Listen to the full interview below:

What We Talk About

Here’s a quick rundown of what we cover in this episode:

• How I got started in the firearms world as a digital marketer-turned-firearm instructor
• The surprising failure that led to my first certification in firearms training
• The early days of building ConcealedCarry.com as a national instructor network
• The value of SEO and digital tools in growing a firearms business
• Why I acquired KSG Armory and how shared infrastructure makes scaling efficient
• The birth of the RangeTech shot timer—and why it was nearly scrapped
• Our revolver holster revival and the “Revolver Resurgence” trend
• What goes into producing hundreds of podcast episodes and millions of downloads
• The reality of podcasting for a living (spoiler: it’s not easy checks in the mail)

Charlie and I also geek out a bit about appendix carry gear, how holster length affects comfort, and the magic of purple grips on J-frames. It's a candid and entertaining conversation, I think you’ll enjoy.

Want More?

Check out our podcast, the Concealed Carry Podcast, and follow us on social for daily clips, training tips, and gear reviews. You can also learn more about the brands I mentioned in the episode:

• ConcealedCarry.com
• KSG Armory Holsters
• Mountain Man Medical
• RangeTech Shot Timers
• BarrelBlok
• Ready Up Gear

The post Riding Shotgun with Charlie: From Digital Marketing to Concealed Carry first appeared on Jacob S. Paulsen.com.

Resource: How To Tell if WordPress Comments Are Spam

Like many of you, I started fighting back with the tools that seemed most obvious, starting with Akismet.

Step 1: Akismet – The Default Starting Point

Akismet is bundled with WordPress by default, and it’s free for personal sites. So naturally, that’s where I began back in 2008. And to be clear, Akismet works. It stopped spam comments effectively.

But once I started using it on my commercial sites, I needed a paid license. Given the number of WordPress sites I manage and the amount of spam they attract, my total bill with Akismet eventually climbed to $550 per year. That’s not insignificant, especially when spam protection is supposed to be a quiet, background service.

Step 2: CleanTalk – Same Results, Less Money

In an effort to reduce costs, I moved to CleanTalk. At around $200 per year, it was far more affordable and included protection beyond comment spam—it helped with registrations, contact forms, and even added some general security features.

And like Akismet, it worked well. Spam was blocked effectively. But there was a new tradeoff: performance.

My hosting provider pointed out that CleanTalk’s approach—like Akismet’s—relies on real-time API calls. Every time a comment or form is submitted, it hits CleanTalk’s servers to check against their spam databases. Multiply that by thousands of submissions, and that starts to eat up resources. Even if the service works, it’s adding backend traffic and latency I didn’t want.

My hosting provider, whose expertise I trust, told me that while in concept CleanTalk and Akismet work the same way CleanTalk is more resource-heavy.

Step 3: Cloudflare Turnstile – The Game Changer

That's when I was introduced to Cloudflare Turnstile, and everything changed.

Unlike Akismet or CleanTalk, Turnstile doesn’t wait for the spam to show up so it can check against a blacklist. It stops bad actors before they ever get a chance to post.

It's a frictionless, invisible CAPTCHA alternative built by Cloudflare. Instead of relying on user-submitted data and pattern matching, Turnstile uses Cloudflare’s global intelligence network to determine if a visitor is a real human. And if they’re not—the submission never even happens.

I had briefly tried Google’s reCAPTCHA on a few smaller sites, but it was only about 90% effective. Spam still trickled in. Not with Turnstile.

My Experience: 4,000 Spams Blocked Daily—Zero Reached Me

Since switching all my sites to Turnstile, I’ve gone from thousands of spam submissions a day to zero getting through. That’s not an exaggeration—Turnstile has been 100% effective across my forms, logins, and comment areas. And the best part?

It’s completely free.

Simple Cloudflare Turnstile Plugin – Easy & Comprehensive Integration

To implement it, I’m using the Simple Cloudflare Turnstile plugin. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a one-stop solution that integrates with:

• WordPress core forms (login, registration, password reset, comments)
• WooCommerce (which I rely on heavily)
• Forminator, which is my preferred form builder
• Other popular form plugins like Contact Form 7, WPForms, and more

The setup was simple. No confusing API quota issues, no Google account nonsense. Just plug in your Cloudflare site keys, and you’re done.

