WordPress: More-than-blog-software
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The document discusses the advantages of using WordPress as a content management system, highlighting its versatility, scalability, and user-friendliness. It covers themes, plugins, custom post types, and the importance of security for WordPress sites. Additionally, it emphasizes WordPress's capability to effectively manage online marketing endeavors for non-profits and charities.
WordPress: More-than-blog-software
- 1. WordPress More Than Blog Software @liamdempsey
- 2. ABOUT YOU • Director of non-profit or charity • Work for a charity • Eager to deepen your understanding of online marketing • Want to increase effectiveness of online marketing efforts – primarily through your website
- 3. ABOUT LIAM • Director + Owner, LBDesign • Online marketing + design since 2000 • Work with non-profits in the US, UK + Africa • Has built hundreds of websites using WordPress
- 4. WHAT WE’LL COVER • The state of WordPress in 2015 • The case for WordPress as a content management system of choice • Tips on approaching WordPress projects
- 5. WHAT WE WON’T COVER • Technical finer points of WordPress – no talking code! • Design or development best practices • Suitable design concepts for any single charity
- 6. GO!
- 8. YOUR SITE = BEST TOOL • You control the look and feel • You determine the functionality • You can edit and publish in real time • You can scale to your needs • You own the content
- 11. The State of WordPress • 7.7 million sites run on WordPress • ~51.9% of the top 1 million websites run on WordPress • Examples: CNN, TED, Rolling Stones, Google Ventures and Tech Impact • Supported by the WordPress Community, the WordPress Foundation and Automattic
- 13. § Flexible § Scalable § Easy for content managers to use § Loads of quality plugins § Very popular – so loads of great designers and developers know it Why Use WordPress?
- 14. SO, WHAT CAN WORDPRESS DO?
- 15. • Collect donations • Recruit volunteers and staff • Post staff and board bios • Allow multiple site administrators with different permissions • Post blogs, videos, podcasts + more • Coordinate social networks and online communities WordPress can …
- 16. WordPress is SEO friendly • Customizable permalinks = SEO friendly URLs • Editable slugs • Plenty of SEO/content strategy plugins • Even sliders are SEO friendly
- 17. WordPress Themes
- 18. What Are Themes? • Add a mixture of design and functionality • Three basic types: • Free • Premium • Starter/Custom
- 19. Thinking About Themes • Lots of themes are completely free • Not all themes are created equal • Some are more flexible and robust • Some are easier to use for end- clients • Some are downright scary! • iThemes + Woo Themes are reliable and safe
- 21. What Are Plugins? • Software add-ons that deliver expanded functionality • Plugins address many needs: • SEO and blogging • User permissions • Events • Digital Downloads • Membership subscriptions
- 22. Plugin Considerations • Not all plugins are created equal • User-interface varies greatly • Shoddy plugins can be inefficient or present security issues • Some plugins don’t play nicely with others • Don’t always “think plugins first” • Don’t be afraid to use solid plugins
- 23. Recommended Plugins I • SEO: WordPress SEO by Yoast • Contact forms, sign-up forms + more: Gravity Forms • Slider: Soliloquy • Digital Downloads: Easy Digital Downloads • Donations: Gravity Forms
- 24. Recommended Plugins II • Podcasts: Blubrry Power Press • Membership: Paid Memberships Pro, S2 Member • Customization: Advanced Custom Fields
- 26. Custom Post Types (CPT) • Used for any content type with a need for repeated instances – e.g., Staff, Events, Programs, etc. • The custom post type and fields are customized • Data from CPT can be displayed across the site with ease
- 27. Why Use CPT? • Allows content managers to focus on content – without worrying about design • Can be very SEO friendly • Allows for a richer user experience as content is consistent across the site
- 29. • Think “Safety first!” • Back up, back up, back up • WordPress is popular, ergo it’s a target for hackers • Still a very secure platform • Pay for good hosting and keep the software up-to-date Custom Post Types (CPT)
- 30. THE TAKEAWAYS • Your site is the most versatile + easily- managed online marketing tool • WordPress is a top CMS for any site – it is flexible, scalable + easy to use • Use plugins and custom post types to expand site functionality • Keep your site safe + secure