Here’s the homework you’ll get when you sign up for the nightly homework email

Your first homework assignment is easy.  Just create one new Post and one new Page.  Be sure to Categorize your Post.  That’s the essential difference between Posts and Pages.  Posts lend themselves to being grouped with other Posts in the same Category.

If you need any help logging in, feel free to call/email me.

Note:  If you can’t find the login link, go to www.hammock-test-site.com/testXX/wp-admin  (Swap in your number for XX)

Today, all you have to do is make sure your post Categories are on your Menu.

Login to your Dashboard > Appearance > Menu > Add Post Categories to your menu > Save

View your site and click on one of your Post Categories on your Menu.

Turn off Comments for your Pages.

Dashboard > Pages > Click on the checkbox beside Title > Bulk Actions > Edit > Apply > Change Comments to Do Not Allow > Update

That’s it!

Add a few images to some of your Posts or Pages.  Use the Add Media button right above the Bold button on your editor.  If you get stuck, I have a video tutorial for this.

That’s it!

Go to www.photoshop.com > Tools > Photoshop Express Editor

Crop an image you want to use for a Post so that the Crop Dimensions are 2:3  (or whatever proportion you want to consistently use).

Use this as the Featured Image for a Post.  You’ll find Featured Image below where you set Categories in a Post.  It’s a good idea to have a Featured Image for every Post.  It’s the Featured Image that shows up in the Post Feed.

This is a quickie.  You’re going to specify which Page is your homepage.  Another Page will contain all your Posts.

1. Make sure you have a Page called Blog, or News, or Announcements.  On that page, type the following:  DO NOT EDIT THIS PAGE.
2. Create a Page that you want to be your homepage, or Front Page as WordPress calls it.
3. Click on Settings > Reading > Click on “A static page (select below)” at the top > select your Front Page and Posts Page > Save Changes.

How do I make a YouTube video start automatically?
1. Find the answer to this question.
2. Put a video on a Post or Page that starts automatically.  (Remember to paste the code in the Text View.)

Good luck!

Send me a screenshot of a page you’re having trouble with.
1. Go to www.hammock.net.
2. Search for screenshot.
3. Follow the instructions for capturing a screenshot.
4. Send me a screenshot of a Page or Post you’re having trouble with.

That’s it for today.

Sign up for a free account with MailChimp.

At some point, you’re going to want to be able to email your customers, prospects, or fans.  The sooner you get started getting set up for this, the better.  By the way, MailChimp sent you this email.

Create your first “List” in your new free account with MailChimp.  You can call it whatever you want, but likely candidates are: Customers, Newsletter, Prospects, and so on.
With MailChimp, you now have yet another username/password to remember.  It’s time to sign up for www.lastpass.com.  It’s free.
Add a newsletter subscription form to your site.
1. Search for MailChimp in Plugins and install the one created by MailChimp. (And activate it.)
2. Drag the new Widget you have (found in Appearances > Widgets) over to your sidebar.
3. Try configuring it.  If you get stuck, we’ll do this in class.
Create a hidden page just for you.  It could be notes to yourself, a to do list, questions you want to bring to class, or whatever.

If you’re using a custom Menu
1. Create a new Page but don’t add it to your menu.  Only you will know about it.

If you’re using the default Menu
1. Create a new Page.
2. Above the Publish/Update button, you’ll see something called Visibility.  Click on Edit.
3. Set the Page to Private.  Then only you will be able to see it when you’re logged in.  If someone isn’t logged in, they won’t be able to see it.