Login to post
To create a post, you need to be logged in. Log in here, or use the link in the footer of the site. If you still need to register for an account, find out all the details here.
Create a new post
Once you login, you will be taken to your ‘Dashboard’ area in the backend of the site. There are several ways to find the ‘Add New’ post link. The simplest method is on the left hand menu under ‘Posts’.
Writing you post
The first step is to create a title for your post. Make it something that will grab a reader’s attention. Make it relevant to what you are writing about, keep it catchy.
Saving
You can save as you go, clicking on ‘Save Draft’ on the right hand side menu.
Publishing
To publish your post, click on the ‘Submit for review’ button. Your post will be sent to the moderators to check it over before being published.
Updating
If your post is already published, you simply need to select the ‘Update’ button to save your work.
Formatting your post
You will notice a number of options for formatting your blog post. These are much the same as in conventional word processors and include options for Bold, Italics, Bulleted/Numbered lists and quotes. To see a greater selection of formatting tools, click on the ‘Toggle Toolbar’ icon:
Headings
Formatting headings in a hierarchical manner can make your post much easier to read. It also makes it possible to create a table of contents.
This page has a really good list of tips on using headings, and explains how to create them in WordPress.
Post format
There is a little box on the right hand side which provides several format options for your post. It basically changes the look of the post depending on which you select. This page has a description of each of the options.
The following video provides a quick overview of creating and editing a post, which may help you to get started.
The two options that may not be self explanatory that you will at some stage need to use are the ‘Links’ and the ‘Add Media’ options.
Adding links
To add a link to a word or phrase follow these steps:
- Copy the full URL (including the ‘http://’ bit) from the place you want to link to;
- Select the text that you want to associate your link with;
- Click on the ‘Link’ button in the formatting bar (the small chain/link graphic to the immediate right of the ‘Right Align’ button).
- Paste your URL into the ‘Link URL’ field
- If you like, select where you would like the link to open (i.e. in a new window or in the same window)
- Click ‘Insert’ and you’re done!
Adding pictures and video (Add Media)
Adding images and other media such as videos or podcasts is quite straightforward. There is an an ‘Add Media option above the formatting toolbar.
A brief note on videos
You will find it better to upload your video to somewhere like YouTube or Vimeo, then embed your video into you post. This will make sharing and viewing a more pleasant experience.
This video is a little out of date, but it gives you the basic idea of how to add media.
Adding a ‘Featured Image’
Each post has the capacity to include a featured image. This image will appear at the top of the post, and in the listings around the site.
To add a featured image, click on the ‘Set featured image’ link on the bottom right hand side of the page.
Creating a table of contents
If your post is longer than usual, it may be useful to have a linked table of contents at the top of the page. This means readers can easily jump straight to a particular section.
There are two steps to create a table of contents:
- Use headings to structure your post.
- Paste this bit of code at the top of your post (before your first heading/paragraph). The contents will automatically appear when the page is published:
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[mwm-aal-display]