners customize through the Site Editor. When a user makes a change in the editor, it takes precedence over the theme default. Understand that layering is key before you dive into the exercises. What the workshop covers The workshop walks you through building Concrete & Light, a block theme for a fictional heritage architecture studio based in Mumbai. Rather than starting from theory, you start from a working site with real content — five pages and three project posts — and progressively shape the design through the Site Editor. Three guided exercises take you from basics to custom templates: Exercise 1: Styling the Header. You install fonts (Jost and Playfair Display), set up a semantic color palette, configure typography presets, and transform the default header into a dark, minimal navigation bar with uppercase text and an accent border. This is where you get comfortable with global styles and template parts. Exercise 2: Footer and Global Elements. You build a four-column footer with studio branding, page links, social channels, and addresses. Then you style headings, links, and buttons across the entire site to ensure design consistency. By the end, you understand how global element styles cascade through your theme. Exercise 3: Page Templates. This is where it gets interesting. You create a Landing Page template with a full-viewport hero image, a 40% overlay, and a dynamically pulled page title — no hardcoded text. Then you build a Category Projects template with a three-column query loop grid, giving you hands-on experience with archive templates and dynamic content. You use the visual tools WordPress provides and see the results immediately. The Create Block Theme plugin is pre-installed so you can export your modifications as a proper theme at any point. Getting started on your own You have three options for setting up your site: A visual app, WordPress Studio can import the included blueprint and have your site ready in a couple of minutes. Using the command line, the Studio CLI will do the same thing with a single command. Or skip the install entirely, open the workshop site directly in WordPress Playground — it loads right in your browser with all the content and plugins already in place. Instructions for installing WordPress Studio or using the Studio CLI for the workshop are also available. Whichever route you choose, the blueprint automatically installs WordPress, activates the required plugins, imports all demo content and media, and configures the site settings. Once your site is running, open the exercise instructions on GitHub and work through them at your own pace. The instructions include color references, specific block settings, and enough context that you should not get stuck even without a workshop facilitator in the room. The full workshop bundle is on GitHub. Fork it, clone it, or just download the ZIP. And if you build something with it, we would love to hear about it. If you have trouble or run into problems, email pauli@gutenbergtimes.com or ping me on WP Slack or create an issue or discussion on GitHub Resources to learn more Slidedeck: Building a block theme from scratch Theme Handbook on WordPress.org Setup Instructions  GitHub Repo with instructions for the workshop List of tutorials on theme.json on the WordPress developer blog Full site editing for theme developers by Carolina Nymark

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#212 – Anne Bovelett on How Web Accessibility Boosts Traffic, SEO, and Revenue

