Matt Cromwell PRO
Matt Cromwell is COO at Impress.org, makers of GiveWP -- the best way to fundraise online with WordPress.
Welcome & Overview
-
Setting up your Local Environment
Gregg Franklin (ServerPress) -
Troubleshooting Plugins and Themes
Matt Cromwell (WordImpress) -
Customizing without Hacking
Lucy Beer (WP Rocket) -
How to Teach Yourself CSS
Matt Cromwell (WordImpress) -
How to be Strategic about Getting Content in Your WordPress Site
Christina Hills (Website Creation Workshop)
Setting Up Your Local Environment
Greg Franklin | @greggfranklin | ServerPress.com
Gregg Franklin
@greggfranklin
serverpress.com
Setting UP Your Local Environment
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Benefits to working locally
- It's faster since you don't have to wait on your network connection.
- Hides sites from potential visitors while you work the bugs out
- Ability to work offline and anywhere
Gregg Franklin
@greggfranklin
serverpress.com
Setting UP Your Local Environment
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Options for Local
- VVV- Varying Vagrant Vagrants
- MAMP
- WAMP
- DesktopServer
Gregg Franklin
@greggfranklin
serverpress.com
Setting UP Your Local Environment
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Gregg Franklin
@greggfranklin
serverpress.com
Setting UP Your Local Environment
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Gregg Franklin
@greggfranklin
serverpress.com
Setting UP Your Local Environment
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Plugin & Theme Troubleshooting
Matt Cromwell | @learnwithmattc | mattcromwell.com
Why Do Things Go Kablooey!?
- Not because of WordPress
- Most often NOT because a theme or plugin is "broken"
- More likely a plugin or theme not playing nice with another plugin or theme.
Matt Cromwell
@learnwithmattc
mattcromwell.com
Plugin and Theme Troubleshooting
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Tools you Need
- WP_DEBUG in wp-config.php (a PHP constant)
- Debug Bar
- Root Access
Matt Cromwell
@learnwithmattc
mattcromwell.com
Plugin and Theme Troubleshooting
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Play time!
WP-Core
9486RYPp3FGOkjyTQMPc
Matt Cromwell
@learnwithmattc
mattcromwell.com
Plugin and Theme Troubleshooting
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
How to Get Good Support
- Narrow down the problem
- Describe the problem in a way that the support person can duplicate
- Provide System Info (Send System Info plugin)
- Be kind and patient
Matt Cromwell
@learnwithmattc
mattcromwell.com
Plugin and Theme Troubleshooting
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Customizing
Without Hacking
Lucy Beer | @webtw | WebTrainingWheels.com
Who am I?
WordPress-in' since 2004
Helping individuals & small businesses with WordPress & consulting since 2009
Currently: Customer Happiness at WP Rocket
Lucy Beer
@webtw
WebTrainingWheels.com
Customizing
Without Hacking
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
No Hacks, No Worries
- Future Proof -- updating while keeping customizations safe
- Have peace of mind and not break your site :-)
- Do things the "WordPress" way
Lucy Beer
@webtw
WebTrainingWheels.com
Customizing
Without Hacking
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
No No's
Do Not:
- Modify parent theme files directly
- Modify WordPress core files
- Use Appearance > Editor
- Cowboy code!
Lucy Beer
@webtw
WebTrainingWheels.com
Customizing
Without Hacking
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Overview
- Modify theme CSS
- Add some custom PHP
- Introduce the concept of child themes
Lucy Beer
@webtw
WebTrainingWheels.com
Customizing
Without Hacking
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
CSS Example
Twenty Sixteen theme: change color & size of the site title
- Install Modular Custom CSS
- Go to Customize > Custom CSS > Custom Theme CSS
- Copy code from http://webtrainingwheels.com/wcsd2016
- Paste Code
- Revel in your genius!
Lucy Beer
@webtw
WebTrainingWheels.com
Customizing
Without Hacking
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
PHP Example
Register a new widget area and add it to the footer
- Install My Custom Functions
- Go to Appearance > Custom Functions
- Copy code from http://webtrainingwheels.com/wcsd2016
- Paste Code
- Bask in the glory!
Lucy Beer
@webtw
WebTrainingWheels.com
Customizing
Without Hacking
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Do You Need a Child Theme?
What do you need to modify?
- CSS => No, just use Modular Custom CSS
- Functions.php => No, just use My Custom Functions
- Theme files such as header.php, footer.php, etc. =>
YES! Create a child theme
Lucy Beer
@webtw
WebTrainingWheels.com
Customizing
Without Hacking
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Further Learning
Lucy Beer
@webtw
WebTrainingWheels.com
Customizing
Without Hacking
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
How to Teach Yourself CSS
Matt Cromwell | @learnwithmattc | mattcromwell.com
Your Browser has all you need
Matt Cromwell
@learnwithmattc
mattcromwell.com
How to Teach Yourself CSS
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Playtime!
