How to get started using WordPress

Let’s assume that you have installed WordPress, Builder, and a Builder Child theme. We strongly recommend that the next thing to do is to start adding content to the site. Resist the urge to mess around with the design elements of your site or the navigation details of your site. Create some content first!

Howto configure a new starter site

You have installed a new site. Here’s a list of things that you should do right away.

Howto license iThemes plugins and themes

This how to has gotten lots simpler in late 2013. A while ago, you had to license each iThemes component (theme, plugin) separately. Now you can do it all at once. Go to Settings > iThemes licensing You may see two sections: Licensed Products and Unlicensed Products. If you don’t see Unlicensed Products, you’re done. License all of the unlicensed…

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How to install the “Starter Site”

To make it easier to bring up a new site, we have created a “starter site” that contains a standard set of themes, plugins, and configuration settings that make it easier for newbies to get started. The Starter Site gets you up and running quickly.

How to install WordPress manually

iThemes has published a nice ebook called “How-to Install WordPress Manually: Securing and de-bloating WordPress”. It contains a short section on why  you want to do this. Short version: better security of your site better control over exactly what gets installed It also starts by telling you how to create your own database.

How to create and manage a Mailchimp account

This is a rough draft. Please make suggestions for improvement by leaving a comment. Or, if you have credentials that allow you to edit this, go ahead. Sign up for a free Mailchimp account. Go to mailchimp. Click on the Sign up for free account. Fill in the form. Mailchimp will send you an email asking you to confirm that…

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Update WordPress Or Plugins First?

From time to time, a new version of WordPress or your favorite plugin is released. When either a plugin or WordPress is released, WordPress makes it easy to upgrade with one click. However, what should you do if you have a WordPress update and plugin updates pending? Which should you update first? Update WordPress First Updating WordPress brings in new…

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New Social Sharing Plugin from WP Beginner

In the past, I have recommended AddThis and ShareThis for social toolbars. I’m strongly considering changing that recommendation. WP Beginner just announced a new plugin called Floating Social Bar (FSB, for short). I have installed it on a few of my hobby, sandbox, and development sites, including ExpertWebSupport. So far, I really like the plugin. It is easy to configure…

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How to create content for the sidebar

There are two kinds of content that can appear in the sidebar: hand-coded and automatically-generated.

How to create categories

Categories provide the primary navigation mechanism for the site. This page describes how to create and manage categories.