Resource: See all my WordPress Plugin Recommendations Here

Obviously, this requires using Cloudflare, but frankly, you should be doing that anyway, and I was lucky to get all my sites running through Cloudflare about a decade ago.

Why It’s Better—In Every Way That Matters

Feature	Akismet	CleanTalk	Cloudflare Turnstile
Cost (What I am/was paying)	$550/year	$200/year	Free
Effectiveness			(so far: 100%)
Supports forms beyond comments
Bandwidth & performance load
User experience			(no challenge UI)

Final Thoughts

If you’re still struggling with WordPress spam—or just tired of paying for tools that feel like band-aids—I highly recommend trying Cloudflare Turnstile. It’s fast, effective, lightweight, and free. Paired with the Simple Cloudflare Turnstile plugin, it’s the cleanest solution I’ve found in over a decade of fighting bots.

The post From Akismet to Cloudflare Turnstile: My Journey to Finally Stopping WordPress Spam first appeared on Jacob S. Paulsen.com.

This guide walks you through how to start affiliate marketing as a firearm instructor.

Step 1: Sign Up for Affiliate Networks and Programs

Start by getting set up with affiliate platforms that serve the firearm and tactical gear community:

• AvantLink – Hosts dozens of relevant brands like Guns.com, Brownells, Palmetto State Armory, Optics Planet, etc.

• GunAffiliates.com – A dedicated network for firearm-friendly companies including ConcealedCarry.com and KSG Armory.

• Amazon Associates – While the worst in terms of commission rate, its a good catch all for stuff that isn't part of any other affiliate network.

Once you’re accepted into the AvantLink network, you must apply individually to each brand or company whose products you want to promote.

Take time to familiarize yourself with how each network works — including how to generate affiliate links and add tracking tags (such as campaign names or source parameters) when available.

Step 2: Rebrand Ugly Affiliate Links

Affiliate links are often long and messy, filled with random characters. That’s fine in an email or blog post where the link is hidden behind a clickable word. But when you share a link in a video, podcast, handout, or verbally in class, you need something clean and easy to remember.

Option 1: Use a Shortener (like Bit.ly)
Services like Bit.ly let you create a shortened version of your link, such as bit.ly/favoriteholster. This is fast and functional.

Option 2 (Recommended): Create Branded Links Using Your Website
A more professional option is to use your own domain. For example: jacobspaulsen.com/holster → redirects to your favorite holster affiliate link.

If you use WordPress, the Pretty Links plugin makes it easy to create and manage these branded redirects. It also helps track link clicks. Whatever you use, this is a critical step. Don't ignore it.

Step 3: Build a Recommendations Page on Your Website

Create a page called “Recommended Gear,” “Partners,” or “Instructor Picks.” This page should list the products, services, and brands you fully endorse.

• Use your branded affiliate links for each listing.

• Include a short personal note or reason why you recommend the item.

• Don’t be afraid to list products you love that don’t have affiliate programs — credibility is more important than commission.

You can link to this page in emails, course material, and social bios. It becomes your central hub for monetized referrals.

Step 4: Update Your Student Resources

Take a look at the collateral you already use:

• Email follow-ups after class

• Printable handouts

• Class slide decks

• Website thank-you pages

• Social posts

Where appropriate, insert a relevant branded affiliate link. For example:

“Need a gun safe for your car? I recommend this one: mydomain.com/gunsafe”

You can also point people to your full recommendations page:

“Visit mydomain.com/partners to see all the products and companies I recommend.”

Over time, these mentions build traffic and conversions with no additional effort.

