Overview
This article provides WordPress resources you can refer to after creating your new Liftoff website.
How to get started with your 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:
Preparing your 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
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See the section below to choose a theme that defines your site's look.
The top toolbar
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The top toolbar shows you various options that you can adjust before you publish a post or page.
Saving and publishing
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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
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See this article to learn more about how to create your first post.
Create your first page
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See this article to learn more about how to create your first page.
Add a plugin
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See the section below to learn more about how to add and manage a plugin:
Configure settings
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See this article to learn more about how to configure your WordPress site's settings.
How to build and customize your 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.
Using 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
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You can build new content by adding and editing blocks. See the following articles for more information:
Settings sidebar
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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
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You can also switch between blocks, groups, and sections. See this article for more information.
Editing content
This table provides more information about adding and editing various common components that you can use on your new WordPress site:
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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.
Working 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:
Managing 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:
Adding 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.
Setting 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 to secure your 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.
Keeping 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.
Using 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.
Deleting 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.
Backing up your site regularly
Backups ensure you can restore your site quickly in case of an attack. See this article for more information.
Limiting 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.
Monitoring 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.
See also