While many of the updates are aimed at developers, there are also several changes that website owners will notice, including a refreshed dashboard, improved content editing tools, better image galleries, and new options for managing mobile layouts.

Let’s look at some of the highlights.

AI integration

One of the biggest additions in WordPress 7.0 is built-in support for connecting your website to AI services.

Rather than relying entirely on third-party plugins, WordPress now provides a central place to manage AI connections. This makes it easier to connect services such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude and use AI-powered features throughout your website.

Depending on how you use your website, AI can help with tasks such as:

• Generating page titles and summaries
• Creating image descriptions (alt text)
• Assisting with content creation
• Editing images

WordPress Development Note

If you’d prefer to disable all AI features entirely, for privacy reasons or to keep things simple, you can add define( ‘WP_AI_SUPPORT’, false ); to your wp-config.php file. This turns off all LLM-related features across the site.

A refreshed dashboard

The WordPress dashboard has received a visual refresh. You’ll notice cleaner typography, improved contrast, smoother transitions between screens, and a more modern appearance throughout the admin area. The changes aren’t dramatic, but they make WordPress feel more polished and easier to use.

Easier content editing

Several improvements make editing content more straightforward.

The Command Palette is now available throughout the WordPress admin area, allowing you to quickly jump between pages, settings, and content without digging through menus or touching your mouse.

Just press ⌘K on Mac or Ctrl+K on Windows to open it from any screen.

WordPress also introduces better revision comparisons, making it easier to see exactly what changed between different versions of a page or post. You can now compare two revisions side by side in the editor, with colour-coded overlays highlighting every difference.

Better control through block visibility by device

You now have more control over how content appears on different devices. Blocks can be hidden individually for mobile, tablet, or desktop screens. This makes it easier to create layouts that work well on smaller screens without needing custom code or extra plugins.

Improved image gallery block

If you use the image gallery block on your website, visitors can now move between images directly in the lightbox via the new back/next navigation buttons. It’s a small change, but it creates a smoother browsing experience, especially for portfolios, galleries, and project showcases.

Custom CSS for individual blocks

Usually, making a small one-off style tweak to a single block required a workaround, such as using the Additional CSS panel, Global Styles, or manually adding a custom CSS class. This is all changed with a new Custom CSS field built directly into the block inspector. Style every detail of content with custom CSS at the block level, right in your post or page.

New blocks and navigation improvements

Icons Block

You can now insert SVG icons directly into your content without needing a separate plugin. The Icons block comes pre-loaded with the full WordPress icon library, and you can search for icons by name. You can also resize, recolour, and adjust spacing on each icon.

Breadcrumbs Block

The Breadcrumbs block adds a fully functional breadcrumb navigation to any post, page, or custom post type template, with no plugin required. It automatically generates the navigation based on your site structure.

Headings Block

WordPress 7.0 adds a dedicated Headings block that consolidates all six heading levels (H1 to H6) into a single block with built-in level variations. This replaces the previous approach of inserting a Heading block and then adjusting the level separately. Different heading levels now appear as full block variations. You can directly select the desired heading level or modify it with one click.

Customizable Navigation Overlays

WordPress 7.0 introduces new possibilities for creating mobile overlay menus. You now have full control over how your mobile menu appears and behaves without needing a plugin or custom code.

What does this mean for you?

WordPress 7.0 continues the trend by making content management easier, adding more flexibility in mobile layouts, and laying the foundation for future AI-powered tools. For most website owners, the update makes WordPress easier and more enjoyable to use while giving developers more tools to build better websites.

Under the hood

Most website owners won’t notice these changes directly, but they help developers build faster, cleaner, and more reliable WordPress websites.

• Improved theme styling – Theme developers can now control hover, focus, and active states directly in WordPress theme settings, reducing the need for custom CSS and making themes easier to maintain.
• PHP-only block registration – Developers can create basic custom blocks using PHP alone, simplifying development for certain types of blocks.
• Better Global Styles support – The new Block Selectors API gives developers more control over how Global Styles are applied across different blocks.
• Dedicated Font Library page – The Font Library now has its own management screen and works across block, hybrid, and classic themes.
• WP-CLI 3.0 – Developers and hosting providers gain new command-line tools for managing blocks and AI-related features.
• More Site Health information – WordPress now displays OPCache information in Site Health, making it easier to diagnose performance issues.
• Improved editor performance – The editor can now use an isolated iframe layout in more situations, improving stability and reducing conflicts between editor and website styles.
• Safer user registration settings – Administrator and Editor roles are no longer available as default registration roles, helping prevent accidental security issues.
• Updated PHP requirements – WordPress 7.0 requires PHP 7.4 or newer, with PHP 8.3 and 8.4 recommended for optimal performance and security.

