WibWabWeb Blog
What’s New in WibWabWeb 1.5
Today we mark the newest update to WibWabWeb. This article outlines the major changes that you’ll see in the administrative control panel.
Welcome Message
If you’re a new customer, you’ll see a welcome message on your dashboard when you first log in. It lists the next steps for adding content to your site, customizing your design, and getting it ready for the public.
If you’re an existing customer, you can click on “Screen Options” in the upper right of the dashboard page and ticking the “Welcome” box to display the welcome message.
Drag-and-Drop Uploader
If you have a fairly modern browser, you can now drag files from your computer directly into the media panel to upload them. Simple, with less clicking and file searching.
There’s also now a single upload panel — no separate panels for images, videos, etc.
(If you don’t have a modern browser, you can still select files the old way, or go to browsehappy.com to get a better browser for free.)
Flyout Menus
The menus on the left side of the control panel have been redesigned. Now, instead of constant clicking to expand and collapse the submenus, the submenus appear when you hover your mouse over them.
The menus also fit to your computer. If you have a smaller screen or tablet device, then the control panel will automatically resize to give you maximum space.
Revamped Toolbar
The previous toolbar (across the top of your control panel) and header information has been merged into a single toolbar. It still provides quick links to your dashboard and other editing pages, but now it also contains the site name, the profile menu, plus links to the WibWabWeb blog, tutorials, and support (under the “W” logo).
Popup Tips
The first time you encounter a new feature, a popup box will appear with info about the feature.
You can easily remove the box by clicking on “Dismiss”. In the future, we’ll use these popups to alert you to new features and provide tips on using WibWabWeb.
Improved Co-Editing
If there are multiple people that update your site, there is now better recognition of when someone else is editing the same page — if so, you’ll see a warning that saving your changes may overwrite the other person’s changes.
And More
As with every update, there are many more bug fixes and minor improvements included. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comments below, or through our support channels.
A Quick Way to Create Photo Galleries
If you like using photo galleries in WibWabWeb, then check out this easy way to add them. Instead of going through the Media manager to insert your photo gallery, try this “short code” to add it your page:
[ gallery ]
Typing this (with the square brackets, but no spaces) into your page will insert every image in your media gallery into a grid-like photo gallery.
There are many options that you can specify:
- Columns -> [ gallery columns="4" ] This allows you to select the number of columns you want your photos to be displayed in. The default is 3 columns. The gallery will automatically calculate the widths of the columns and add a break at the end of each row.
- Size -> [ gallery size="medium" ] This lets you decide what size the thumbnails of the photos will be. Valid values are “thumbnail”, “medium”, “large” and “full”. The default is “thumbnail”.
- Orderby -> [ gallery orderby="rand" ] Orderby specifies the sorting of the images. The default is “menu_order”. Other acceptable values are “rand” (random), “title” (alphabetical), or “id” (analogous to the date/time the photo was uploaded).
- Order -> [ gallery order="DESC" ] or [ gallery="ASC" ] This sets how the images will be sorted, either in descending order or ascending.
- Exclude -> [ gallery exclude="1,2,3" ] By using this option, you can exclude images by typing their ID numbers, separated by commas.
- Include -> [ gallery include="1,2,3" ] By using this option, you can include only the images you want by typing their ID numbers, separated by commas.
These options can be combined together, for example: [ gallery order="DESC" columns="4" orderby="rand" ] . If you just use [ gallery ], a gallery with be added using the default options. Either way, this is a simple and quick way to create a ravishing photo gallery.
Customizing Your Theme
The Genesis themes all work the same way in the theme settings. By following this tutorial you will have a better grasp on how to customize your site with these new fantastic themes.
This tutorial is only for the Genesis themes. If you are using a Legacy theme, the theme settings vary from theme to theme. If the theme you have selected offers any special customization, the options will appear under the “Appearance” tab in the left-hand navigation.
- Login into the control panel and go to Appearance > Themes in the left-hand navigation to choose your Genesis Theme.
- Once your theme is chosen, go to the new “Genesis” menu in the left-hand navigation and choose “Theme Settings”.