Step 5: Deepen Your Knowledge

If you’re serious about earning more through affiliate marketing, take time to study proven strategies. I recommend reading this full guide:

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Affiliate Marketing

This article goes deeper into:

• Tools and plugins

• Audience-building tactics

• Email automation

• Using coupon codes

• Understanding commission structures

Final Thought

Affiliate marketing isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme — but for firearm instructors who are already recommending products in good faith, it’s a powerful way to earn extra income and help students with the right gear.

Start small. Focus on gear you actually use. And be transparent. Your reputation is worth more than any commission check.

The post Affiliate Marketing for Firearm Instructors: A Step-by-Step Guide first appeared on Jacob S. Paulsen.com.

I was honored to be invited onto the Forge of Freedom podcast, with host Alex Ooley to discuss a survey analyzing over 1,600 armed traffic stops and the insights gained from these interactions with law enforcement. In the interview we reference this research study I published a few weeks prior. Below I've embedded the audio podcast itself and at the very bottom of this page the video interview.

The conversation was friendly and took place during the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings in Atlanta. Alex and his father have a law practice in Indiana and are practicing firearm trainers.

Our conversation includes these topics:

• Introduction to Concealed Carry and Law Enforcement Interactions
• Survey Insights: Understanding Traffic Stops
• Key Findings: Disarming Practices and Officer Behavior
• The Duty to Inform: State Requirements and Misconceptions
• Perceptions of Law Enforcement and Traffic Citations
• Best Practices for Concealed Carriers During Traffic Stops
• Traveling with a Concealed Weapon: State Variations
• Recording Interactions: Legal Considerations and Safety
• Conclusion and Resources for Concealed Carriers

The post Forge of Freedom Podcast: LEO Interactions Interview first appeared on Jacob S. Paulsen.com.

It’s the kind of thing you hope you never need. But when you do? You’ll be glad you set it up correctly.

What Is Incident Detection?

Garmin’s Incident Detection is available during tracked activities like biking, running, or hiking. It monitors for sudden deceleration or impact and, if it senses a problem, it sends a text message alert to your pre-configured emergency contacts.

That message includes:

• Your GPS coordinates

• A Google Maps link to your location

• A LiveTrack link (which allows real-time location tracking)

You can also manually trigger the alert by holding the CTRL button for 10 seconds—something worth knowing if you’re conscious but hurt or in danger.

But here’s the kicker: you must enable this feature ahead of time and have your emergency contacts already set up. If you haven’t done that, the watch won’t help when it matters most.

What Happened to My Brother

Two days ago, my brother was mountain biking alone near his home when he crashed. Hard enough that his watch triggered an incident alert. Within seconds, I received the emergency text, along with his wife and another family member. BTW, my brother is fine. A few bruises, but nothing concerning.

Here’s what I learned from the experience:

1. Add More Emergency Contacts—Especially Local Ones

Garmin doesn’t limit how many emergency contacts you can list. My brother had three, but none of us were nearby and able to respond physically. In hindsight, adding a couple of local friends or neighbors could have made a big difference if he’d needed help. It’s a simple step that adds resilience to the system.

2. Don’t Cancel the Alert Too Quickly

After the crash, my brother saw the watch had triggered an alert and quickly pressed the “I’m OK” button. This cancels the LiveTrack link and sends a follow-up message to let contacts know everything’s fine.

Except… he might not have been fine. Adrenaline can mask injuries. Fortunately, he really was OK, but it made me realize: wait a few minutes before canceling the alert. Take inventory. Let your emergency contacts try calling you. If they’re worried enough to send help, you’ll still have time to explain before anyone dispatches emergency services.

3. Turn on Tracking—Even for Casual Walks

Incident Detection only works during a tracked activity. That means if you’re just walking the dog or hiking alone and forget to start tracking, the feature won’t be active.

After this experience, I’m turning on activity tracking anytime I’m out alone—even for something “low risk.” A twisted ankle or fall can happen anywhere.

Screenshot of the Emergency Text

Best Practices for Garmin Incident Detection

• Enable Incident Detection for all activity types you use.

• Double-check that your emergency contacts are up-to-date and aware of how the system works.

• Use LiveTrack even when not in a formal “activity” if you’re heading into remote areas.

