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Tag: seedprod

  • How to Easily Add CSS Animations in WordPress

    Do you want to add CSS animations in WordPress?

    Animations are a great way to grab the visitor’s attention and highlight a page’s most important content. They can also encourage customers to click on your call-to-action buttons and links.

    In this article, we will show you how you can easily add CSS animations in WordPress.

    How to easily add CSS animations in WordPress

    Why Add CSS Animations in WordPress?

    You can use CSS animations to draw the visitor’s attention to different parts of a page. For example, if you have an online store then animations can highlight a product’s most important features or biggest selling points.

    Animations will also make your CTAs stand out, which can help you reach a specific goal such as getting more people to subscribe to your email newsletter.

    You can add CSS animations to your theme or child theme‘s stylesheet. However, this takes a lot of time and effort, and it can break your website’s design and even function if you make a mistake.

    With that being said, let’s see how you can easily add CSS animations to your WordPress site. If you prefer to jump straight to a particular method, then you can use the links below.

    Method 1. How to Easily Animate Any WordPress Block (Quick and Easy)

    The easiest way to add a simple CSS animation is by using Blocks Animation.

    This free plugin allows you to add an entrance animation to any block without having to write a single line of CSS. It also has a typing animation and a ticker-style effect that you can add to text and numbers.

    A count animation, created using the Animation Blocks plugin

    First, you’ll need to install and activate the plugin. If you need help, then please see our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

    Upon activation, open any page or post in the WordPress editor. Then, simply click on the block that you want to animate and select the ‘Block’ tab in the right-hand menu.

    You’ll see this menu has a new ‘Animations’ section.

    How to animate any WordPress block

    Simply click to expand the ‘Animations’ section, and you’ll see three different options: Animations, Count Animations, and Typing Animations.

    ‘Animations’ are short effects that play once when the page loads. To add this kind of entrance animation to your WordPress blog, just click on the dropdown next to ‘Animation.’

    Adding a CSS animation to WordPress using a free plugin

    This opens a menu where you can choose the animation you want to use.

    The WordPress editor will show a preview of the animation, so you can try different options to see what looks the best.

    Adding loading animations to WordPress

    By default, the entrance animation will play as soon as the page loads, but you can add a delay if you prefer. If you use multiple animations on the same page, then you can even use delays to stagger your animations so they’re not overwhelming.

    Simply open the ‘Delay’ dropdown and choose a time from the list.

    How to add loading CSS animations to WordPress

    You can also make the animation faster or slower using the ‘Speed’ dropdown.

    As you’re trying different settings, you can preview the animation at any point by clicking on ‘Replay Animation.’

    Previewing CSS animations in WordPress

    The plugin also has ‘Count Animations’ and ‘Typing Animations.’

    Typing Animations allow you to animate text, while Count Animations add a ticker-style effect to numbers. These animations work with any block that supports text or numbers, so you can use them to animate buttons, image captions, headings, and more.

    To add either of these effects, start by highlighting the text or numbers that you want to animate. Then, click on the downward arrow in the small toolbar.

    Adding a typing animation to a text block

    You can now choose ‘Count Animations’ or ‘Typing Animations’ from the dropdown menu.

    If these options are grayed out, then make sure you’ve highlighted the right content. For example, you won’t be able to select ‘Count Animation’ if you’ve only highlighted text.

    Creating typing animations with a WordPress plugin

    After adding the animation, you can change the speed and add an optional delay using the dropdown menus in the small popup.

    For example, in the following image, we’re using a delay of one second.

    Adding a typing animation to WordPress

    When you’re ready to make the CSS animation live, either click on the ‘Publish’ or ‘Update’ button. Now, if you visit your WordPress website you’ll see the animation live.

    Method 2. How to Add CSS Animations to Custom Pages (Recommended)

    If you want to add simple animations to the built-in WordPress blocks, then Blocks Animation is a good choice. However, if you want to really grab the visitor’s attention, keep people on your website, and get more conversions then we recommend using SeedProd.

    SeedProd is the best page builder plugin that allows you to create beautiful landing pages, sales pages, and more using a simple drag-and-drop editor.

    It also comes with an ‘Animated Headline’ block that you can use to create rotating and highlighted animated headlines.

    An animated headline created using SeedProd

    Despite the name, you can use the Animated Headline block to animate any text including a call to action, subheading, or any other text that you want to emphasize.

    SeedProd also comes with over 40 entrance animations that you can add to any block including images, text, buttons, videos, and more.

    SeedProd entrance animations

    You can even animate entire sections and columns with just a few clicks. In this way, you can create engaging animated pages within minutes.

    If you’re using animations to get more conversions and sales, then SeedProd integrates with WooCommerce and supports many of the top email marketing services you may already be using to promote your website.

    How to Setup the SeedProd Page Builder

    The first thing you need to do is install and activate SeedProd. For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

    Upon activation, you need to enter your license key.

    SeedProd license key

    You can find this information under your account on the SeedProd website. After adding the license key, simply click on ‘Verify Key.’

    Create a Custom Page Design

    To get started, go to SeedProd » Landing Pages and click on ‘Add New Landing Page.’

    Creating a new landing page with SeedProd

    On the next screen, you’ll be asked to choose a template.

    SeedProd comes with over 180 beautiful templates that are organized into different categories such as 404-page templates and custom WooCommerce ‘thank you’ pages.

    For this guide, we’ll show you how to create a sales page with animated text and entrance animations, but the steps will be similar no matter what kind of page you create.

    Simply click on any tab to see the different templates within that category.

    The SeedProd template library

    When you find a template you want to use, just hover your mouse over it and then click on the checkmark icon.

    We’re using the ‘Zen Sales Page’ template in all our images, but you can use any template.

    Selecting a sales template in SeedProd

    Next, you need to give the page a title.

    SeedProd will automatically create a URL based on the page title, but you can change this to anything you want. For example, adding relevant keywords to a URL can often improve your WordPress SEO and help the page appear in relevant search results.

    To learn more, please see our guide on how to do keyword research for your WordPress blog.

    When you’re happy with the title and URL, click on ‘Save and Start Editing the Page.’

    Adding a title to a custom page design

    This will load the SeedProd drag-and-drop page editor.

    On the right, you’ll see a live preview of the page design, with some settings on the left.

    The SeedProd page editor

    SeedProd comes with lots of blocks that you can add to your design, including blocks that allow you to add social share buttons, videos, contact forms, and more.

    For more information, please see our guide on how to create a custom page in WordPress.

    How to Add Animated Text to WordPress

    To add some animated text to the page, find the Animated Headline block and drag it onto your page design.

    The SeedProd Animated Headline block

    There are two ways to animate your headline. First, the ‘Highlighted’ style adds a shape animation to your text, such as a circle or an underlined zigzag.

    You can use this animation to draw attention to a particular word or phrase inside the headline. This can make your headline easier to read and understand by highlighting the most important content. It’s also a great way to draw attention to a call to action.

    Adding a CSS animation to a headline in WordPress

    The Highlighted style also has a few strikethrough shapes.

    You can use strikethroughs to create interesting and eye-catching effects, or it can simply add some fun to your design.

    A strikethrough animation created with SeedProd

    To create a Highlighted animation, just open the ‘Style’ dropdown and select ‘Highlighted.’

    Next, open the ‘Shape’ dropdown and choose a shape. When you click on a shape, SeedProd will show a preview of that animation, so you can try different shapes to see which one you like the most.

    A curly CSS animation created with SeedProd

    SeedProd also has a ‘Rotating’ animation style, which adds a transition effect to the text.

    Often, animated text is the first thing visitors look at when a page loads, so it’s a great way to highlight the most important piece of text.

    To create a transition animation, simply open the ‘Style’ dropdown and click on ‘Rotating.’

    You can then open the ‘Animation’ dropdown and choose the type of transition you want to use, such as fade, zoom, or roll. Again, SeedProd will play the animation inside the page editor so you can try different effects to see which you prefer.

    A transition animation in WordPress

    No matter whether you’re creating a ‘Highlighted’ or ‘Rotating’ animation, you can add text before and after the animated text.

    Simply type into the ‘Before Headline’ and ‘After Headline’ fields. In the ‘Text’ field, add the word or phrase that you want to animate.

    If you want to animate the whole headline, then simply leave the ‘Before Headline’ and ‘After Headline’ fields empty.

    Animating an entire headline in WordPress

    By default, SeedProd will play the animation on a loop, which some visitors may find annoying.

    To only play the animation once, click to deactivate the ‘Infinite Loop’ switch.

    Disabling the infinite loop animation settings

    By default, the animation will play for 1200 milliseconds after an 8000 milliseconds delay.

    To use different values, type into the ‘Duration’ and ‘Delay’ fields. For example, you can make the animation faster by using a shorter duration.

    Changing the animation duration

    You may also want to style the text. For example, you can change the font size and alignment.

    When you’re happy with how the animated headline looks, go ahead and click on the ‘Save’ button to store your changes.

    Saving a CSS animation in WordPress

    Add Entrance Animations in WordPress

    Entrance animations play when the page first loads, so they’re a great way to catch the visitor’s attention.

    You can also use them to highlight the content visitors should look at first. For example, if you have an online marketplace then you might animate the product’s hero image, or the banner advertising your Black Friday sale.

    Inside the SeedProd editor, simply click on the content you want to animate, and then select the ‘Advanced’ tab in the left-hand menu.

    Adding entrance animations using SeedProd

    You can then go ahead and click to expand the ‘Animation Effects’ section.

    After that, simply choose an animation from the ‘Entrance Animation’ dropdown.

    Adding entrance animations using SeedProd

    You can now add entrance animations to any block, section, or column simply by following the same process described above.

    Publish Your CSS Animations in WordPress

    When you’re happy with how the page is set up, click the dropdown menu on the ‘Save’ button and select ‘Publish.’

    Publishing a WordPress landing page

    You can now visit this page to see the CSS animations live.

    We hope this article helped you learn how to add CSS animations in WordPress. You may also go through our ultimate guide to boost speed and performance, or see our list of the most common WordPress errors and how to fix them.

    If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

    The post How to Easily Add CSS Animations in WordPress first appeared on WPBeginner.

  • How to Start a Video Blog (Vlog) And Make Money in 2023

    Do you want to start a video blog and make money?

    Vlogging is a powerful way to connect with people and build a personal brand. However, if you simply upload vlogs to third-party platforms like YouTube, then you may struggle to grow your audience, make money, and become a successful vlogger.

    In this article, we will show you how you can start a vlog and make money.

    How to start a video blog (vlog) and make money

    Which Is the Best Website Builder for Your Video Blog?

    There are many website builders that can help you create a vlog site, but we recommend using WordPress and a separate video hosting platform.

    To learn more about why WordPress is such a good choice, please see our complete WordPress review with pros and cons.

    There are two types of WordPress software: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. We recommend using WordPress.org, also called ‘self-hosted WordPress.’ This will give you full ownership and control of your site.

    Using WordPress.org allows you to install third-party plugins and themes, including plenty that are designed specifically for vloggers.

    Also, while you can upload videos to WordPress, it’s far better to use a separate video hosting platform such as YouTube or Vimeo.

    Videos take up a lot of your hosting resources, which will slow down your website. Instead, we recommend uploading your vlogs to a separate hosting platform such as YouTube or Vimeo, which has all the server resources you need.

    After uploading your vlogs to one of these sites, you can then embed your vlog in a WordPress page or post by simply copying and pasting a link. WordPress has built-in support for most major video hosting platforms.

    If you really want to save time and impress your viewers, then you can use a plugin like Smash Balloon to create a video feed that will update automatically every time you post a new vlog.

    An embedded YouTube feed, created using Smash Balloon

    If you don’t already have a video hosting platform in mind, then don’t worry. Later in this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect platform for your vlogs.

    Step 1. Setting Up Your Video Blog Website

    To create a video vlog, you’ll need a domain name and web hosting.

    Although the WordPress software is free, hosting and domain names are where the costs can really start to add up.

    A domain name typically costs $14.99/year and hosting costs start from $7.99/month. This is a lot for hobby vloggers, new creators, or anyone who is working with a tighter budget.

    Thankfully, Bluehost has agreed to offer our users over 60% off on web hosting and a free SSL certificate as part of this deal. This is absolutely essential if you plan to sell premium videos and make money from your vlogs. You will also get a free domain name when you sign up!