- This is the page you will see:
- Information gives a description of the theme. You don’t need to make any changes here.
- The Color Scheme option isn’t available on all themes. If you see this option, you change change the colors on that particular theme. The available colors will vary in each theme. Click on the drop-down menu and select your desired color.
- Default Layout. There are different page layouts to choose from. Please choose the box that doesn’t display any columns for now. The others will be available soon.
- Navigation Settings. Keeping the navigation simple is the best practice. Feel free to use the options available. We recommend using as seen in the image below: tick the “include primary navigation menu” and “include secondary navigation menu” options.
- Breadcrumbs are a navigation aid that shows visitors what specific page they are on in relation to the rest of the site. If breadcrumbs are needed on your site, use the check boxes to select where you want them displayed.
New Sylish Designs for WibWabWeb!
We are proud to announce the launching of 6 new WibWabWeb themes! It’s been over 2 years since WibWabWeb launched and we feel it’s time to release some new themes that allow you to use the new customization tools effectively. Please help us welcome…
AgentPress
Real Estate Design
This theme offers a look directed toward Real Estate. If you are a real estate agent looking to display your listings online, then AgentPress is for you! It offers multiple color changes, different page layout options, custom menus, an editable background, and a custom logo in the header.
Education
Education Theme
This theme is directed to educational purposes, but could be used for any website! The color theme is a rich royal blue paired with a deep taupe. It offers different layout options, custom menus, and has a nice drop-down navigation.
Focus
Focus
Focus allows you the option of 3 color themes: blue, teal and black. This modern theme offers 2 to 6 column layouts as well as many options of layout designs. Focus has the capability to apply custom menus, change the background color, and a custom logo in the header.
Lexicon
Lexicon
Lexicon displays in deep red, black, and shades of gray with an unusual perforated edge to the body of the page. If you are looking for an eye-catching site, this will accomplish that for sure! It also offers multiple page layout options and a nice flowing drop-down navigation with customizable menus.
Nitrous
Nitrous
Have fun with this theme! It offers 12 different colors as well as 2 to 6 column layout. That’s not all it does; it provides custom menus, an customizable background, and a customizable header. Get your website noticed with these vibrant colors on a textured gray background. Nitrous is a simple theme yet explodes with color.
Scribble
Scribble
If you are artsy and want to showcase your talent, this would be a good theme for you. There are 7 pastel color options to this theme. It offers many page and column layouts, and the ability to upload images to the background and the header. Get creative and this theme can show off your product without a doubt!
We hope you enjoy the new additions! In the following months there will be more added. Give these a try and let us know what you think!
What’s New in WibWabWeb 1.4
We are always trying to evolve WibWabWeb and keep its performance on par with modern day technology. We have just released the newest version, unveiling a new look, distraction-free writing, modern browser capabilities, and better linking management. Let’s touch base on each of these improvements so you will know what to expect.
Streamlined Look
In the administrative control panel, also know as the “back-end”, you will see quite a few changes. One of the most noticeable changes is the color scheme. The left-hand navigation is a tad bit smaller, and it is collapsible (look at the bottom of the column).
You can also arrange the content boxes in the main area by using the “drag and drop” technique. This allows you to customize the look of the control panel to your personal liking.
This new look is designed to be more focused on content creation, by making the buttons and menus smaller. These changes also make a lighter load on the server and will make your experience in WibWabWeb a bit faster.
Distraction-Free Writing
The full screen mode icon, highlighted above, is a great tool to use if you prefer to write from a large, blank page. It will remove all navigation to the left and all content boxes. The toolbox will vanish and only appear when you hover over it with your mouse, leaving no distractions on the page – just a blank canvas for you to write your content.
Browser Capabilities
Technology is moving along quickly, and that includes web browsers (the app you’re using right now). Over the past years, web designers have had a tough time creating websites that would function properly in all the different browsers. Many have decided to work together to make web design more cohesive across multiple browsers. HTML5 is a sign of that!
