Secure Email – What You Need to Know 2023

Secure Email – What You Need to Know 2023

So, you finally figured you should look into securing your email and other communications? Good.  There is no encryption scheme that is going to prevent unauthorized access or eavesdropping on your communications…but, there is a lot that you can do to protect yourself from many bad actors.

What IS Secure Email Exactly?

Secure email refers to an email communication method that uses encryption to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the email content and attachments. The encryption process converts the email content into a code that can only be deciphered by authorized recipients who have the encryption key. This ensures that only the intended recipients can read the email message and that the content of the message cannot be intercepted or modified by unauthorized third parties.

Secure email can also offer additional features such as two-factor authentication, digital signatures, and end-to-end encryption to further enhance email security. Secure email is often used by individuals, businesses, and organizations that require secure communication channels to protect sensitive and confidential information.

Additional Security

End-to-End Encryption – E2EE

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a security measure that ensures that the content of an email message can only be read by the sender and the intended recipient(s) of the message. With E2EE, the email message is encrypted on the sender’s device and can only be decrypted by the recipient’s device.

In E2EE email communication, the message content is encrypted with a unique key that is generated by the sender’s device. This key is then shared with the recipient’s device, which uses it to decrypt the message content. The key is never transmitted or stored on any third-party servers, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access the message content.

E2EE offers a high level of security for email communication, as it prevents unauthorized access to the message content by hackers, cybercriminals, or government agencies. It is often used by individuals and organizations that handle sensitive and confidential information, such as financial institutions, law firms, and government agencies.

Digital Signatures

Digital signatures are a security mechanism used to verify the authenticity and integrity of an email message. A digital signature is a unique code that is generated by the sender’s digital certificate and is added to the email message header. The digital signature contains a hash value of the message content, which is generated using a cryptographic algorithm.

When the recipient receives the email message, their email client software verifies the digital signature to ensure that the message has not been tampered with during transmission and that it originates from the sender it claims to come from. The email client software checks the digital signature against the sender’s public key, which is contained in the sender’s digital certificate.

Digital signatures provide a way to verify the authenticity of an email message and prevent tampering of the message content during transmission. They are often used in email communication where the content of the message is sensitive or confidential, such as in business or legal communication. Digital signatures also provide a way for the sender to prove that they sent the message and cannot later deny having sent it.

Two-Factor Authentication – 2FA

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that requires two forms of identification from the user to access their account. The two factors of authentication can be:

  1. Something the user knows (such as a password or PIN).
  2. Something the user has (such as a mobile device or security key).

To implement 2FA for email accounts, the user typically needs to enable the feature in their email account settings. The user may be required to enter a verification code sent to their mobile device or to use a security key to access their account in addition to entering their password.

2FA for email accounts provides an additional layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access to the account. It is recommended to use 2FA for email accounts, especially for accounts that handle sensitive or confidential information.

Email Encryption Protocols

There are several types of encryption used to secure email, some newer than others. In the early days of email encryption, things were not at all user friendly. Today, sending secure, encrypted email is very simple.  Let’s take a look at the main protocols used to secure email today…

Transport Layer Security (TLS)

This is a widely used encryption protocol that is used to encrypt the communication between email servers during transmission. TLS ensures that the email content is encrypted while it is in transit between the sender and recipient email servers.

Pros:

    • TLS is widely used and well-supported by email providers and clients.
    • TLS is automatic and requires no user intervention.
    • TLS is effective at protecting email during transit.

Cons:

    • TLS only protects email during transit and does not provide end-to-end encryption.
    • TLS can be vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks if not implemented correctly.
    • TLS does not protect email once it has been delivered to the recipient’s email server.

Example: In 2013, researchers discovered a vulnerability in the implementation of TLS in Apple’s iOS and OS X, which allowed attackers to intercept and decrypt email traffic.

S/MIME

Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME) is an email encryption standard that uses digital certificates to encrypt and digitally sign email messages. S/MIME is often used in corporate environments where security and confidentiality are critical.

Pros:

    • S/MIME provides end-to-end encryption and digital signature authentication.
    • S/MIME is widely supported by email clients and servers.
    • S/MIME is suitable for use in corporate environments where security and confidentiality are critical.