    Simply click the link below to create a vlogging website for as little as $2.75 per month.

    Because you get a free domain when you sign up with Bluehost, you’ll need to be sure it’s the right fit for your video blog. For expert tips, check out our guide on how to choose the best domain name.

    Once you’ve completed the purchase, you’ll get an email with instructions on how to log in to your web hosting control panel. This is your hosting account dashboard where you can manage your vlog, including setting up email notifications and asking for WordPress support if you need it.

    It’s also where you’ll install the WordPress software, so let’s do that now.

    Step 2. Install WordPress on Your Video Blog

    When you sign up with Bluehost using our link, you’ll get access to a one-click WordPress installer. Simply log into your Bluehost account and click on ‘One Click Install.’

    Installing the WordPress software

    You can now follow the onscreen instructions to set up WordPress.

    If you’re using a different WordPress website host like SiteGround, Hostinger, HostGator, or WP Engine, then you can see our complete guide on how to install WordPress for all the top hosting providers.

    Once WordPress is set up, you’re ready to start customizing your vlog site.

    Step 3. Select a Video Theme

    WordPress themes are professionally designed templates that change how your vlog looks and acts.

    There are lots of different premium and free WordPress business themes to choose from. You can generally categorize these as multipurpose WordPress themes, or niche industry themes. However, most WordPress themes are designed to show text.

    Since we’re starting a vlog, we need a theme that’s designed specifically for videos.

    A WordPress video theme

    Even if you’re using a separate video hosting platform, embedded videos still take time to load. With that in mind, it’s important to find a lightweight theme that won’t slow down your website. Wherever possible, we also recommend using a theme that has built-in lazy loading.

    On top of that, vlogs often need special features such as parallax scrolling, lightbox popups, and fullscreen video backgrounds.

    An example of a WordPress vlog theme

    That’s a lot to keep in mind, so you may want to look at our expert pick of the best WordPress video themes.

    Another option is to use a landing page builder plugin such as SeedProd. SeedProd is the best drag-and-drop WordPress page builder and comes with more than 180 templates.

    This includes an entire section of ‘Webinar’ templates that are designed specifically to show videos on your WordPress website.

    SeedProd's professionally-designed vlog templates

    SeedProd also has a ready-made ‘Video’ block that you can drag and drop onto any page.

    For more information, please see our guide on how to create a landing page with WordPress.

    The SeedProd page builder plugin

    Once you’ve chosen a video theme, please see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress theme.

    After installing a theme, you may want to customize it by going to Appearance » Customize in the WordPress dashboard. This will launch the theme customizer where you can fine-tune the theme settings and see your changes in the live preview.

    Customizing a WordPress video blog theme

    If you’re using one of the newer full-site editing themes, then you’ll need to go to Appearance » Editor instead.

    Here, you can fine-tune the theme using blocks.

    Customizing a WordPress vlogging theme using the FSE

    Just remember that you can customize your theme at any point. You can even completely change your WordPress theme, if you realize it doesn’t quite meet your needs.

    This means you don’t need to finalize your site design now. In fact, it may be easier to fine-tune your vlog once you’ve added some content.

    Step 4. Create a Custom Homepage

    WordPress comes with two content types called posts and pages.

    You’ll typically use posts to create articles and blogs, while pages are static “one-off” types of content. For example, you might publish an about page, a privacy policy, or a custom archive page.

    There are a few different ways to show videos in WordPress. However, since we’re creating a video vlog you’ll typically embed one or more videos in a blog post.

    By default, the WordPress homepage shows your posts in reverse chronological order, so your latest vlog appears at the top of the homepage.

    A custom homepage on a WordPress vlog

    However, you may want to move this blog list to another page, and use a custom homepage instead. This custom homepage can introduce your vlog to visitors and let them know what you have to offer.

    You might even create a YouTube gallery of all your best videos, which is a great way to catch a visitor’s attention and make them want to watch more of your content.

    Smash Balloon allows you to create all kinds of galleries, including showing a specific YouTube playlist or favorites feed, a single video, or even your latest live stream.

    Adding a YouTube vlog feed to your WordPress website

    For step-by-step instructions on how to create an attention-grabbing homepage for your video blog, please see our guide on how to create a custom homepage in WordPress.

    Once you’re happy with the design, it’s time to set it as your homepage. To do this, go to Settings » Reading in the WordPress dashboard.

    How to set a custom homepage in WordPress

    Here, scroll to ‘Your homepage settings’ and select ‘A static page.’

    Next, open the ‘Homepage’ dropdown and choose the page that you want to use.

    Changing the homepage on a WordPress video blog

    After that, simply scroll to the bottom of the screen and click on ‘Save Changes.’ Now, if you visit your website you’ll see the new homepage in action.

    With that done, make sure you create a separate blog page to display your vlogs.

    Step 5. Set Up Your Video Hosting Platform

    Before you can start adding videos to your WordPress website, you’ll need to upload them to a separate video hosting platform. In this way, you can show countless high-resolution videos on your website without affecting its performance.

    For more on this topic, see our post on why you should never upload a video to WordPress.

    There are lots of different video hosting platforms that you can use, but we recommend YouTube as it’s the most popular choice.

    It’s free to create a YouTube account and you can upload as many videos as you want.

    Uploading videos to YouTube

    YouTube even has a Partners Program that you can join to make money from your videos. This program also offers more benefits like analytics, longer videos, and editing tools.

    Since it’s such a popular platform, there are lots of great WordPress plugins for YouTube. For example, you can use plugins to quickly and easily embed a YouTube playlist in WordPress.

    Adding a YouTube playlist to a vlog using Smash Balloon

    If you don’t want to use YouTube, then there are many other popular platforms including Vidyard, Wistia, and SproutVideo. For a closer look at all the top video sites, please see our expert pick of the best video hosting sites for bloggers.

    After choosing a platform, you’ll need to create an account and upload all the vlogs that you want to show on your WordPress website.

    For instructions on how to do this, check out the online documentation for your chosen video hosting platform.

    Step 6. Create Your First Vlog

    To create your first vlog, simply go to Posts » Add New in your WordPress dashboard.

    WordPress has a block-based editor that allows you to create beautiful content layouts for your vlogs. Here, you can add text, images, audio clips, and more.

    How to create a new vlog post

    For an in-depth look at the editor, please see our WordPress block editor tutorial.

    The easiest way to add vlogs to WordPress is by using the built-in auto-embed feature. If you’re using one of the big video hosting platforms, then you can simply paste the video’s URL into the WordPress content editor, and WordPress will handle the rest.

    Just head over to your chosen video hosting platform and find the vlog that you want to show on your WordPress blog. You can then simply copy the video’s URL.

    After that, switch back to the WordPress dashboard and paste the URL in the content area. If you paste it into a standard Paragraph block, WordPress will automatically try to place it in the correct block, such as the YouTube block.

    Embedding a YouTube video in WordPress

    Even if you don’t see the platform-specific block, it will use the Embed block and display the video inside the content editor.

    For more information, please see our detailed guide on how to easily embed videos in WordPress blog posts.

    How to show a YouTube vlog in WordPress

    As you’re working on the vlog, you can see how it’ll look to visitors by clicking on ‘Preview.’

    This will open the page in a new tab.

    How to preview a vlog in WordPress

    The WordPress post editor also has sections for Categories and Tags. You can use these to organize your vlogs so it’s easier for visitors to find interesting content. To learn more, please see our guide on how to add categories and tags in WordPress.

    When you’re happy with how the vlog looks, go ahead and click on the ‘Publish’ button in the top-right corner of the screen.

    To add more vlogs to your website, simply follow the same process described above.

    Step 7. Add a Contact Form to Your Vlog

    Some viewers might want to contact you directly. This may include affiliate marketers, sponsors, advertisers, and other brands who are looking to build relationships with creators, or other vloggers who want to collaborate.

    These people could ring your phone number or send a message to your business email address, but we always recommend adding a contact form to your website.

    This makes it easier for potential partners to contact you, so you don’t miss out on any opportunities to grow your brand and make money from your vlogs.

    The easiest way to add a contact form to your WordPress website is by using the free WPForms plugin. WPForms comes with a built-in Simple Contact Form template that you can customize using the drag-and-drop editor.

    Adding a contact form to a WordPress vlogging site

    You can then add the form to any page, post, or widget-ready area using the ready-made WPForms block.

    For detailed instructions, see our guide on how to create a contact form in WordPress.

    Step 8. Help Visitors Find Interesting Vlogs

    Once you’ve added some content to your vlog, it’s a good idea to add a navigation menu so visitors can find their way around the different videos.

    Adding a navigation menu to a video blog (vlog)

    The exact location of your menu will depend on your WordPress theme. Most themes have several options, so you can create multiple menus and then show them on different areas of your vlog.

    Whether you create a single menu or multiple menus, it’s easy to add navigation to your vlog. For a complete guide, please see our post on how to add a navigation menu.

    Adding a navigation menu to a WordPress vlog

    Menus encourage people to explore your site, but sometimes visitors may want to search for a specific vlog. WordPress comes with a built-in search feature, but it’s quite basic and not very good at finding relevant content.

    That’s why we recommend using SearchWP, which is the best search plugin for WordPress.

    It is very easy to use and gives much more accurate search results. It allows visitors to search for a keyword in the post or page title, content, URL slug, categories, tags, taxonomies, WordPress excerpts, and even comments.

    All of this can help visitors find interesting vlogs, fast.

    How to improve WordPress search with SearchWP

    For step-by-step instructions on SearchWP, please see our guide on how to improve WordPress search.

    Step 9. Optimize Your Vlog for SEO

    If you want to get more viewers, then you’ll need to optimize your vlog for SEO. This will help search engines understand your content and show it to people who are looking for videos just like yours.

    WordPress SEO is a huge topic that can be confusing for new vloggers. With that in mind, we recommend using All in One SEO for WordPress (AIOSEO).

    The AIOSEO SEO plugin

    AIOSEO is the best WordPress SEO plugin on the market and has everything you need to get your vlogs onto the first page of Google, without having to learn any complicated SEO jargon.

    AIOSEO comes with the easiest setup wizard that helps you choose the best SEO settings for your business. AIOSEO will even scan your vlogs and show an actionable checklist on how you can optimize that specific vlog.

    An actionable checklist for improving SEO

    Additionally, AIOSEO has a video sitemap feature that you can use to show search engines what’s the most important content to index.

    To help you get started, please see our ultimate guide on how to set up All in One SEO for WordPress correctly.

    Step 10. Notify Users About New Vlogs

    Did you know that 70% of people who leave your site will never come back? Thankfully there are lots of ways to turn abandoning visitors into loyal viewers.

    To start, it’s smart to create an email newsletter so people who enjoy your vlogs can subscribe. After that, you can email these subscribers every time you post a new vlog.

    You can also keep them engaged with your brand by sending them fun surveys and polls, notifying them about any giveaways and contests you’re running, or even simply asking them for feedback on your latest vlog.

    An example of an online giveaway or contest

    All of this can help you create a sense of community and build a stronger relationship with your viewers.

    If you do build an email list, then you’ll want to make sure your messages arrive safely in the subscriber’s inbox and not in their spam folder. With that in mind, we recommend using an SMTP service provider to improve your email deliverability rates.

    Another option is to use push notifications with software like PushEngage to send targeted, personalized messages to viewers after they leave your vlog.

    Push notifications are short, clickable notifications that appear as a popup on the user’s desktop or mobile devices. Some of the biggest websites in the world use push notifications to keep users engaged, including Facebook.

    These notifications go directly to the user’s web browser or mobile device so they have a high chance of getting the person’s attention, which makes them perfect for notifying viewers when you post a new vlog.

    To learn more, see our guide on how to add web push notifications to WordPress.

    Step 11. How to Make Money From Your Video Vlogs

    Creating lots of quality, engaging vlogs takes a lot of time and effort, so you may want to make money from your videos.

    If you’ve created a contact form, then potential sponsors and partners already have a way to contact you, which is a great start. However, there are lots more ways to make money online with WordPress.

    Here are some of the best ways to make money from your vlog.

    1. Google AdSense

    There are many reasons why it’s smart to embed videos on your own website, rather than simply uploading them to platforms like YouTube.

    One major benefit is that you can show Google AdSense ads next to your videos.

