Piecing Together the WordPress Puzzle

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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Agenda


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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


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Hosting Decision WP OptionsKey Plugins

A B

• Organize WP settings• Install key plugins (if allowed)

Agenda


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• More functions (if allowed)• Add pages, posts, media• Customize


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



A B C



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


Step 2: Managed WordPress HostingHost’s site setup process installs WP. Sends you an email with WP Dashboard login info.

EmailAccounts

(?)


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


Choose and install your theme (AS ALLOWED BY HOST).

EmailAccounts

(?)




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

(?)



YOURBROWSER



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

(?)



WPImport/Export

Host-BasedWP Backup

&Storage (?)

YOURBROWSER



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

(?)



WPImport/Export

Host-BasedWP Backup

&Storage (?)

YOURBROWSER



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

(?)



WPImport/Export

Host-BasedWP Backup

&Storage (?)

YOURBROWSER



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)


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).


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


Login&PW

WPImport/ Export

EmailAccounts

Site (not WP)

Backup& Storage

Hosting Account

DomainName

THE INTERNET

Default WP Theme


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


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


WP Login&PW


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


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)


WP Login&PW


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.


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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A B C

• Organize WP settings• Install key plugins (if allowed)


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


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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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


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Hosting DecisionMore PluginsAdd ContentCustomize

WP OptionsKey Plugins



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

Thanks for being here!

Mary Anne Shew@[email protected]

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Piecing Together the WordPress Puzzle

Resource Slides

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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https://en.support.wordpress.com/custom-design/

https://en.support.wordpress.com/

https://en.support.wordpress.com/

https://wordpress.org/support/

http://en.wordpress.com/tos

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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


• 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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https://store.wordpress.com/plans/

https://en.support.wordpress.com/plugins/

https://en.support.wordpress.com/plugins/

https://en.support.wordpress.com/export/

• 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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https://en.support.wordpress.com/category/appearance/



https://en.support.wordpress.com/contact/



https://en.support.wordpress.com/help-support-options/



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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http://codex.wordpress.org/FAQ

http://codex.wordpress.org/FAQ

http://bit.ly/1FidzgO

http://bit.ly/1FidzgO

http://bit.ly/1NaEKC3

http://bit.ly/1NaEKC3

http://bit.ly/1MVfQ9N

http://bit.ly/1MVfQ9N

Types of WP Hosting: Features (Linux Operating System Only)


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.


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).


Key Plugins (If Hosting Allows)

Backup plugin may appear in Settings. Run 1st manual backup. (IF HOST ALLOWS IT)


5

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Backup plugin may appear in Settings. Run manual backups after PLUGIN updates and changes. (IF HOST ALLOWS IT.)


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.


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.

11

Posts > Categories: Are like chapters in a bookPosts > Tags: Are like index entries in back of a book---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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


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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http://bit.ly/1PSMuWY



http://bit.ly/1i4m9Lc

http://bit.ly/1i4m9Lc

http://bit.ly/1NimoiA

http://bit.ly/1NimoiA

http://bit.ly/1iiCKLf

http://bit.ly/1iiCKLf

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

https://wp-tao.com/store/



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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