Cons:

    • S/MIME requires the user to obtain and manage digital certificates, which can be complex and time-consuming.
    • S/MIME is vulnerable to attacks if the user’s private key is compromised.
    • S/MIME does not provide protection against metadata leakage, which can reveal information about the sender and recipient.

Example: In 2018, researchers discovered a vulnerability in the implementation of S/MIME in Apple Mail, which allowed attackers to intercept and read encrypted email messages.

PGP/GPG

Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) and its open-source version GNU Privacy Guard (GPG) are popular email encryption tools that use public-key cryptography to encrypt email messages. PGP/GPG is often used by individuals who need to send and receive secure email messages.

Pros:

    • PGP/GPG provides end-to-end encryption and digital signature authentication.
    • PGP/GPG is widely used and supported by open-source software.
    • PGP/GPG allows for secure communication between individuals without relying on third-party service providers.

Cons:

    • PGP/GPG requires the user to obtain and manage public and private keys, which can be complex and time-consuming.
    • PGP/GPG can be vulnerable to attacks if the user’s private key is compromised or if the implementation is flawed.
    • PGP/GPG does not provide protection against metadata leakage.

Example: In 2018, researchers discovered a vulnerability in the implementation of PGP/GPG in popular email clients such as Thunderbird and Apple Mail, which allowed attackers to intercept and read encrypted email messages.

AES

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a symmetric encryption algorithm that is commonly used to encrypt email attachments. AES is used to encrypt files that are attached to email messages before they are transmitted.

Pros:

    • AES provides strong encryption for email attachments.
    • AES is widely used and supported by many software applications.

Cons:

    • AES only protects email attachments and not the email content itself.
    • AES can be vulnerable to attacks if the encryption key is compromised or if the implementation is flawed.

Example: In 2016, researchers discovered a vulnerability in the implementation of AES in the email client Mailpile, which allowed attackers to intercept and decrypt email attachments.

OpenPGP

OpenPGP is an open-source encryption standard that is widely used to secure email messages. OpenPGP combines symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods to encrypt email messages.

Pros:

    • OpenPGP provides end-to-end encryption and digital signature authentication.
    • OpenPGP is widely used and supported by open-source software.
    • OpenPGP allows for secure communication between individuals without relying on third-party service providers.

Cons:

    • OpenPGP requires the user to obtain and manage public and private keys, which can be complex and time-consuming.
    • OpenPGP can be vulnerable to attacks if the user’s private key is compromised or if the implementation is flawed.
    • OpenPGP does not provide protection against metadata leakage.

Example: In 2018, researchers discovered a vulnerability in the implementation of OpenPGP in the email client Enigmail, which allowed attackers to intercept and read encrypted email messages.

Securing Email in Transit vs. End-to-End

Securing email in transit only means that the email content is encrypted while it is being transmitted between the sender’s and recipient’s email servers, but the content of the email is not encrypted while it is stored on the email server or on the recipient’s device. This means that anyone who gains access to the email server or the recipient’s device can potentially read the email content.

On the other hand, securing email end-to-end means that the email content is encrypted throughout the entire communication process, including while it is stored on the email server and on the recipient’s device. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient(s) of the email can read the email content, and no one else, including the email service provider, can access the content.

Securing email in transit only is less secure than end-to-end encryption because it leaves the email content vulnerable to interception and access by unauthorized parties. End-to-end encryption is considered to be more secure because it provides complete protection for the email content throughout the entire communication process.

End-to-end encryption is typically used when the content of the email is sensitive or confidential, such as in business or legal communication, while securing email in transit only is typically used for general email communication.

Each of the five encryption methods I mentioned earlier (TLS, S/MIME, PGP/GPG, AES, and OpenPGP) has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the level of security provided by each method depends on the specific use case and implementation. However, in general, end-to-end encryption methods such as PGP/GPG and OpenPGP are considered to be the most secure, as they provide complete protection for the email content throughout the entire communication process, including while it is stored on email servers and on the recipient’s device.

End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and the intended recipients of the email message can read the content of the email, and no one else, including the email service provider, can access the content. This makes it much harder for hackers, cybercriminals, or government agencies to intercept or access the email content.