    Google AdSense

    When you sign up for Google AdSense, Google acts as a middleman between you and the advertiser. Instead of you having to find the right partners for your vlog, Google allows advertisers to bid for keywords matching your content. This allows you to get the best possible rates for the ads on your vlogging website.

    For more details, please see our article on how to properly add Google AdSense to your WordPress blog.

    1. Affiliate marketing

    Many vloggers make money by recommending products and services to their viewers. For example, many lifestyle vloggers film daily routine videos showing off their favorite skincare or fitness products.

    By using affiliate links, you can earn money every time a viewer buys a product or service based on your recommendation.

    For the best results, it’s a good idea to only recommend quality items that you already use and trust. If you encourage viewers to buy poor-quality or scammy products, then you’ll damage your band and almost certainly lose viewers.

    There are plenty of affiliate marketing plugins and tools for WordPress that can help you make money by promoting affiliate products, but we highly recommend PrettyLinks or ThirstyAffiliates to all vloggers.

    To get started, please see our step-by-step affiliate marketing guide for beginners.

    1. Ask for Tips and Donations

    If you build a strong, positive relationship with your viewers then they may want to support your work as a vlogger. This is particularly true if you’re a hobby vlogger or someone who is just starting out.

    Although they’re mostly used by non-profits, some vloggers use donation forms so that viewers can support their work. These forms are often presented as ‘buy me a coffee’ or ‘buy me a beer.’

    An example of a donation form

    To learn more, please see our guide on how to create a donate form in WordPress.

    1. Create a Membership Site

    Most of the time, you’ll want your vlogs to be publicly available so you can get as many views as possible and build your audience.

    However, some vloggers may want to create a video membership site in WordPress. This allows people to pay for different perks, such as early access to the latest vlogs, exclusive live streams, or premium members-only videos.

    You can also offer perks that don’t involve videos, such as a members-only forum, blog posts, or the ability to chat with you directly on channels like Discord.

    The easiest way to create a membership site is by using MemberPress. It is the best WordPress membership plugin on the market and allows you to accept payments, create unlimited subscription levels, restrict access to video pages based on levels, and more.

    Creating video memberships with the MemberPress plugin
    1. Sell Your Videos as Digital Downloads

    Depending on the kind of vlogs you create, you may decide to sell some of your premium videos as digital downloads. For example, if you’re a health and fitness vlogger then you might create videos teaching your followers different exercise routines.

    For some niches, this can be a way to monetize the audience you’ve built from your vlogs.

    Easy Digital Downloads is the best platform to easily sell digital products. You can get started in minutes and accept credit card payments with Stripe, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

    The Easy Digital Downloads WordPress eCommerce plugin

    With Easy Digital Downloads, you have complete control over how you distribute your videos. You can allow customers to download files as many times as they want or restrict file downloads by time or attempt.

    To start selling your premium videos, please see our complete guide on how to sell digital downloads on WordPress.

    We hope this tutorial helped you learn how to start a video vlog and make money. You may also want to learn how to increase your blog traffic or check out our list of the best email marketing services.

    If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

    The post How to Start a Video Blog (Vlog) And Make Money in 2023 first appeared on WPBeginner.

  • How to Easily Create a Restaurant Website with WordPress

    Do you want to create a restaurant website with WordPress?

    A restaurant website can help attract new customers and grow your business. It can also provide a better experience for your existing customers and keep them coming back to your restaurant, cafe, takeaway, or similar business.

    In this article, we will show you how to create a restaurant website with WordPress.

    How to easily create a restaurant website with WordPress

    Why Create a Restaurant Website?

    A website is one of the best ways to market your restaurant to new customers and provide a better experience for your existing clients.

    By creating an online presence for your restaurant, you can introduce your business to people who are looking for venues and food just like yours.

    An example of a restaurant website

    After a potential customer discovers your business, a professionally-designed and helpful restaurant website will tell them everything they need to know about your business. They can then decide whether your restaurant is right for them.

    Even if you have lots of loyal customers and a positive reputation in the local area, a restaurant website can help you improve the customer experience.

    For example, it can allow customers to book a table online, send you questions using a convenient contact form, check out the latest menu, and much more.

    An example of a restaurant online booking form

    In this way, a restaurant website can keep your customers happy, so they carry on visiting you for months, or even years to come.

    That said, let’s see how you can easily create a restaurant website with WordPress.

    Which Is the Best Website Builder for Your Restaurant?

    There are many website builders that can help you create a restaurant website but we recommend using WordPress.

    According to our blogging research statistics, WordPress is the most popular website platform in the world. It powers nearly 43% of all websites on the internet including many top restaurant websites.

    WordPress is also open-source and free. For more on this topic, see our article on why WordPress is free.

    However, it’s important to realize that there are two types of WordPress software, so you don’t choose the wrong one.

    First, there is WordPress.com, which is a blog hosting platform. Then, there is WordPress.org which is also known as self-hosted WordPress.

    For a detailed comparison, you can see our guide on the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org.

    For a restaurant website, we recommend using WordPress.org because it gives you complete ownership of your site and allows you to install third-party plugins, including plenty that are designed specifically for restaurant owners.

    To learn more about why we recommend WordPress to all our readers, please see our complete WordPress review with pros and cons.

    Step 1. Setting Up Your Restaurant Website

    To create a WordPress website you’ll need a domain name and web hosting.

    A domain name is your website’s address on the internet. This is what customers will type into their browsers to reach your website, such as justeat.com or tacobell.com.

    Web hosting is where your website lives online. To help you out, we’ve hand-picked some of the best WordPress hosting that you can buy for a restaurant website.  

    Although the WordPress software is free, hosting and domain names are where the costs can really start to add up.

    A domain name typically costs $14.99/year and hosting costs start from $7.99/month. This is a lot for restaurants that already have bills and expenses to pay.

    Thankfully, Bluehost has offers a free domain name, and our readers can get 60% off on web hosting. Bluehost is one of the largest hosting companies in the world, and an official WordPress-recommended hosting partner.

    They’re also offering our readers a free SSL certificate. If you want to accept payments online, then an SSL certificate will help keep the customer’s credit and debit card information safe.

    You can click the button below to get started for as little as $2.75 per month.

    Once there, you will need to go to the Bluehost website in a new tab and click on the green ‘Get Started Now’ button.

    Bluehost WordPress Hosting offer for WPBeginner Users

    This will bring you to a pricing page where you can choose a hosting plan for your website.

    We recommend choosing a Basic or Plus plan, as they’re the most popular web hosting plans among our readers.

    Bluehost pricing plans

    After selecting a plan, click on ‘Continue.’

    On the next screen, you’ll need to choose a domain name.

    Choosing a domain name for your restaurant website

    Ideally, the domain name will be easy to pronounce and spell, easy to remember, and related to your business. The name of your restaurant is a great place to start, but sometimes that domain may already be taken by another business.

    In that case, you can try extending the domain name by adding your restaurant’s location, your own name, or the type of food you serve.

    Need help choosing a domain name for your restaurant website? See these tips and tools on how to choose the best domain name.

    After choosing a name, click on the ‘Next’ button to continue.

    Now you’ll need to provide your account information such as your name and email address. After that, you’ll also see optional extras that you can purchase.

    We generally don’t recommend purchasing these extras straight away, as you can always add them later on if you need them.

    Bluehost hosting package extras

    After that, simply type in your payment information to complete the purchase.

    Once you’ve done that, you’ll get an email with instructions on how to login to your web hosting control panel. This is your hosting account dashboard where you can manage your restaurant website, including setting up email notifications and asking for WordPress support.

    It’s also where you’ll install the WordPress software.

    Step 2. Create a New WordPress Website

    When you signup with Bluehost using our link, Bluehost installs WordPress on your domain name automatically.

    If you want to create a different WordPress website, then you can simply click on the ‘My Sites’ tab in the Bluehost dashboard.

    Next, just click on the ‘Add Site’ button and select ‘Create New Site.’

    Creating a new restaurant website using Bluehost

    The Bluehost wizard will now guide you through the setup process.

    First, you’ll need to type in a site title and optional tagline.

    Adding a site title and tagline to your new restaurant website

    Click on the ‘Next’ button to continue.

    After that, Bluehost will ask you to select a domain name and path for your restaurant website. If you’ve already purchased a domain name, then you can simply select it from the dropdown menu.

    Choosing a domain for your new WordPress website

    If you don’t have a domain name then you can buy one by visiting the ‘Domains’ page inside the Bluehost dashboard.

    After choosing a domain name, you can leave the directory path blank and let Bluehost fill it in for you. The installer will also show a few must-have WordPress plugins that you may want to install on your restaurant website including OptinMonster.

    After that, click on the ‘Next’ button and the installer will set up your restaurant site.

    Once it’s finished, you’ll see a ‘WordPress installed successfully’ message with information about your new website. You can now go ahead and click on the ‘Log into WordPress’ button.

    This will take you to your site’s admin area.

    Log into your new WordPress website dashboard

    You can also log in to the WordPress dashboard by simply going to yoursite.com/wp-admin/ directly from your browser.

    If you’re using a different WordPress website host such as SiteGround, Hostinger, HostGator, or WP Engine, then you can see our complete guide on how to install WordPress for all the top hosting providers.

    Once WordPress is setup, you’re ready to start building a five-star restaurant website.

    Step 3. Select a Restaurant Theme

    WordPress themes are professionally designed templates that change how your restaurant site looks and acts.

    By default, each WordPress site comes with a basic theme. If you visit your website, then it will look something like this:

    The default WordPress theme

    This is not very appealing for most customers, so you’ll usually want to replace the default WordPress theme.

    There are lots of different premium and free WordPress business themes to choose from. You can generally categorize these as multipurpose WordPress themes, or niche industry themes.

    Your typical restaurant website needs special features, like the ability to show a menu, photos, location information, business hours, and more.

    With that in mind, it makes sense to look for a theme that’s designed for the food or hospitality industry. To help you out, we’ve collected the best WordPress restaurant themes.

    You can also use a website and landing page builder plugin such as SeedProd.

    The SeedProd page builder

    SeedProd is the best drag and drop WordPress page builder and comes with built-in templates that you can use to build a professionally-designed restaurant website.

    These templates include a menu, food photos, pricing, recipes, and more.

    One of SeedProd's ready-made restaurant templates

    Once you’ve chosen a restaurant theme, please see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress theme.

    After installing your theme, you may want to customize it by going to Appearance » Customize in the WordPress dashboard.

    This will launch the theme customizer where you can fine-tune the theme settings and see your changes in the live preview.

    The WordPress theme customizer

    If you’re using one of the newer full site editing themes, then you’ll see the option for Appearance » Editor, which uses blocks similar to the content editor to customize your site.

    Pro Tip: No matter what theme you’re using, neither the default WordPress customizer nor the full site editing offers a user-friendly drag and drop customization experience. For that reason, we recommend using a page builder like SeedProd to customize your theme.

    Just remember that you can always return to this screen and continue customizing your theme. You can even completely change your WordPress theme at any point.

    Step 4. Create a Custom Home Page

    WordPress has two two default content types called posts and pages.

    You’ll typically use posts to create articles and blogs. By default, the home page shows these posts in reverse chronological order, so the newest content appears at the top of the list.

    A list of WordPress blog posts

    You might use a blog to build a stronger relationship with their customers, improve your WordPress SEO, and get more traffic to your restaurant website. For example, you could write about recipes, share cooking tips, or blog about the latest restaurant industry news.

    However, even if you plan to publish blog posts, you typically won’t show these on the home page. Instead, we recommend creating a custom home page that introduces your business to new visitors.

    For step-by-step instructions on how to create an attention-grabbing restaurant home page, please see our guide on how to create a custom home page in WordPress.

    Once you’re happy with the page’s design, it’s time to set it as your home page. To do this, go to Settings » Reading in the WordPress dashboard.

    Adding a static home page to your WordPress website

    Here, scroll to ‘Your homepage settings’ and select ‘A static page.’

    Next, open the ‘Homepage’ dropdown and choose the page that you want to use.

    Adding a static home page to your WordPress restaurant website

    Then, simply scroll to the bottom of the screen and click on ‘Save Changes.’ Now, if you visit your website you’ll see the new home page in action.

    If you are going to write blogs, then make sure you create a separate blog page to display your posts. If you don’t, then customers will struggle to find your latest WordPress blogs.

