[techtalk] WEB DESIGN – What's a WordPress Plugin?

Tue Sep 22 14:56:59 PDT 2020

Greetings and welcome to this week’s issue of Tech-Talk!ek at IG
How you can use these short little programs
[http://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=df45b8f5-0434-4ca9-8f68-f955a12fcdd5&a=1100778316270&c=980e0ed0-0713-11e6-a7b7-d4ae528ed502&ch=981cb4d0-0713-11e6-a7b7-d4ae528ed502]

[http://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/34916cb2-412f-43fa-8294-1f7ecb0e9a3d.png]

 This Week's Topic: WEB DESIGN

1. ARTICLE & VIDEO ... What's a WordPress Plugin?
2. COMMUNICATING ... Are you doing this?
3. LEADERSHIP ... What's the difference?

[wordpress plugins]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyioePQnUfGeWQN-ECF426qjGqf21gI2UxkmsqZZCDT5qCWGD5_NqxInqitb35jwI7YWzLHNhuSBY_3uyNHvrxcdpINdpHOZI7hShyUf6SGboAFG7wWl5pwQ_rnSGu_ShOeA==&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==>

Photo by Chris Montgomery<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyioePQnUfGeWQLSA40lnGWjYkI8NHnJC_OVnC9PQPZS9knracPeq-7OxxGH78FEOsgTFpzD3PDCfxdODW6IAhDRfEQ8q0qQcjUZiOMTRyvUNmA9Lk2oBFBzNdgrUFKKGkRJsf7wz_i6dEdQ2WBmwtxHj0z1X47KLWEiSHs-dWsumn-KLDuaGAqZS_-IAYg10eSA8pH2Y_chie&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==> on Unsplash<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyioePQnUfGeWQPtfDYNJuwovwe3W3oOYL3y_Nf5-kTnlY7RYxZ8bxIm5_QOOKgRBIFAlBuBEun1-QbzXVtHSVtqrXSSXFAtrxFFy9vNldH1KyWXOaRndTWvL2lukWa5EiaP7CqKJ-CZWMLhECPKbqzFFryIsrkJfAa47-GBoW7K177phgWeduiCzBkp3lrSXI0kkYT4M9dlOMVDqCLNSR-c4=&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==>

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WEB DESIGN - What's a WordPress Plugin?
Intermediate

Sure, if you're the one who is responsible for a website, you're probably quite familiar with plugins. But for all of you who are not, let me explain a bit about them ... and show you a few that could be helpful with your various programs, projects and events.

Plugins are very small, software programs written to do extra, specialized things on your website. They're aptly named because you just upload them (plug them in) and they're ready to go.

What Could You Use A Plugin For?

Whatever you want to do, there is probably a plugin for it. For instance, if you want to add a form to your website ... and have it notify you every time someone fills it out ... there's a plugin for it. If your need to add a quiz tool, there's a plugin. If you want your organization to get seen more frequently with search engine optimization (SEO), there's a plugin. If you'd like to sell T-Shirts, there's a plugin.

Many of these little software programs are free which is great news. (Yes, there are often more bells and whistles for a fee, but you often don't need them ... and if you do, the cost is usually very reasonable.)

So let's look at how to use one on a website.

[Wordpress plugin]

WordPress is the current leader in web design software, so if that is what you use, you'll want plugins that are written for it.

There are thousands available from third-party developers that can be found at https://wordpress.org/plugins<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyioePQnUfGeWQQrT8gdRa4bw011ECbYM8zvTcXN2DhTANsoK6blN9orV9PcvTr2i_2gBMJLZhxT2OIDIHIVIVCgL2Hp4kMXA7EQ==&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==>.

You'll find such basic things as contact forms or site backups. You might see fun functionality like quizzes, feeds to your social media or pop-up windows to entice your readers to sign up for your newsletter.

You just plug them in, do a little customizing -- and they're ready to go.