Does Your Email “Program” Matter?

The specific email client you use to send secure email depends on the type of encryption method you are using. Some email encryption methods are built into specific email clients, while others require the use of third-party encryption tools or plugins.

For example, if you are using S/MIME encryption, you can use email clients such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, or Apple Mail, which have built-in S/MIME encryption capabilities. To use PGP/GPG encryption, you may need to use a third-party encryption tool or plugin, such as Gpg4win or Enigmail.

If you are using a secure email service that provides end-to-end encryption, such as ProtonMail or Tutanota, you will need to use the email client provided by the service to send and receive secure email messages.

It is important to note that both the sender and recipient of the email message need to be using the same encryption method for secure email communication to work effectively. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the recipient of the email message is using the same encryption method and has the necessary encryption keys or tools to decrypt the message.

Hybrid End-to-End

If you use ProtonMail Bridge to integrate your ProtonMail account with Outlook, the email content is encrypted between your device and ProtonMail’s servers. However, it is important to note that the end-to-end encryption provided by ProtonMail only applies to emails sent between ProtonMail accounts.

When you use ProtonMail Bridge to integrate with Outlook, the email content is decrypted on your device, and then re-encrypted and sent to the recipient’s email server using TLS encryption. This means that while the email content is encrypted while it is in transit, it is not end-to-end encrypted because it is decrypted and re-encrypted during the process.

However, ProtonMail Bridge still provides a high level of security for your email communication, as it encrypts the email content while it is being transmitted between your device and ProtonMail’s servers, and also encrypts the email content while it is stored on ProtonMail’s servers. This makes it much harder for hackers or other unauthorized parties to access your email content.

Using ProtonMail Bridge with Outlook does not provide end-to-end encryption for your email communication, it still provides a high level of security for your email content, especially when compared to traditional email services that do not provide any encryption.

WordPress Frequently Asked Questions

WordPress Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install WordPress?

To install WordPress, you’ll need a web hosting account and a domain name. Most web hosts offer one-click WordPress installation, so you can install it with just a few clicks. Alternatively, you can download the WordPress software from the official website, upload it to your web host, create a database, and follow the installation instructions.

How do I create a new post in WordPress?

To create a new post, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Posts” in the left-hand menu, and click “Add New.” Then, add a title and content for your post and click “Publish” when you’re ready to publish it.

How do I create a new page in WordPress?

To create a new page, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Pages” in the left-hand menu, and click “Add New.” Then, add a title and content for your page and click “Publish” when you’re ready to publish it.

How do I add images to my WordPress site?

To add images to your WordPress site, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Media” in the left-hand menu, and click “Add New.” Then, upload your image and insert it into your post or page using the “Add Media” button.

How do I customize my WordPress theme?

To customize your WordPress theme, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance” in the left-hand menu, and click “Customize.” Then, use the customization options to modify your theme’s colors, fonts, layout, and more.

How do I install plugins in WordPress?

To install plugins in WordPress, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Plugins” in the left-hand menu, and click “Add New.” Then, search for the plugin you want to install, click “Install Now,” and activate it.

How do I create custom menus in WordPress?

To create custom menus in WordPress, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance” in the left-hand menu, and click “Menus.” Then, create a new menu, add pages or custom links to it, and save your changes.

How do I create a contact form in WordPress?

To create a contact form in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Contact Form 7 or Gravity Forms. Install and activate the plugin, create a new form, add form fields, and insert the form into your post or page using a shortcode.

How do I backup my WordPress site?

To backup your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack. Install and activate the plugin, configure the backup settings, and schedule automatic backups.

How do I restore my WordPress site from a backup?

To restore your WordPress site from a backup, you can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack. Install and activate the plugin, go to the backup section, and click “Restore” to restore your site to a previous backup.

How do I optimize my WordPress site for search engines?

To optimize your WordPress site for search engines, you can use a plugin like Yoast SEO or All in One SEO Pack. Install and activate the plugin, configure the SEO settings, and optimize your content for keywords and meta tags.

How do I improve the performance of my WordPress site?