    Step 5. Create an Online Restaurant Menu

    Even long-term, loyal customers may want to look at your menu from time to time. By publishing your menu online, customers can look at it any time of day or night.

    Publishing a menu can also help convince new customers to visit your restaurant.

    It is possible to upload PDF files to your WordPress website. However, downloading a PDF menu can be difficult depending on the customer’s data plan and internet connection, and they’re non-responsive so they can be hard to read on some devices.

    Plus, if you add new dishes or change your pricing, then you’ll also need to upload a completely new PDF.

    For that reason, we recommend using SeedProd to add an online menu to your WordPress website. SeedProd also allows you to create a mobile responsive menu that looks great on every device.

    One of SeedProd's professionally-designed restaurant templates

    You can also easily update the menu as you add new dishes, change the prices, remove dishes, and more.

    SeedProd even comes with a ‘Menu Sales Page’ template that’s perfect for creating a menu.

    A restaurant menu, created using SeedProd

    For detailed instructions, please see our guide on how to create an online restaurant menu.

    Step 6. Set Up Online Food Ordering

    Many restaurants allow customers to order food online. For example, you might give customers the option to pre-order their meal or place an order for delivery.

    It may sound technical, but you can easily add online food ordering to your website using the WPForms plugin.

    The WPForms form builder plugin for WordPress

    WPForms is the best WordPress form builder that allows you to create online order forms for all kinds of products and services.

    It even comes with a ready-made ‘Takeout Order Form’ that you can customize to suit your restaurant website.

    Adding an online takeaway order form to your WordPress website

    Every time someone completes the form, WPForms will notify you automatically so you can start working on that order straight away.

    If you don’t want to accept cash on delivery, then WPForms supports all of the best payment gateways including PayPal and Stripe. This allows you to accept payments securely online, which is quick and convenient for your customers.

    Accepting online payments for your restaurant website

    For step-by-step instructions, please see our guide on how to set up food ordering for restaurants in WordPress.

    Step 7. Add a Restaurant Booking Form

    Today, most people expect to be able to book appointments through an automated system.

    By adding a booking form to your restaurant website, you can accept reservations at any time of the day or night. You’ll never lose another customer just because you weren’t around to answer the phone. 

    Booking forms can also automate a lot of the booking process. This includes collecting payments and emailing your customers to remind them about their upcoming booking.

    You can easily add a restaurant booking form to your website using WPForms. This plugin has a ready-made dinner reservation form template that you can customize for your restaurant.

    How to accept online bookings on a restaurant website

    WPForms also integrates with all of the top email marketing providers. This makes it easy to send reservation confirmation emails to your customers.

    As their booking approaches, you can even send the customer a reminder email, ask them to share any dietary requirements, send a pre-order form, and more.

    Creating email notifications for your booking form

    To learn more about adding a reservation form to your WordPress website, please see our guide on how to create a booking form in WordPress.

    Step 8. Add a Contact Us Form

    Even if you use a WordPress appointment and booking plugin, some customers may still need to talk to you directly.

    While visitors could ring your phone number or send a message to your business email address, we always recommend adding a contact form to your website.

    An example of a contact form

    Most of the best contact form plugins come with built-in spam protection, so you won’t get any contact form spam. A form will also collect consistent information from visitors, so you’ll have all the data you need to write a helpful reply.

    The easiest way to add a contact form to your WordPress website is by using the free WPForms plugin.

    This free plugin comes with a built-in Simple Contact Form template that you can quickly customize using the drag and drop editor.

    WPForms' contact form template

    Then, simply add the form to any page, post, or widget-ready area using the ready-made WPForms block.

    For detailed instructions, see our guide on how to create a contact form in WordPress.

    Step 9. Add a Navigation Menu

    Once you’ve added some content to your restaurant website, you’ll want to help visitors find their way around those pages and posts by adding a navigation menu.

    An example of a restaurant menu, created using WordPress

    No matter what theme you’re using, WordPress makes it really easy to add menus and sub-menus to your restaurant website.  

    For a complete guide, please see our post on how to add a navigation menu.

    The WordPress menu settings

    Step 10. Add Social Proof to Your Restaurant Website

    Social proof is one of the best ways to earn customer trust, and convince new people to visit your restaurant. After all, we’re more likely to try things that we see other people buying, using, or recommending.

    People love sharing food photos on sites like Instagram and Facebook. With that in mind, we recommend adding social media feeds to your WordPress website.

    Smash Balloon Instagram Feed is one of the best Instagram plugins for WordPress, and it allows you to easily show other people’s photos on your site.

    Using this plugin, you can create a hashtag feed and show photos that customers have tagged your account in. This includes photos of your food, venue, and shots of customers having fun at your restaurant.

    A food hashtag Instagram feed, created using Smash Balloon

    For detailed step-by-step instructions, please see our guide on how to create a custom Instagram feed in WordPress.

    If your customers regularly tweet about your restaurant, then Smash Balloon Twitter Feed also lets you create hashtag and mention feeds.

    A Smash Balloon Twitter feed

    For more instructions on adding a Twitter feed to WordPress, see our guide on how to embed tweets in WordPress.

    Step 11. Show Customer Reviews

    Customer reviews and testimonials can provide visitors with more information, and may even solve any question or worries customers have about visiting your restaurant.

    If you already have a Facebook page, then it’s easy to display your Facebook reviews in WordPress using Smash Balloon Facebook Feed.

    Facebook reviews, embedded in a WordPress website

    If you want to show reviews from other platforms like Yelp or Google My Business, then there’s also plenty of customer review plugins for WordPress that you can use.

    These plugins will collect reviews automatically and then organize them into a nice layout on your restaurant website.

    Customer reviews embedded on a WordPress website

    If you do add a customer review page in WordPress, then don’t forget to add it to your navigation menu too.

    Don’t have any reviews to feature on your website? Then it’s time to start asking for them.

    WPForms has a a ready-made Restaurant Review Form template that you can add to your website.

    A restaurant review form, created using WPForms

    Bonus Tips to Grow Your Restaurant Website

    Now that you have setup your restaurant website, here are some top tips that you can use to grow your online business:

    We hope this tutorial helped you learn how to create a restaurant website with WordPress. You may also want to see our ultimate WordPress security guide and our expert pick of the must have WordPress plugins that you should install on all business sites.

    If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

    The post How to Easily Create a Restaurant Website with WordPress first appeared on WPBeginner.

  • How to Remove the Powered by WordPress Footer Links

    Do you want to remove the ‘powered by WordPress’ footer links on your site?

    By default, most WordPress themes have a disclaimer in the footer, but this can make your site look unprofessional. It also leaves less space for your own links, copyright notice, and other content.

    In this article, we will show you how to remove the powered by WordPress footer links.

    How to remove the powered by WordPress footer links

    Why Remove the WordPress Footer Credits?

    The default WordPress themes use the footer area to show a ‘Proudly powered by WordPress’ disclaimer, which links to the official WordPress.org website.

    The Powered by WordPress disclaimer

    Many theme developers take this further and add their own credits to the footer.

    In the following image, you can see the disclaimer added by the Astra WordPress Theme.

    The Astra footer disclaimer

    While great for the software developers, this ‘Powered by….’ footer can make your site seem less professional, especially if you’re running a business website.

    It also lets hackers know that you’re using WordPress, which could help them break into your site.

    For example, if you’re not using a custom login URL, then hackers can simply add /wp-admin to your site’s address and get to your login page.

    This disclaimer also links to an external site, so it encourages people to leave your website. This can have a negative impact on your pageviews and bounce rate.

    Is it legal to remove WordPress footer credit links?

    It is perfectly legal to remove the footer credits link on your site because WordPress is free, and it is released under the GPL license.

    Basically, this license gives you the freedom to use, modify, and even distribute WordPress to other people.

    Any WordPress plugin or theme that you download from the official WordPress directory is released under the same GPL license. In fact, even most commercial plugins and themes are released under GPL.

    This means you’re free to customize WordPress in any way you want, including removing the footer credits from your business website, online store, or blog.

    With that in mind, let’s see how you can remove the powered by WordPress footer links.

    Video Tutorial

    If you don’t want the video or need more instructions, then simply use the quick links below to jump straight to the method you want to use.

    Method 1. Removing the ‘Powered by’ Link Using the Theme Settings

    Most good theme authors know that users want to be able to edit the footer and remove the credit links, so many include it in their theme settings.

    To see whether your theme has this option, go to Appearance » Customize in your WordPress admin dashboard.

    Launching the WordPress Customizer

    You can now look for any settings that let you customize your site’s footer, and then click on that option.

    For example, the Astra theme has a section called ‘Footer Builder.’

    Customizing the Astra theme disclaimer

    If you’re using this theme, then simply click on the ‘Footer’ section and select ‘Copyright.’

    Doing so will open a small editor where you can change the footer text, or even delete it completely.

    How to remove the 'powered by WordPress' disclaimer

    No matter how you remove the footer disclaimer, don’t forget to click on ‘Publish’ to make the change live on your site.

    If you’re using a block theme, then you can remove the footer disclaimer using Full Site Editing (FSE) and the block editor.

    This is a quick and easy way to remove the ‘Powered by’ credit across your entire site, although it won’t work with all themes.

    To launch the editor, go to Appearance Â» Editor.

    How to launch the FSE

    Then, scroll to your website’s footer and click to select the ‘Powered by’ disclaimer.

    You can now replace it with your own content, or you can even delete the disclaimer completely.

    Editing the 'Proudly powered by WordPress' credit using the full site editor

    When you’re happy with how the footer looks, simply click on ‘Save.’ Now if you visit your site, you’ll see the change live.

    Method 3. How To Remove the ‘Powered by’ Disclaimer Using a Page Builder

    Many WordPress websites use the footer to communicate important information, such as their email address or phone number. In fact, visitors might scroll to the bottom of your site looking specifically for this content.

    With that in mind, you may want to go one step further and replace the ‘Powered by’ text with a custom footer. This footer could contain links to your social media profiles, links to your affiliate partners, a list of your products, or other important information and links.

    You can see the WPBeginner footer in the following image:

    An example of a WordPress footer

    The best way to create a custom footer is by using SeedProd. It is the best page builder plugin and comes with over 180 professionally-designed templates, sections, and blocks that can help you customize every part of your WordPress blog or website.

    It also has settings that allow you to create a global footer, sidebar, header, and more.

    First, you need to install and activate SeedProd. For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

    Note: There’s also a free version of SeedProd that allows you to create all kinds of pages using the drag-and-drop editor. However, we’ll be using the premium version of SeedProd since it comes with the advanced Theme Builder.

    After activating the plugin, SeedProd will ask for your license key.

    SeedProd license key

    You can find this information under your account on the SeedProd website. After entering the key, click on the ‘Verify Key’ button.

    Once you’ve done that, go to SeedProd » Theme Builder. Here, click on the ‘Add New Theme Template’ button.

    The SeedProd theme builder

    In the popup, type in a name for the new theme template.

    Once you’ve done that, open the ‘Type’ dropdown and choose ‘Footer.’

    Creating a custom footer with SeedProd

    SeedProd will show the new footer template across your entire site by default. However, you can limit it to specific pages or posts using the ‘Conditions’ settings.

    For example, you may want to exclude the new footer from your landing pages, so it doesn’t distract from your main call to action.

    When you’re happy with the information you’ve entered, click on ‘Save.’

    This will load the SeedProd page builder interface.

    At first, your template will show a blank screen on the right and your settings on the left. To start, click on the ‘Add Columns’ icon.

    The SeedProd theme builder editor

    You can now choose the layout that you want to use for your footer. This allows you to organize your content into different columns.

    You can use any layout you want, but for this guide, we’re using a three-column layout.

    Choosing a layout for the WordPress footer

    Next, you can edit the footer’s background so that it matches your WordPress theme, company branding, or logo.

    To change the background color, simply click on the section next to ‘Background Color’ and then use the controls to choose a new color.

    Changing the background color of a WordPress footer

    Another option is to upload a background image.

    To do this, either click on ‘Use Your Own Image’ and then choose an image from the WordPress media library, or click on ‘Use a stock image.’

    Adding an image to a custom WordPress footer

    When you’re happy with the background, it’s time to add some content to the footer.