The post What’s new in WordPress 7.0 appeared first on Good Websites.

A big hello

A warm welcome to our new client, Kaimai Plumbing and Gas. We’re super stoked to get them online and working on their new website.

Keeping WordPress websites running smoothly

If you’re on our WordPress Management Plan, your website has had its usual weekly updates. All plugins are up to date, everything is running smoothly and securely, and there is nothing you need to do. We take care of it in the background so you can focus on your business.

Websites we’ve launched

Matakohe Holiday Park

Our most recent launch is the new WordPress website for Matakohe Holiday Park. The new owners had recently taken over the holiday park and were ready to redesign their outdated website. Luckily, we were already managing another website for them, so there was no need to spend time researching a web designer. They already knew how we work and what to expect. We created a relaxed Kiwi vibe that captures the laid-back feel of this beautiful spot. The website is simple to navigate, easy to update, and makes booking a holiday quick and hassle-free.

Marball Orchard Quarry

We’ve launched a one-page website for Marball Orchard Quarry. Our one-page websites are ideal for small businesses. They’re professional, user-friendly and fully custom-designed, without the big price tag. Every company should have an online presence. With a super handy one-page website like this, there really is no reason not to get started.

Sneak Peeks

Coast Palms & Cycads design mock-up

We created a quick design mock-up for a refresh of the Coast Palms and Cycads website. We often put together a quick mock-up to show the direction we’re thinking. It keeps the process easy, structured and super clear for the client. They can see how things will look and feel before we start any coding. It’s practical, straight to the point, and helps us make confident decisions early on.

One-page website design for Kaimai Plumbing and Gas

We’re currently working on a one-page website for Kaimai Plumbing and Gas. This website will feature a full-screen intro video. It’s just a short clip, but it gives the website a nice dynamic feel right from the start.

Tweaks and updates

Design refresh for Papamoa Beach Family Practice

We gave the Papamoa Beach Family Practice website a small design refresh. We updated the framework, optimised everything, and added a clean beach-style background to bring that true Papamoa Beach feel to the website. Sometimes you only need small changes to create a refreshed look and new impact. Simple updates can make everything feel brighter and work more smoothly.

Fresh updates for Eastwood Kitchens

We’ve updated the Eastwood Kitchens website with their latest kitchen projects and did some small layout updates along the way. The new photos reflect the kitchens they’re building today and keep the website looking current and polished. We kept the minimal look and made it even more minimal by adding more white space. It suits their business perfectly. A good website should grow with your business, and fresh projects keep it looking active and engaging.

Merchandise section for Brass Knuckle Customs

Think one-page websites are basic, think again. We added a merchandise section to the Brass Knuckle Customs one-page website, complete with an order button that sends an enquiry. Stock check, invoice sent, merch shipped. Simple and effective.

ADHD Services page for Papamoa Beach Family Practice

We added a new ADHD services page to the Papamoa Beach Family Practice website. This makes it simple for patients to access the latest information. Regular updates like this keep communication clear and show that your website is active. And we’re not just doing the design. We often help with content creation, making sure the information is clear, helpful and easy to understand.

Latest Builds for First Homes

We’ve added two new project builds to the First Homes website, showcasing their latest homes. A website is not a set-and-forget thing. Keeping it fresh really does make a difference.

Team and intro updates for Explore and Flourish

We updated the team members and refreshed the intro collage images on the Explore and Flourish website. Keeping your website up to date with your latest team, services and news shows your business is active and thriving. Don’t let it go stale, fresh updates make all the difference.

Conference 2026 event page for Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand

The Conference 2026 event page is now live on the Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand website. We handled the full setup, from content creation and structuring to resizing and optimising images and styling the layout so everything looks clean, clear and easy to navigate. This is another client we regularly support with content creation. We create content for their posts and events on an ongoing basis, keeping their website up to date and helping them rank well in Google search results.