Transcript [00:00:19] Nathan Wrigley: Welcome to the Jukebox Podcast from WP Tavern. My name is Nathan Wrigley. [00:00:26] Jukebox is a podcast which is dedicated to all things WordPress, the people, the events, the plugins, the blocks, the themes, and in this case how web accessibility boosts traffic, SEO, and revenue. [00:00:39] If you’d like to subscribe to the podcast, you can do that by searching for WP Tavern in your podcast player of choice, or by going to wptavern.com/feed/podcast, and you can copy that URL into most podcast players. [00:00:56] If you have a topic that you’d like us to feature on the podcast, I’m keen to hear from you and hopefully get you or your idea featured on the show. Head to wptavern.com/contact/jukebox and use the form there. [00:01:13] So on the podcast today we have Anne Bovelett. [00:01:16] Anne is a seasoned accessibility strategist with many years of experience in the tech industry. Her journey into accessible design began several years ago, and since then, she’s become a passionate advocate for making the web a more inclusive place. Especially for WordPress users and developers. Drawing from her background in consulting, training, and her own experiences, Anne’s work focuses on the intersection of accessibility, universal design, and tangible business outcomes. [00:01:46] This episode explores accessibility, not just as a moral imperative, but as a strategic advantage for website owners and businesses. Anne explains how neglecting accessibility means you are leaving serious money on the table, referencing compelling research from a variety of credible sources. These studies reveal practical data. Compliant sites enjoy increases in organic traffic, a boost in keyword rankings, stronger authority, and significant financial opportunities, sometimes running into millions and even billions. [00:02:22] Anne talks about why accessibility hasn’t always been prioritised on the web, using analogies of the physical world, and the history of web development. She gets into the technical side as well, but this conversation is specifically geared towards the real world, bottom line, business benefits of accessible websites. Reach more users, boost revenue, and even reduce support costs. [00:02:46] If you’re a website owner, developer, or digital business leader who’s ever wondered whether accessibility is worth it, this episode is for you. [00:02:57] If you’re interested in finding out more, you can find all of the links in the show notes by heading to wptavern.com/podcast, where you’ll find all the other episodes as well. [00:03:07] And so without further delay, I bring you Anne Bovelett. [00:03:17] I am joined on the podcast by Anne Bovelett. Hello Anne. [00:03:20] Anne Bovelett: Hi Nathan. Thank you for having me today. [00:03:23] Nathan Wrigley: You are very welcome. Anne and I have been talking for quite a long time before we hit record and we’ve covered a lot of ground. But the ground that we’re going to cover today is all to do with accessibility, your WordPress website and why, well, why you are leaving money on the table if you are not pursuing the accessibility goals that you probably should be in the year 2026. [00:03:43] Before we begin that, I guess it would be a good idea for you, Anne, to give us your credentials. Tell us a little bit about you and how come you get to speak authoritatively about accessibility in WordPress. So over to you, give us your bio. [00:03:55] Anne Bovelett: It’s the most dangerous thing to ask me ever, right? Because I always talk too much. [00:04:01] So let me do it differently this time. When I started figuring out about accessibility, about six years ago, I quickly realised that it’s not that complex to learn accessible coding. It’s not that complex to learn universal design principles. But what is hard for a lot of people working in accessibility is that many of them have this very social way of acting. I do too. I’m in it for the right reason, I think, because I want everybody to have freedom and also the freedom to make the same mistakes that we do, but also not to be constrained in any way. [00:04:46] And then I was speaking to accessibility specialists, remediators, and in every layer of businesses, and I realised that they were being punched upon by organisations because they were just getting too many roles in one. The expectations were insane. So companies were 2 – 3000 people working for them, outputting I don’t know what kinds of digital products and websites, would expect one person to be the accessibility person to guard the compliance. And I mean this is a recipe for burnout 101. [00:05:21] And one thing I don’t have a lack of is a big mouth. And one of the reasons why I started working for myself is because of that big mouth. I was not material to be hired, even though I managed to work for 22 years in employment. I realised at some point, if I ask a good fee, for some reason people take me seriously. Have you ever noticed that, Nathan? The more money you ask for, the more serious they’re going to take you. It’s absolutely ridiculous. But that’s what’s happening. [00:05:59] And so I was trying to find my way in accessibility, like where do I fit in best? And then I thought, I’m going to be the flag bearer and I want to teach companies. And one of the things I like to do is to beat them with their own stick. Because I don’t care why someone makes whatever product, or whatever service they have accessible, I just care that they do. So if the stick that says money works, I’ll beat that. I’ll beat with that. It’s no doubt. [00:06:35] And that’s where my career started changing, and especially since the past one and a half years. Someone said, you should change your job title. You should turn it into Accessibility Strategist. Well, here we are. I don’t care much for titles, but apparently

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Open Channels FM: Open Channels FM and Keep It Open

In this episode, Bob introduces “Keep It Open,” a new initiative dedicated to supporting independent, honest conversations around the open web. He shares the importance of community contributions, sponsorships, and how listeners can get involved in keeping the web open and free here at Open Channels FM. Takeaways The significance of maintaining an independent and […]

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How to Accept Pre-Orders in WooCommerce (Most Stores Miss This)