To improve the performance of your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache. Install and activate the plugin, configure the caching and optimization settings, and optimize your images and scripts.

How do I secure my WordPress site?

To secure your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Wordfence or iThemes Security. Install and activate the plugin, configure the security settings, and regularly update your WordPress software, themes, and plugins.

How do I change the permalink structure in WordPress?

To change the permalink structure in WordPress, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Settings” in the left-hand menu, and click “Permalinks.” Then, choose the permalink structure you want and save your changes.

How do I add social media icons to my WordPress site?

To add social media icons to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Simple Social Icons or Social Media Icons Widget. Install and activate the plugin, configure the social media settings, and add the icons to your header, footer, or sidebar.

How do I add a favicon to my WordPress site?

To add a favicon to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like All In One Favicon or Favicon by RealFaviconGenerator. Install and activate the plugin, upload your favicon image, and save your changes.

How do I create a child theme in WordPress?

To create a child theme in WordPress, you need to have a parent theme installed first. Then, create a new folder in your WordPress themes directory, create a new style.css file, and add the necessary code to link your child theme to the parent theme.

How do I translate my WordPress site into other languages?

To translate your WordPress site into other languages, you can use a plugin like WPML or Polylang. Install and activate the plugin, create a new language, and translate your content using the translation tools.

How do I add Google Analytics to my WordPress site?

To add Google Analytics to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like MonsterInsights or Google Analytics Dashboard for WP. Install and activate the plugin, connect your Google Analytics account, and configure the tracking settings.

How do I add a custom logo to my WordPress site?

To add a custom logo to your WordPress site, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance” in the left-hand menu, and click “Customize.” Then, go to the logo section, upload your logo image, and save your changes.

How do I add a custom background to my WordPress site?

To add a custom background to your WordPress site, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance” in the left-hand menu, and click “Customize.” Then, go to the background section, upload your background image, and save your changes.

How do I add a custom header to my WordPress site?

To add a custom header to your WordPress site, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance” in the left-hand menu, and click “Customize.” Then, go to the header section, upload your header image, and save your changes.

How do I create a landing page in WordPress?

To create a landing page in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Elementor or Beaver Builder. Install and activate the plugin, create a new page, and use the drag-and-drop interface to design your landing page.

How do I create a membership site in WordPress?

To create a membership site in WordPress, you can use a plugin like MemberPress or Paid Memberships Pro. Install and activate the plugin, configure the membership settings, and create membership levels and content restrictions.

How do I create an online store in WordPress?

To create an online store in WordPress, you can use a plugin like WooCommerce or Easy Digital Downloads. Install and activate the plugin, configure the store settings, and add products and payment options.

How do I add a blog to my WordPress site?

To add a blog to your WordPress site, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Posts” in the left-hand menu, and click “Add New.” Then, add a title and content for your blog post and click “Publish” when you’re ready to publish it. You can also customize your blog page by going to “Appearance” > “Customize” and choosing the blog page layout and other settings.

How do I create a podcast in WordPress?

To create a podcast in WordPress, you can use a plugin like PowerPress or Seriously Simple Podcasting. Install and activate the plugin, configure the podcast settings, and add your podcast episodes and artwork.

How do I create a slideshow in WordPress?

To create a slideshow in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Soliloquy or Smart Slider 3. Install and activate the plugin, create a new slideshow, add your images or videos, and customize the slideshow settings.

How do I create a gallery in WordPress?

To create a gallery in WordPress, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Media” in the left-hand menu, and click “Add New.” Then, select your images, create a new gallery, and insert the gallery into your post or page using the “Add Media” button.

How do I add a video to my WordPress site?

To add a video to your WordPress site, you can upload the video to your media library or embed it from a video hosting service like YouTube or Vimeo. Then, insert the video into your post or page using the “Add Media” button.

How do I add audio to my WordPress site?

To add audio to your WordPress site, you can upload the audio file to your media library or embed it from a music hosting service like SoundCloud or Spotify. Then, insert the audio into your post or page using the “Add Media” button.

How do I change the font in WordPress?

To change the font in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Google Fonts Typography or Custom Fonts. Install and activate the plugin, choose your font, and apply it to your site using the plugin’s settings.

