Piecing Together the WordPress Puzzle Mary Anne Shew WordCamp Toronto - Oct 2015 (See Also Resources Slide Deck)
Piecing Together the WordPress Puzzle
Mary Anne ShewWordCamp Toronto - Oct 2015
(See Also Resources Slide Deck)
Who am I?Consultant: Websites, business, productivity. Passionate about learning, teaching, writing.
And office supplies.
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Agenda
“I know what I want. How do I make it happen in WP environment?”
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Hosting Decision
A
• How much you know• How much you are
willing to learn• How much flexibility and
control you want
Agenda
“I know what I want. How do I make it happen in WP environment?”
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Hosting Decision WP OptionsKey Plugins
A B
• Organize WP settings• Install key plugins (if allowed)
Agenda
“I know what I want. How do I make it happen in WP environment?”
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• More functions (if allowed)• Add pages, posts, media• Customize
Hosting Decision WP OptionsKey Plugins
More PluginsAdd ContentCustomize
A B C
Assumptions
• You have set up and maintained a WP site. (Basic experience with WP Dashboard.)
• You need a solid site. (Supports a small business or non-profit organization.)
• You are thinking about moving to higher level of customization. (Move to “self-hosted.”)
• You’d like to have an organized set of steps to follow. (Update it as you learn.)
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A. Choose Your WP Hosting Option
Hosting Decision WP OptionsKey Plugins
More PluginsAdd ContentCustomize
A B C
• How much you know• How much you are
willing to learn• How much flexibility and
control you want
• Domain name– Use xyz12356.wordpress.com or yourname.com– Where domain is registered– How it gets connected to hosted site
• Backups– Whether host backs up your WP site or only the entire site– Availability / access to host WP backups for restores
• Tech support availability from hosting service
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Hosting Service Drives Your Choices
• Email accounts– Use outside account, e.g., Gmail– Use your domain name; how many accounts you can have
• Which WP themes you can use• Which WP plugins you can use (if any)• Who does WP core and security updates• Protection / recovery from malware and
hackers
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Hosting Service Drives Your Choices
2 Types of WP Hosting: Features(Linux Operating System Only)
1. Managed WordPress Hosting Feature Summary
Hosting service(*) that installs WordPress for you as part of the initial hosting setup process. (Access to Control Panel varies.)
What this type of hosting does for you:1. WP+MySQL database installed for you.2. May have limited storage.3. Limited customization, plugins.4. No access to WP files or database.5. WP core updates done by host.6. May provide malware scans and fixes.
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(*) Not to be confused with “managed hosting service” in which a customer leases an entire server not shared with anyone else.
1. Managed WordPress Hosting
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YOURBROWSER
THE INTERNET
Managed WP Hosting Plans
(1a) Wordpress.com (by Automattic.com)• FREE • “Premium,” “Business” paid plans (not
covered today)
(1b) Others• BlueHost.com: “Optimized Hosting for WP”• PlanetHoster.net: (no plan shown)• DreamHost.com: “DreamPress 2”• GoDaddy.com: “Basic”• SiteGround.com: (no plan shown)• Hostgator.com: “Blog”
YOURBROWSER
Step 1: Managed WordPress Hosting
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DomainName
THE INTERNET
Feature WP.com Free Others
Domain name
Default is “xyz123456.wordpress.com.” You choose prefix. Can pay to use custom domain (registered through them or preregistered elsewhere).
Custom registered domain required. Can get at time of signup or use a preregistered domain name.
Decide domain name.
xyz123456.wordpress.comOR yourname.com
DomainName
Managed WPHosting Service
Your WPDashboard
WP installed as as part of their site setup process
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<hosting.com> WP Login&PW
YOURBROWSER
THE INTERNET
xyz123456.wordpress.comOR yourname.com
Step 2: Managed WordPress HostingHost’s site setup process installs WP. Sends you an email with WP Dashboard login info.
EmailAccounts
(?)