    Simply drag any block from the left-hand menu and drop it onto your footer.

    Adding blocks to the WordPress footer

    After adding a block, click to select that block in the main editor.

    The left-hand menu will now show all of the settings for customizing the block.

    The SeedProd advanced theme builder

    Simply keep repeating these steps to add more blocks to your footer.

    You can also change where each block appears by dragging them around your layout.

    A custom footer, created using the SeedProd theme builder

    When you’re happy with your design, click on the ‘Save’ button.

    Then, you can select ‘Publish’ to complete your design.

    Publishing the SeedProd template part

    For your new footer to show up on your website, you’ll need to finish building your WordPress theme with SeedProd.

    After building your theme, go to SeedProd » Theme Builder. Then, click on the ‘Enable SeedProd Theme’ switch.

    Now, if you visit your website you’ll see the new footer live.

    How to enable a custom WordPress theme

    For a step-by-step guide, please see our guide on how to create a custom WordPress theme.

    Method 4. Removing the WordPress Disclaimer Using Code

    If you can’t see any way to remove or modify the footer credits in the WordPress customizer, then another option is to edit the footer.php code.

    This isn’t the most beginner-friendly method, but it will let you remove the credit from any WordPress theme.

    Before making changes to your website’s code, we recommend creating a backup so you can restore your site in case anything goes wrong.

    Keep in mind that if you edit your WordPress theme files directly, then those changes will disappear when you update the theme. With that being said, we recommend creating a child theme as this allows you to update your WordPress theme without losing customization.

    First, you need to connect to your WordPress site using an FTP client such as FileZilla, or you can use a file manager provided by your WordPress hosting company. 

    If this is your first time using FTP, then you can see our complete guide on how to connect to your site using FTP

    Once you’ve connected to your site, go to /wp-content/themes/ and then open the folder for your current theme or child theme.

    The FileZilla FTP client

    Inside this folder, find the footer.php file and open it in a text editor such as Notepad.

    In the text editor, look for a section of code that includes the ‘powered by’ text. For example, in the Twenty Twenty-One theme for WordPress, the code looks like this:

    <div class="powered-by">
    				<?php
    				printf(
    					/* translators: %s: WordPress. */
    					esc_html__( 'Proudly powered by %s.', 'twentytwentyone' ),
    					'<a href="' . esc_attr__( 'https://wordpress.org/', 'twentytwentyone' ) . '">WordPress</a>'
    				);
    				?>
    			</div><!-- .powered-by -->
    

    You can either delete this code entirely or customize it to suit your needs. For example, you may want to replace the ‘Proudly powered…’ disclaimer with your own copyright notice.

    A custom disclaimer, created using FSE

    After making your changes, save the file and upload it to your server. If you check your site, then the footer credit will have disappeared.

    Warning! Avoid the CSS Method at All Costs!

    Some WordPress tutorial sites may show you a CSS method that uses display: none to hide the footer credit links.

    While it looks simple, it’s very bad for your WordPress SEO.

    Many spammers use this exact technique to hide links from visitors while still showing them to Google, in the hopes of getting higher rankings.

    If you do hide the footer credit with CSS, then Google may flag you as a spammer and your site will lose search engine rankings. In the worst-case scenario, Google may even delete you from their index so you never appear in search results.

    Instead, we strongly recommend using one of the four methods we showed above. If you can’t use any of these methods, then another option is hiring a WordPress developer to remove the footer credit for you, or you might change your WordPress theme.

    We hope this article helped you remove the powered by WordPress footer links. You may also want to check out our expert pick of the best contact form plugins and proven ways to make money online blogging with WordPress.

    If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

    The post How to Remove the Powered by WordPress Footer Links first appeared on WPBeginner.

  • How to Easily Add Box Shadow in WordPress (4 Ways)

    Recently one of our readers asked if there is an easy way to add box shadows in WordPress?

    Shadows can make your most important content stand out and grab your visitors’ attention. They can also help flat website designs appear more engaging and interesting.

    In this article, we will show you how to easily add box shadows in WordPress, step by step.

    How to easily add box shadow in WordPress

    Why Add Box Shadows in WordPress?

    A box shadow, sometimes also known as a drop shadow, is a visual effect that makes it look like an onscreen object is casting a shadow.

    We tend to pay more attention to objects that appear closer to us. That’s why many website owners add box shadows to their most important content to make it look like it’s hovering above the page.

    For example, if you add a big shadow to a call to action button, then it will look physically closer to the visitor. This will draw the person’s attention toward this important button.

    With that said, let’s see how you can add box shadows to your WordPress blog or website. Simply use the quick links below to jump straight to the method you want to use.

    When adding box shadow, the best practice is to only add it on your most important website elements. If you add a unique shadow effect to each WordPress block, then it can make your site look messy and confusing.

    It’s also important that you keep your box shadows consistent across the site. The best way to do this is by defining the style in CSS using WPCode.

    WPCode is the best code snippets plugin used by over 1 million WordPress websites. It makes it easy to add custom code in WordPress without having to edit the functions.php file.

    With WPCode, even beginners can edit their website’s code without risking mistakes and typos that can cause many common WordPress errors.

    The first thing you need to do is install and activate the free WPCode plugin. For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

    Upon activation, head over to Code Snippets » Add Snippet.

    How to add box shadows using WPCode

    Here, simply hover your mouse over ‘Add Your Custom Code.’

    When it appears, click on ‘Use snippet.’

    Adding drop shadows to WordPress using WPCode

    To start, type in a title for the custom code snippet. This can be anything that helps you identify the snippet in the WordPress dashboard.

    After that, open the ‘Code Type’ dropdown and select ‘CSS Snippet.’

    Adding a CSS snippet to WordPress

    In the code editor, add the following code snippet:

    .shadow-effect {
    box-shadow: 5px 5px 0px 2px #a9a1a1;
    }
    
    

    In the above snippet, you may need to replace the px values depending on the kind of shadow you want to create.

    To help you out, here’s what the different px values mean, going from left-to-right:

    • Horizontal offset. When you set a positive value, the shadow gets pushed to the left. If you type in a negative value like -5px, then the shadow will be pushed to the right. If you don’t want to add a horizontal offset, then you can use 0px instead.
    • Vertical offset. If you use a positive value, then the shadow will be pushed downwards. If you type in a negative value then the shadow will be pushed upwards. If you don’t want to offset the shadow vertically, then just type in 0px.
    • Blur radius. This blurs the shadow so that it doesn’t have any harsh edges. The higher the value, the greater the blur effect. If you prefer to use sharp edges, then type in 0px.
    • Spread radius. The higher the value, the greater the shadow’s spread. This value is optional, so skip this one if you don’t want to show a spread.
    • Color. Although grey is the most common color for shadows, you can use any color you want by typing in a hex code. If you’re not sure what code to use, then you can explore different colors using a resource like HTML Color Codes.
    Adding shadows to WordPress using custom CSS

    When you’re happy with the snippet, scroll to the ‘Insertion’ section. WPCode can add your code to different locations, such as after every post, frontend only, or admin only.

    We want to use the custom CSS code across our entire WordPress website, so click on ‘Auto Insert’ if it isn’t already selected. Then, open the ‘Location’ dropdown menu and choose ‘Site Wide Header.’

    How to auto-insert custom code using WPCode

    After that, you’re ready to scroll to the top of the screen and click on the ‘Inactive’ toggle, so it changes to ‘Active.’

    Finally, click on ‘Save Snippet’ to make the CSS snippet live.

    Publishing a custom CSS code snipppet

    Now, you can add the custom CSS class to any block.

    In the WordPress content editor, simply select the block where you want to add a box shadow. Then, in the right-hand menu click to expand the ‘Advanced’ section.

    Adding a drop shadow to WordPress using a CSS snippet

    Here, you’ll see fields where you can add different classes.

    In ‘Additional CSS Class(es),’ type in shadow-effect.

    WordPress' advanced code settings

    When you’re ready to publish the box shadow, just click on the ‘Publish’ or ‘Update’ button.

    Now if you visit your website, you’ll see the box shadow live.

    Method 2. Add a Box Shadow Using a Free Plugin (Quick and Easy)

    If you’re not comfortable writing code, then you might prefer to create shadows using Drop Shadow Box. This free plugin allows you to add box shadows to any block using the built-in WordPress page and post editor.

    A box shadow, created using the Drop Shadow WordPress plugin

    First, you’ll need to install and activate the plugin. If you need help, then please see our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

    There are no settings to configure, so you can start using this plugin straight away.

    To add a drop shadow, simply click on the ‘+’ icon and start typing in ‘Drop Shadow Box.’ When the right block appears, give it a click to add it to the page or post.

    Adding a Drop Shadow Block in the WordPress page or post editor

    This adds the drop shadow as an empty box, so the next step is adding some content.

    To do this, go ahead and click on the ‘+’ inside the Drop Shadow Box block.

    Adding a shadow block in the WordPress page and post editor

    Then, simply add the block you want to use and configure it as normal.

    For example, in the following image we’ve added an Image block and selected a picture from the WordPress media library.

    An image, with a block shadow

    With that done, click to select the Drop Shadow Box block. In the right-hand menu, you’ll see all the settings you can use to style this block.

    WordPress sets the shadow’s width automatically but you can change this by opening the ‘Width’ dropdown and then choosing either ‘Pixels’ or ‘%.’

    You can then resize it using the settings that appear.

    Changing the width of a drop shadow using a free WordPress plugin

    The Drop Box Shadow plugin comes with a few different effects such as curved edges and an eye-catching ‘Perspective’ effect.

    To preview the different effects, simply open the ‘Effect’ dropdown and choose from the list. The preview will update automatically so you can try different styles to see what you prefer.

    Adding different box shadow effects to WordPress

    You can also change whether the plugin shows the shadow inside the box, outside the box, or both using the ‘Inside Shadow’ and ‘Outside Shadow’ toggles.

    After that, you can change the color of the box and border using the settings under the ‘Colors’ header.

    Just be aware that ‘Background’ refers to the inside of the Drop Shadow Box, while ‘Border’ appears outside of the block.

    How to add a colored shadow effect to WordPress

    If you want to create a softer, curved shadow box then you can enable the ‘Rounded corners’ toggle. Finally, you can change the alignment and padding, similar to how you customize other blocks in WordPress.

    To create more box shadows, just follow the same process described above.

    When you’re happy with how the page looks, simply click on ‘Update’ or ‘Publish’ to make all your new box shadows live.

    Method 3. Add a Box Shadow Using a Page Builder (Advanced)

    If you want to add box shadows to landing pages, custom homepages, or any part of your WordPress theme, then we recommend using a page builder plugin.

    SeedProd is the best drag and drop WordPress page builder. It allows you to design custom landing pages and even create a custom WordPress theme without having to write a single line of code.

    It also lets you add box shadows to any block using its advanced drag-and-drop editor.

    First, you need to install and activate the SeedProd plugin. For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

    Note: There’s also a premium version of SeedProd that comes with more professionally-designed templates, advanced features, and WooCommerce integration. However, we’ll be using the free version as it has everything you need to add box shadows in WordPress.

    After activating the plugin, SeedProd will ask for your license key.

    Adding the SeedProd license key to WordPress

    You can find this license key under your account on the SeedProd website. After entering the information, click on the ‘Verify Key’ button.

    After entering your key, go to SeedProd » Landing Pages in your WordPress dashboard.

    SeedProd's professionally-designed templates

    SeedProd comes with 150 professionally designed templates that are grouped into categories. Along the top you’ll see categories that let you create beautiful coming soon pages, activate maintenance mode, create a custom login page for WordPress, and more.

    All of SeedProd’s templates are easy to customize, so you can use any design you want.

    When you find a template that you like, simply hover your mouse over it and click on the checkmark icon.

    Selecting a professionally-designed SeedProd page layout

    You can now type in a name for your landing page into the ‘Page Name’ field. SeedProd will automatically create a ‘Page URL’ using the page name.

    It’s smart to include relevant keywords in your URL wherever possible, as this can help search engines understand what the page is about. This will often improve your WordPress SEO.

    To change the page’s automatically-generated URL, simply type into the ‘Page URL’ field.

    Adding an SEO-friendly page title to a SeedProd design

    When you’re happy with the information you’ve typed in, click on ‘Save and Start Editing the Page.’ This will load the SeedProd page builder interface.