• If you’re injured, don’t assume you’re fine right away.

• Practice using manual emergency alerts, so you’re comfortable triggering them if needed.

Click here for official information about Garmin Incident Detection and instructions to set it up.

The post When Garmin Incident Detection Actually Matters first appeared on Jacob S. Paulsen.com.

But with the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, a question popped into my head:
Could I skip the developer entirely and have ChatGPT build a plugin for me?

This wasn’t just a random experiment. I wanted to test whether a non-developer—someone like me, who understands WordPress deeply but doesn’t write code—could use ChatGPT alone to create a working, useful plugin.

The Setup

No IDE. No stack overflow rabbit holes. Just me, a blank plugin, and ChatGPT. I would describe what I wanted, ask for the code, copy/paste it into files, and see if I could get the thing to function.

This image was created by ChatGPT. Prompt: Generate an image that shows Chat on one window and Notepad++ in another window and mockup content so it looks like someone is using chat to code a WordPress plugin.

Here’s what I learned:

ChatGPT Can’t Do It All—At Least, Not Yet

At first, it felt promising. ChatGPT confidently generated plugin headers, admin menus, form shortcodes—you name it. It clearly understands the structure and purpose of a WordPress plugin. It knows what files to create, what hooks to register, and even how to talk to third-party APIs.

But as the project progressed, it became clear: Chat can’t hold it all together.

Every new request or change would either overwrite previous logic or fail to reference parts we’d already built. It’s not that it doesn’t “know”—it just can’t remember and manage complex architecture reliably over time. You end up either re-explaining everything constantly or watching it gradually erode the foundation it helped build.

It’s Not Worth the Time

Even if Chat could stay perfectly organized, the time investment is substantial. Prompting, explaining, debugging, adjusting formatting, re-testing—it adds up fast.

And as someone who’s hired devs for years, I can confidently say:
My time is worth more than what I’d spend paying a real developer to build the same thing.

This experiment showed me that even “free” labor isn’t free when it comes with this much back-and-forth.

Bugs Break the Whole Process

This is where things got painful.

Whenever the plugin hit a snag—and it always did—trying to fix it with ChatGPT turned into a loop of frustration. It would identify the issue, offer a fix, and that fix would break something else. When I pointed that out, the next fix would undo the progress we’d made or repeat an earlier mistake.

It wasn’t an accident—it was a cycle. Fix A caused Bug B. Fixing Bug B reintroduced Bug A.

That kind of instability is hard enough for a real developer to manage. For someone like me, who relies on Chat to do the actual coding, it quickly becomes untenable.

ChatGPT is a Great Tool—for Developers

Ironically, I think ChatGPT would be fantastic if you’re already a developer.

If you know your way around the WordPress codebase and can diagnose problems in real time, Chat becomes a useful assistant. It can:

• Review code

• Explain obscure errors

• Suggest snippets or refactors

• Help brainstorm architectural changes

But if you’re expecting it to be your hands, not just your advisor? You’re in for a rough ride.

When you’re asking Chat to generate full plugin files or rewrite entire functions without knowing how to plug those into your system—or how to test and isolate issues—you’re essentially flying blind.

Final Thoughts

I don’t regret trying. It was a fascinating experience and a great stress test of what AI can (and can’t) do today.

But here’s the honest bottom line:

If you don’t know how to code, ChatGPT won’t replace a developer for you. And if you do know how to code, ChatGPT might just become your new best friend.

It’s a powerful tool—but it’s not magic. At least not yet.

Also worth mentioning there are other AI tools besides ChatGPT that are more oriented around development and I would assume they would be more effective that what I experienced with ChatGPT but since most of them are paid tools and I don't see this as an ongoing project I couldn't justify paying for those just to give it a test.

And yes… Chat GPT helped me format my thoughts into this article. I figure it is only fitting to use Chat to discuss Chat's failures.

The post Can ChatGPT Replace a WordPress Developer? I Tried It So You Don’t Have To first appeared on Jacob S. Paulsen.com.