Pre-orders are an incredibly powerful way for online stores to launch new products, assess demand, and secure sales even before items are in stock. This strategy can bring in revenue earlier and help you manage inventory more effectively. However, finding the right way to set up pre-orders in WooCommerce can get tricky. With various plugins and settings to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to pick a solution that truly fits your store’s needs. I’ve helped many store owners navigate these options, and I understand how important it is to choose a reliable method that won’t complicate your checkout or fulfillment. That’s why I’ve thoroughly tested the best ways to get pre-orders working for you. In this guide, I walk you through exactly how to set up pre-orders on your WooCommerce store. All approaches are beginner-friendly, tested on live stores, and designed so you can start accepting pre-orders confidently. 💡Quick Answer: How to Set Up Pre-Orders in WooCommerce Here’s how to set up pre-orders for WooCommerce products: Method 1 – Merchant by aThemes: Ideal for WooCommerce store owners who want an all-in-one toolkit. Best for pre-orders plus conversion-boosting features like live sale notifications, product bundles, and more. Method 2 – YITH Pre-Order for WooCommerce: Perfect for stores launching new products, seasonal items, or limited-stock products. Great for creating urgency, offering pre-order discounts, and letting customers pay later. What Is a WooCommerce Pre-Order? A WooCommerce pre-order lets customers buy a product before it’s officially available. This is useful when you’re launching a new item or waiting for stock to arrive. You can either charge customers right away or collect payment later when the product is released, depending on how you want to handle orders. For example, imagine you’re launching a limited-edition t-shirt. Customers can pre-order it today, pay now or later, and be guaranteed one as soon as it’s in stock. This helps you plan inventory while keeping customers excited and engaged. Why Use Pre-Orders in WooCommerce? Pre-orders aren’t just for big brands—they’re a way for any online store to sell smarter, reduce risk, and get customers excited before a product even hits your shelves. Here’s why pre-orders can make a big difference for your store: Better Cash Flow (More Money Upfront): Pre-orders let you accept payments before products are in stock. If you’re launching a new gadget, this can help you fund production or cover shipping costs without dipping into your own savings. Demand Validation: Instead of guessing whether a product will sell, pre-orders show you real interest from customers. For instance, if you offer pre-orders for a new t-shirt design and only a few people buy, you’ll know to rethink production before ordering a large batch. Launch Buzz: Pre-orders create anticipation and excitement. You can offer early-bird discounts, create a waitlist, or offer limited editions to encourage customers to sign up. Using pre-orders makes your product launches more predictable, less risky, and more profitable, while keeping your customers engaged and excited from day one. Which Plugin Should You Use to Accept WooCommerce Pre-Orders? Before setting up pre-orders, it’s important to pick the plugin that fits your store’s needs. Both free and premium options have their strengths, and the right choice depends on whether you want a simple, beginner-friendly solution or a more advanced, automated pre-order system. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide: Plugin Best For Cost Ease of Setup Merchant by aThemes (Free & Premium) Beginners or small stores who want a straightforward pre-order solution Free + $79/year Very easy; beginner-friendly YITH Pre-Order for WooCommerce (Premium) Stores that want advanced features, automation, and better control over pre-orders $139.99/year Slightly more advanced, but guided and customizable 👉 Recommendation: If you’re just starting and want a simple solution with other growth tools, Merchant by aThemes is a great pick. For advanced automation, flexible payment options, and in-depth control, YITH Pre-Order for WooCommerce is worth the investment. Expert Note: If you haven’t fully set up your WooCommerce store yet, I recommend checking out these guides first: WooCommerce Made Simple: Proven Steps to Launch Your Store Today Profitable eCommerce Business Ideas for WordPress How to Choose the Best WooCommerce Hosting Company? Fastest WooCommerce Themes (I Thoroughly Tested 22 Options) Once you’ve made your choice, you’re ready to move on to the step-by-step setup, so you can start accepting pre-orders: Method 1: Accept Pre-Orders in WooCommerce with Merchant (Free Option) Method 2: Accept Pre-Orders in WooCommerce with YITH Pre-Order for WooCommerce (Premium) Common Pre-Order Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Frequently Asked Questions About WooCommerce Pre-Orders Method 1: Accept Pre-Orders in WooCommerce with Merchant (Free Option) 🥇Best for: Small to medium WooCommerce stores looking for an all-in-one toolkit to boost sales and manage pre-orders easily. I recommend Merchant by aThemes for stores that want a simple yet powerful way to start accepting pre-orders. It’s perfect for small to medium WooCommerce shops that want an all-in-one toolkit without juggling multiple plugins. Merchant comes with a dedicated Pre-Orders module, which lets you create rules for products, categories, or tags, set shipping dates, offer discounts, and customize the pre-order button. Payment is taken at the time of order, and orders are tracked directly in WooCommerce with a ‘Pre-Ordered’ status. I’ve tested this tool multiple times on live stores, and it’s consistently reliable, easy to set up, and beginner-friendly. Beyond pre-orders, Merchant has a full suite of modules, helping you maximize revenue without adding extra plugins. Some of them are: Product Bundles & Frequently Bought Together Countdown Timers & Stock Scarcity Alerts Side Cart & Sticky Add-to-Cart Advanced Reviews & Trust Badges Buy X, Get Y & Bulk Discounts & Live Sales Notifications This makes Merchant more than just a pre-orders plugin—it’s a complete toolkit for growing a WooCommerce store. Step 1: Install and Activate Merchant in WordPress The first step is to get the free Merchant by aThemes plugin installed and activated on your WooCommerce store. If you’re not sure how to install a WordPress plugin, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Just follow

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Family-Friendly Hotels in the Philippines: Comfortable Stays for Every Traveler

Family-Friendly Hotels in the Philippines: Comfortable Stays for Every Traveler Photo by Vojtech Bruzek on Unsplash Traveling with family requires the right kind of accommodation—one that offers comfort, space, and convenience for everyone. In the Philippines, there are many family-friendly hotels designed to provide a relaxing and enjoyable stay for both adults and children. These hotels are commonly found in popular destinations such as Manila, Cebu, and Boracay, where facilities and services are well-suited for group travel. Their locations often provide easy access to tourist attractions, restaurants, and transportation, making it easier for families to explore together. Family-friendly hotels typically offer larger rooms, multiple beds, or connecting spaces to accommodate groups. This ensures that everyone has enough room to stay comfortable throughout the trip. Some hotels also provide amenities such as swimming pools, play areas, and kid-friendly activities that keep children entertained. Dining options are also convenient, with many hotels offering a variety of meals suitable for all ages. This makes it easier for families to enjoy meals without needing to travel far, especially after a long day of activities. Safety and convenience are important factors when traveling with family, and these hotels are designed with that in mind. From secure environments to helpful staff, families can feel at ease during their stay. Choosing a family-friendly hotel allows everyone to enjoy the trip comfortably. It creates a balance between relaxation and convenience, making the travel experience more enjoyable for all.