Feature WP.com Free Others
Automatic WP core updates
Yes Yes
Email accounts None Depends on host
Default WP Theme
Theme(Free or Paid)
Your WPDashboard
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DomainName
YOURBROWSER
THE INTERNET
Step 3: Managed WordPress Hosting
xyz123456.wordpress.comOR yourname.com
Choose and install your theme (AS ALLOWED BY HOST).
EmailAccounts
(?)
<hosting.com> WP Login&PW
Managed WPHosting Service
Feature WP.com Free Others
Theme choices
Limited to the 361 free and paid themes they offer
Theme choice may depend on host
Install different theme
Theme(Free or Paid)
Your WPDashboard
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DomainName
Some Plugins
THE INTERNET
Step 4: Managed WordPress HostingChoose and install plugins (AS ALLOWED BY HOST).
EmailAccounts
(?)
xyz123456.wordpress.comOR yourname.com
<hosting.com> WP Login&PW
YOURBROWSER
Managed WPHosting Service
Feature WP.com Free Others
Plugins Includes popular plugin functionality; no installs allowed
Depends on host; some plugins blacklisted; NO backup plugins
Install plugin—maybe
Theme(Free or Paid)
Your WPDashboard
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DomainName
Some Plugins
THE INTERNET
Step 5: Managed WordPress HostingUnderstand your WP backup options (AS ALLOWED BY HOST).
EmailAccounts
(?)
xyz123456.wordpress.comOR yourname.com
<hosting.com> WP Login&PW
WPImport/Export
Host-BasedWP Backup
&Storage (?)
YOURBROWSER
Managed WPHosting Service
Feature WP.com Free Others
WP Backups
Done by WP.com; frequency not publicized. Not available to restore your WP site.
Daily backup by host; kept for 30 days. One-click restore available.
WP Export / Import Function
It’s what they recommend for backups by users.
Available.
Theme(Free or Paid)
Your WPDashboard
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DomainName
Some Plugins
THE INTERNET
Step 6: Managed WordPress HostingUnderstand if malware scan/repair is available.
EmailAccounts
(?)
xyz123456.wordpress.comOR yourname.com
<hosting.com> WP Login&PW
WPImport/Export
Host-BasedWP Backup
&Storage (?)
YOURBROWSER
Managed WPHosting Service
Feature WP.com Free Others
Malware scan, fixes
Done automatically.
Depends on host. May be included or require a paid upgrade.
Theme(Free or Paid)
Your WPDashboard
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DomainName
Some Plugins
THE INTERNET
Step 7: Managed WordPress HostingUnderstand tech support provided by host.
EmailAccounts
(?)
xyz123456.wordpress.comOR yourname.com
<hosting.com> WP Login&PW
WPImport/Export
Host-BasedWP Backup
&Storage (?)
YOURBROWSER
Managed WPHosting Service
Feature WP.com Free Others
Tech support Free Version: Community forums only (according to their site)
Look for 24/7 phone support
2 Types of WP Hosting: Features (Linux Operating System Only)
1. Managed WordPress Hosting Feature Summary
2. Self-Hosted WP Feature Summary
Hosting service that installs WordPress for you as part of the initial hosting setup process. (Access to Control Panel varies.)
What this type of hosting does for you:1. WP+MySQL database installed for you.2. May have limited storage.3. Limited customization, plugins.4. No access to WP files or database.5. All WP sw updates done by host.6. May provide malware scans, fixes.
The usual website hosting plans. Host gives you ability to install WordPress via the Control Panel’s “QuickInstall” feature.
What this type of hosting does for you:1. You install WP+MySQL database.2. Unlimited storage (based on plan).3. Unlimited customization, plugins, etc.4. Full access to files and database.5. You update WP core, themes, plugins.6. Check with host for malware services.
