Title: Enhancing User Experience: Handling AJAX Filter States and Browser Navigation in WordPress

As developers, we often customize websites to meet specific client needs, especially when off-the-shelf solutions fall short. Recently, I’ve been working on a bespoke WordPress site for a freelance designer, built on a white-label basis, featuring AJAX-powered category filters designed from scratch.

While the filters function smoothly, I encountered an issue that’s worth considering for future projects: when users click on a post and then press the browser’s back button, the filters reset instead of recalling their previous selections.

This behavior highlights an important question—should we assume that AJAX filters should seamlessly preserve state across navigation, including back and forward actions? Many modern websites aim to provide a smooth user experience by maintaining filter settings, often through techniques like URL parameter updates or session storage.

In this case, my client hasn’t requested this feature explicitly, and implementing it would require additional development time—potentially a couple of days. Given the project’s scope and the favorable pricing already offered, I’m debating whether to include this enhancement as an extra service or leave the functionality as is.

From a professional standpoint, it’s advisable to communicate these considerations openly with clients and clarify whether persistent filter states are expected. If the feature significantly improves usability, presenting it as an optional upgrade ensures transparency and aligns expectations.

Ultimately, handling AJAX filters in the context of browser navigation is a valuable aspect of creating intuitive, user-friendly WordPress sites. While it may not be standard across all projects, proactively addressing such nuances can elevate the quality and professionalism of your work.