Last year we highlighted the best WordPress plugins of 2017. The WordPress 4.9 update included a new theme browsing experience, a new gallery widget, a new media button, as well as schedule changes. The best content management system continues to evolve every year. Here are the top WordPress trends in 2018 we predict will takeover.
Upcoming WordPress Trends in 2018
Accelerated Mobile Pages
According to comScore, two-thirds of all web visits come from smartphones. In 2018, even more Internet users will be visiting websites from their mobile devices. Mobile web users demand faster loading speeds, as they are shown to lose interest in websites that take longer than three seconds to load.
Last year, Google introduced “Accelerated Mobile Pages” to accommodate the increasing influx of mobile web users and their need for fast loading websites. “AMP-ed” websites are extremely SEO-friendly and receive a ranking boost from Google. Look for more “AMP-ed” WordPress websites in 2018 with:
- Improved mobile search experience
- Speeds four times faster than regular websites
- Use eight times less data in contrast to optimized pages
Drag and drop themes
WordPress introduced drag and drop themes at various price points to continue its mission to be the most user-friendly content management system. Drag and drop themes allow users to create and customize websites without writing code. Experimenting with plugins and web design is easier now with responsive, multi-purpose themes like BeTheme, Foundry, and Uplift.
User behavioral tracking
WordPress integrates various heat maps and tracking tools into web design through the use of plugins. Google Analytics is the most popular tool to track user behavior. It allows you to track:
- What web visitors do when they visit a website
- When people visit a website
- How web visitors are finding a website
This WordPress trend will allow business to know more about their customers, reduce bounce rates, and convert visitors into customers.
Video headers
WordPress design trends will dominate in 2018 with video headers and backgrounds taking center stage. Video headers allow brands to communicate their branding and messaging in an engaging way. The WordPress themes Balzac and Inspire feature video headers and we expect more themes to improve the use of video in web design.
Virtual-Reality in web design
Virtual-Reality is no longer a plot device in sci-fi films. VR headsets are a reality and companies like Apple, Google, and Sony are continuously researching new ways to implement VR into our lives. Will VR be one of the latest trends in WordPress?
WordPress is at the forefront of web design and development. WordPress plugins that enhance user experience are shown to improve business. WordPress currently supports 360 degree photos and videos, so an enhanced VR plugin could be on the horizon
Keeping Up with WordPress Trends 2018
Over one-quarter of websites are powered by WordPress including Apple, Google, UPS, and Mvestor Media. We exclusively use WordPress for all of our web design and development clients. At Mvestor Media, our web wizards are masters of web design and are up-to-date on all WordPress trends. Connect with us to learn more about our WordPress web design!