Matt Cromwell
@learnwithmattc
mattcromwell.com
How to Teach Yourself CSS
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Online Resources
Matt Cromwell
@learnwithmattc
mattcromwell.com
How to Teach Yourself CSS
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
CSS-Tricks.com
learnlayout.com
css3generator.com
How to be Strategic about Getting Content in Your WordPress Site
Christina HIlls | @ChistinaHills | WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Now You Gotta
Add Content!
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Your content...
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
- Attracts an audience
- Connects you and prospects/customers
- Shows your expertise
- Builds trust
- Nurtures relationships
- Helps with SEO
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Create useful information that your markets wants and needs, to build a relationship with them”
But what Content Am I going to Write?
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Common Content Creation Challenges
- I don't have time
- I have writer's block
- I don't know how to do research
- I am stressed about constantly having to create fresh content
- I don't have enough resources
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
Think of it This Way...
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
Creating a Website is like Painting a Picture...
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
Block Out Your Site Like an Artist
And... to get over Writers Block,
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
Use Dummy Latin Text as a Placeholder when you Begin
Latin Text
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum risus nulla, convallis ac, varius vel, sollicitudin at, lacus. Suspendisse vel quam condimentum diam tincidunt iaculis. Etiam turpis. Proin fermentum. Nullam ac lorem sed purus semper commodo. Etiam sed sapien quis orci blandit semper. Nulla fermentum felis vitae augue.
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
BaconIpsum.com
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
VeggieIpsum.com
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
CupCakeIpsum.com
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
MeetTheIpsums.com
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
Case Study:
Veronica Marchese
Licensed Psychotherapist
10 Ideas to Help You Create Content for Your Website
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
#1
Survey Your Audience
Use Surveys, Blog Posts, Social Media, etc. and just ASK for Content Ideas
Tell us what you'd like to know about WordPress by adding your comments below!
#1
Survey Your Audience
#2
Use Others' YouTube Videos
YouTube is a great resource for ideas and inspirations
#2
Use Others' YouTube Videos
You can embed a YouTube video on your site
#3
News Headlines & Current Events
News Headlines give you hints for topics to write about
#3
News Headlines & Current Events
News Headlines are also great eye-catching subject line examples
#4
Interview Experts
Interview Industry Leaders
#4
Interview Experts
Hungry Dog Blog: Interviews with Top Chefs
#5
Look at Images/
Graphic for Inspiration
Visual not only make great content but can inspire you to create content
#5
Look at Images/
Graphic for Inspiration
No/Low Cost Image Resources
#6
Use "Top X" Formula
Use "Top ..." to create content with list items
- Top 5 Plugins You Should Have for your WordPress Site
- Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Eliminating Carbs
- Top 3 Travel Destinations for Senior Couples
- 7 Things to Consider Before Purchasing Your Next SmartPhone
- Top 10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Coach
#7
Start a Podcast
Deliver Your Content Verbally Via a Podcast
#7
Start a Podcast
Podcasting is just a blog with audio files on it!
#8
Repurpose Your OTHER Paid Content
-
Your Books
-
Your CDs
-
Your Courses
-
Your Lectures
-
Your Membership Content
#9
Outsource Your Content
PLR Articles
(Private Label Rights Articles)
- Articles that are for sale, allowing you to use it as your own (using it verbatim is not recommended)
#9
Outsource Your Content
Get Help From Others
- Ghostwriter
- Copywriter/Editor
- Virtual Assistant
#10
Leverage Public Domain Content
What is Public Domain?
“Works in the public domain are those whose intellectual property rights have expired, have been forfeited, or are inapplicable.” – Wikipedia
= No longer restricted by copyright
All works BEFORE 1923
ALWAYS check the copyright status before using any image
To Recap...
10 Content Ideas:
- Surveys
- YouTube Videos
- News Headlines/ Current Events
- Interview Experts
- Images/Graphics
- Top “X” Formula
- Podcasts
- Repurpose Paid Content to Free
- Outsource Your Content
- Use Public Domain Materials
Keep it Simple
Think "People Magazine"
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
Have FUN
in the Process!
slides.mattcromwell.com/wcsd16-bootcamp
Christina Hills
@ChristinaHills
WebsiteCreationWorkshop.com
Being Strategic About Content
Have FUN
in the Process!
Christina Hills
Twitter: @christinahills
Facebook: christinahills.com/facebook
LinkedIn: christinahills.com/linkedin
Email: christina@websitecreationworkshop.com
WCSD2016-bootcamp
By Matt Cromwell
WCSD2016-bootcamp
This the Master presentation for all the presentations at the 2016 WordCamp San Diego Beginners Bootcamp. Presenters include Matt Cromwell (WordImpress), Lucy Beer (WP Rocket), Gregg Franklin (ServerPress), and Christina Hills (Website Creation Workshop).