Spotlight update for Pure Images

Pure Images has a well-earned spotlight update. We added a new banner highlighting their Creative Wedding Photographer of the Year award. It’s a great way to showcase this achievement front and centre on the website. Keep an eye on this one. We’re working on a complete design refresh for them as well, which will launch very soon. We can’t wait.

WooCommerce shop banners for Kingfisher Boats

We updated the Kingfisher Boats website so the team can easily manage their WooCommerce shop banners through their backend and quickly update promotions. They’re currently offering free shipping on orders over 150 dollars. It’s simple to change, easy to manage, and ready for the next campaign.

Banner update for Tara Road Medical Centre

We added new banners and a page to the Tara Road Medical Centre website to inform patients about the update to ADHD services. Websites work best when they stay active and reflect what’s happening right now. Keep it fresh, keep it alive.

How we do it

Fast websites start with smart images. We always optimise images to the smallest format possible. Most of the time, that means AVIF. It delivers great image quality at a much smaller file size, which helps your website load faster.

Need a tweak or update on your website? Or maybe it’s time for a full refresh?
Let’s have a chat — always happy to help.

The post What we’ve been up to December, January and February 2026 appeared first on Good Websites.

The new Accordion block (finally!)

The new Accordion block is finally here! You can now add expandable sections, which are great for FAQs or for hiding long pieces of text behind a click. Just add the Accordion block and start organising your content.

Other new blocks include:

• Term query (for showing specific content)
• Time to read
• Math
• Comment count
• Comment link

Improvements to existing blocks

There are too many little updates to list in full, but here are some highlights:

• You can now choose the HTML tag for buttons and separators
• You can add custom icons for social links
• The menu sorting in the Query Loop is better
• You can add poster images for Cover blocks
• There are new options for ‘Stretchy’ Headings and Paragraphs

These updates give you more control and make the editor easier to use.

A smoother drag-and-drop experience

If you’ve ever tried moving blocks around and felt frustrated by the small handles you had to click, this fix is for you. Now, you can easily grab and drag blocks, making the editor feel more like a real visual page builder. It’s faster, easier, and more user-friendly.

Leave comments directly in the editor with Notes

This feature is important for team members. WordPress 6.9 introduces a feature called Notes. It lets you add comments to specific blocks, similar to comments in Google Docs. You can review text, adjust design, and give feedback right in the editor without needing to use Slack or email. You can tag people, reply to comments, and mark items as resolved. Your visitors will not see these notes; they are for you and your team only.

Hide blocks from the frontend (without deleting them)

Sometimes you want to prep a section of a page without making it live just yet. In the past, this required a plugin. Now WordPress 6.9 lets you do it natively. There is a new option called ‘Hide on frontend’ in the block menu. Click the three dots on any block and choose ‘Hide’. The block will disappear from the live website but will remain in your editor for later use. This feature is perfect for seasonal content or drafts that you are not ready to publish.

Command Palette, everywhere

The Command Palette is a power-user tool that just got a big upgrade. Now, when you press Ctrl+K or Cmd+K, it works across your entire dashboard, not just in the Site Editor. You can quickly access settings, plugins, templates, and more. If you enjoy using shortcuts, you’ll find this feature very helpful.

Fit text to container

There’s a clever new typography option for Headings and Paragraphs that automatically resizes your text to fit the space. It’s great for banners or any area where you want a bold message to really pop.

The Abilities API: big news for developers

If you build custom features or connect WordPress to AI tools, the new Abilities API is a big deal. It establishes a standard for registering and managing what your website can do, laying the foundation for smarter, automated workflows in the future.

Accessibility Improvements

More than 30 accessibility fixes sharpen the WordPress experience. These updates improve screen reader announcements, hide unnecessary CSS-generated content from assistive technologies, fix cursor placement issues, and ensure typing focus stays put even when users click an autocomplete suggestion.

Performance and accessibility improvements

Every major release brings speed boosts, and 6.9 is no different:

• Styles now load only for the blocks you’re actually using
• Scripts that used to slow down rendering (like emojis) have been moved to the footer
• Cron jobs now run after the page loads, not during

There are also 30+ accessibility fixes, making the editor smoother to use for everyone.

