Introduction
When it comes to website optimisation, every decision matters. Recently, a client approached us with a request to send an auto response email to their website applications, including a PDF waiver for the applicant to sign. Instead of opting for yet another bulky plugin that could potentially slow down the site, we took a different approach. We created custom code that integrated seamlessly with the Elementor Pro form module that was already in place.
Why Avoid Bulky Plugins?
Site Speed & Performance
Plugins can significantly impact your website’s speed and performance. Each plugin you add introduces additional code, which can slow down your site, affecting user experience and SEO rankings.
Security Concerns
Plugins are also potential security risks. Each one is a potential vulnerability that needs regular updates and maintenance to ensure it doesn’t become a target for malicious attacks.
Compatibility Issues
Adding multiple plugins increases the risk of compatibility issues. Conflicts between plugins can cause functionality problems, leading to a poor user experience and increased troubleshooting time.
Cost & Time
WordPress plugins often involve a monthly or annual subscription that can add up over several years. More importantly, the task of finding and evaluating WordPress plugins takes a good amount of time. Time that could be invested elsewhere.
Custom WordPress Code: A Superior Solution
Tailored to Specific Needs
Custom WordPress code is written specifically for your website’s needs. For our client, this meant a solution that perfectly fit their requirement to send an auto response email with PDF attachment.
Lightweight & Efficient
By writing custom code, we avoided the unnecessary bloat that comes with plugins. This keeps the website lightweight, ensuring faster load times and a better user experience.
Full Control & Flexibility
Custom code offers full control and flexibility. We can modify and adapt it as needed, ensuring it continues to meet the client’s requirements without any unnecessary extras.
Our Approach: Integrating with Elementor Pro
Understanding Elementor Pro’s Capabilities
Elementor Pro is a powerful page builder that offers extensive customisation options. By leveraging its capabilities, we were able to integrate our custom code seamlessly into the existing form setup.
Hooking into the Form
We used Elementor Pro’s hooks and filters to attach our custom code to the form submission process. The Elementor form already had an auto response feature, and our custom code added the functionality to include a PDF waiver as an attachment in the auto response email. This allowed automatic sending of an auto response email with the required PDF waiver whenever a new application was submitted.
Benefits of Our Custom Code Solution
Improved Site Performance
By avoiding a bulky plugin, we maintained optimal site performance. Our custom code ensured that the client’s website remained fast and responsive, enhancing the user experience.
Enhanced Security
With fewer plugins, there were fewer potential vulnerabilities. Our custom code was securely integrated, reducing the risk of security breaches.
Seamless User Experience
Our solution provided a seamless user experience. Applicants received the necessary auto response email with the PDF waiver attachment without any hitches, reflecting positively on our client’s professionalism.
Conclusion
In web development, efficiency and performance are paramount. Our decision to use custom code instead of a bulky plugin for our client’s auto response email requirement not only enhanced their site’s performance but also provided a tailored, secure, and seamless solution. By leveraging Elementor Pro’s capabilities, we demonstrated the power of custom solutions in delivering superior results.
