Overview
After you create your new Liftoff website, you can use the WordPress resources in this article to get started, build and customize your site, and keep it secure.
Video introduction
The following video covers many of the most common tasks when managing your new Liftoff WordPress site:
How do I get started with my new site?
These sections describe how to log in to your new WordPress site and perform some basic administrative tasks.
Beginner resources
See the following articles to learn more about WordPress:
How do I prepare my site for the first time?
You can use the following sections to learn more about how to configure basic settings on your new WordPress site.
Choose a theme
See the section below to choose a theme that defines your site's look.
The top toolbar
The top toolbar shows you various options that you can adjust before you publish a post or page.
Saving and publishing
After you create a new post or page, you can click the buttons that appear in the top toolbar:
- Save Draft to save changes without making the content live.
- Preview to see how the content looks on your site.
- Publish to make new content live or Update to apply edits to existing content.
Create your first post
See this article to learn more about how to create your first post.
Create your first page
See this article to learn more about how to create your first page.
Add a plugin
See the section below to learn more about how to add and manage a plugin:
Configure settings
See this article to learn more about how to configure your WordPress site's settings.
How do I build and customize my site?
These sections show you how to create new content using the WordPress Block Editor, edit existing content, and add plugins/themes/new users to your new site.
How do I use the WordPress Block Editor?
The WordPress Block Editor, also known as Gutenberg, is a drag-and-drop tool for creating and editing content in WordPress. It organizes content into individual “blocks” that you can customize and rearrange.
Content area
You can build new content by adding and editing blocks. See the following articles for more information:
Settings sidebar
You can switch between the Post/Page settings (e.g., categories, tags, featured image) and Block settings (e.g., color, alignment). See this article for more information.
List view
You can also switch between blocks, groups, and sections. See this article for more information.
How do I edit content?
This table provides more information about adding and editing various common components that you can use on your new WordPress site:
| Component | More information | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks | Learn how to work with and add blocks. | |
| Images | Add an Image Block and upload a file or select one from your Media Library. | |
| Videos | Add a Video Block or paste a URL for videos hosted on platforms like YouTube. | |
| Links | Each block has its own toolbar, which contains unique controls that let you customize or configure the block. | |
| Columns | The Columns Block allows you to insert text, media, and other types of content into columns | |
| Content | You can embed blocks to include custom content, such as social media icons. |
Here are a few more suggestions to help you build and optimize your site:
- Use reusable blocks: Create reusable blocks for content you frequently use (e.g., a call-to-action section).
- Experiment with patterns: Use Block Patterns (pre-designed layouts) for a professional look.
- Keyboard shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to quickly search for blocks.
How do I work with plugins?
WordPress plugins are tools that extend your website’s functionality. Whether you want to improve SEO, create contact forms, or add e-commerce features, plugins make it easy to enhance your site without coding. See the following articles to learn more about how to add and manage WordPress plugins:
How do I manage themes?
WordPress themes control the design and appearance of your website. Whether you want a professional business look, a creative portfolio layout, or a minimalist blog style, themes let you customize your site’s look without needing design skills. See the following articles to learn more about how to add and manage WordPress themes:
How do I add users?
Adding users to your WordPress site allows others to create and manage content while limiting their access to specific features. The Contributor role is ideal for users who can write and edit their posts but don’t need access to publish or manage other site content. See this article for more information.
Limit user roles
Restricting user roles and capabilities in WordPress is a fundamental security practice that minimizes the risk of unauthorized actions and potential breaches. Each user role in WordPress—Administrator, Editor, Author, Contributor, and Subscriber—has predefined permissions tailored to specific tasks.
It's recommended to assign users the least amount of privilege they need to perform a role, which reduces the likelihood of accidental or malicious damage to your website.
How do I set up WP Mail SMTP?
The WP Mail SMTP plugin ensures your WordPress website sends emails reliably by using Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). This is especially helpful for improving email delivery for contact forms, notifications, and other essential site features. See the following articles for more information:
How do I secure my WordPress site?
WordPress is a powerful and widely used platform, but its popularity makes it a common target for hackers. Implementing security best practices can protect your website from potential threats like malware, brute force attacks, and unauthorized access.
How do I keep WordPress updated?
Keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date is essential for security. Updates often include patches for vulnerabilities. See these articles for more information.
How do I use strong passwords and unique usernames?
Weak passwords and default usernames like “admin” make your site vulnerable. See this article to learn more about how to create a strong password for your site.
How do I delete unused themes and plugins?
Unused themes and plugins are potential entry points for hackers. You should routinely uninstall themes and plugins that you no longer use.
How do I back up my site regularly?
Backups ensure you can restore your site quickly in case of an attack. See this article for more information.
How do I limit login attempts?
Prevent brute force attacks by limiting the number of login attempts. You can install a plugin such as Limit Login Attempts Reloaded, which prevents numerous login attempts.
How do I monitor site activity?
Track changes to your site to detect suspicious behavior. You can install a plugin such as Activity Log to monitor user activity and changes.