Editorial Policy

Trust is earned. This page explains how we create content, how we test and rate products, and the principles that guide every article we publish on ZeroToWP.

1. Our Editorial Standards

Every piece of content we publish must meet three criteria before it goes live:

• Accuracy: all facts, instructions, and claims are verified. When we say a plugin has a particular feature or a hosting plan costs a certain amount, we confirm it at the time of writing.
• First-hand experience: we do not write about tools we have not used. Our tutorials are based on things we have actually done, and our reviews are based on products we have actually installed and tested.
• Clarity: WordPress can be intimidating for beginners. We write in plain language, explain technical terms when they come up, and include screenshots and step-by-step instructions wherever possible.

2. How We Test Products

When we review a WordPress plugin, theme, or hosting provider, we follow a consistent testing process:

• We install the product on a real WordPress site — not a demo or sandbox environment.
• We configure it the way a typical user would, following the product's own documentation.
• We use it for a meaningful period — not just a quick click-through. For hosting, this means running actual sites. For plugins, this means using them in real-world scenarios.
• We test key functionality, note any issues or limitations, and take screenshots to document our experience.
• Where relevant, we run performance benchmarks (page load times, server response times) using industry-standard tools.

For a more detailed look at our testing methodology, see our How We Test page.

3. How We Rate Products

Our product ratings are based on five equally weighted criteria:

• Ease of use: how intuitive is the setup process and day-to-day interface? Can a beginner figure it out without watching tutorials?
• Performance: does it do its job well without slowing down your site? Is it reliable under real-world conditions?
• Features: does it offer the functionality users actually need? Are the features well-implemented or just checkbox items?
• Value for money: is the pricing fair for what you get? How does it compare to alternatives at the same price point?
• Support: how responsive and helpful is the support team? Is documentation available and well-maintained?

Each criterion is scored individually, and the final rating is an average of all five scores. We do not round up to make products look better than they are.

4. Affiliate Relationships

We earn commissions through affiliate links to some of the products we review and recommend. This is how we fund the site and keep our content free.

Here is what we want to be absolutely clear about: affiliate commissions never influence our ratings, rankings, or recommendations. A product with a generous affiliate program will receive a low score if it does not perform well. A product with no affiliate program will receive a high score if it deserves one.

We only recommend products we would use on our own sites. If we would not install it on a site we care about, we will not recommend it to you — regardless of the commission.

5. Corrections Policy

We strive for accuracy, but mistakes happen. When we discover an error — whether we catch it ourselves or a reader points it out — we correct it promptly. For significant corrections, we add a note at the top or bottom of the article explaining what was changed and when.

If you spot an error in any of our content, please let us know at info@staycoolairco.nl. We take every report seriously and will investigate promptly.

6. Editorial Independence

ZeroToWP is an independent publication. We are not owned by, affiliated with, or financially controlled by any hosting company, plugin developer, theme shop, or other WordPress-related business.

No company can pay for a favorable review. No sponsor can influence our editorial direction. Our recommendations are based solely on our own research, testing, and experience.

7. Author Expertise

All content on ZeroToWP is written by people with real, hands-on WordPress experience. We have collectively built dozens of WordPress sites, tested hundreds of plugins and themes, and navigated the full range of WordPress challenges — from initial setup to complex migrations and performance optimization.

We do not outsource content to writers who lack experience with the topics they cover. When we write about a tool, we have used it. When we describe a workflow, we have done it.

8. Update Frequency

The WordPress ecosystem moves quickly. Plugins release new versions, hosting providers change their plans, and best practices evolve. To keep our content reliable, we review and update our articles at least once a year — and more frequently for fast-changing topics like hosting reviews and security guides.

Each article displays a "last updated" date so you always know how current the information is. If a product undergoes a major change between updates, we prioritize refreshing that content immediately.

9. Contact Us

We welcome feedback, corrections, suggestions, and questions about our editorial process. You can reach us at: info@staycoolairco.nl

Transparency is not just a section on a page for us — it is how we operate. If something on this site does not meet the standards described above, we want to hear about it.