WordPress was built as a blogging platform for all skill levels. It then turned into a Content Management System enabling businesses to create websites that are easy to manage. Now, WordPress is turning into a full compliment to every website concept imaginable and will continue to become more robust and secure. It’s built for easy management. With the right WordPress site setup, those with access should be able to easily manage the site’s design, add and modify menus, create page content and publish blog posts.
In this post we’ll showcase how to use Spark Logix Studios’ Framework, Respondo Pro (don’t worry, these topics also apply to most WP Themes). Respondo Pro was built for enterprise level websites and small business sites alike. Our custom Framework allows us to build dynamic, reliable and responsive websites that are easy to manage.
Create a New Page (or Post) with Content
Creating a new page in WordPress is not that much harder than sending out an email. However, there are a lot more options which in turn give you more control.
For a step by step guide on adding a blog post.
Adding a New Blog PostThe same rules for creating a blog post apply to creating a new page. This is where you should start!
When using the Respondo Pro WordPress Framework by Spark Logix Studios you also have available shortcodes to help create really great looking content without knowing how to actually code HTML and CSS.
Learn How to Use ShortcodesNow that you’ve learned about creating a page and how to use shortcodes we’ll review the “Visual” editing area on pages and posts.
Click to View Larger
The Visual Editor has several TinyMCE options for editing text. This is also where you add your shortcodes to design the page. If you find yourself in need of adding code to a page you’ll paste it in the “Text” Editor (tab located in top right of editing area next to “Visual”.
Here are a few Page Options (found below the editing area) that are available to help you manage the page’s look and function. These elements are in addition to the Visual and Text editors.
When creating pages for your site make sure to pay special attention to the page’s attributes.
Page Attributes
This is where you’ll select if your page has a parent page (or not). What does this mean? Let’s say you have 4 services you offer. You may want a “main” services page then 4 sub services pages that get into more detail. If that’s the case your URLs should be indicating the “parent page” and the breadcrumbs should also indicate the “parent page” for better user experience.
URL Example:
www.yourdomain.com/service (the parent page)
Child Page URL:
www.yourdomain.com/service/name-of-specific-service/
Page Templates
This is built right into the Framework. You have multiple page layout options (standard is full width “no sidebar”). Here you can select from several options.
We highly recommend reading through How to Add a Blog Post in WordPress for more details on creating a post (works the same as a page too).
Manage the Website’s Design
Typically you’re not going to need to make any modifications with the overall site design (unless you want to alter the design structure of the website). However, it’s nice to know what’s available (a way to expand and alter the site anytime you want).
With Respondo Pro we’ve built in a full suite of “Design Controls”. This group of options are very detailed and very powerful. We’ve spent years creating this dynamic design capacity and it’s always adapting and improving. With this overview we’ll cover available options.
Access the Options
After you’re logged in you’ll see the WordPress admin bar at the top of each page of your website. Hover over your website name and select Theme Options.
List of Options
When working with Spark Logix Studios you’re able to help craft a design or share your inspiration sites (whatever meets your needs), we then modify settings, create specific code and prepare your website to your exact liking. These available elements allow you to achieve future design changes with ease (and you don’t have to know how to write code).
Making a Change in Theme Options
While there are literally thousands of variations within theme options we’ll just showcase one to help you see how easy it is (after the site is developed) to make changes to your custom site.
If you wanted to change the default text font size just use the dropdown and select the new size you want or nearly any other option that’s visible on the website. You just need to login > Theme Options > Section (this example: “General Styling”) > select change you want made > “Save Changes”.
Add or Modify Menus
Let’s say you want to change the navigation in the header of your website? For example, add a new page or rearrange the order of your current pages.
In the dashboard of your WordPress website (on the left hand sidebar) visit: “Appearance” > click “Menus”
What the menus section looks like (click to view larger image for more detail).
Click to Enlarge
Add a New User
Standard WordPress User Settings
- Super Admin – somebody with access to the site network administration features and all other features. See the Create a Network article.
- Administrator – somebody who has access to all the administration features within a single site.
- Editor – somebody who can publish and manage posts including the posts of other users.
- Author – somebody who can publish and manage their own posts.
- Contributor – somebody who can write and manage their own posts but cannot publish them.
- Subscriber – somebody who can only manage their profile.
Your website may have specially created Users Roles built by Spark Logix Studios. If this is the case you should have detailed information on what settings have been configured for those specific user roles.
To add a new User: Login > Hover over “Users” > Click “Add New”
Completely fill in details for the user. Remind the user that they can reset their password if they are unable to remember it.
Miscellaneous WordPress Tips
In closing we’ll list a few small tips that we’ve found useful for our clients (think of it as a FAQ section).
Screen Options
Is something missing on a page you’re editing? Can’t see the Excerpt Field or Change the Author? It’s most likely you need to visit “Screen Options” (a dropdown at the top of the page).
THEN…
Publishing Options
With either a Post or Page the options are similar.
- Save Your Draft (to publish at a later time after you make edits or adjustments)
- Preview (will open a new tab to see your work)
- Publish (You can do it now after you click “Publish” or you can schedule another date and time)
Can’t see the Full “Kitchen Sink”
Make sure to click the icon to open it.
Paste Text (maybe HTML) from Another Website
If you do this you may end up copying the HTML from the site where you copied the content. Make sure to paste this in the “Text Editor” and then inspect the text, if there’s anything out of place you may want to delete it (the HTML from the text you copied over, not the text).
Do you have a specific question or addition? Ask or share in the comments.
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