The document outlines key considerations for setting up a WordPress site, including hosting options, essential plugins, and customization tips. It distinguishes between managed WordPress hosting and self-hosted WordPress setups, highlighting their respective advantages and responsibilities for users. A checklist is provided to guide users through the setup process and ensure effective organization and maintenance of their WordPress environment.

1. Piecing Together the
WordPress Puzzle
Mary Anne Shew
WordCamp Toronto - Oct 2015
(See Also Resources Slide Deck)

2. Who am I?
Consultant: Websites, business, productivity.
Passionate about learning, teaching, writing.
And office supplies.
Page 2

3. Agenda
“I know what I want.
How do I make it happen in WP environment?”
Page 3

4. Agenda
“I know what I want.
How do I make it happen in WP environment?”
Page 4
Hosting Decision
A
• How much you know
• How much you are
willing to learn
• How much flexibility and
control you want

5. Agenda
“I know what I want.
How do I make it happen in WP environment?”
Page 5
Hosting Decision
WP Options
Key Plugins
A B
• Organize WP settings
• Install key plugins (if allowed)

6. Agenda
“I know what I want.
How do I make it happen in WP environment?”
Page 6
• More functions (if allowed)
• Add pages, posts, media
• Customize
Hosting Decision
WP Options
Key Plugins
More Plugins
Add Content
Customize
A B C

7. 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.)
Page 7

8. Page 8
A. Choose Your WP Hosting Option
Hosting Decision
WP Options
Key Plugins
More Plugins
Add Content
Customize
A B C
• How much you know
• How much you are
willing to learn
• How much flexibility and
control you want

9. • 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
Page 9
Hosting Service Drives Your Choices

10. • 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
Page 10
Hosting Service Drives Your Choices

11. 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.
Page 11
(*) Not to be confused with “managed hosting service” in which
a customer leases an entire server not shared with anyone else.

12. 1. Managed WordPress Hosting
Page 12
YOUR
BROWSER
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”

13. YOUR
BROWSER
Step 1: Managed WordPress Hosting
Page 13
Domain
Name
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.com
OR yourname.com

14. Domain
Name
Managed WP
Hosting Service
Your WP
Dashboard
WP
installed as
as part of
their site
setup
process
Page 14
<hosting.com>
WP Login&PW
YOUR
BROWSER
THE INTERNET
xyz123456.wordpress.com
OR yourname.com
Step 2: Managed WordPress Hosting
Host’s site setup process installs WP. Sends you an email with WP Dashboard login info.
Email
Accounts
(?)
Feature WP.com Free Others
Automatic WP
core updates
Yes Yes
Email accounts None Depends on
host
Default
WP Theme

15. Theme
(Free or Paid)
Your WP
Dashboard
Page 15
Domain
Name
YOUR
BROWSER
THE INTERNET
Step 3: Managed WordPress Hosting
xyz123456.wordpress.com
OR yourname.com
Choose and install your theme (AS ALLOWED BY HOST).
Email
Accounts
(?)
<hosting.com>
WP Login&PW
Managed WP
Hosting 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

16. Theme
(Free or Paid)
Your WP
Dashboard
Page 16
Domain
Name
Some
Plugins
THE INTERNET
Step 4: Managed WordPress Hosting
Choose and install plugins (AS ALLOWED BY HOST).
Email
Accounts
(?)
xyz123456.wordpress.com
OR yourname.com
<hosting.com>
WP Login&PW
YOUR
BROWSER
Managed WP
Hosting 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

17. Theme
(Free or Paid)
Your WP
Dashboard
Page 17
Domain
Name
Some
Plugins
THE INTERNET
Step 5: Managed WordPress Hosting
Understand your WP backup options (AS ALLOWED BY HOST).
Email
Accounts
(?)
xyz123456.wordpress.com
OR yourname.com
<hosting.com>
WP Login&PW
WP
Import/
Export
Host-Based
WP Backup
&Storage (?)
YOUR
BROWSER
Managed WP
Hosting 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.

18. Theme
(Free or Paid)
Your WP
Dashboard
Page 18
Domain
Name
Some
Plugins
THE INTERNET
Step 6: Managed WordPress Hosting
Understand if malware scan/repair is available.
Email
Accounts
(?)
xyz123456.wordpress.com
OR yourname.com
<hosting.com>
WP Login&PW
WP
Import/
Export
Host-Based
WP Backup
&Storage (?)
YOUR
BROWSER
Managed WP
Hosting Service
Feature WP.com Free Others
Malware
scan, fixes
Done
automatically.
Depends on
host. May be
included or
require a paid
upgrade.

19. Theme
(Free or Paid)
Your WP
Dashboard
Page 19
Domain
Name
Some
Plugins
THE INTERNET
Step 7: Managed WordPress Hosting
Understand tech support provided by host.
Email
Accounts
(?)
xyz123456.wordpress.com
OR yourname.com
<hosting.com>
WP Login&PW
WP
Import/
Export
Host-Based
WP Backup
&Storage (?)
YOUR
BROWSER
Managed WP
Hosting Service
Feature WP.com Free Others
Tech support Free Version:
Community
forums only
(according to their
site)
Look for
24/7 phone
support

20. 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.
Page 20

21. Page 21
YOUR
BROWSER
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”

22. Page 22
YOUR
BROWSER
Step 1: Self-Hosted WP
Buy domain through host or domain registrar.
Domain
Name
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

23. Domain
Name
Hosting Account
Page 23
YOUR
BROWSER
THE INTERNET
yourname.com
Step 2: Self-Hosted WP
Email
Accounts
hostingcp.com
Control 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.

