User Guide

Welcome to your user guide

Maintain Your Site

Maintaining your website is essential to ensure it stays secure, functional, and up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. A well-maintained website not only delivers a better experience for users but also enhances your brand’s credibility and reach.

  • Protect Against Vulnerabilities: Regular updates help protect your site from security vulnerabilities and attacks. 
  • Backup Protection: Regular maintenance includes creating backups, ensuring that you can restore your site quickly in case of an attack, data loss, or other disasters.
  • Improved Speed: Regularly optimising your site’s performance can help improve loading times, which is critical for user experience and SEO. 
  • Reduced Downtime: A well-maintained site is less likely to experience downtime
  • Stay Competitive: Search engines favour websites that are updated regularly.
  • Fix Broken Links and Errors: Regularly checking for and fixing broken links and errors ensures a better user experience and helps maintain your SEO standings.
  • Enhanced Usability: Maintaining your website ensures that it remains user-friendly. 
  • Keep Content Fresh: Regularly updating your content ensures it remains relevant and engaging for your audience. 
  • Engage Your Audience: Fresh content keeps your audience engaged and encourages them to return to your site. This is especially important for blogs, e-commerce sites, and service-based businesses.
  • Adhere to Regulations: Regular maintenance helps ensure your site remains compliant with data protection regulations (like GDPR) and accessibility standards, which can protect you from legal issues.

Keeping your WordPress site, plugins, and theme up-to-date is essential for security, compatibility, and performance. Here’s how to update each component:

1. Update WordPress Core

Updating WordPress to the latest version ensures you have the latest security patches and features.

  1. Backup Your Site: Before updating, make sure to back up your website to prevent data loss if anything goes wrong.
  2. Go to the Updates Page:
    • Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
    • Go to Dashboard > Updates.
  3. Update WordPress:
    • If a new version is available, you’ll see an option to Update Now. Click it to start the update.
  4. Check for Changes:
    • Once updated, verify that your site is working correctly by reviewing key pages and features.

2. Update Plugins

Updating plugins helps ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress version and protects your site from vulnerabilities.

  1. Go to the Updates Page:
    • In the WordPress dashboard, go to Dashboard > Updates or Plugins > Installed Plugins.
  2. Select Plugins to Update:
    • On the Updates page, check the box next to each plugin you want to update, or click Select All to update all plugins.
    • Alternatively, on the Installed Plugins page, you’ll see an Update Now link below each outdated plugin. Click Update Now to update each plugin individually.
  3. Review and Test:
    • After updating, review your site and test key functionality to ensure everything is working smoothly.

3. Update Themes

Themes often receive updates for compatibility with the latest WordPress version or for new features.

  1. Backup Your Site: Backup your site, especially if you’ve made custom changes to the theme.
  2. Go to the Updates Page:
    • Go to Dashboard > Updates in the WordPress dashboard.
  3. Update Your Theme:
    • Check the box next to your theme or themes you want to update, then click Update Themes.
  4. Check for Customisations:
    • If you’ve made customisations to the theme files directly, these may be overwritten during an update. Consider using a child theme to retain customizations in the future.

Additional Tips

  • Use Staging: For larger or complex sites, consider updating on a staging site first to catch any compatibility issues before updating the live site.
  • Clear Cache: If you use caching plugins or a Content Delivery Network (CDN), clear the cache after updates to ensure your users see the latest version of your site.

Updating your site regularly improves security, adds functionality, and ensures a smooth experience for your visitors.

Method 1: Change Password from the WordPress Dashboard

  1. Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard:
    • Go to your WordPress login page (typically yourwebsite.com/wp-admin).
  2. Access Your Profile:
    • In the dashboard, go to Users > Profile.
  3. Scroll Down to Account Management:
    • Look for the New Password section.
  4. Set a New Password:
    • Click Generate Password. A strong password will be generated automatically, but you can replace it with one of your choice.
  5. Save Changes:
    • Click Update Profile at the bottom of the page to save the new password.

Method 2: Use the “Lost Your Password?” Link (If You’re Locked Out)

  1. Go to the Login Page:
    • Visit your WordPress login page (yourwebsite.com/wp-admin).
  2. Click “Lost Your Password?”:
    • This link is usually below the login form.
  3. Enter Your Username or Email Address:
    • Enter the email associated with your WordPress account and click Get New Password.
  4. Check Your Email:
    • You’ll receive an email with a link to reset your password. Click the link.
  5. Create a New Password:
    • Enter your new password and save it.

1. Adding a New User in WordPress

  1. Log in to the Dashboard:
    • Go to your WordPress login page and log in.
  2. Navigate to the Users Section:
    • Go to Users > Add New.
  3. Fill in User Details:
    • Username: Required field for the user’s login name.
    • Email: The user’s email address is required, and it’s where login and password reset emails will be sent.
    • First Name / Last Name: Optional fields for additional details.
    • Website: Optional field if the user has a personal website.
  4. Set a Password:
    • Enter a password or click Show Password to generate a strong password. Make sure the user is aware of this password.
  5. Send User Notification (optional):
    • Check the box labeled Send the new user an email about their account if you want WordPress to email the new user with their login details.
  6. Select a User Role:
    • Choose the user’s role from the Role dropdown menu. (See roles explained below.)
  7. Add New User:
    • Click Add New User to save the changes.

