My WordPress Toolkit

When you partner with a WordPress consultant, you’re getting more than just their time and expertise—you’re getting access to their professional toolkit. I believe in full transparency, so this post outlines the curated suite of premium, professional-grade software I use for my client projects.

Instead of asking my clients to purchase dozens of expensive individual licenses, I include access to my agency licenses as a core part of my service. This approach saves you money, eliminates headaches, and ensures your website is a secure, high-performing asset built on a professional-grade foundation.

Core Framework & Custom Design

These are the tools that create a fast, flexible, and future-proof foundation for custom builds.

• Automatic.css (ACSS): A powerful CSS framework that works with Bricks to ensure consistent, scalable, and accessible design across your entire site.
• EtchWP: A streamlined tool that allows for collaborative content entry directly into your website, simplifying the process of populating your pages.
• Bricks Builder: A modern, professional site builder that allows for the creation of completely custom, high-performance websites without the bloat of older themes.

Flexible Build & Design Options

While I have my preferred custom framework, I am an expert in a variety of tools to match any project need.

• Astra Pro & Spectra Pro: A highly popular and reliable combination that offers a lightweight foundation with powerful design capabilities.
• Ollie Pro Theme: A modern, block-based theme that leverages the latest features of WordPress for incredible flexibility and performance.
• Elementor Pro: For clients who already have a site built with Elementor or prefer its workflow, I am fully equipped to build and manage sites with this powerful builder.

Functionality & Performance (The WPMU DEV Suite)

As a WPMU DEV partner, your site is powered by their award-winning suite of plugins for robust security, speed, and reliability, including Hummingbird Pro for caching, Smush Pro for image optimization, and Defender Pro for security hardening.

Enhanced User Experience

A great website should be easy for you to manage. I use specific tools and customizations to make your life easier.

• Customized Admin Area: I clean up and simplify the WordPress dashboard, hiding unnecessary menu items and tailoring it to your specific needs so you only see what’s relevant to you.
• HappyFiles Pro: I use this tool to create an intuitive, folder-based organization system for your media library, making it incredibly easy to find and manage your images and files.

Specialized Tools for Specific Needs

Depending on your project’s needs, your toolkit may also include some of these best-in-class plugins.

• WPDataTables: For creating dynamic, responsive, and interactive tables and charts.
• Tutor LMS: The leading learning management system for WordPress, allowing us to create and manage comprehensive online courses.
• WS Forms: For creating advanced forms, surveys, and complex calculations.
• GiveWP: The gold standard for non-profit fundraising and online donations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the estimated value of the software I get access to? The total value is significant. If you were to purchase individual, single-site licenses for the core premium tools I provide, it would cost you approximately $450 – $500 every year in subscription fees. This entire professional toolkit is included as part of my Managed Hosting & Care Plan and is the foundation for every new site I build.
• Who Gets Access to the Toolkit? Access to my full professional toolkit—and all its ongoing updates—is a core benefit for all of my active clients. This ensures your site is always powered by the best, most up-to-date software as part of our ongoing partnership. You are considered an active client if you have:
  • A Managed Hosting & Care Plan subscription.
  • A positive balance of Flexible Service Block hours.
• What happens to the premium tools if I move my site to another host? If you decide to move to another provider, cancel your Care Plan, or use your final Service Block hours without purchasing more, your website will continue to function perfectly. The premium plugins and themes I’ve installed will remain, but they will no longer receive updates through my agency licenses. To continue receiving important security and feature updates, you would then need to purchase your own individual licenses for that software. This policy ensures the significant value of the toolkit remains a benefit for my active clients.
• Why do you use premium tools instead of free ones? I use a mix of both! My toolkit is a curated collection of the best and most reliable tools for the job, whether they are premium or free. I rely heavily on premium software for its enhanced security, dedicated developer support, and consistent updates, which ensures your website has a secure and reliable foundation. I am always evaluating new tools to ensure I am following the latest best practices.
• Do I get a say in which tools are used on my site? Absolutely. During our Discovery Phase, we will discuss your project’s specific needs. I will then recommend the best tools from my toolkit for the job. You will always have the final say before we begin the build.

By handling the software licensing and technical management, I free you to focus on what you do best: running your business. This included toolkit is just one of the ways my partnership approach is designed to provide lasting value. If you’re ready to build your website the right way, with the right tools, feel free to explore my services or schedule a call.