Plugins for Events

Here's a scenario that may be familiar to you. Let's say you're organizing an event and working with your website person to include the details on a web page. You're using flyers, social media posts and email announcements to promote the event and driving visitors to your website for more information and registration.

Let's take a look at some WordPress plugins that can help you with this program -- whether it is as large as a 3-day conference, or a bit more simple like a book-signing or online virtual webinar.

#1. The Events Calendar<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyioePQnUfGeWQamO14SvotS5aKmRPoZhoXeOaUHembEqoTYllHcC8URDa1s6Qwt8a3PjA3a_2ZDO4iowen7Nt8C-8_Oj4PP5MEXTyw38P3cVEoz7Pf7-MCs5KMna0yDze_A==&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==> - You can organize and highlight all of your events on a calendar on your site with this plugin. It lets you show viewers your upcoming events in a list, day/week/month view and add photos and a map to the event location. In the free version you can also include ticket sales, RSVP's and email confirmation.

[event calendar]

#2. Countdown Timer or Clock <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyioePQnUfGeWQ63nN_tEbD9zYAKpvhoVg8_GeFWx9IE63snYFYDz0YEIj2vmrHxhBCZQhNnm6ZDYIlFkPCNLDHI_ZiwJ_1F7budhrj1iCgiucFPiUF4voY0UAHUcON8CfaA==&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==> - This Countdown plug-in can help add some excitement or urgency to an event -- by displaying how many days/hours/minutes until it begins.

[countdown timer]

[thermometer]

#3. Fundraising Thermometer<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyioePQnUfGeWQdgmp02knjBejpFJGfyNhxbMDRoe3prDiKXaQy0cPFv0QtGVyNQxnhaoFqTwWuT85nyiD_dk6llVTMYUW5wHhqieavayn-gTOfK2xba-XVqYh_dl--CnoCVTdgm1KgJpWE-llPAnjYTu7ShXup9-eqA==&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==> - Hosting a fundraising event? Dynamically display the amount you have raised and how close you are to your event goal with this great visual.

#4. Quiz or Poll with YOP Poll<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyioePQnUfGeWQkwfKqsA0lm8H8l_gYrYhMaZiPcNuUwLwSbEqMK7bY3gZkysnvydkxBiYlxd6hdtxwWA1YuHAigDc42KWnUeVvolvESeI5KPopeh6q6_MdpQ=&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==> - Integrate a survey or poll in your event page to add interaction and gain insight from attendees before the event day.

TIP: Have you ever looked at a website page and wondered, "How did they do that?" If you see something on another WordPress site and you want to use it on yours… take a look at this Tech-Talk article that shows you how to peek inside the back-end of a website and see what plugins are installed, https://www.tech-talk.com/web-authoring-peek-inside-wp-for-plugins-theme.html<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyijqNezlk8KZGIwoF5O56DiOGLF9TxTLNfU3MqxKsvFA1-8bMukeDGS2VY_NM0EzxRmze3lFRuOMD2wwIFzR3f22gfy2K8MBZCFYCQyEiz23I1XWBZBtj8PzBdwTlWjkWzBcid_GKRLmfFRCL3ovcEcAhZLvk53o5FQ==&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==>

Things to Look for in a Plugin

You may have gone to the WordPress plugin repository at https://wordpress.org/plugins<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyioePQnUfGeWQudqWkvaH1MD_T1FdJWutAOB8VWo1wUS5UN_lVT49VHizbYm6KH5AiCEW9OwamDI657ccihhyJX2RgOAxONNLL3rxq5sCn80w&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==> and found what you thought was the perfect option. But be sure to do a little bit of homework first before installing it on your website to make sure it is safe. A few important items to consider are:

[Wordpress plugin details]

Last Updated - In the Details section of the plugin it will show when it was last updated. Because the WordPress platform is updated periodically, plugins also should be. If it has not been updated in more than a year, be cautious.

Active Installations - You don't want to be a beta tester. Look at this number to see how many others have used the plugin. However, if it is has a highly specific use, the numbers may be low (under 1000).