How do I change the color scheme in WordPress?

To change the color scheme in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Simple Color Palette or Color Palette. Install and activate the plugin, choose your colors, and apply them to your site using the plugin’s settings.

How do I add a widget to my WordPress site?

To add a widget to your WordPress site, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance” in the left-hand menu, and click “Widgets.” Then, drag and drop a widget from the available widgets section to a widget area like your sidebar or footer.

How do I create a custom widget in WordPress?

To create a custom widget in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Custom Widget Areas or Widget Customizer. Install and activate the plugin, create a new widget area, and add your custom widgets to the area.

How do I add a sidebar to my WordPress site?

To add a sidebar to your WordPress site, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance” in the left-hand menu, and click “Widgets.” Then, drag and drop a widget from the available widgets section to the sidebar widget area.

How do I create a custom post type in WordPress?

To create a custom post type in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Custom Post Type UI or Pods. Install and activate the plugin, create a new post type, and customize the post type settings.

How do I create a custom taxonomy in WordPress?

To create a custom taxonomy in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Custom Post Type UI or Toolset Types. Install and activate the plugin, create a new taxonomy, and customize the taxonomy settings

How do I add breadcrumbs to my WordPress site?

To add breadcrumbs to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Breadcrumb NavXT or Yoast SEO. Install and activate the plugin, configure the breadcrumb settings, and add the breadcrumb code to your site’s header.php file.

How do I create a custom login page in WordPress?

To create a custom login page in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Custom Login Page Customizer or Login Designer. Install and activate the plugin, customize the login page settings, and preview your new login page.

How do I add Google Fonts to my WordPress site?

To add Google Fonts to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Google Fonts for WordPress or Easy Google Fonts. Install and activate the plugin, choose your fonts, and apply them to your site using the plugin’s settings.

How do I add a subscribe form to my WordPress site?

To add a subscribe form to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Mailchimp for WordPress or OptinMonster. Install and activate the plugin, connect it to your email marketing service, and customize the form settings.

How do I add a pop-up to my WordPress site?

To add a pop-up to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Popup Maker or OptinMonster. Install and activate the plugin, create a new pop-up, and customize the pop-up settings.

How do I add a slider to my WordPress site?

To add a slider to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Slider Revolution or Smart Slider 3. Install and activate the plugin, create a new slider, add your images or videos, and customize the slider settings.

How do I add a social sharing button to my WordPress site?

To add a social sharing button to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Shareaholic or AddToAny Share Buttons. Install and activate the plugin, customize the sharing buttons, and add them to your site using a shortcode or widget.

How do I add a search bar to my WordPress site?

To add a search bar to your WordPress site, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance” in the left-hand menu, and click “Widgets.” Then, drag and drop the “Search” widget to a widget area like your sidebar or header.

How do I add a Google Maps location to my WordPress site?

To add a Google Maps location to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like WP Google Maps or Google Maps Widget. Install and activate the plugin, create a new map, add your location, and customize the map settings.

How do I add a weather widget to my WordPress site?

To add a weather widget to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Weather Atlas or WP Cloudy. Install and activate the plugin, configure the weather settings, and add the widget to your site using a shortcode or widget.

How do I add a countdown timer to my WordPress site?

To add a countdown timer to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Countdown Timer Ultimate or T(-) Countdown. Install and activate the plugin, create a new countdown timer, and customize the timer settings.

How do I add a slider to my WordPress site?

To add a slider to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Slider Revolution or Smart Slider 3. Install and activate the plugin, create a new slider, add your images or videos, and customize the slider settings.

How do I add a table to my WordPress site?

To add a table to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like TablePress or WP Table Builder. Install and activate the plugin, create a new table, add your data, and customize the table settings.

How do I add a PDF to my WordPress site?

To add a PDF to your WordPress site, you can upload the PDF file to your media library and insert a link to the file in your post or page. Alternatively, you can use a plugin like PDF Embedder or Embed Any Document to embed the PDF file directly into your post or page.

How do I add a Google Analytics event tracking code to my WordPress site?

To add a Google Analytics event tracking code to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Google Analytics for WordPress by MonsterInsights or Insert Headers and Footers. Install and activate the plugin, add your tracking code, and save your changes.