    This simple drag-and-drop builder shows a live preview of your page design to the right. On the left is a menu showing all the different blocks and sections you can add to the page.

    The SeedProd page editor

    When you find a block that you want to add, simply drag and drop it onto your template.

    To customize a block, go ahead and click to select that block in the SeedProd editor. The left-hand menu will now update to show all the settings you can use to customize the block.

    For example, if you click on a Headline block then you can type in your own text, or change the text color and font size.

    Customizing a headline block in SeedProd

    As you’re building the page, you can move blocks around your layout by dragging and dropping them. For more detailed instructions, please see our guide on how to create a landing page with WordPress.

    To create a box shadow, click to select any block in the SeedProd page editor. The settings in the left-hand menu may vary between blocks, but you’ll typically need to click on an ‘Advanced’ tab.

    Adding a box shadow in WordPress using SeedProd

    Here, look for a ‘Shadow’ dropdown menu under the ‘Styles’ section. Simply open this dropdown and choose a shadow style such as Hairline, Medium, or 2X Large.

    The preview will update automatically, so you can try different styles to see what looks the best on your page design.

    How to easily add a box shadow in WordPress using a page builder

    If you don’t want to use any of the ready-made styles, then click on ‘Custom.’

    This adds some new settings where you can change the color, blur, spread, and position of the custom shadow.

    Adding drop shadows to WordPress using SeedProd

    That done, you can continue working on the page by adding more blocks and box shadows.

    When you’re happy with how the page looks, click the ‘Save’ button and then choose ‘Publish’ to make it live.

    Publishing a page with block shadows using SeedProd

    Method 4. How to Add a Box Shadow Using CSS Hero (Premium Plugin)

    If you’re not comfortable working with code but still want to create advanced box shadows, then you can try CSS Hero. This premium plugin allows you to fine-tune every part of your WordPress theme without having to write a single line of code.

    CSS Hero allows you to create a unique shadow for each block, so it’s also a great choice if you want to create lots of different shadow effects.

    First, you need to install and activate the CSS Hero plugin. For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

    Upon activation, you’ll see a ‘Proceed to Product Activation’ button at the top of the screen. Go ahead and click on this button.

    Activating the CSS Hero WordPress plugin

    This will take you to the CSS Hero website where you can log into your account and get a license key. Simply follow the onscreen instructions, and you’ll be redirected back to your site in a few clicks.

    Next, click the ‘Customize with CSS Hero’ text in the WordPress admin toolbar.

    Customizing a WordPress theme using CSS Hero

    This will open the CSS Hero editor.

    By default, clicking on any piece of content will open a panel with all the settings you can use to customize that content.

    The CSS Hero user-friendly page editor

    This is great if you want to add a box shadow to your website’s homepage. However, if you want to customize any other page then you’ll need to switch from ‘Select’ mode to ‘Navigate’ mode, as this allows you to interact with menus, links, and other content as normal.

    To do this, click on the ‘Select / Navigate’ toggle in the toolbar so that it shows ‘Navigate.’

    The CSS Hero WordPress plugin

    You can now navigate to the page or post where you want to add the shadow.

    As soon as you reach that page, go ahead and click on the ‘Select / Navigate’ toggle again so that it shows ‘Select.’

    Switching between Select and Navigation mode using CSS Hero

    With that done, click on the paragraph, image, button, or any other content where you want to add a box shadow.

    In the left-hand panel, click on ‘Extra.’

    Creating a drop shadow using CSS Hero

    You can now go ahead and click on ‘Make Shadow,’ which shows all the settings you can use to create a box shadow.

    To start, you can change whether the shadow appears inside or outside the block using the ‘Shadow Position’ settings.

    Changing the position of a shadow box using CSS Hero

    After making this decision, you can fine-tune the shadow’s orientation using the small dot in the ‘Orientation’ box.

    Simply drag and drop the dot into a new position to see it move in the live preview.

    Customizing a drop shadow in WordPress

    When you’re happy with the shadow’s position, you can change its color, blur, and spread.

    CSS Hero will show these changes immediately, so you can try different settings to see what looks the best.

    Creating a custom box shadow using a drag and drop editor

    To add a box shadow to other blocks, just follow the same process described above.

    When you’re happy with how the page looks, click on ‘Save & Publish’ to make it live.

    How to publish a CSS shadow to WordPress

    We hope this tutorial helped you learn how to add a box shadow in WordPress. You may also want to learn how to create a table of content in WordPress, or check out our list of the best WordPress popup plugins.

    If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

    The post How to Easily Add Box Shadow in WordPress (4 Ways) first appeared on WPBeginner.

  • How to Improve Your 404 Page Template in WordPress (2 Ways)

    Do you want to improve your 404 page template in WordPress?

    By replacing the default WordPress 404 page with your own design, you can improve the visitor experience and keep people on your site for longer.

    In this article, we’ll show you how to customize your 404 page template in WordPress.

    How to improve your 404 page template in WordPress

    Why Improve Your 404 Page Template in WordPress?

    Most WordPress themes come with a basic 404 template, including the default WordPress ones. For example, in the following image, you can see Twenty Twenty-Two’s 404 page.

    The default WordPress 404 page

    However, most of these default templates are simple and don’t show any content from your site. This means that anyone who lands on your 404 page is more likely to leave your WordPress website, which will increase your bounce rate.

    This is bad news for your WordPress SEO, and may affect where your site appears in the search engine rankings.

    That being said, it’s a good idea to create a 404 page with your own content and branding.

    For example, at WPBeginner we show a custom image and encourage visitors to contact us, so we can fix the 404 error. The sidebar also has links to our social media profiles and even some information about an ebook download.

    The WPBeginner custom 404 page

    This is also a chance to promote your most popular posts or products from your online store. In this way, your 404 page can add value for your visitors, which will increase pageviews and reduce bounce rate.

    If you’re looking for inspiration, then we’ve collected the best 404 error page design examples for you to look at.

    Note: Even if you design an engaging and helpful page, you’ll still want to fix any 404 errors. Here, it helps to track your 404 pages and redirect them.

    With that said, let’s take a look at how you can improve your 404 page template in WordPress.

    Video Tutorial

    If you’d prefer written instructions, just keep reading. You can also use the quick links below to jump straight to the method you want to use.

    The best way to improve the 404 page template is by using the SeedProd page builder plugin.

    SeedProd is the best landing page builder for WordPress. It lets you create, edit, and customize your WordPress pages without writing any code.

    With this plugin, you can easily create a custom 404 page using a wide range of professionally-designed templates.

    The first thing you need to do is install the SeedProd plugin. For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

    Note: There is a free version of SeedProd available, but we’ll be using the Pro version since it lets you replace your theme’s built-in 404 template.

    After activating the plugin, SeedProd will ask for your license key.

    SeedProd license key

    You can find this information under your account on the SeedProd website. After entering the license, click on the ‘Verify Key’ button.

    Once you’ve done that, go to SeedProd » Landing Pages. In the ‘404 Page’ section, click on ‘Set up a 404 Page.’

    The SeedProd page builder plugin

    You can now choose a template for your 404 page.

    To preview a design, simply hover your mouse over it and then click on the magnifying glass.

    SeedProd's ready-made 404 templates

    When you find a design that you like, just click on ‘Choose This Template.’

    We’re using the ‘Oh No 404 Page’ template, but you can use any design you like.

    Choosing a professionally-designed 404 template

    After selecting a template, you’ll be taken to the drag-and-drop builder, where you can start customizing the 404 page.

    On the left side of the screen, you’ll find blocks and sections that you can add to your design. The right side of the page is the live preview.

    Building a custom 404 page for your WordPress website

    Most 404 templates already have some blocks, which are a core part of all SeedProd designs.

    To customize any of these ready-made blocks, simply click to select the block in your layout. You can then customize the block using the settings in the left-hand menu.

    Changing the text in a custom 404 page

    To add a new block to your design, simply find the block in the left-hand menu. Then, drag it onto your layout. You can now customize the block following the process described above.

    To start, you’ll typically want to add your own website logo to the 404 page.

    To replace the SeedProd logo with your own branding, simply click to select the placeholder logo in your layout. Then, hover over the image in the left-hand menu and click on the ‘Select Image’ button.

    Adding your own logo to a 404 page

    This launches the WordPress media library, where you can select any image or upload a new file from your computer.

    Many 404 templates also display your site’s main navigation menu by default. If you have multiple menus, then you may prefer to show a different menu instead.

    To make this change, simply click on the ‘Nav Menu’ block in your template. You can then open the ‘Menu’ dropdown and choose any menu from the list.

    Adding a custom navigation menu to a 404 page

    For more information, please see our guide on how to add custom navigation menus in WordPress themes.

    You can create any design simply by adding and customizing blocks. However, when someone arrives at your 404 page, they may be confused about what to do next.

    With this in mind, we’ll show you how to promote your most popular posts and create a contact form, so visitors can report any broken links or missing content.

    To start, add a ‘Headline’ and a ‘Text’ block to your design. You can then type your message into the text editor in the left-hand menu.

    For example, in the following image, we’ve created a headline that explains the page can’t be found and a ‘Text’ block that suggests reading some posts or using the contact form.

    Adding text to a custom 404 page

    Next, we’re going to change the ‘Back To Home’ button so it encourages people to check out a particular post instead of going to the general homepage.

    You might include a link to the most popular post on your WordPress blog or the one that helps you make the most money online blogging.

    To customize the button, simply click to select it in the page layout. Then, type the post’s URL into the ‘Link’ field.

    Changing the button label

    To change the text that appears on this button, simply type into the ‘Button Text’ box.

    Once you’ve done that, click on the ‘Advanced’ tab. Here, you can change the button’s color, size, and more.

    Creating a custom CTA button

    Add Your Most Popular Posts to Your WordPress 404 Page

    Next, you can add a list of your most popular posts to the 404 page. Since these articles are popular, there’s a good chance visitors will find something they like.

    You can create this list automatically using the MonsterInsights plugin. It’s the best analytics solution for WordPress used by over 3 million websites.

    MonsterInsights can see which posts get the most visitors and add them to your 404 page. For more details, see our guide on how to display popular posts by views in WordPress.

    After activating MonsterInsights, you can display your most popular posts by adding shortcode in WordPress. In SeedProd’s left-hand menu, simply find the ‘Shortcode’ block and drop it onto your layout.

    How to add shortcode to your website's 404 page

    Then, click to select the ‘Shortcode’ block. This will open the settings window to the left. Next, copy the following shortcode:

    [monsterinsights_popular_posts_widget theme="beta"]
    

    Then, in the box labeled ‘Content,’ paste it into the text area labeled ‘Shortcode.’

    Adding shortcode to you website's 404 page

    By default, SeedProd doesn’t show a preview of your most popular posts inside the page editor, so you’ll need to click on the ‘Preview’ button in the upper-right corner. This opens your design in a new tab.

    If you prefer to preview the popular posts list inside the page editor, then simply click on the ‘Show Shortcode Preview’ switch.

    Previewing the 404 page's shortcode

    In the above shortcode, we’re using theme=“beta” for our list, but MonsterInsights has a few different themes that you can use.

    To see the different themes, go to Insights » Popular Posts in the WordPress dashboard and then click on ‘Popular Posts Widget’.

    The MonsterInsights popular posts settings

    You can now click on the different themes to see a preview.

    When you find a design that you want to use, simply update the shortcode in SeedProd. For example, if you want to use the ‘Alpha’ theme then you would need to type in:

    [monsterinsights_popular_posts_widget theme="alpha"]
    

    Add a Contact Form to Your WordPress 404 Page

    You may also want to add a contact form so visitors can reach out if they can’t find what they’re looking for. This form also gives people an easy way to report broken links, so you can fix them and improve the experience for future visitors.

    For more information, please see our complete guide on how to fix broken links in WordPress.

    The best way to add a contact form to your site is by using the WPForms plugin. It’s the best contact form plugin for WordPress and comes with a user-friendly drag-and-drop form builder.

    For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to create a contact form in WordPress.

    Once you’ve created a contact form, it’s easy to add that form to your 404 page. Simply find the ‘Contact Form’ block and drag it onto your design.

    The WPForms form builder plugin

    Then, open the ‘Select a Form’ dropdown and choose your contact form from the list.

    The page editor will now show a preview of the contact form.