WordPress Version - Make sure the plugin matches the version of WordPress you are using.

Ratings - Just as you review ratings before you purchase a product, take a look at the overall number of stars and the comments (for both high and low ratings) to get the big picture.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/41d9a61c-7e5a-4de3-b0a4-4021dd05cea3.png]

Communications: Phone
Are you doing this?

You call the doctor's office (where a lot of different people work).

"Integrative Medicine," you hear.

OK. It's abrupt.

I know what office I called. What I don't know is who answered?

No name. No "How are you?" No "Good morning" or even a "Welcome to Integrative Medicine".

We like to talk with people, not machines. It makes us feel comfortable. It makes us feel valued.

So what is the magic formula for answering a phone?

Research shows that you need a 3-part opening statement.

1.  The first bit you say (no matter what it is) will be lost. No one will really hear and remember. They aren't tuned in yet.
2.  The second is a great slot to tell your name (first name in a casual environment; Mr./Ms. last name in more formal situations like schools).
3.  The third bit offers assistance or welcomes the call or gives the name of the organization or department.

EXAMPLES

"Hi, this is Linda, how can I help you?"
or
"Good morning, Integrative Medicine, this is Linda."

NOTE: Yes, you can flip the 2nd and 3rd slots based on your preference.

TIP: Use the same idea (3 parts) for your voice mail greeting.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/da1c6ee9-ba35-4af5-9c80-8e1b5781189e.png]

Leadership
What's the difference?

Do you know the difference between an organization's mission and its vision?

Do you think they are essentially the same? Or perhaps you believe they don't matter ... they're just words on a paper that management thought up. In my opinion, they are vitally important.

*****
A mission describes who you are, what you do, and who you do it for. It's your purpose, your reason for existing as an organization.

A vision communicates where you want to be ultimately, how you want the world to see you. What you want to be known for … and how far and wide. A vision needs to be exciting if you want it to be useful as a driver to achieve.

*****

What is yours?

Let's see how many different visions and missions we have among our Tech-Talk users.

Put your organization's vision<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyioePQnUfGeWQKzKCbp20rJxARSP_obllGEmo1jVZAUo_mgOIXvI_Lsw7b3-ehPjyX7Mxxy98knO5onKkmvlyV1VoSO4vlBPBYbz0lHyvN9tSWoS24yqtrgHeueqJ08TJDQ==&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==> and / or mission in the comments here<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyioePQnUfGeWQKzKCbp20rJxARSP_obllGEmo1jVZAUo_mgOIXvI_Lsw7b3-ehPjyX7Mxxy98knO5onKkmvlyV1VoSO4vlBPBYbz0lHyvN9tSWoS24yqtrgHeueqJ08TJDQ==&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==> ... AND your organization's name.

It will be fun to see the variety!

[http://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/b13a7a6a-7445-4d8e-b741-4b475385ef5b.png]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyitl83uPe6gICOlAEvhvAJdzlEl6GCjgUQNdY-6etG4Q1Ihivu0SNuWt9MBCQ_LHtfm7nLvNqYzRHhqoOyMra1WmNN8Nl9ozF6qGxPXqhs2Ie&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==>

[Ask a question]<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001DW4HiyQew4YapPNvYUd1KJw1YxM1I6debi_CyeMIHPf3iuOs0ccyilQmZKaxXaQwrBI3Sxpj0pBwZ4roMT3iywxpM24OTE6w_m7NSYCrrxRVkE5YsGO9GXYpZJZyp_muIxPv1z8Tgq58cmhDHERpzfBGtniG-CZ5XN3zBG7qnXs=&c=bCSETk-jUJqFdmFTBiJB5FTrTZ-sextkAFWEGaQQ_QUQO_B0bm3CKQ==&ch=qEZIc5QtJPpnTylcyj8nzh4-Xro03TQsu2lMk6KSTznUdy2cmZAoQQ==>

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