there's an app for that

@atnetplushttp://www.atnetplus.comAngela Bergmann [email protected] @radkitten

There’s an app for that


So, What is a plugin?From the WordPress Codex:“Plugins are tools to extend the functionality of WordPress.”

So, what does that mean?It means a plugin is a lot like an app on your smart phone.

From simple things like adding your Twitter feed to the sidebar of your website, to having a robust eCommerce website. With plugins it can be as simple as installing the plugin and turning it on to get it working.


How do I install a plugin?The easiest way to do this now is to simply login to your WordPress website. From there navigate to Plugins > Add New. Now you have a few options:

• Search: Search the WordPress.org plugin repository• Upload: Upload a plugin you have already downloaded.• Featured: Plugin spotlight from WordPress.org.• Popular: Popular WordPress.org plugins.• Newest: Most recently uploaded WordPress.org plugins.• Favorites: You can favorite plugins at the WordPress.org

website if you have signed up for an account. In this area you simply enter that username and it pulls that list into the backend for you to install those plugins with.


Where do I get plugins?The most trusted source for WordPress plugins is from:http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/

Any plugin found there is free to use and you can see:• When it was updated• What version of WP it requires• What version it is compatible up to• Total Downloads• Ratings• Authors• Support Threads• Compatibility Rating


Where do I get plugins continued….You also have the option of outside plugin authors/websites such as:

• WooThemes• Elegant Themes• Yoast• Code Canyon• StudioPress• And more….

Just keep in mind to read reviews of these plugins online and make sure you feel comfortable troubleshooting any issues you may come across using these plugins.


How limited are plugins?The only limitation to WordPress plugins is you or your developers expertise. The WordPress plugin system is ideal for creating custom website functions for many websites.

In my time I have come across very few functions I have wanted for a client website that I was unable to find a solution for. Recently, that number has been 0. I have been able to solve any client request using WordPress and plugins for functionality.


So… what can I do?The possibilities are endless. You can:

• Create a Tumblr style personal website• Set up an eCommerce store• Administer a forum• Run a social network• Build a member directory• Create a non-profit website

Or any combination of the above or more.


Social mediaShare your Posts & Pages

• Jetpack Publicize• Sociable• Digg Digg

Follow Widgets• Social Media Widget• Social Media Tabs• Socialbox• Social Press


ecommerce• Woocommerce• Jigoshop• Shopp ($55+addons)• WP eCommerce• Cart 66• eShop


Forum/social networkForum:

• bbPress

Social Network• BuddyPress


Contact formsContact Form 7 + Contact Form DB

Gravity Forms ($39-199 per year)


Seo/marketing• WordPress SEO by Yoast• All in One SEO Pack

• Google XML Sitemaps• Google Analyticator

• Simple 301 Redirects• Yet Another Related Posts Plugin


Questions?

there's an app for that

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