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YOURBROWSER
THE INTERNET
2. Self-Hosted WP
Self-Hosted WP Plans• BlueHost.com: “Starter”• PlanetHoster.net: “Hybrid Mono”• DreamHost.com: “Shared Hosting”• GoDaddy.com: “Economy”• SiteGround.com: “StartUp”• HostGator.com: “Hatchling”
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YOURBROWSER
Step 1: Self-Hosted WP Buy domain through host or domain registrar.
DomainName
THE INTERNET
Feature Hosting Service
Domain name Custom registered domain required. Can get at time of hosting signup or use one you already have. If already registered elsewhere, it needs to be pointed to your hosting service.
yourname.com
DomainName
Hosting Account
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YOURBROWSER
THE INTERNET
yourname.com
Step 2: Self-Hosted WP
EmailAccounts
hostingcp.comControl Panel
Login&PW
Manage email accounts here
Site (not WP)
Backup& Storage
Host’s site setup process is complete. Sends you email with login info to Control Panel. (NOT WP ADMIN PANEL AT THIS STAGE).
Feature Hosting Service
Site backup Host runs weekly backups of entire site. You can request restores of ENTIRE site only.
Email accounts Yes; they use your domain name. Set up accounts via Control Panel.
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Step 2: Self-Hosted WP: Sample Control Panel (aka cPanel)
Managedomainemailaccounts
Use “QuickInstall”to install WP on your site
Your WPDashboard
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yourdomain.com/wp-admin/
WP Login&PW
YOURBROWSER
Install WordPressStep 3: Self-Hosted WP: “QuickInstall” WP Setup
hostingcp.comControl Panel
Login&PW
WPImport/ Export
EmailAccounts
Site (not WP)
Backup& Storage
Hosting Account
DomainName
THE INTERNET
Default WP Theme
Feature Hosting Service
WordPress software install
“QuickInstall” installs WP environment, default theme, plugin(s); creates login for Dashboard; emails admin login info to you.
WP Import/Export Available after you install WordPress software.
Via Control Panel “QuickInstall”
Default Plugins
yourname.com
Your WPDashboard
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YOURBROWSER
You install desired theme and plugins.Step 4: Self-Hosted WP
hostingcp.comControl Panel
Login&PW
WPImport/ Export
EmailAccounts
Site (not WP)
Backup& Storage
Hosting Account
DomainName
THE INTERNET
Theme(Free or Paid)
Plugins(Free or Paid)
You choose
yourdomain.com/wp-admin/
WP Login&PW
Feature Hosting Service
Theme, plugin choices Completely up to you.
Automatic WP software updates Host doesn’t do this. See p. 28.
yourname.com
Your WPDashboard
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YOURBROWSER
Establish backup function. Run it regularly.Step 5: Self-Hosted WP
hostingcp.comControl Panel
Login&PW
WPImport/ Export
EmailAccounts
Site (not WP)
Backup& Storage
Hosting Account
DomainName
THE INTERNET
Theme(Free or Paid)
Plugins(Free or Paid)
Dropbox(WP Bkps)
yourdomain.com/wp-admin/
WP Login&PW
Feature Hosting Service
WP site backups (Not done by hosting service)
You establish cloud storage account (e.g., Dropbox); install a backup plugin; configure settings; connect it to cloud storage.
yourname.com
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Maintain WP environment.Step 6: Self-Hosted WP
See Resources for charts that compare hosting features and plans.
Feature Hosting Service
WP software, theme, plugin updates
You update via WP Dashboard, run backups, etc.
Malware scan, fixes Depends on host. Might not be included or must pay for an upgrade to get this.
Tech support Look for 24/7 phone support
B. Organize WordPress (WP v4.3)
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Hosting Decision WP OptionsKey Plugins
A B C
• Organize WP settings• Install key plugins (if allowed)
More PluginsAdd ContentCustomize
Checklist to Set Dashboard Options
• Checklists are powerful.– Save you time and effort.– Stay consistent.
• Keep a notebook.– Write down what you did.– Write down what happened.– Write down how you got out of trouble .– Adjust your checklist.