The post What’s new in WordPress 6.9 appeared first on Good Websites.

A big hello

A warm welcome to my new client: Matakohe Holiday Park. I’m excited to get started on their new website.

Keeping WordPress websites running smoothly

If you’re on my WordPress Management Plan, your website has had its usual weekly updates. Plugins all up to date, everything running smooth and secure, no effort needed on my clients end.

Websites we’ve launched

Sneak Peeks

One-page design for Marball Orchard Quarry

Currently designing a one-page website for Marball Orchard Quarry. These are perfect for small businesses that want a professional look without the big build.

Wireframes for Matakohe Holiday Park

Wireframing has started! This is the part where everything starts to take shape. Can’t wait to show you more as we go.

Tweaks and updates

New slider banners for Papamoa Beach Family Practice

Just added a fresh set of banners to their easy-select collection in the back end. Makes it super simple to switch things up each week and keep the homepage feeling current.

Google Business Profile for Ginges Plastering Services

I’ve set up a new Google Business Profile for Ginges. This helps boost visibility, builds trust and makes it easier for people to find and contact them.

Book update for Denise Fitzpatrick

Added her latest book release to the website. It’s available in December and up for pre-order now. Keeping things current helps show your business is active and thriving.

Studio News

I’m now also partnered with WP Engine, one of the top WordPress hosting platforms. Super fast and secure. I’m still with Flywheel too, so I’ve got the flexibility to pick the best option for your website.

New on our blog

Why redirects matter (and how they help your website)

A quick explainer on what redirects are, when you need them, and how they help both visitors and Google find the right pages.

15 Website tips you’ll want to use

No fluff, just 15 solid tips you can actually use to improve your website.

Need a tweak or update on your website? Or maybe it’s time for a full refresh?
Let’s have a chat — always happy to help.

The post What we’ve been up to in November 2025 appeared first on Good Websites.

The post 15 Handy tips for a better-performing website (#12) appeared first on Good Websites.

Quick side note: the slug is the bit that comes after your main website address. So, in www.example.com/about, the slug is ‘about‘.

Here’s a quick example.

Let’s say you had a page at: www.example.com/page1
and you’ve now moved it to: www.example.com/newpage

If someone clicks on the old link, they’ll hit a dead end.
A ‘404 Page Not Found’ error.
Not a great experience.

Redirects stop that from happening. They automatically send people from the old page to the new one. No dead ends, no confusion.

They also help with your search rankings. Search engines use redirects to update their index and keep your pages showing up correctly in search results.

The technical name for this is a 301 redirect, which just means it’s a permanent change.

If I’m working on a client’s website and I’m changing any page URLs, I always make sure redirects are set up properly so everything keeps working as it should.

The post Why redirects matter (and how they help your website) appeared first on Good Websites.

The post 15 Website tips you’ll want to use (#11) appeared first on Good Websites.

A big hello

A warm welcome to three new clients: Marball Orchard, Ginges Plaster Services, and Paint 2 Perfection. I’m excited to get started on their new websites.

Keeping all WordPress websites up to date

All websites on my WordPress Management Plan have been updated to version 6.8.3, along with all the latest weekly plugin updates. If you’re on the plan, you’re all sorted. Everything stays secure and runs smoothly, with no extra effort on the client’s end.

Websites we’ve launched

Brass Knuckle Customs

Launched a sharp one-page website for Brass Knuckle Customs. Perfect for getting their business online fast, with impact and style.

Seven Law

The new WordPress website for Seven Law is now live. Clean, bold and easy to use — built to connect and inform. Tauranga Employment Lawyer

Tauranga Landscaping

Another refreshed website launch. The new website for Tauranga Landscaping is modern, fast, and client-friendly. It’s now much easier for people to get in touch and learn more about what they do.

Sneak Peeks

Wireframes for Raiesit

Started planning the layout for the new Raiesit website. Wireframes help map out the flow before I jump into design, and they make sure everything works well from the start.

Website Tweaks and Enhancements

Improved mobile menu for Tauranga Taxis

Improved the mobile navigation with a full-screen overlay and a cleaner layout. Simple changes, better experience.