It was November, and my brother and I were attending the Revolver Roundup at Gunsite Academy in Arizona as sponsors. After a few days surrounded by fellow firearms enthusiasts, my brother—who has a serious thing for watches—made an observation:

“Why do we see so many Garmin watches?”

Although I've been a full-time part of the firearm industry for about a decade, I admit I hadn't noticed. This is more due to my failure to pay attention to such a detail than the lack of available data around me. So, a bit of research later, we realized: Garmin dominates the tactical smartwatch space. Their watches are known for ruggedness, reliability, and features built for extreme environments. A few weeks later, a Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical showed up on my doorstep as a Christmas gift from my brother.

What Makes This Watch Tactical?

Garmin doesn’t just make one tactical watch—they have an entire ecosystem. But here’s what stands out about the Instinct 2 Solar Tactical, and why I think it still holds up—even after Garmin released the newer Instinct 3.

Primary Features I Use and Love

• SOS and Incident Detection
  • You can manually trigger a distress alert or let the watch automatically detect incidents, sending an SOS to preprogrammed emergency contacts. This is done ultimately by sending texts from your Bluetooth-connected phone, not by utilizing any sort of Garmin satellite messaging service, but I still find it highly valuable.
• Built-in Flashlight
  • At first, I didn’t think the flashlight would be useful. I was wrong.
  • I use the adjustable LED several times a week—whether I’m running in the dark or just need a quick light source.
  • Includes preprogrammed strobe patterns for visibility and signaling.
  • Max brightness: ~20 lumens (enough for utility use, not to blind someone). Reminds me of the light on one's smartphone.
• Activity Tracking Accuracy
  • I’ve worn smartwatches since 2015, and Garmin’s step tracking is more accurate than anything else I’ve used, according to most of the tests and studies I've seen conducted on the question. Certainly, I trust it. Unlike many others, it also tracks stair climbing, not just flat steps which I initially found a little concerning like someone was watching me (Note: Garmin isn't watching me. Their tech is just good enough to detect when you climb stairs).
• 24/7 Heart Rate Monitoring
  • Many watches check periodically. This one monitors your heart rate continuously—day and night. This leads to more details and more data which I find highly valuable.

Secondary Features I Appreciate

These aren’t must-haves, but they definitely add value:

• Altimeter
  • No, I’m not parachuting anytime soon, so the “jump mode” isn't critical. But being able to check my elevation instantly is surprisingly satisfying.
• Extreme Customization via Connect IQ Store
  • From watch face designs to niche apps—like a CPR timer that counts chest compressions—there’s a ton of functionality available.
• Insane Battery Life
  • In normal use, I get about 40 days per charge. The solar panel probably helps, though if so its minor in my normal (not in the sun all day) lifestyle. Regardelss, even without constant sunlight, the longevity is incredible.
  • Garmin claims up to 51 days in smartwatch mode with optimal solar exposure.
• GPS Waypoints and TrackBack
  • Handy when I’m out hiking or traveling. It’s like having a personal breadcrumb trail you can retrace.
• Ballistics Calculator
  • Haven’t used it, probably won’t—but it’s still cool to have one on my wrist.
• Stealth & Tactical Features
  • Night vision compatibility
  • Stealth Mode (disables wireless connectivity)
  • “Kill Switch” (data wipe on demand—what I call Capture Mode)
  • These aren’t features I expect to need, but they’re fun to show off.

Military Validation

A personal highlight: A close family member recently graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and while there, was issued two Garmin watches. That, along with other stories I’ve heard, suggests Garmin isn’t just for wannabe operators—Uncle Sam trusts them too.

Final Verdict

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical has become one of my favorite pieces of gear. It’s tough, accurate, endlessly functional, and lasts forever on a single charge. Whether you’re a runner, outdoorsman, concealed carrier, or just someone who likes tech that works when it counts, this watch is worth it.

Even if you didn’t get yours as a gift like I did.

Key Specs at a Glance

The post Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical Review: Built for More Than Just Looks first appeared on Jacob S. Paulsen.com.

