Getting Started With WordPress

5 Essential Skills for New WordPress Users (Hands-On Guide)

So you’re new to WordPress and feeling a bit intimidated? No worries! Our clients are always welcome to call, write, etc. for help (one of our favorite parts of the business), but this guide will help you get your bearings in the new and exciting world of WordPress. Let’s dive in!

1. Updating Your Site Content

Fresh and relevant content keeps your audience engaged and your site performing well on search engines. Here’s how to update content:

• Log in to WordPress: Go to your site’s login URL (e.g., yoursite.com/wp-admin) and enter your credentials.
• Edit Pages or Posts: Navigate to “Pages” or “Posts” in the dashboard. Click the title of the page or post you want to edit.
• Make Changes: Use the Block Editor to update text, add images, or embed videos. For example:
  • To add a new paragraph, click the “+” icon and select “Paragraph.”
  • To insert an image, use the “Image” block and upload a file or select one from the Media Library.
• Preview and Update: Click “Preview” to see your changes, then “Update” to publish them.

2. Customizing Content with GenerateBlocks

If your site uses GeneratePress and GenerateBlocks (most Watermelon sites do), you have powerful tools to design and customize content blocks. Here’s how to use them effectively:

Edit Existing Blocks

1. Open the Page or Post: Navigate to the page or post you want to edit by selecting it from the WordPress dashboard under Pages or Posts.
2. Select the Block: Click on the block you want to edit. GenerateBlocks includes elements like Containers, Grids, Buttons, and more. When you click on a block, you’ll see a toolbar above it and additional settings in the right-hand sidebar.
3. Customize the Block: Use the toolbar for basic actions like alignment or duplication. Use the sidebar settings to fine-tune:
   • Adjust padding, margin, and spacing under Spacing.
   • Change background and text colors under Backgrounds and Typography.
   • Modify alignment and width under Layout.
4. Preview Your Changes: Use the Preview button to see how the changes look before publishing.

Add New Blocks

1. Insert a New Block: While editing a page or post, click the “+” icon where you want to add content. You can find this in the top-left toolbar or within the content area itself.
2. Search for GenerateBlocks: Type “GenerateBlocks” into the search bar, and select the block type you want to use:
   • Container: Ideal for grouping and styling content.
   • Grid: Great for creating structured layouts.
   • Button: Perfect for adding call-to-action elements.
3. Customize Your Block: Once added, use the same toolbar and sidebar settings to adjust the block’s design to fit your site’s style.
4. Save Your Work: Click Update or Publish to make your changes live.

Save Time with Reusable Blocks

1. Configure a Block: Design a block exactly how you want it with your preferred settings and styles.
2. Save as Reusable: Click the three vertical dots in the toolbar above the block, then choose Add to Reusable Blocks. Give your reusable block a descriptive name.
3. Reuse Across the Site: When you want to use this block again, search for it under the “Reusable” tab in the block selector.
4. Edit Centrally: Changes made to a reusable block will apply everywhere it’s used, ensuring consistent styling across your site.

3. Clearing Your Site Cache with LiteSpeed Cache

Clearing your site’s cache ensures visitors see the latest version of your content. If your site uses LiteSpeed Cache, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Look for the LiteSpeed Cache menu at the very top of your dashboard (it appears on every page once you’re logged in).
3. Click on LiteSpeed Cache to open the dropdown menu.
4. Select Purge All (refer to the image below).

This action clears the cached files, ensuring any changes you’ve made to your site are immediately visible to visitors.

4. Uploading and Organizing Media

The Media Library is your hub for managing images and files. Follow these steps:

• Upload Files:
  • Go to “Media > Add New.”
  • Drag and drop your files or click “Select Files” to upload.
• Organize Media:
  • Use descriptive file names (e.g., yellow-widget-small.jpg instead of IMG1234.jpg).
  • Delete unused files by selecting them and clicking “Delete Permanently.”
• Optimize for Speed:
  • Use plugins like Smush to compress images without losing quality. (note: if you’re on a Security and Performance plan with Watermelon, know that we do this for you already as part of the plan).

5. Recovering Your Password

Last but not least – did you forget your password? No problem!

• Using the Login Screen:
  • Go to your site’s login page (e.g., yoursite.com/wp-admin).
  • Click “Lost your password?”
  • Enter your email address associated with the WordPress account.
  • Check your inbox for the reset link and follow the instructions to set a new password.
• If You Don’t Receive the Email:
  • Contact your web agency or administrator to reset your password from the admin dashboard.
  • Alternatively, use WP-CLI or access your database via phpMyAdmin to manually reset it.

Final Thoughts

These five skills will help you get a toe in the WordPress ocean, and of course if you get stuck and want some friendly help, reach out to your local Watermelon.