    How to add a contact form to your website's 404 page

    You might want to add some text introducing your contact form or encouraging visitors to get in touch.

    To do this, simply add a ‘Headline’ or ‘Text’ block above your contact form and then type in the text that you want to use.

    A custom 404 page, created using SeedProd

    When you’re happy with how the 404 page looks, it’s time to publish it.

    Simply click the dropdown arrow next to ‘Save’ and then select ‘Save as Template.’

    Saving your SeedProd 404 template

    When asked, go ahead and type in a name for the template. This is just for your reference so you can use anything you want.

    After that, click on ‘Save Template.’

    Naming your WordPress template

    In the next popup, click on ‘Return to Page Editor.’ You can then click on the ‘X’ button in the upper-right corner to close the SeedProd page editor.

    At this point, you may see a popup asking whether you want to publish your new 404 design. If you’re happy to go ahead, then click on ‘Yes, Activate.’

    Activating a SeedProd template for your WordPress website

    If you don’t want to publish the template right now, then click on ‘No, Close’ instead.

    After that, you can publish the design at any point by going to SeedProd » Pages. Here, click on the switch in the ‘404 Page’ section so it shows ‘Active.’

    Activating a template for your WordPress website

    To see your 404 page in action, just add /404 to the end of your domain name.

    After publishing your custom 404 page, it’s a good idea to track how people are engaging with that page. This allows you to see what’s working and what isn’t working, so you can fine-tune your 404 design to get more conversions and engagement.

    To learn more, see our beginner’s guide on how to install Google Analytics in WordPress.

    Method 2. Create a Custom 404 Page in WordPress By Adding Code

    If you don’t want to use a page builder plugin, then you can create a custom 404 page using code. However, just be aware that any mistakes in your code can cause common WordPress errors, or even break your site.

    With that in mind, this method isn’t recommended for beginners. It’s also a good idea to back up your site before using this method, just in case you encounter any problems.

    To get started, you’ll need an FTP client such as FileZilla, or you can use the file manager supplied by your WordPress hosting provider.

    If this is your first time using FTP, then you can see our complete guide on how to connect to your site using FTP.

    After connecting to the server, go to /wp-content/themes/ and then open the folder for your current WordPress theme.

    The FileZilla FTP client

    If this folder already has a 404.php file, then you can go ahead and open that file in any text editor, such as Notepad.

    If your theme doesn’t have a 404.php file, then you’ll need to create one. After that, go ahead and open the file in a text editor app.

    Editing the 404.php file template

    You’re now ready to create a custom 404 design using code. You can create all sorts of designs, but here’s some simple examples to help you get started.

    Display Most Popular Posts on 404 Page

    A list of your most popular posts can encourage visitors to check out your site’s best content.

    You can create this list using WordPress Popular Posts. It’s one of the best popular posts plugins for WordPress and comes with template tags that you can add to your 404.php file.

    First thing you need to do is install and activate the WordPress Popular Posts plugins. For more details, see our step by step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

    Upon activation, you can add a list of popular posts to your 404 page using the following template tag:

    <?php wpp_get_mostpopular(); ?>
    

    Display Most Commented Posts on 404 Page

    This plugin can also display the posts that have the most comments.

    In your 404.php file, simply find the area where you want to show your most commented posts, and then add the following template tag:

    <?php wpp_get_mostpopular("range=all&order_by=comments"); ?>
    

    You can also check out our guide on how to display most commented posts in WordPress.

    Display Recent Posts on 404 Page

    Another option is to show your site’s most recent posts. This can be particularly effective if you post time-sensitive blogs, for example if you run a news aggregator website.

    There are several different ways to display recent posts in WordPress, but the easiest way is adding a template tag to your 404.php file:

    <?php wp_get_archives( array( 'type' => 'postbypost', 'limit' => 10, 'format' => 'custom', 'before' => '', 'after' => '<br />' ) ); ?>
    

    Display Random Posts on 404 Page

    Do you want to show a random list of posts on your custom 404 page?

    Then simply add this code to your 404.php file:

    <ul>
    <?php
    $posts = get_posts('orderby=rand&numberposts=5');
       foreach($posts as $post) { ?>
            <li><a href="<?php the_permalink(); ?>" title="<?php the_title(); ?>"><?php the_title(); ?></a>
            </li>
       <?php } ?>
    </ul>
    

    Add Monthly Archives with Compact Archives

    If you have lots of content, then it may be impossible to show all those posts on your custom 404 page.

    One option is to organize your content into monthly archives. Visitors can then click to explore content from different months and years.

    Here at WPBeginner, we display our monthly archives on our 404 page using the Compact Archives plugin. This helps visitors browse all of our content, without overwhelming them with a long list of posts.

    An example of a compact archive

    For more details, see our guide on how to create compact archives in WordPress.

    After activating the Compact Archives plugin, simply add the following code to your 404.php file:

    <p><strong>By Date</strong></p>
    <ul>
    <?php compact_archive($style='block'); ?>
    </ul>
    

    Now, when a user lands on your 404 page they’ll see your compact post archives.

    We hope this article helped you improve your 404 page template in WordPress. You may also want to see our guide on how to set up Google Analytics goals for your WordPress site and our expert pick of the best virtual business phone number apps.

    If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

    The post How to Improve Your 404 Page Template in WordPress (2 Ways) first appeared on WPBeginner.

  • 7 Best Countdown Plugins for WordPress (Easy to Use)

    Are you looking to add a countdown timer to their WordPress website?

    Countdown timers are a great way to build anticipation, excitement, and create a FOMO effect on your website. There are many different countdown plugins that let you create a countdown timer, so which one should you use?

    In this article, we’ll share the best countdown plugins for WordPress and explain the key features of each.

    Best countdown plugins for WordPress

    What is a Countdown Timer Plugin & When You Need it?

    A countdown timer WordPress plugin allows you to display a timer that counts down to a specific time or date.

    Savvy marketers use countdown timers to build excitement and create a sense of urgency among their customers. It helps them take advantage of the FOMO effect to boost conversions.

    There are many plugins that allow you to add countdown timers to your website. These countdown timers can be divided into two groups:

    Normal Countdown Timers

    A normal countdown timer, sometimes called a static or fixed countdown timer, is what most people think of when they imagine a timer. This timer counts down to a certain fixed time. That might be the launch of a WordPress website, the end of a sale, or another event.

    The countdown clock’s endpoint is the same for everyone and doesn’t change depending on who’s viewing it.

    Evergreen Timer

    An evergreen countdown timer, sometimes called a dynamic countdown timer, is specific to each user. It begins counting down when the person arrives on your site. For instance, they might have 4 hours to take advantage of a special offer.

    This can be a powerful marketing technique as it lets you create a sense of urgency.

    Note that most WordPress plugins are designed to run normal countdown timers, and only some let you run evergreen timers.

    Having said that, let’s take a look at some of the best countdown timer plugins for WordPress.

    1. OptinMonster

    OptinMonster

    OptinMonster is a powerful popup and lead generation plugin for WordPress. It allows you to convert abandoning website visitors into subscribers and paying customers.

    With OptinMonster, you can create both static and evergreen countdown timers. You can make as many timers as you want and use different timers on different pages.

    There are lots of ways you can position your countdown timer using OptinMonster. One of the best is to use a floating bar that sticks to the top or bottom of your page. That way, it stays visible at all times.

    Here’s a countdown timer we created using the OptinMonster plugin:

    Countdown timer preview

    You’ll need the OptinMonster’s Pro plan or higher to use countdown timers.

    They allow you to add countdown timers on popups, floating bars, full-screen welcome mats, scroll boxes, and inline widgets. On top of that, you can personalize the timers based on the user’s location, which page they’re on, where they’re visiting from, and more.

    2. SeedProd

    SeedProd website builder

    SeedProd is the best WordPress website builder and landing page plugin. It is a great option if you want to add countdown timer animation to your landing pages.

    SeedProd lets you easily set up a special landing page and put your site into coming soon or maintenance mode. Plus, it has a powerful drag-and-drop website builder. You can easily customize your WordPress theme without touching a single line of code.

    With this plugin, you can create a normal and evergreen timer for your website. It offers lots of customization options, including pre-built templates for countdown timers.

    Here’s a countdown timer we created using SeedProd’s Coming Soon Page Pro plugin:

    Number counter preview

    For more details, you can see our guide on how to show a number count animation in WordPress.

    3. Countdown Timer Ultimate

    Countdown timer ultimate

    Countdown Timer Ultimate is another good option to consider if you want to create a normal countdown timer. It’s a simple plugin that allows you to show timers on the entire website or specific to individual site visitors.

    You can use Countdown Timer Ultimate to make as many countdown timers as you want, and you can customize how they look to some degree.

    Here’s a preview of the countdown timer that you can create using the free version of the Countdown Timer Ultimate plugin:

    Countdown timer ultimate preview

    The pro plugin gives you more advanced options. These include being able to show specific text when the countdown expires and extra design features.

    4. Countdown Builder

    The Countdown Builder plugin page

    Countdown Builder is a simple countdown timer with multiple different styles built in. These include circle countdowns, flip clock countdowns, and even a coming soon page.

    You can place your timer within a post or page in the WordPress block editor by selecting the ‘Countdown’ block or using a shortcode. You can also choose to display it automatically on specific posts or pages.

    Here’s a preview of a countdown timer you can create using the plugin:

    Countdown plugin timer preview

    If you want, you can edit how your clock looks in detail, changing things like the font size, the labels, and the animation style. You don’t need to do this with CSS. There’s a built-in editor in the plugin.

    5. Evergreen Countdown Timer

    Evergreen countdown timer

    Evergreen Countdown Timer is the next countdown plugin on our list. It lets you create evergreen countdowns, as you might expect from its name. You can also use it to create normal countdowns as well.

    You can choose how the plugin detects visitors by a cookie or their IP address.

    To add the timers to your page, you’ll need to enter a shortcode. You can simply copy and paste this from the Manager section of your countdown timer settings.

    Once your timer hits zero, you can automatically redirect the visitor to a URL of your choice. For instance, you could send them to a registration page if you’re counting down to the launch of your new course.

    Here’s a timer we created using the Evergreen Countdown Timer plugin:

    An example timer created using the Evergreen Countdown Timer

    There’s a pro version of the plugin, which gives you lots of extra options. It also lets you choose more colors than just black or white for your timer.

    With the Pro version, you can provide a countdown for available spots, such as seats or tickets. This could work well if you’re selling places for a paid webinar or another live event.

    6. HurryTimer

    Hurrytimer

    HurryTimer is a free countdown timer plugin that lets you create both evergreen and regular timers. The evergreen timer uses both cookie and IP detection to display the right timer to each individual user.

    You can also set up timers to run a countdown between two fixed dates. This is useful if you want to get ready for an upcoming sale in advance.

    The timer works with WooCommerce, though you don’t have to run WooCommerce to use it. You can display your timer several times on the same page if you want to.

    Here’s a timer we created using HurryTimer:

    An example timer created using HurryTimer

    If you have the Pro version, you can set up a recurring timer. This is a timer that runs according to the rules that you specify. For instance, you could have a timer that shows shipping cut-off times.

    With the pro version, you can also create an announcement bar that sticks to the top or bottom of the screen to keep your timer visible.

    7. Sales Countdown Timer

    Sales countdown timer

    Sales Countdown Timer is designed for WooCommerce stores. It helps show timers for sale events, promotional offers, and the latest campaigns.

    You can easily integrate the plugin with your WooCommerce products. Plus, it offers different customization options. You can change the style of the timers, edit the message, change the colors in the timer clock, and more.

    Besides that, the plugin also lets you choose the location of the timer, whether you’d like to make it sticky, and also select which type of product pages you’d like to show the countdown timer.

    Here is a look at the countdown timer we created using the plugin:

    Sales countdown timer example

    We hope this article helped you learn about the best countdown plugins for WordPress. You may also be interested in our tips to recover WooCommerce abandoned cart sales, and our list of the best email marketing services to grow your sales.

    If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

    The post 7 Best Countdown Plugins for WordPress (Easy to Use) first appeared on WPBeginner.

  • How to Choose The Best Premium WordPress Theme for Your Site

    Are you wondering how to pick the best theme for your WordPress website?

    When starting a blog, choosing the right theme is crucial for your success. During the process, you will likely have to decide between free WordPress themes vs premium WordPress themes.