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Dashboard Checklist-Part 1(*) If Host Allows / Within Storage Limits
See Resources slides for detailed steps showing related Dashboard options.1. Login to WP Dashboard; adjust to your preferences.2. Update WP, theme(*) if newer release available.3. Manage users; have as few admins as possible.4. Set Settings menu items (General, Writing, etc.).5. Install and configure backup plugin(*).6. Run first manual backup(*).
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C. Add Functions, Content
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Hosting Decision WP OptionsPlugin Options
More Plugins Create ContentCustomize
A B C
• More plugins (if allowed)• Add pages, posts, media• Customize
Dashboard Checklist-Part 2(*) If Host Allows / Within Storage Limits
See Resources slides for detailed steps showing related Dashboard options.7. Install other key plugins such as Overwrite
Uploads(*).8. Run another manual backup(*).9. Create a few page(s) and post(s). Upload images,
PDFs, etc. to Media(*). Don’t upload videos.
AND/OR10. Import content if transferring from WordPress.com.
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Dashboard Checklist-Part 2(*) If Host Allows / Within Storage Limits
See Resources slides for detailed steps showing Dashboard option.11. Adjust styles; set up widgets; create menu(s).12. Run another manual backup(*). Then run backups as
needed. Set up automatic backups, if possible.
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WP Site Customization Summary 1WP Method Things That Can Be Customized DifficultyWordPress core files DON’T TOUCH! Instead, use Customizer,
Custom CSS (if theme provides place to do that), or child theme.
Just don’t—unless you created the theme.
Admin area & default WP settings
Enable/disable comments, number of posts to display, enabling/disabling site registration, change permalink structure.
Easiest
Install theme Hosting choice affects what themes and plugins you can install.
Easy
Configure theme options / widgets
Colors, fonts, fonts/sizes, sidebar positioning, header images, background images, menus
Easy to Advanced
Put stuff into widgets Add search bar, category drop down, tag cloud, and much more. Many plugins use widget for placement, e.g., social media icons/links, event calendar.
Medium / Advanced
Install, configure plugins
Driven by each plugin. Easy to Advanced
Create child theme Change PHP files (e.g., 404.php); change CSS. Medium / Advanced
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WP Site Customization Summary 2What this item
controlsBackground, header,
other imagesPage/ post text fonts,
colors, sizesPage / post content,
functionalityTheme Defines default image
sizes, locationsParagraph headers, text, post meta data, etc.
(1) Layouts, edit box to insert text / image content
Customizer (4) Specify images, size in various locations (image stored in Media)
Paragraph headers, text, post meta data, etc.
Text padding, spacing, boxing
Widgets (5) Depends on widget, e.g., can use shortcode to display gallery.
N/A (2) Header, sidebar, footer, grid text/ image content
Plugins E.g., slider, gallery on home or other pages
Possible? (3) E.g., forms, social media links
At least five different places to put text/image content(Plus PHP files might control content too, like 404.php)
What We’ve Covered
“I know what I want. How do I make it happen in WP environment?”
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Hosting DecisionMore PluginsAdd ContentCustomize
WP OptionsKey Plugins
• How much you know• How much you are
willing to learn• How much flexibility and
control you want
• Organize WP settings• Install key plugins (if
allowed)
• More plugins (if allowed)• Add pages, posts, media• Customize
A B C
Resources Slides
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• Lots of info on WP.com vs WP.org• Hosting Feature/Plan Comparison Charts• Pictorial checklist showing Dashboard options• Recommended books:
If going to self-hosting: The Tao of WordPress by Chris Coyier, Jeff Starr
• Cautions about tracking content versions• Other Final Tips
Resources Table of Contents
1. WordPress.com Versus WordPress.org2. WordPress.com Managed WP Hosting3. WordPress.org Software Info4. WordPress Hosting Feature Comparison
Charts5. Dashboard Setup Checklists
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Resources Table of Contents
6. Recommended Books7. Site Version Control8. Manage Your Work9. Know Your Backup Options10.Other Final Tips
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WordPress.com: Managed WP Hosting WordPress.org Is NOT a Hosting Service
Focus on your content, and they handle the rest. WordPress software has to be installed on a paid hosting service.