2. Amending an Existing User

  1. Go to the Users Section:
    • Navigate to Users > All Users.
  2. Edit the User:
    • Hover over the username you want to edit and click Edit.
  3. Update User Information:
    • Change any necessary information, such as name, email, password, or role.
  4. Save Changes:
    • Click Update User to save the edits.

Choosing user roles

WordPress comes with several user roles, each with different permissions. Here’s a summary of each role:

  • Administrator: Has full control over the entire website, including themes, plugins, user management, and settings. Administrators can add, edit, or delete content and make site-wide changes. It’s best to limit this role to trusted individuals.

  • Editor: Can add, edit, publish, and delete any posts, including posts by other users. Editors can also manage categories and moderate comments but cannot change site settings or install plugins.

  • Author: Can create, edit, publish, and delete their own posts but cannot edit others’ posts. Authors have access to upload media files but do not have site-wide management permissions.

  • Contributor: Can write and edit their own posts but cannot publish them. A contributor’s posts must be approved and published by an editor or administrator.

  • Subscriber: Has the lowest level of permissions. Subscribers can read content and manage their profile but cannot create or edit posts. This role is often assigned to users who need access to restricted content or membership-based sites.

SEO

Keywords, as some call them, are the words or phrases that best describe the content on your page or post. These are the search terms you want to rank for with a specific page. It’s essential to understand the words people are using to search for businesses like yours, as these words often represent the solutions to their problems—and you want to be the solution they find.

Keyword research is a crucial aspect of any successful online marketing strategy. It helps you identify the specific words and phrases your target audience uses when searching for products, services, or information related to your business. I always advise my clients to conduct effective keyword research using tools like Keywords Everywhere and other free resources. This practice enables you to optimise your website content, improve search engine rankings, and attract more relevant traffic.

Keywords Everywhere is a popular browser extension that provides valuable insights into keyword data directly within search engine results pages (SERPs). While it is a powerful tool, combining it with other free resources can enrich your keyword research process and lead to more comprehensive results.

Start by brainstorming potential keywords, then refine your list using tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or Answer the Public. Finally, utilise the invaluable data provided by Keywords Everywhere to evaluate search volume, competition, and related keywords.

  • Create High-Quality Content: Regularly update your website with valuable, informative, and engaging content that addresses your audience’s needs and interests. Consider adding blog posts, articles, or guides relevant to your industry.
  • Use Internal Linking: Link to other relevant pages or posts within your website to improve navigation and help search engines understand your site structure.
  • Update Outdated Content: Review older content and update it with fresh information, statistics, or examples. This signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant.

A convincing meta title and description can significantly improve your organic click-through rate and attract more visitors to your website. For each of your pages, you can access Yoast and create a key phrase that you would like the page to rank for. For detailed instructions, please refer to the user guide.

On some pages, I may have suggested key phrases; please review each page to ensure you are satisfied with them. Make sure to also check your meta description and title, but do NOT change the slug! Altering the slug may affect internal links within your site, which could cause issues.

Meta Description: A meta description (sometimes called a meta description attribute or tag) is an HTML element that summarizes the content of your page for both users and search engines. It should be kept below 160 characters and should help your result stand out to improve click-through rates. A good structure for a meta description could be: Learn how to get [specific benefit] from this [content description].

Page Title: A page title, also known as a title tag, is a brief description of a webpage that appears at the top of a browser window and in Google search results. Check Google Search Console for keywords you are ranking for that have high impressions but low clicks; these may need rewording.

Using the format “[SEO target keyword] + descriptive phrase | [branded keyword]” is a much better approach than the all-too-common option of listing multiple keywords, such as “[SEO target keyword 1], [SEO target keyword 2], [SEO target keyword 3], and so on.”

Updating Yoast Metadata in Elementor

1. Open Your Page with Elementor

  • Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
  • Navigate to Pages and find the page you want to edit.
  • Click Edit with Elementor.

2. Access Yoast SEO Settings

  • In the Elementor editor, look for the Yoast SEO panel on the left sidebar or below the content.
  • If it’s not visible, ensure that the Yoast SEO plugin is installed and activated.

3. Edit Meta Title and Description

  • In the Yoast SEO panel, you’ll see fields for SEO Title and Meta Description.
  • SEO Title: Enter your meta title here. Include your target keyword and make it compelling. For example, “[SEO target keyword] + descriptive phrase | [branded keyword]”.
  • Meta Description: Write a concise and engaging description that summarizes the page’s content, keeping it under 160 characters.

4. Set the Focus Keyphrase

  • Find the Focus Keyphrase field in the Yoast panel.
  • Enter the primary keyword or phrase you want this page to rank for.