It isn't a far drive from Colorado Springs. Maybe 15-20 minutes from town.

In hindsight, I was utterly lucky and blessed to obtain a tour of The Dragonman’s Military Museum, owned and operated by eccentric Vietnam veteran Mel “Dragonman” Bernstein, when I was there last fall for the Rocky Mountain Range Day event at which my company was participating.

It is less of a traditional museum and more of an all-out sensory assault on anyone who appreciates American history, firearms, and a healthy dose of unapologetic patriotism.

A One-of-a-Kind Collection

To call Dragonman’s museum impressive is a massive understatement. Housing over 100,000 military artifacts, it spans multiple buildings and themed rooms, each dedicated to a different war or era—from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts. Visitors walk through meticulously recreated battle scenes and encampments that include sandbags, original uniforms, period-correct weapons, and personal soldier artifacts. Each display is crammed to the brim, giving you the sense that you've stepped straight onto a battlefield—or a movie set.

*I took a LOT of pictures and a selection of those are included in a gallery at the bottom of this webpage.

If memory serves, this is a complete collection of German Military helmets or something of that nature inside of the “Nazi Room”

But the real crowd-pleasers? Dragonman’s fully functional fleet of military vehicles, including tanks, half-tracks, and jeeps. Yes, real tanks. And the owner, who gave me my tour, has fired his tanks on many occasions, including once for the Discovery Channel.

The Man Behind the Museum

Mel Bernstein, known far and wide as the “Most Armed Man in America,” is just as much a part of the attraction as the museum itself. A former motorcycle shop owner and certified character, Mel is a walking, talking piece of American grit. On weekends, he personally leads the tours, dropping knowledge with the enthusiasm of a teenager showing off his first AR. His passion is infectious, and his firsthand military experience adds authenticity to every story he tells.

What I didn't get is a polished, politically correct museum experience. What I did get is a raw, unfiltered history lesson delivered by someone who truly lives and breathes this stuff.

More Than Just Firearms

While Dragonman is known for his massive arsenal of automatic weapons, the museum also includes sobering exhibits on the Holocaust, Vietnam War POWs, and even 9/11. One room contains piles of authentic Nazi propaganda, concentration camp uniforms, and disturbing relics that offer a gut-punch reminder of the horrors of war. It’s emotional, educational, and unforgettable.

I particularly remember this sight which includes the only collection of every gas mask every produced by the US Military:

This picture doesn't include all of the masks in the collection. The infant/baby masks are particularly disturbing

Visitor Experience

Tours are reservation-only and usually offered on Sundays from May through November. It’s a guided-only experience, and that’s a good thing—you’d miss half the stories without Mel walking you through it.

There’s no fancy snack bar or digital touchscreen kiosks here. It’s boots-on-the-ground history. Wear comfortable shoes, bring your curiosity, and don’t expect a sanitized museum brochure. Dragonman keeps it real—and that’s exactly why people love it. I was encouraged to take pictures and to share them online.

Final Verdict

Five stars for sheer spectacle.
Dragonman’s Military Museum is a national treasure hidden in plain sight. It’s gritty, overwhelming, deeply educational, and absolutely unforgettable. More than a museum, it’s a time machine—powered by horsepower, gunpowder, and raw passion. If you are like me, you'll walk out and immediately start thinking of the people in your life that you really need to bring back with you for your second tour.

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The post Inside Dragonman’s Military Museum: A Hidden Gem in Colorado first appeared on Jacob S. Paulsen.com.

Your WooCommerce Checklist:

There are plenty of guides, including the built-in WooCommerce wizard to help you configure things such as shipping classes, payment gateways, store location, etc. I'll assume you've already done all that.

Create A Changelog and Prepare To Manage Updates

If you are new to WordPress an important part of ongoing maintenance will be updating the various plugins and themes that make up your website. The primary motivation for managing updates is to get access to updated technology and to close security gaps that can leave your vulnerable to hackers and malware.