Free domain name included. Custom domain use is $13/year. Hosting, security, and backups are included with free version.
Need a registered domain name. Need to find a host and perform backups and maintenance yourself.
Choose from hundreds of themes (free and paid). Paid upgrade options provide more customization ability.
AFTER WP INSTALLED ON YOUR HOSTING SERVICE: Install free or paid themes. Or build your own theme with HTML, PHP and CSS.
Can connect site with Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and other social networks.
AFTER WP INSTALLED ON YOUR HOSTING SERVICE: Can insert links to social media using widgets and/or plugins.
Features like stats, comments, and polls are included. No plugin installs allowed.
AFTER WP INSTALLED ON YOUR HOSTING SERVICE: Can install plugins to extend your site’s functionality.
Support via WordPress.com: forums (free), email (paid), live chat (paid).
Visit the WordPress.org support forums for assistance. Hosting support also available.
You must register for an account and abide by their Terms of Service.
No registration with WordPress.org is required.
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To see this chart on WP.com:1. Sign up for FREE
WP.com account2. Click “My Site”3. Click on “Plan”4. Click on “Compare
Plans” underneath comparison chart
WordPress.com: Managed WP Hosting
WordPress.com: Managed WP Hosting
• Their current three plans (including Free): https://store.wordpress.com/plans/
• About WP.com Built-in Plugin Functionality: https://en.support.wordpress.com/plugins/
• About WP.com Export/Import Function (uploads/images not included). – What’s exported here varies from standard
WordPress Export function: https://en.support.wordpress.com/export/
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• WP.com info by topic https://en.support.wordpress.com/category/appearance/
• WP.com contact info https://en.support.wordpress.com/contact/
• WP.com help optionshttps://en.support.wordpress.com/help-support-options/
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WordPress.com: Managed WP Hosting
WordPress.org Software Info
• WordPress.org Codex FAQs http://codex.wordpress.org/FAQ
• “Top 100 WP Beginner FAQs” http://bit.ly/1FidzgO
• “Top 10 FAQs About WordPress” http://bit.ly/1NaEKC3
• “Top 10 WordPress Mistakes to Avoid” http://bit.ly/1MVfQ9N
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Types of WP Hosting: Features (Linux Operating System Only)
1. Managed WordPress Hosting Feature Summary
2. Self-Hosted WP Feature Summary
Hosting service that installs WordPress for you as part of the initial hosting setup process. (Access to Control Panel varies.)
What this type of hosting does for you:1. WP+MySQL database installed for you.2. May have limited storage.3. Limited customization, plugins.4. No access to WP files or database.5. All WP core updates done by host.6. May provide malware scans, fixes.
The usual website hosting plans. Host gives you ability to install WordPress via the Control Panel’s “QuickInstall” feature.
What this type of hosting does for you:1. You install WP+MySQL database.2. Unlimited storage (based on plan).3. Unlimited customization, plugins, etc.4. Full access to files and database.5. You update WP core, themes, plugins.6. Check with host for malware services.
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Types of WP Hosting: Plans (Linux Operating System Only)
1. Managed WordPress Hosting Plans
2. Self-Hosted WP Plans
Hosting service that installs WordPress for you as part of the initial hosting setup process. (Control Panel access varies.)
The usual website hosting plans. Host gives you ability to install WordPress via the Control Panel’s “Quick Install” feature.
