About the WordPress Dashboard
This is a post intended for clients of ClickNathan.com. While you may find the information below useful, as it generally applies to WordPress, there may be information involving customized aspects of WordPress that aren’t out-of-the-box features. It was written for WordPress v. 3.3.1.
The Dashboard is a built in feature of WordPress that provides a plentitude of information, some more useful than others. Here I will simply review the default Dashboard modules and some other useful tips about using WordPress in general. Note that any items marked with a * below are only applicable if you have purchased Blogging (ie, you specifically have Blogging specifically listed in your contract under Deliverables).
The Widgets / Modules on the Page
Right Now
This shows some useful information about how many pages, posts, comments and other basic stats on your site. Note that if you do not have Blogging specifically listed in your contract under Deliverables, you won’t have this area available in your Dashboard.
Quick Press*
This allows you to quickly create a blog post. In most scenarios this will work, however it is always best to use the default Posts > Add New screen to fully create posts with all of the customization available.
Recent Comments*
This shows you any recent comments, including those being held for moderation. You can moderate them here or via the Comments main navigation item.
Incoming Links
This gives you an idea of who’s linking to your site. It’s not 100% accurate, but when WordPress is able to determine if someone’s linked to your site, it’ll be listed here.
Gravity Forms
You can get quick stat information on how many times various forms on your site have been used. I install Gravity Forms on most of my client’s sites. If you don’t have this widget, your site is an exception based on the price and scope of your project.
Recent Drafts
Provides a list of content you’ve created but not actually Published live to the site.
WordPress Blog
This is really more of a developer-focused blog, but feel free to read up on WordPress as it evolves!
Other WordPress News
Just as it says!
General Info about WordPress Screens
Admin Bar
The WordPress Admin Bar, as of WP v. 3.3.1This is the bar that runs along the top of every page. Note that this changes often with new WordPress updates, but in general the information presented stays the same. As of WordPress 3.3.1, from left to right, it includes:
- WordPress logo which provides quick links to WordPress.org resources, such as forums, tutorials and more.
- The Name of Your Site which provides a quick link to the front end of the site as well.
- Updates If your site has any plugin updates, or if there’s a new version of WordPress, you’ll see an icon (two arrows chasing one another like Pisces) with a number beside it here. Most updates in WordPress are one click, depending on whether or not your host allows it.
- Comments A speech bubble icon with a number beside it shows you how many comments are awaiting moderation. This only applies to clients who’ve purchased Blogging as part of their project.
- + New allows you to quickly access the Add New pages of different types of content.
- Howdy, yourname provides quick access to your profile and allows you to logout of WordPress.
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Screen Options & Help
The screen options tab allows you to show and hide certain functionality on the page, allowing you to customize WordPress to only display the items you actually need. Help provides relevant information about the page you’re viewing.
Left Navigation
This is the primary navigation that allows you to access all relevant pieces of information for your website. When referring to Navigation throughout these tutorials, if explicit mention of another navigation bar isn’t indicated, this is what we’re referring to.
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