Now that you have your theme installed, you may need to update to the most current version.
This is super simple!
Just click on Dashboard >> Updates
If you see any theme updates for Midnight or Genesis within this section, please update right away!
Now you're ready to add plugins and start customizing!
Adding Plugins to Midnight
There are some base plugins that need to be added for full functionality. However, there may be some functions that you don't want. Below this section are the recommended plugins and their functions, so you can decide what you want.
Keep in mind, the fewer plugins you have, the faster your site will run! So, don't just install them all - only install the ones you need!
- Navigate to Plugins >> Add New
- Search for each of the plugins listed below.
- Hit the "Install Now" button. Hit the "Activate" button
- Repeat for each plugin.
Recommended Plugins:
Click the plugin name to view the plugin within the WordPress directory, OR use the method above to find them within your site (easier)
If you want to allow people to contact you directly within the site. You can also just link your email address and cut this plugin!
This is great for adding related content within a post. For example - On a recipe post, you can use Content Views to show photos and link to other recipes.
301 Redirects - Easy Redirect Manager
You will need this plugin for redirecting URLs to new URLs as things change on your site. This is highly recommended.
This allows you to add a beautiful email signup box to your home page, post bottoms, or within the sidebar.
Pulls in social media share buttons onto your content for easy sharing.
jQuery Pin it button for images
Add a "PIN IT" button to all images for easy sharing on Pinterest.
Allows custom sidebars, so you can have different sidebars on various pieces of content.
Easily create a bio section in your sidebar with a photo, text, and link to your about me page. Can also be achieved with a text widget, but this is easier if you aren't familiar with coding.
If you have a brand new site, this is not needed. Otherwise you will need to install and run this plugin to reformat all your existing photos to the new theme sizes.
Responsive WordPress Soliloquy Lite
Only add this plugin if you want to have the slider on your home page. This is great for business with a small site, but if you are going to be blogging and creating many pages, this will slow your site down, so skip it!
Allows social media icons in your menu and sidebar.
If you'd like to import the demo widget to create the exact layout of the Midnight demo pages, then you need this plugin. Otherwise, skip it.
Woocommerce & Genesis Connect for Woocommerce
If you would like to have a shop and sell products on your site, you will need BOTH of these plugins.