How do I add a chatbot to my WordPress site?

To add a chatbot to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Tidio Live Chat or ChatBot for WordPress. Install and activate the plugin, configure the chatbot settings, and add the chatbot to your site using a shortcode or widget.

How do I add a social proof notification to my WordPress site? To add a social proof notification to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like TrustPulse or WPfomify. Install and activate the plugin, create a new notification, and customize the notification settings.

How do I add a quiz to my WordPress site?

To add a quiz to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like WP Quiz or Quiz Maker. Install and activate the plugin, create a new quiz, add your questions and answers, and customize the quiz settings.

How do I add a portfolio to my WordPress site?

To add a portfolio to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Portfolio Gallery or Essential Grid. Install and activate the plugin, create a new portfolio, add your projects and images, and customize the portfolio settings.

How do I add a subscribe button to my WordPress site?

To add a subscribe button to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Mailchimp for WordPress or OptinMonster. Install and activate the plugin, connect it to your email marketing service, and customize the button settings.

How do I add a donate button to my WordPress site?

To add a donate button to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like GiveWP or WPForms. Install and activate the plugin, create a new donation form, and customize the donation settings.

How do I add a feedback form to my WordPress site?

To add a feedback form to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like WPForms or Contact Form 7. Install and activate the plugin, create a new form, add your form fields, and insert the form into your post or page using a shortcode.

How do I add a video background to my WordPress site?

To add a video background to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like WP Video Popup or Video Background for Elementor. Install and activate the plugin, upload your video, and customize the video settings.

How do I add a parallax effect to my WordPress site?

To add a parallax effect to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Parallax Scroll or Parallax Backgrounds for Visual Composer. Install and activate the plugin, add your parallax elements, and customize the parallax settings.

How do I add a floating social bar to my WordPress site?

To add a floating social bar to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Floating Social Bar or Easy Social Share Buttons. Install and activate the plugin, configure the social media settings, and add the floating bar to your site using a shortcode or widget.

How do I add a mega menu to my WordPress site?

To add a mega menu to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Max Mega Menu or UberMenu. Install and activate the plugin, configure the menu settings, and add your mega menu items and submenus.

How do I add a slider to my WordPress site?

To add a slider to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Slider Revolution or Smart Slider 3. Install and activate the plugin, create a new slider, add your images or videos, and customize the slider settings.

How do I add a custom font to my WordPress site?

To add a custom font to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Easy Google Fonts or Custom Fonts. Install and activate the plugin, upload your font files, and apply your custom font to your site using the plugin’s settings.

How do I add a lightbox popup to my WordPress site?

To add a lightbox popup to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like OptinMonster or Popup Maker. Install and activate the plugin, create a new lightbox popup, and customize the popup settings.

How do I add a testimonial section to my WordPress site?

To add a testimonial section to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Testimonial Rotator or Easy Testimonials. Install and activate the plugin, add your testimonials, and customize the testimonial settings.

How do I add a pricing table to my WordPress site?

To add a pricing table to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like WP Pricing Table or Easy Pricing Tables. Install and activate the plugin, create a new pricing table, add your pricing plans and features, and customize the table settings.

How do I add a video gallery to my WordPress site?

To add a video gallery to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Envira Gallery or Video Gallery – YouTube Gallery. Install and activate the plugin, create a new gallery, add your videos, and customize the gallery settings.

How do I add a team member section to my WordPress site?

To add a team member section to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Team Members or WP Team Showcase and Slider. Install and activate the plugin, add your team members, and customize the team member settings.

How do I add a Google Translate button to my WordPress site?

To add a Google Translate button to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Google Language Translator or TranslatePress. Install and activate the plugin, configure the translation settings, and add the translation button to your site using a shortcode or widget.

How do I add a gallery slider to my WordPress site?

To add a gallery slider to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Gallery Slider or Master Slider. Install and activate the plugin, create a new gallery, add your images or videos, and customize the slider settings.

How do I add a coming soon page to my WordPress site?

To add a coming soon page to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like SeedProd or Coming Soon Page & Maintenance Mode. Install and activate the plugin, customize the coming soon page settings, and activate the page when you’re ready.