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Eco-Friendly Hotels in the Philippines: Sustainable Stays for Conscious Travelers

Eco-Friendly Hotels in the Philippines: Sustainable Stays for Conscious Travelers Photo by Sasha Kaunas on Unsplash Eco-friendly hotels in the Philippines are becoming more popular as travelers look for ways to explore responsibly while protecting the environment. These accommodations focus on sustainability, offering a stay that minimizes environmental impact while still providing comfort and quality service. Many eco-friendly hotels are located in nature-rich destinations such as Palawan, Siargao, and Bohol. These areas are known for their natural beauty, and sustainable practices help preserve these environments for future visitors. These hotels often use environmentally conscious features such as energy-efficient systems, reduced plastic use, and locally sourced materials. Some also support marine conservation efforts, waste management programs, and community-based initiatives that benefit local residents. Staying in an eco-friendly hotel allows travelers to be more mindful of their impact. Simple actions such as conserving water, reducing waste, and following environmental guidelines contribute to the overall effort of protecting the destination. In addition to sustainability, these accommodations still offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Many eco-friendly hotels are designed to blend with nature, providing peaceful surroundings and a unique atmosphere that enhances your stay. Choosing sustainable accommodation is not just about where you stay—it’s about supporting a responsible way of traveling. It allows you to enjoy the beauty of the Philippines while helping preserve it for future generations.

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Boutique Hotels in the Philippines: Unique and Stylish Stays

Boutique Hotels in the Philippines: Unique and Stylish Stays Photo by William Rudolph on Unsplash Boutique hotels in the Philippines offer a different kind of travel experience—one that focuses on style, personality, and attention to detail. Unlike large hotels, these accommodations are often smaller and more thoughtfully designed, giving guests a more intimate and unique stay. Many boutique hotels are known for their aesthetic appeal, featuring carefully curated interiors, creative themes, and cozy spaces. From modern minimalist designs to tropical-inspired settings, each hotel has its own character that reflects the local culture and environment. These hotels are commonly found in popular destinations such as Siargao, Palawan, and Cebu, where travelers seek both comfort and visual appeal. They are especially popular among those who enjoy photography, social media, and relaxing in beautifully designed spaces. Despite their smaller size, boutique hotels often provide personalized service. Staff are more attentive to guests’ needs, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This level of service makes the stay feel more special and memorable. Boutique accommodations also focus on creating a complete experience. Many offer curated activities, local-inspired dining, and relaxing environments that allow guests to unwind and enjoy their surroundings. Choosing a boutique hotel is ideal for travelers who want more than just a place to stay. It’s about experiencing a space that feels unique, comfortable, and visually inspiring, adding an extra layer to your overall journey.

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City Hotels in the Philippines: Comfort in Urban Destinations

City Hotels in the Philippines: Comfort in Urban Destinations Photo by ayumi kubo on Unsplash City hotels in the Philippines offer a convenient and comfortable stay for travelers who want to explore urban destinations while enjoying modern amenities. Located in key cities such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao, these hotels provide easy access to business districts, shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural attractions. One of the main advantages of staying in a city hotel is accessibility. Most hotels are situated near airports, transport hubs, and major roads, making it easier for travelers to move around and explore nearby destinations. This is especially helpful for those on short trips or business travel. City hotels often provide a wide range of amenities, including air-conditioned rooms, high-speed internet, fitness centers, swimming pools, and dining options. Many also offer business facilities such as meeting rooms and workspaces, catering to both leisure and professional travelers. Another benefit is the variety of choices available. From budget-friendly accommodations to high-end hotels, cities in the Philippines offer options that suit different travel needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a simple stay or a more luxurious experience, there is always a suitable option. Staying in the city also allows you to experience the local lifestyle. You can explore shopping malls, try different restaurants, visit historical sites, and enjoy the nightlife. It’s a great way to see a different side of the Philippines beyond beaches and islands. City hotels provide the perfect balance of comfort and convenience, making them an ideal choice for travelers who want to stay connected and experience the energy of urban life.

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