The official AMP for WordPress plugin has been significantly updated, introducing the capability to create websites entirely using AMP. This update enables new sites to be built with AMP from the outset, eliminating the need for separate page versions. This approach could potentially resolve the hidden URL issue that some publishers face with AMP. Typically, when AMP versions are displayed on platforms like Google News and Google Search, the original publisher’s URL is not shown. By building a site entirely with AMP, there would be no requirement for distinct AMP versions, ensuring the publisher’s URL appears in search results. Nonetheless, due to AMP’s limitations, not all sites can be feasibly constructed solely using this technology. Site owners should weigh the advantages and disadvantages before fully committing to AMP. This plugin update also allows users to enable AMP selectively on certain site sections or disable it on specific pages.
Other New Features
The latest version of the official AMP for WordPress plugin includes additional features such as:
- Content sanitizers: These tools help replace HTML tags with AMP components, optimize content, and provide validation feedback to the plugin’s compatibility tool.
- Compatibility tool: Supports further debugging of AMP issues.
- CSS Tree Shaking: Aids in managing CSS when existing rules surpass the maximum limit allowed on single AMP pages.
- Core theme support: Offers full AMP compliance for four default themes (i.e., 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019).
- Gutenberg integration: Facilitates AMP content creation that fully integrates with WordPress 5.0.
- Various enhancements: Includes improvements in code, performance, and developer experience.
- Compatibility enforcement: Ensures a site remains AMP-compatible and only serves AMP-valid content.
The developers highlight that this plugin is not yet a complete turn-key solution.
“It is important to note that the plugin is not a completely turn-key solution to “AMPlify your site”, but instead functions as a key enabling technology for a fully AMP compatible WordPress ecosystem.”
Future developments are expected to include turn-key solutions, but currently, the focus of the AMP Project is on driving ecosystem adoption.