24. Page 24
Step 2: Self-Hosted WP: Sample Control Panel (aka cPanel)
Manage
domain
email
accounts
Use
“QuickInstall”
to install WP
on your site

25. Your WP
Dashboard
Page 25
yourdomain.com
/wp-admin/
WP Login&PW
YOUR
BROWSER
Install WordPress
Step 3: Self-Hosted WP: “QuickInstall” WP Setup
hostingcp.com
Control Panel
Login&PW
WP
Import/
Export
Email
Accounts
Site (not WP)
Backup
& Storage
Hosting Account
Domain
Name
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

26. Your WP
Dashboard
Page 26
YOUR
BROWSER
You install desired theme and plugins.
Step 4: Self-Hosted WP
hostingcp.com
Control Panel
Login&PW
WP
Import/
Export
Email
Accounts
Site (not WP)
Backup
& Storage
Hosting Account
Domain
Name
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

27. Your WP
Dashboard
Page 27
YOUR
BROWSER
Establish backup function. Run it regularly.
Step 5: Self-Hosted WP
hostingcp.com
Control Panel
Login&PW
WP
Import/
Export
Email
Accounts
Site (not WP)
Backup
& Storage
Hosting Account
Domain
Name
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

28. Page 28
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

29. B.Organize WordPress (WP v4.3)
Page 29
Hosting Decision
WP Options
Key Plugins
A B C
• Organize WP settings
• Install key plugins (if allowed)
More Plugins
Add Content
Customize

30. 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.
Page 30

31. 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(*).
Page 31

32. C. Add Functions, Content
Page 32
Hosting Decision
WP Options
Plugin Options
More Plugins
Create Content
Customize
A B C
• More plugins (if allowed)
• Add pages, posts, media
• Customize

33. 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/OR
10. Import content if transferring from WordPress.com.
Page 33

34. 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.
Page 34

35. WP Site Customization Summary 1
WP Method Things That Can Be Customized Difficulty
WordPress 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
Page 35

36. Page 36
WP Site Customization Summary 2
What this item
controls
Background, header,
other images
Page/ post text
fonts, colors, sizes
Page / post content,
functionality
Theme Defines default image
sizes, locations
Paragraph 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)

37. What We’ve Covered
“I know what I want.
How do I make it happen in WP environment?”
Page 37
Hosting Decision
More Plugins
Add Content
Customize
WP Options
Key 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

38. Resources Slides
Page 38
• 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

39. Thanks for being here!
Mary Anne Shew
@shewtime
mashew@BizVitality.com
Page 39

40. Piecing Together the WordPress
Puzzle
Resource Slides

41. Resources Table of Contents
1. WordPress.com Versus WordPress.org
2. WordPress.com Managed WP Hosting
3. WordPress.org Software Info
4. WordPress Hosting Feature Comparison
Charts
5. Dashboard Setup Checklists
Page 41

42. Resources Table of Contents
6. Recommended Books
7. Site Version Control
8. Manage Your Work
9. Know Your Backup Options
10.Other Final Tips
Page 42

43. Page 43
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.
WordPress.comVersusWordPress.org

44. Page 44
To see this chart on
WP.com:
1. Sign up for FREE
WP.com account
2. Click “My Site”
3. Click on “Plan”
4. Click on “Compare
Plans” underneath
comparison chart
WordPress.com: Managed WP Hosting

45. 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/
Page 45

46. • 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 options
https://en.support.wordpress.com/help-support-options/
Page 46
WordPress.com: Managed WP Hosting

47. 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
Page 47

48. 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.
Page 48

49. 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”
Page 49

50. HOST-LEVEL SERVICES WORDPRESS OPERATIONS
Type of
Hosting
Level of
Hosting
Expertise
Required
Tech
Support
Available
Host
Control
Panel
Access
Email
Acct(s)
Included
Host WP
Malware
Scan /
Removal
Host
Runs
WP
Bkups
Run Your
Own WP
Backups
Access To
WP
Import /
Export
Choice
of
Themes
Install
Plugins
1a. FREE
Managed
WordPres
s.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;
selectio
n
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)
Page 50

51. Page 51
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

52. Page 52
See above.
The Dashboard menu will vary with type of hosting plan,
WP version, theme, and plugins used.
WordPress OptionsWordPress Dashboard Setup Checklist
RECOMMENDED SETTINGS for Settings
1. 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

53. Page 53
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

54. Page 54
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

55. Page 55
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.
11
Posts > Categories: Are like chapters in a book
Posts > 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.
10
Backup 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

56. 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
Page 56

57. 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
.htaccess
Note: 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

58. 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.
Page 58

59. Site Version Control
When 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.
Page 59

60. 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.
Page 60

61. 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.
Page 61

62. 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).
Page 62

63. 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/
Page 63