Your site is not a single piece of software but is more akin to your phone. A base operating system with a number of apps. These apps are known as plugins on your WordPress site and they all get updated often. Managing these efficiently and carefully matters because you run the risk of these plugins conflicting with each other and causing all sorts of problems on your site.

Read my guide to managing updates.

Configure and Test Email Sending and Deliverability

Your website is going to send emails for various reasons. Order receipts and notifications. Comment notifications. Password reset emails. You get the idea. Well WordPress, the software, has very little control over emails actually getting sent and getting into the inbox of your recipients.

If you find emails are not getting to the inbox here are some potential tools and suggestions to help:

The WP Mail SMTP plugin can be helpful to send test emails. It is a comprehensive tool kit for managing email but as a starting point if you need a way to send test emails it includes an email test tool.

Contact your host and ask them to ensure that all email-related functions are turned on. Ask them to help you troubleshoot sending challenges.

If you are finding the emails in junk/spam folders there is likely nothing wrong with your host. Your IP address (server where your host keeps your website) either has no sender reputation or it has a bad sender reputation and that is causing the email service providers (gmail/hotmail/etc) to flag the email as spam. There are things you can do with your hosting provider to better “sign” the emails in a way that will enhance the likelihood of getting into the inbox.

If push comes to shove and you cannot overcome this deliverability issue; you can pay for a 3rd party email service such as SendGrid or SMTP.com and use the WP Mail SMTP plugin (linked above) to bypass your host's email services and route all emails through the 3rd party.

Optimize SEO

SEO is one of the most critical marketing strategies for any online store. Proper setup on your site can be easy with the use of a quality SEO plugin like RankMath. RankMath has a free version of their plugin and it is a great starting point.

Installing a plugin like RankMath helps some as it changes some structural things to help you optimize your site better. However, the real power comes when you take advantage of its features. Specifically, I recommend these critical steps:

1: For every page, post, and product use the tool provided by your SEO plugin (like RankMath) to write your Meta Description and keyword tags. RankMath calls the Meta Description the “Snippet.”

2: Use your SEO Plugin to match up and configure your various types of content (WordPress calls these post types) with search schemas. A schema is a configured set of data used for search engines to identify content on the internet and index and present it properly. For example, search engines index a recipe differently than a video, a local business listing, or a product.

3: Whatever SEO Plugin you use no doubt has a tutorial article or video to walk you through all their recommendations of how to best utilize their software to optimize your content. Find that tutorial and follow it. Here is a good one for RankMath.

Setup Analytics

A good marketer needs data to inform marketing decisions. Data such as how many people are coming to your website, how they are finding your website, what pages they are looking at for how long, etc.

I generally recommend and use Google Analytics because it's free and pretty dang amazing. Setup Google Analytics and integrate it into your website using your SEO plugin. RankMath and similar apps generally have a built-in tool to integrate your Google Analytics into your site's code.

Optimize Checkout, Bumps, and Upsells

The default WooCommerce checkout page is lame and in my opinion not very good at optimizing conversion. There are a number of plugins that can improve your checkout page. I prefer FunnelKit because in addition to giving you incremental and higher converting checkout pages, FunnelKit also gives you the option to add bump offers and upsell offers. You can build dedicated funnels around specific offers and products.

In some months 15-20% of my revenue comes from bump and upsell offers.

Setup Legally Required Pages

Because of laws and stuff, I advise you to set up the following pages and make sure they can be found on your website:

-Privacy Policy (and make sure there is a way for users to request the deletion of all their data on your site)

-Terms of Use

-Affiliate disclosure. If you have or will have links on your site that are affiliate earning links you need this page

-Return and refund policy

-Shipping and delivery policy

There are plenty of other things that over time are worth doing but I think this is a good starting point and task list for your brand new website. I'll update this post as I have additional thoughts. Feel free to share your ideas in the comments below.

Also, check out my Evergreen list of my favorite WordPress plugins.

The post Your New WooCommerce Site Checklist first appeared on Jacob S. Paulsen.com.

In this interview I discuss common website marketing barriers including:

• Meta Tags
• User Experience
• Product Description including media and formatting
• And More

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