How do I add a custom login redirect in WordPress?

To add a custom login redirect in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Peter’s Login Redirect or Theme My Login. Install and activate the plugin, configure the login redirect settings, and save your changes.

How do I add a Google Maps API key to my WordPress site? To add a Google Maps API key to your WordPress site, follow these steps:

  • Go to the Google Cloud Console website and sign in with your Google account.
  • Create a new project by clicking on the “Select a project” dropdown menu in the top navigation bar and clicking “New Project.”
  • Give your project a name and click “Create.”
  • Once your project is created, click on the “Enable APIs and Services” button.
  • Search for “Maps JavaScript API” and click on it to enable it.
  • Once the API is enabled, click on the “Create Credentials” button to generate your API key.
  • Choose “API key” as your credential type, then copy the API key that is generated.
  • Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to “Appearance” > “Customize” > “Google Maps.”
  • Paste your API key into the “Google Maps API Key” field and save your changes.

How do I add an Instagram feed to my WordPress site?

To add an Instagram feed to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Instagram Feed or Smash Balloon Instagram Feed. Install and activate the plugin, connect it to your Instagram account, and customize the feed settings.

How do I add a custom login logo in WordPress?

To add a custom login logo in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Login Logo or Custom Login Page Customizer. Install and activate the plugin, upload your logo image, and customize the login page settings.

How do I add an animated background to my WordPress site?

To add an animated background to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like WP Backgrounds Lite or Animated Backgrounds. Install and activate the plugin, add your animated background, and customize the animation settings.

How do I add a 404 error page to my WordPress site?

To add a 404 error page to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like 404page or All 404 Redirect to Homepage. Install and activate the plugin, create a new 404 page, and customize the page settings.

How do I add a subscribe popup to my WordPress site?

To add a subscribe popup to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like OptinMonster or SumoMe List Builder. Install and activate the plugin, create a new popup, and customize the popup settings.

How do I add a fixed header to my WordPress site?

To add a fixed header to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Sticky Header by ThematoSoup or WP Sticky. Install and activate the plugin, configure the header settings, and make sure the “sticky” option is enabled.

How do I add a Google Analytics tracking code to my WordPress site?

To add a Google Analytics tracking code to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Google Analytics for WordPress by MonsterInsights or GA Google Analytics. Install and activate the plugin, connect it to your Google Analytics account, and customize the tracking code settings.

How do I add a custom menu to my WordPress site?

To add a custom menu to your WordPress site, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance” in the left-hand menu, and click “Menus.” Then, create a new menu, add your menu items, and save your changes.

How do I add a favicon to my WordPress site?

To add a favicon to your WordPress site, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance” in the left-hand menu, and click “Customize.” Then, click on “Site Identity,” upload your favicon image, and save your changes.

How do I add a featured image to my WordPress post?

To add a featured image to your WordPress post, go to the post editor and click on “Set Featured Image” in the right-hand sidebar. Then, select or upload the image you want to use as the featured image and click “Set featured image.”

How do I add a custom post type to my WordPress site?

To add a custom post type to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Custom Post Type UI or Pods. Install and activate the plugin, create a new custom post type, add your custom fields and taxonomies, and customize the post type settings.

How do I add a related posts section to my WordPress site?

To add a related posts section to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like YARPP or Related Posts for WordPress. Install and activate the plugin, configure the related posts settings, and add the related posts section to your site using a shortcode or widget.

How do I add a Google reCAPTCHA to my WordPress site?

To add a Google reCAPTCHA to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Contact Form 7 reCAPTCHA or Google Captcha (reCAPTCHA) by BestWebSoft. Install and activate the plugin, add your reCAPTCHA keys, and enable reCAPTCHA on your contact form or login page.

How do I add a progress bar to my WordPress site?

To add a progress bar to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like WP Progress Bar or Progress Bar. Install and activate the plugin, create a new progress bar, and customize the progress bar settings.

How do I add a notification bar to my WordPress site?

To add a notification bar to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like WPFront Notification Bar or NotificationX. Install and activate the plugin, create a new notification bar, and customize the notification bar settings.