    In this article, we will cover how to choose the best premium WordPress theme for your site.

    How to choose the best premium WordPress theme for website

    Free WordPress Theme vs Premium WordPress Theme

    One of the main reasons why a lot of users choose a premium WordPress theme over a free one is that you get guaranteed support.

    Free WordPress themes are often built as a passion project, so you are not guaranteed to get support or updates. These themes can become outdated with new WordPress releases or don’t work with different plugins.

    On the other hand, when you pay for a premium WordPress theme, you get good documentation, access to support, and regular updates. Some theme shops even go beyond and offer video tutorials, demo content, and even a free blog setup service.

    Aside from that, premium themes make your WordPress website more unique because free themes are being used by everyone.

    Having said that, here’s what you need to look for when selecting a premium WordPress theme.

    1. Aesthetically Pleasing Modern Design

    Aesthetics and design of theme

    When you select a theme, you will probably be using it on your website for quite some time. This allows users can become accustomed to it and easily consume content.

    That’s why you need to choose a theme that is aesthetically pleasing and can be used for a long time without requiring any significant changes.

    There are certain elements of design that all good designers use to create beautiful websites. These include:

    • Good Color Combination
    • Awesome Typography
    • Clean Layout
    • Beautiful Images

    Together these elements create a beautiful harmony and consistency that appeals to your users. It not only looks great, but it also helps you achieve your business goals.

    Most premium themes come with unlimited color choices and built-in tools to select fonts. You need to make sure that your premium WordPress theme uses better typography out of the box.

    For example, Astra offers lomanyustomization options, even in the free version. You can edit different elements like colors, fonts, buttons, and more. Plus, there are options to change the header and footer layout and edit the appearance of your blogs and sidebar.

    Customize your theme

    Don’t just look at the homepage. Go deeper into the theme demo and explore other sections. For example, if you are building a portfolio site, then check the theme’s demo for the portfolio. If you will be adding testimonials, then check out how testimonials look in the theme demo.

    Make sure that there are plenty of page templates and layouts to use. Examine the homepage, single pages, posts, and blog sections to ensure they all maintain the same design consistency and appeal.

    2. Features vs Presentation

    Features vs presentation

    The main difference between WordPress themes and plugins is that themes handle the presentation part of your website, and plugins handle the functionality.

    However, the premium WordPress theme market is highly competitive, and sometimes theme developers cannot resist the temptation to add more plugin-like functionality to their themes.

    Why is this considered bad practice?

    When a WordPress theme crosses over into the plugin territory, it becomes difficult to switch themes. For example, if a WordPress theme is using a custom post type, then switching to another theme would make those custom post types disappear from the admin menu.

    Shortcodes defined by a theme would also stop functioning, which also makes switching a difficult and time-consuming process.

    On the other hand, there are WordPress themes that behave exactly like a plugin. Offering functionality needed to create very specific niche websites, like real estate themes or hotel themes.

    Some of these themes are really useful, but if you use those themes, then you need to understand that it will be difficult to switch themes later because other themes may not have similar functionality.

    3. Security and Performance

    Website theme performance

    Many WordPress beginners don’t pay much attention to speed and good coding practices when choosing a premium theme.

    In the race to win new customers, theme developers can integrate unsafe and quick solutions that can compromise your site’s security. The insane amount of features can cost you speed and performance issues.

    Now the problem is that most beginner-level users do not have the skills to study code. How do you know that the code behind a premium theme is of good quality?

    First, you need to buy your premium themes from trusted and well-reputed WordPress theme shops. Some of the theme shops that we trust and recommend are:

    Secondly, look around for reviews and customer testimonials. See who else is using themes developed by that particular theme shop or developer. Are there any big websites or blogs using their themes?

    Check out the testimonials page on the theme shop or search for their reviews on Google. You can also view the ratings of any theme on WordPress.org website and look at the reviews.

    View ratings and reviews of themes

    4. Compatibility Check

    Before you start browsing for a premium theme, take a few moments to write down all the features you are looking for. For example:

    • Do you need eCommerce support
    • Translation readiness for non-English websites
    • Is the theme mobile responsive
    • BuddyPress or bbPress support
    • Are any other plugins that you might be using

    Many premium themes come with built-in templates and support for popular eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads.

    If a theme you are looking for is not available in your language, then ask the theme developer to see if a translation is in progress.

    Some users may want to use veparticularlugins to create niche websites like job boards and question-answer websites. Feel free to ask the theme developers if their theme would work with a specific plugin.

    You need to make sure that you are investing your money in the right place.

    5. Opt for a Custom Theme

    A good premium WordPress theme would help you easily build high-quality websites. However, there are still many things you might want to customize, but it is not possible.

    This is where creating a custom WordPress theme can help you out. It provides a lot of freedom and flexibility over the layout and design of your website. That said, the cost of creating a custom theme may vary based on the level of features and customization options you want.

    An easier and more cost-effective way is to use SeedProd. It is the best WordPress website builder and offers multiple pre-built templates.

    Choose a SeedProd theme

    You can use its drag-and-drop builder to edit different elements on your theme.

    The plugin offers standard and advanced blocks to add images, buttons, text, videos, options, contact forms, and more to your theme.

    Add new block to your template

    For more details, please see our guide on how to create a custom WordPress theme.

    We hope this guide helped you choose the best premium WordPress theme for your site. You may also want to see the best web design software and the ultimate WordPress SEO guide.

    If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

    The post How to Choose The Best Premium WordPress Theme for Your Site first appeared on WPBeginner.

  • How to Create a Thank You Page in WordPress

    Do you want to create a thank you page for your WordPress website?

    Showing a customized thank you page can help you build a strong relationship with your audience. You can keep people engaged, bring them back to your site, and boost sales.

    In this article, we will show you how to create a thank you page in WordPress, step by step. Plus, we’ll also show you when to display your thank you page such as after someone submits a form, makes a purchase on your site, and more.

    How to create a Thank You page in WordPress

    Why Create a Thank You Page in WordPress?

    A thank you page is a web page you can show to your users when they perform an action or complete a task on your WordPress website.

    For example, you can show a custom thank you page on your online store after a customer purchases a product. This allows you to cross-sell and upsell your best products and offer exclusive discounts on subsequent purchases.

    Similarly, a thank you page can help build an email list and grow your social audience. You can show social sharing buttons to promote your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media channels.

    Another situation where a thank you page is helpful is when a user submits a form or leaves a comment on your site. You can show your most popular posts on the thank you page and drive more traffic to your important blog posts.

    That said, let’s look at how you can easily create a thank you page in WordPress and how to trigger it in different situations.

    Simply click the links below to jump ahead to your preferred section:

    Creating a Thank You Page in WordPress

    The best way to create a thank you page in WordPress is by using SeedProd. It is the best website builder and landing page builder plugin for WordPress.

    The plugin offers drag-and-drop functionality and lots of customization options. Plus, you get to choose from pre-built templates to edit the thank you page according to your liking.

    For this tutorial, we will use the SeedProd Pro version because it offers pre-built templates, email integrations, WooCommerce blocks, and more. You can also use the SeedProd Lite version for free.

    First, you’ll need to install and activate the SeedProd plugin. If you need help, then please see our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

    Upon activation, you can go to SeedProd » Settings from your WordPress admin panel. From here, enter the license key and click the ‘Verify key’ button.

    Entering the SeedProd license key

    You can find the license key in your SeedProd account area.

    After the verification, you’ll need to head to SeedProd » Landing Pages from the WordPress dashboard and click the ‘Create New Landing Page’ button.

    Add a New SeedProd Landing Page

    Next, SeedProd will show you different page templates.

    You can filter them from the top to view thank you page templates. From here, simply hover over a design you’d like to use and click the orange tick button.

    Select a thank you page template

    A popup window will now open. Go ahead and enter a name and URL for your thank you page.

    Once that’s done, you can click the ‘Save and Start Editing the Page’ button.

    Enter a name for your thank you page

    This will launch the SeedProd drag-and-drop page builder.

    You can now customize your thank you page by adding new blocks from the menu on the left or rearranging the existing blocks.

    For instance, there are blocks for images, text, headlines, videos, contact forms, social profiles, and more.

    Customize your thank you page

    If you click on a block in the template, then you’ll see more options for customization.

    For example, you can edit the text, changing its font, size, spacing, color, and more.

    You can edit existing blocks in SeedProd

    When you’ve made the changes, don’t forget to click the ‘Save’ button at the top.

    Next, you can click the ‘Connect’ tab and integrate email marketing services. This is useful if you’ve added a contact form to your thank you and would like to collect leads from customers.

    Connecting email marketing services to SeedProd

    After that, you’ll need to head to the ‘Page Settings’ tab at the top.

    Here, click the Page Status toggle to change it from ‘Draft’ to ‘Publish.’

    Publish your thank you page

    Don’t forget to click the ‘Save’ button at the top when you’re done.

    You can now visit your website to see the thank you page in action.

    Visit website to see thank you page preview

    Now, let’s look at different situations when you can trigger the thank you page so that your visitors see it.

    Show a Thank You Page After Form Submission in WordPress

    After creating a custom thank you page, you can display it when a user submits a form.

    For example, you can show social media icons when a visitor signs up for an email newsletter using a form. This way, they can also follow you on different social platforms and help grow your followers.

    Similarly, if a user fills out a feedback form, then you can show useful guides, videos, or promote your best content on the thank you page.

    With WPForms, you can easily create all types of forms on your website and show a custom thank you page. It is the best WordPress contact form plugin that offers pre-built templates and lots of customization options.

    For more details, please see our guide on how to create a contact form in WordPress.

    To display your custom thank you page, go ahead and edit a form in WPForms. When you’re in the form builder, simply go to the Settings » Confirmations tab.

    Edit form confirmation settings

    Under the Confirmation Type dropdown menu, simply select the ‘Go to URL (Redirect)’ option.

    After that, enter the URL for your thank you page in the ‘Confirmation Redirect URL’ field.

    Enter your thank you page URL

    Whenever a user fills out and submits a form on your website, they’ll see the custom thank you page you created.

    Show a Thank You Page Upon Product Purchase in WooCommerce

    If you have a WooCommerce store, then you can show your custom thank you page when a customer purchases your product.

    WooCommerce has a default thank you page, but it’s not optimized for conversions. However, you can replace it with your own to get more sales.

    For example, you can upsell products on a thank you page, offer exclusive discounts, display the latest promotional campaigns, and more.

    Thank you page preview

    We have a full guide on how to easily create custom WooCommerce thank you pages that will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step.

    Show a Custom Thank You Page on Your Membership Site

    You can also display your thank you page on a membership website when someone purchases a subscription to access exclusive content or enrolls in an online course.

    With MemberPress, you can easily set up a membership site. It is the best WordPress membership plugin, and you can use it to sell premium content, subscriptions, digital downloads, and more.

    You can learn more by following our ultimate guide to creating a WordPress membership site.

    Once you’ve set up memberships, all you have to do is head to MemberPress » Settings from your WordPress dashboard and select the ‘Pages’ tab.

    Choose custom thank you page for membership site

    From here, you can click the ‘MemberPress Thank You Page’ dropdown menu and select the custom thank you page.

    This way, customers will be redirected to your thank you page whenever they complete the registration or subscription process.

    Show a Thank You Page After Comment Submission

    Another situation where displaying a custom thank you page is beneficial is after comment submission.

    When a visitor submits a comment on your WordPress blog, you can take this opportunity to show your most popular articles or evergreen content through a thank you page.

    First, you’ll need to install and activate the Yoast Comment Hacks plugin. For more details, please see our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.

    Upon activation, you can go to Settings » Comment Hacks from your WordPress dashboard.

    Next, scroll down to the ‘Redirect first time commenters’ section. Now, click the ‘Redirect to’ dropdown menu and select your custom thank you page.

    Redirect users to thank you page on comment submission

    Save your settings, and the thank you page that you selected will appear any time a visitor leaves a comment for the first time.

    You can see our detailed guide on how to redirect users after form submissions in WordPress for more information.

    We hope this article helped you learn how to create a thank you page in WordPress. You may also want to see our ultimate WordPress SEO guide for beginners and the must-have WordPress plugins for business websites.

    If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

    The post How to Create a Thank You Page in WordPress first appeared on WPBeginner.