(1a) Wordpress.com (by Automattic.com)a. FREE b. “Premium,” “Business” paid plans
(not covered here)
(Not applicable)
(1b) Others• BlueHost.com: “Optimized Hosting for WP”• PlanetHoster.net: (no plan shown)• DreamHost.com: “DreamPress 2”• GoDaddy.com: “Basic”• SiteGround.com: (no plan shown)• Hostgator.com: “Blog”
(2) Self-Hosted WP Plans• BlueHost.com: “Starter”• PlanetHoster.net: “Hybrid Mono”• DreamHost.com: “Shared Hosting”• GoDaddy.com: “Economy”• SiteGround.com: “StartUp”• HostGator.com: “Hatchling”
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HOST-LEVEL SERVICES WORDPRESS OPERATIONSType of Hosting
Level of Hosting Expertise Required
TechSupport Available
HostControl Panel Access
Email Acct(s) Included
Host WPMalware Scan / Removal
Host Runs WP Bkups
Run Your Own WP Backups
Access To WP Import / Export
Choice of Themes
Install Plugins
1a. FREE Managed WordPress.com
Very low WP.com comm-unity forums
No No Yes / Yes Yes / No access
No Yes Their pre-selected themes
No
1b. Managed WP Hosting PAID
Low to moder-ate
Ideal: 24/7 phone support
No / Maybe
Maybe Paid Option
Daily / Last 30 Days
No Yes Free or paid ok; selection limited
Some
2. Self-Hosted “Generic”PAID
High Ideal: 24/7 phone support
Yes Yes No or Is Paid Option
No Yes Yes Free or paid ok
Yes
Hosting and WP Feature Summary(Linux-Based Hosting Only)
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WordPress Dashboard Setup Checklist
WP info: Whatever you choose to see via Screen Options. 1
Adjust content of any screen via Screen Options in upper-right corner.
The Dashboard menu will vary with type of hosting plan, WP version, theme, and plugins used.
Using WP Theme “Twenty-Sixteen”
WordPress Options
Lists updates released for WP, themes, plugins (IF HOST ALLOWS THEM). One-Click Install could have used older WP versions of software or WP theme. If so, update them now.
2
Menu item is always shown, even if comments are turned off via WP or theme.Depending on theme you install, it may show up here in the Dashboard menu and provide additional customization options.
Establish/manage user accounts, different privilege levels. NO “ADMIN” USER NAME! 3
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See above.
The Dashboard menu will vary with type of hosting plan, WP version, theme, and plugins used.
WordPress OptionsWordPress Dashboard Setup ChecklistRECOMMENDED SETTINGS for Settings1. General: Title, Tagline. These are what show at top of site if you have no header logo
set.2. Writing (Change default category to something better than “Uncategorized.”)
a. Before creating posts, go to Posts>Categories and set at least one customized category name, e.g. “Blog.” (Don’t need to have posts to do this.)
b. Then go to Settings>Writing and reset default category name to “Blog.” c. Then go back to Posts>Categories and delete “Uncategorized.”
3. Reading:a. Set Front page to “Your latest posts” or “Static page” as appropriate.b. Max number of blog posts to show. c. Syndication (e.g., RSS) settings.d. Turn on/off search engine visibility. (Not every SE pays attention to this.)
4. Discussion: Manage comments, pingbacks, trackbacks, comment moderation.5. Media:
a. Image sizes for Thumbnail, Medium, Large. (I leave at default.) b. UNCLICK “Organize my uploads into month- and year-based folders.” The
default setting makes it difficult to replace a file with updated version. See “Suggested Key Plugin #2” step #8 (IF HOST ALLOWS IT).
6. Permalinks: Set to POST NAME. Creates user-readable file name from the post title.
4
4
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6
SUGGESTED KEY PLUGIN #1: “UpdraftPlus” Backup/Restore/Migrate-PD VERSION: Easy backup, restore, migrate; no FTP knowledge or use required.
Install selected backup plugin (IF HOST ALLOWS IT).
The Dashboard menu will vary with type of hosting plan, WP version, theme, and plugins used.
Key Plugins (If Hosting Allows)
Backup plugin may appear in Settings. Run 1st manual backup. (IF HOST ALLOWS IT)
WordPress Dashboard Setup Checklist
5
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Backup plugin may appear in Settings. Run manual backups after PLUGIN updates and changes. (IF HOST ALLOWS IT.)