New email signatures for Watershed

Updated email signatures for the Watershed team so they can show off their new ISO certifications every time they send an email. Smart and professional.

Mobile tweaks for Kingfisher Boats

Fine-tuned the mobile experience for Kingfisher Boats. A new full-screen menu overlay and a cleaner layout make it even easier to use on the go.

Kit builder upgrade for GearUp

Gave the GearUp kit builder a tidy refresh. It’s now faster and easier to customise uniforms online.

Email fix for Tara Road Medical Centre

Sorted an issue where enquiry emails were ending up in spam. I’ve now set up an SMTP connection, so messages are sent through a secure email server instead, so everything gets through. Reliable and secure.

New on our blog

15 More smart website tweaks (#10)

15 smart ways to help your website do its job better.
Quick fixes, clear wins.

Need something updated on your site? Or thinking it might be time for a full refresh?
Let’s chat — I’m always happy to help.

The post What we’ve been up to in October 2025 appeared first on Good Websites.

The post 15 More smart website tweaks (#10) appeared first on Good Websites.

A big hello

I’m excited to welcome three new clients on board: Brass Knuckle Customs, memba, and Seven Law. Great people doing great things, stoked to be working with them.

Keeping WordPress websites up to date

With my WordPress Management Plan, all websites are always up to date with the latest plugin versions. This keeps everything running smoothly and securely, with no extra work needed on the client’s end. Just how it should be.

Websites we’ve launched

New website launched for Hayson Knell

The new WordPress website for Hayson Knell is live. Clean, modern, and easy to use, designed to look great and work well on any device. It’s custom-built, loads fast, and works beautifully on mobile. A fresh online presence can make a big difference, and this one’s a great example of that.

One-page website for memba

Just launched a clean, simple one-page website for the memba app. Quick to load, easy to scroll, and built to make a strong first impression.

Rebrand and website refresh for Safetyworx

The Zardocs website has a new name and a fresh new look — say hello to Safetyworx. I’ve updated the design and brought the code up to modern standards to match their new brand. It’s now clean, secure, and future-ready.

New website for Lisa Redshaw Design

The refreshed Lisa Redshaw Design website is now live. Designed by Smith Design (looking sharp, Mel 👏) and built by me, it’s modern, professional, and easy to use. Every detail reflects Lisa’s interior design style, making it easy for clients to connect with her work.

Fresh look for BOP Open Studios

The updated BOP Open Studios section is now live on the Garden & Art Festival website. The goal was to give it its own look and feel, something that stands out, while still feeling connected to the wider festival brand — a fresh identity, but still part of the bigger picture.

Branding refresh for Coast Palms & Cycads

The Coast Palms & Cycads website has a fresh new look. They were one of my very first clients, so it’s extra special to keep supporting their business as it grows. This update includes their new logo and colour scheme, giving the website a clean, modern feel.

Sneak Peeks

Wireframes for Seven Law

I’m working on the wireframes for the new Seven Law website. These are like blueprints; they help map out the structure before the design starts. Getting the foundation right now makes everything smoother later.

Seven Law website design

Following the wireframes is the website design for Seven Law. The design features a beautiful neutral colour scheme with a creative layout that feels professional and modern. Can’t wait to bring this one to life.

Website Tweaks and Enhancements

MNM Design – Small tweaks, big impact

I’ve rolled out some fresh updates for the MNM Design website, adding their latest projects, awards, and media mentions. A website isn’t something you set and forget. Keeping it updated helps your business stay current and shows clients what you’re currently doing.

Gordon Fridge – Email newsletters made easy

I’ve set up a new newsletter template on Brevo for Gordon Fridge. Now he can share weekly business-for-sale listings with buyers in a format that’s consistent, professional, and easy to update.

Fraser Clinic – Always tweaking

I’ve added two new team members to the Fraser Clinic website. Keeping your website up to date with your team, services, and news shows your business is active and thriving. A fresh website makes all the difference.

Watershed – Fresh footer for Watershed

The footer on the Watershed website has been updated. Fully responsive, looking great on phones, tablets, and desktops. We also added their newly received ISO logos, making the footer not only functional but polished and professional.

The post What we’ve been up to in August and September 2025 appeared first on Good Websites.