5. Check the Snippet Preview

  • Use the snippet preview to see how your title and meta description will appear in search results. Make sure they fit within character limits and look appealing.

6. Review Suggestions

  • Yoast may provide suggestions for improving your content based on your focus keyphrase. Review and implement any relevant suggestions.

7. Save Changes

      • Click the Update button at the bottom of the Elementor panel to save your changes.

Updating Yoast Metadata in blog post

1. Open Your Post in Gutenberg

  • Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
  • Navigate to Posts and select the post you want to edit.
  • Click Edit to open the post in the Gutenberg editor.

2. Access Yoast SEO Settings

  • Scroll down to find the Yoast SEO meta box below the post editor. If it’s not visible, ensure the Yoast SEO plugin is active.

3. Edit Meta Title and Description

  • In the Yoast SEO meta box, you’ll see fields for SEO Title and Meta Description.
  • SEO Title: Enter your optimized meta title that includes the target keyword.
  • Meta Description: Write a clear and engaging description that summarizes your post, keeping it under 160 characters.

4. Set the Focus Keyphrase

  • Find the Focus Keyphrase field in the Yoast SEO meta box.
  • Enter the main keyword or phrase you want this post to rank for.

5. Check the Snippet Preview

  • Review the snippet preview to see how your title and meta description will appear in search results. Adjust them as needed to ensure they are engaging and informative.

6. Review SEO Analysis

  • Yoast will provide an SEO analysis that includes suggestions for optimizing your post based on your focus keyphrase. Review and implement these suggestions where applicable.

7. Publish or Update Your Post

  • After making your changes, click the Update button in the top right corner to save your changes.

To optimise images on your website, use descriptive filenames and alt attributes that include relevant keywords. It’s crucial to ensure these keywords are genuinely relevant to the image, as this is important for accessibility.

When reviewing existing images, check that their filenames and alt text are accurate and appropriate for the content. If necessary, update them to better reflect your current content.

When adding new images, remember to compress them to reduce file size without sacrificing visual quality. This will help improve page loading speed, which is important for both user experience and SEO.

read more about optimising images

Use One H1 Per Page

  • The H1 tag is the main heading of a page and should reflect the primary topic or focus of that page. It acts as the title for both users and search engines.
  • Why One H1?: Having a single H1 per page helps to clearly define the main subject, which is crucial for SEO and user experience. Search engines use the H1 to understand what the page is about, so it should be unique and descriptive.

Hierarchy for Titles:

  • Using a hierarchy in your headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) helps structure your content logically. Each level of heading indicates the importance and relationship of the information presented.
  • H1: Main title of the page.
  • H2: Subheadings that introduce new sections under the H1. These should elaborate on the main topic and can include secondary keywords.
  • H3 and Beyond: Further divisions can be made with H3, H4, etc., for additional layers of detail within the sections.

Include Keywords:

  • Incorporating relevant keywords in your H1 and H2 headings is essential for optimizing your content for search engines.
  • H1 Example: If your page is about “Tips for Optimising Your Website,” your H1 could be “10 Essential Tips for Optimising Your Website.”
  • H2 Example: If you have a section on image optimisation, an appropriate H2 could be “How to Optimise Images for Better SEO,” which includes the keyword “optimise images.”

Maintaining a blog with valuable content, properly set metadata, and optimised images can significantly boost your SEO efforts and lead generation.

By encouraging social sharing and using internal links, you create a more engaging experience for your audience, ultimately driving traffic and increasing conversions.

Regularly updating your blog is a vital component of a successful digital marketing strategy.

Blogging is an effective way to provide valuable content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. By offering insights, tips, and information, you can establish your authority in your industry and build trust with your readers.

High-quality blog posts attract visitors to your website and keep them engaged, which can lead to higher conversion rates.

Acquiring backlinks from other websites is method, Backlinks serve as “votes of confidence” from other websites, indicating to search engines that your website is authoritative and trustworthy.

Strategies for building backlinks include guest blogging, creating shareable content, participating in industry forums and communities, adding your details on local and well kown directories and leveraging social media platforms.

Using Tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics & Bing Webmasters track your websites performance, monitor chagnes in search engine algorithms, adapt your SEO strategies, Audit your website for technical issues, contetn relevance and backlink quality.

 

Check on your keywords periodically (you may find what people are searching for changes)

Updating Your Elementor Pages

Please note that this section is currently being updated please download the guide.

view guide

The Editor consists of three main areas: the top bar, the panel, and the canvas.

Top Bar

This is where you’ll find the tools and settings you need to build and customise your page. 
 

Panel

The panel is where you’ll find the design elements, such as containers, and widgets, such as the Heading widget, used to build your page. For more details about moving elements from the panel to the canvas, see Add elements to a page. 

The panel is also where you adjust the settings for elements, pages and the site. 

 

Canvas

The canvas is also known as the Content Area. This is where you’ll create your page/post/site part.

If you want to increase canvas width, click the Hide Panel arrow to add more space.

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