How do I add a share button to my WordPress site?

To add a share button to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like AddToAny Share Buttons or Shareaholic. Install and activate the plugin, configure the sharing buttons, and add the share button to your site using a shortcode or widget.

How do I add a custom post status in WordPress?

To add a custom post status in WordPress, you can use a plugin like Edit Flow or Custom Post Status. Install and activate the plugin, create a new custom post status, and customize the status settings.

How do I add a timeline to my WordPress site?

To add a timeline to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Cool Timeline or Timeline Express. Install and activate the plugin, create a new timeline, add your timeline events, and customize the timeline settings.

How do I add a countdown clock to my WordPress site?

To add a countdown clock to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like Countdown Timer Ultimate or T(-) Countdown. Install and activate the plugin, create a new countdown clock, and customize the clock settings.

How do I add a custom CSS to my WordPress site?

To add custom CSS to your WordPress site, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance” in the left-hand menu, and click “Customize.” Then, click on “Additional CSS,” and add your custom CSS code.

How do I add a read more button to my WordPress site?

To add a read more button to your WordPress site, go to your post or page editor and insert the “More” tag where you want the button to appear. Alternatively, you can use a plugin like Read More or WP Read More. Install and activate the plugin, configure the read more settings, and add the read more button to your site using a shortcode or widget.

How do I add a back to top button to my WordPress site?

To add a back to top button to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like WP-BackToTop or Smooth Scroll Up. Install and activate the plugin, configure the back to top button settings, and add the button to your site using a shortcode or widget.

How do I add a Pinterest button to my WordPress site?

To add a Pinterest button to your WordPress site, you can use a plugin like jQuery Pin It Button For Images or Pinterest Pin It Button On Image Hover And Post. Install and activate the plugin, configure the Pinterest button settings, and add the button to your site using a shortcode or widget.

How do I add a search bar to my WordPress site?

To add a search bar to your WordPress site, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance” in the left-hand menu, and click “Widgets.” Then, drag the “Search” widget to your desired widget area, configure the search bar settings, and save your changes. Alternatively, you can use a plugin like Ivory Search or SearchWP. Install and activate the plugin, configure the search settings, and add the search bar to your site using a shortcode or widget.

Keyword Research: Google’s “People Also Ask”

Keyword Research: Google’s “People Also Ask”

Researching keywords is one of the building blocks of Search Engine Optimization or what is commonly referred to as “SEO.”  While we have come a long way from the days of using goto.com or Overture to find search terms that are related to a term we are interested in, the results are largely the same.

As you certainly know, searching for something on Google will typically result in a list of things “People Also Ask” which is similar to product suggestions on Amazon.  It gives us a glimpse into how Google associates different searches as well as a glimpse into what people are looking for that is related to our original query.

While most free keyword generators found online will give you many iterations of the same basic query, Google’s current suggestions will typically show you related searches that may not include any of the words in your original query.

To illustrate the difference, I asked ChatGPT for “search terms related to google suggestions or google people also searched for.” Here is what the AI tool came up with:

  • “Google autocomplete suggestions”
  • “Google search suggestions”
  • “Google related search terms”
  • “Google ‘people also searched for'”
  • “Google suggested search queries”
  • “Google search dropdown suggestions”
  • “Google suggested keywords”
  • “Google search bar suggestions”
  • “Google search predictions”
  • “Google search completion suggestions”

Entering the search query, “people also ask” directly into Google yields this:

We Celebrate You Mommy Today and Every Day

We Celebrate You Mommy Today and Every Day

Mommy

Noun

[mom ee]

Someone who gives every ounce of their being to their family.  Never second guessing her commitment . Never seeking a return on investment.  Not in it for the accolades, the labels, or notoriety.  Our purest example of giving.

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Speeding Up WordPress – Gravatars

Speeding Up WordPress – Gravatars

After monkeying with OptimizePress a bit and updating some on-page elements to my liking, I decided that I would see how my site was performing in some of the page speed testers.  I don’t like using these things because there are so many calls being made that I was not aware of and it typically takes me on a wild goose chase of time wasting.  So, let me give you the skinny on what I noticed and how I quickly “fixed” it.

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