Create your own reusable WordPress installation for each new project
I have to admit, I never took this idea to full implementation until my dear friend and colleague, Ann Marie Gill suggested it. I had always installed WordPress, then loaded in my favorite themes and plugins one at a time. I thought that connecting to WordPress.org and having my favorite plugins handy was all I needed. Boy, was I wrong.
Ann Marie advised me to place every theme, plugin, and Beaver Builder template that I use into one installation and clone it for each site I start. It took me over an hour to set it up the way I wanted, but I’m so excited to use it now! I use BackupBuddy to install it on each new website mock up I’m working on.
Here’s what a WebCami standard WordPress installation includes:
Themes:
- Beaver Builder theme
- Beaver Builder child theme (see link above)
BB Plugins:
- Beaver Builder Agency (Premium)
- Ultimate Beaver Builder (Premium)
- Beaver Builder PowerPack (Premium)
- Beaver Themer (Premium)
Premium Plugins:
BackupBuddy – The most complete WordPress solution for Backup, Restoration, Migration, and Deployment to the same host or a new domain. Backs up a customizable selection of files, settings, and content for a complete snapshot of your site. I deactivate this after moving the site. I have back ups running through ManageWP.
ManageWP – We help you efficiently manage all your WordPress websites. This I white label for all clients.
Gravity Forms – Easily create web forms and manage form entries within the WordPress admin.
Video User Manuals – A complete video manual for your clients – has Beaver Builder and Gravity Form tutorials.
White Label CMS – A plugin that allows you to brand WordPress CMS as your own. This I use to add my own branding, blog feed and custom messaging to the client dashboard. Just started using it and I love it.
WP Rocket – The best WordPress performance plugin.
WP101 – A complete set of WordPress video tutorials for beginners, delivered directly in the dashboard. I upload my own videos when the client needs them here. I like these tutorials for basic WordPress instruction and Yoast SEO.
Other Plugins:
Classic Editor – Enables the WordPress classic editor and the old-style Edit Post screen layout (TinyMCE, meta boxes, etc.). Supports the older plugins that extend this screen.
Coming Soon Page & Maintenance Mode by SeedProd – The #1 Coming Soon Page, Under Construction & Maintenance Mode plugin for WordPress.
Disable Comments – Allows administrators to globally disable comments on their site. Comments can be disabled according to post type.
EWWW Image Optimizer – Reduce file sizes for images within WordPress including NextGEN Gallery and GRAND FlAGallery. Uses jpegtran, optipng/pngout, and gifsicle.
Favicon by RealFaviconGenerator – Create and install your favicon for all platforms: PC/Mac of course, but also iPhone/iPad, Android devices, Windows 8 tablets, etc.
Widget Options – Additional Widget options for better widget control. Get Extended Widget Options for WordPress for complete widget controls. Thanks!
Wordfence Security – Anti-virus, Firewall and Malware Scan – I leave this deactivated on the mock up.
Yoast SEO – The first true all-in-one SEO solution for WordPress, including on-page content analysis, XML sitemaps and much more. I leave this deactivated on the mock up.
In addition, with my Beaver Builder saved templates, I load what I call a prototype design that helps me get every client site started.
Taking the time to set this all up has been invaluable for the last few months. I know I can always install, adjust and back up again when I need to make changes.
Do you have a basic installation for all the WordPress sites you build? If you do, share the method to your madness!
RESOURCES: WP Elevation – CREATING PROTOTYPES (I did the Blueprint training and loved it!)
