Issue #134 Loop WP

Hi, friend. 👋

Welcome to Issue #134 of Loop WP!

Last week, we dived into WordPress themes, the rapid rise of block themes, and how to choose a theme for your next project.

This week, I share a security plugin that I install on all my client websites.

Let’s go! 👇

BBQ - Block Bad Queries

🔥 BBQ for WordPress is one of the first plugins I install on all my websites.

BBQ stands for “Block Bad Queries”, a fantastic plugin from Jeff Star.

This plugin has a Free and Pro.

With over 100,000 free version installs, I’m not the only one who thinks this is an excellent plugin to add to your WordPress security arsenal.

(There are no affiliate links for the plugin in this email, so I encourage you to check out this plugin if you are not already using it)

🏷️ There is currently 25% off BBQ Pro for Black Friday using the code: FALL2024

Let’s Get Cookin’

💡 I use BBQ Pro on my website and several client websites, and I use the free version for others.

While I recommend the Pro version (for some granular control), the free version is also suitable for everyone, and you can easily upgrade it.

❤️ What I love most about the free version is the plug-and-play!

There are no settings, so install the plugin, and you instantly have an extra layer of protection.

💪 Moreover, you can use this alongside your CDN or hosting provider’s firewall to enhance your website security further.

Powerful Protection

BBQ protects your site against many threats:

• SQL injection attacks

• Executable file uploads

• Directory traversal attacks

• Unsafe character requests

• Excessively long requests

• PHP remote/file execution

• XSS, XXE, and related attacks

• Protects against bad bots

• Protects against bad referrers

• Plus, many other bad requests

Free Add-ons

⚡️ If you want to add a little bit of extra power to the free version before upgrading to the Pro Version, there are some free add-ons to choose from:

• Customize Features - If you want a little more control than plug-and-play.

• Customize Rules - Very handy for whitelisting false positives.

• Count Blocked Requests - To display the total number of blocked requests on the BBQ settings screen.

My Favourite Feature ❤️

My favourite feature of BBQ (Block Bad Queries) is not even a feature.

🛟 It’s the support!

I’ve not run into many issues over the years, but when I’ve had one either with the free (support via the plugin repository) or the Pro version (ticketed support), Jeff has been superb!

🎉 When a plugin this good has support to match it, it’s a “no-brainer”.

That’s it for this week 👋

⏩ Next week, we will get to that niche WooCommerce topic I was meant to discuss.

But, with 25% off the Pro version of one of my favourite plugins, I had to share it.

🏷️ Use code: FALL2024

(Remember, I’m not using affiliate links).

Sponsorship Opportunities

🚨 The Google Doc contains all the details if you’re interested in sponsoring the Loop WP Newsletter.

🎉 Slots are sold out before Christmas, but I am now taking bookings for the New Year.

Weekly WordPress News & Tips

This week's excellent and insightful WordPress News & Tips:

• Maximise Performance - Rocket.net Announces Strategic Partnership With WP Rocket Plugin. (Rocket.net)

• The New Default - Product Collection block—The new default. (WooCommerce)

• Congratulations - Host James Kemp Takes the Role of Core Product Manager at Woo. (Doo_the Woo)

• Meet the Speakers - WordCamp Asia announces the first round of speakers for 2025. (WordCamp Asia)

• JetEngine 3.6 Beta - AI-Powered Website Builder for Dynamic Data! (WP Tuts)

• Improve Query Caching - Store the last changed value in the key instead of using it as a salt for query caches. (Jonny Harris)

• Interview - Full Site Editing and Ollie with Mike McAlister. (Brian Coords & Mike McAlister)

• Customised Lists 2.0 - Easily create customized lists using elements like Text, Containers, and Images, or nest them in any combination to create a list exactly to your specification. (GenerateBlocks)

• “Controversial” - Matt Mullenweg Leaked 729K WP Engine Websites—Here’s What I Discovered. (Dumitru Brinzan)

• “Un”-Trustpilot - If you use Trustpilot or are considering them, read this. (Rocket.net)

• Protect Your Store - The Ultimate WooCommerce Security Checklist. (patchstack)

• Project Giving Back - Supporting Charity with WordPress Black Friday 2024 & Cyber Monday (Layer WP)

• Raquel Manriquez - What’s the deal with PressConf? (The WP Minute)

• PressConf 2025 - The conference for professionals driving the WordPress economy. (PressConf)

• It’s Back! - After a two-month break and a job change for Marcus Burnette, The WP World is back! (The WP World)

If you have a question about this email or WordPress, reply, and I will answer you as soon as possible.

👋 Until next time,