The Dashboard menu will vary with type of hosting plan, WP version, theme, and plugins used.
More Plugins
Browse, choose, upload, install, activate additional plugins as needed. (IF HOST ALLOWS IT).
8
SUGGESTED KEY PLUGIN #2 (IF HOST ALLOWS IT): “Overwrite Uploads.” Otherwise, WP Media creates dupe file with adjusted file name if one of same name already in Library.
WordPress Dashboard Setup Checklist
7
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Library of uploaded files: images, PDFs (IF HOST ALLOWS IT). NO VIDEOS.
Create posts. Posts have “meta data”: author, dates, categories, tags, post calendar, etc.
Create pages. Static web pages.
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Posts > Categories: Are like chapters in a bookPosts > Tags: Are like index entries in back of a book---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dashboard menu will vary with type of hosting plan, WP version, theme, and plugins used.
Create Content
Customize (styles), Widgets (content/functions), Menus.
Pages/posts have to be published to be able to add them to menus.
10Backup plugin may appear in Settings. Run manual backups often (IF HOST ALLOWS IT). Keep log of what’s in each backup. 12
WordPress Dashboard Setup Checklist
Import posts/comments; export specific content from this site. ELSE IGNORE IT.
9
More WordPress Checklists• Build Your Blog in 5 Steps: http://bit.ly/
1PSMuWY • Build Your Website in 5 Steps: bit.ly/1i4m9Lc• 15 Steps-Checklist to Creating Perfect WP Web
Site: bit.ly/1NimoiA• Improve security of WP site: bit.ly/1iiCKLf
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All books below by Jeff Starr can be purchased as PDFs from https://wp-tao.com/store/• The Tao of WordPress: Beginner’s guide• Digging Into WordPress: Intermediate’s guide• WordPress Themes In Depth: Build themes• .htaccess made easy: Complete guide
to .htaccessNote: None of these provide logical path for adding content (text/images in various places) but are very organized about working with WP, themes, etc.
Highly Recommended Books
Site Version Control
In the olden days, a web developer had a current copy of the site (HTML, CSS, JS, images files, etc.) on her hard drive. • Everything was put together and tested on her hard
drive first, a.k.a., “staged.” • She made copies of individual files as backup on hard
drive before changing them.• When changes were verified on hard drive, then she
uploaded (“published”) them to live site.
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Site Version ControlWhen using WP, you may have some site files on hard drive, e.g., images you uploaded to the Media Library.• The only place the full site exists is online with host.• After you “publish” content or make admin changes
in WP, the content / change is immediately LIVE. – Currently no way within standard WP to see entire effect
of changes before publishing other than “Preview” of post or page.
• Where possible given your hosting choice, frequent backups/fast restores are your best defense.
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Managing Your Work
• Get to know in advance your options for recovering from mistakes.
• Keep a notebook—electronic or paper.
• Track what you do, especially if you are able to run your own backups.
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Know Your Backup Options• There probably will come a time when it will be
easier—or necessary—to start over completely.• If you use Managed WP hosting service:
– Find out from hosting service what your options are if you want to clear out EVERYTHING and start over.
• If you use Self-Hosted WP hosting service:– Find out how to have them completely reset the site or to
redo the One-Click Install if you just want to reset WP.– For your WP setup: If you backed up often and kept track,
you can restore an earlier version.
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Other Final Tips
• Make sure to know what to leave alone.– Do NOT use any of the Editors in Dashboard menu
to touch CSS or PHP code. – If you do, you could break the site.– If you do, your changes will disappear when the
next theme update overwrites them.• There are other ways to make CSS and PHP
changes safely (depending on host).
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Other Final Tips
• Track all website services you use to build each site.– Accounts for domain registrar, hosting, purchased
themes, WordPress.org (plugins), Dropbox, forms, Google Analytics/Search Console, etc.
– URLs, logins, passwords.– Free, editable tracking document:
http://bizvitality.com/toronto-wordcamp-2015/
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