Now that the designers are on board, we need to get the public there as well! Many people get stuck in a rut and don’t want to change/update the browser they are using. These updates aren’t made to frustrate you! They are there to keep you up-to-date in the fast-paced world of technology. In efforts to keep you updated, the WibWabWeb dashboard will notify you if your browser is out-of-date, and give you guidance on how to get it updated. For many, this will make you aware that you are running an older browser. I encourage you to be brave and make the upgrade!
Link Management
Take a look at the new way to create links!
This makes linking to other pages within your site much easier. No longer must you open the page and copy the address, then navigate back to the page where you wanted to insert the link. Just click the link icon in the toolbox and choose the “Or link to existing content” option to see all of your existing pages. Click on the page you want to link to and it will insert the link automatically for you! This is one of my favorite changes!
Now that the upgrade is complete, take some time to get used to the new features and enjoy using them! Don’t forget to update your browser!
Content Writing Tips
If you are new to creating a website, you might be in need of help on creating content for your site. Here are some pointers that will help you create your pages so your visitors will want to stay and get as much information as possible with out being overwhelmed with words.
Most people read differently on the web than on paper. Let’s face it, reading a computer screen is a lot of work. It makes the eyes tired, and the majority of people read 25% more slowly on the web than reading a book or a magazine. That’s why it is important to keep your information 50% shorter than regular print. Readers also like to scan text on the web. When text is highlighted, bold, or even a different color, that makes your content more scannable.
For the most part, readers are very impatient when it comes to reading content on the web. They are in a hurry and want to receive their information as soon as possible and do not want unnecessary details. Nor is it any fun to scroll through a page that is loaded with lots of technical jargon. Put the most important content at the beginning of the page and make sure you use clear, concise text.
I can’t stress enough not to give your readers “information overload”. The average workday will overload visitors with tons of information; whether it is with emails or documents from work, they have to read a lot. In all reality, when we visit a website, do we want to sit down and read for a long period of time? Not really. Use descriptive headings and sub-headings to direct your readers exactly where they want to go quickly.
More techniques:
- Bulleted lists
- Short, simple words
- Highlighted text
- Brief sentences, words, and paragraphs
- A paragraph should have one idea
- Purposeful headings and sub-headings
- Most important content first
Want more writing tips? Check out Entheos’ free resources.
Photos provided by Merete Veian and Helga Weber.
Updates: Theme Search, Internal Linking, Admin Bar
We have updated WibWabWeb to include some updates, bug fixes, and new features. Here are some of the changes.
Theme Search
You can now search through our available themes using keywords. You can also filter themes based on specific features such as the number of columns and color.
You can now search for themes using keywords.
Internal Linking
When you create a link in your pages, you can now easily link to existing pages. Just choose or search for the page you want to link to, and voilà! You have created a link to another page.
Linking to internal pages is now easier then ever!
Admin Bar
You might notice your WibWabWeb site looks a bit different if you visit it after logging in. Don’t worry! You are the only person that sees the extra “admin bar” across the top of the page. This admin bar is designed to allow you to quickly access WebWabWeb functions such as editing the page, the dashboard, and login/logout.
If you don’t see the bar on your website, don’t worry. It just means your theme doesn’t support it. You can still get to the backend of your website to edit your pages simply by going to yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
Network Admin
If you happen to have more than one WibWabWeb site, you can now edit and manage all those sites from the “Network Admin” screen. No need to log in to each site separately.
Updated and Improved Features
- Better Dashboard. The dashboard page has been improved with an updated look, new options, and more standardization.
- Superior Security. There are some security updates and a new, streamlined password recovery.
- Streamlined Interface. A streamlined writing interface hides many of the seldom-used panels by default to create a simpler and less intimidating writing experience. (Visit “Screen Options” in the top right to get old panels back.)
- More than 820 bug fixes.
Updates: Account Page and Added Security
We’ve made a few changes to the WibWabWeb control panel to make it easier to update your account.
“My Account” Page
The “My Account” page (found under Dashboard -> My Account) has been revamped. First, you can see at a glance which WibWabWeb plan you are subscribed to. You can also easily switch to a different plan.
You can also update your billing information on this page. Simply enter your new credit card information and click “Save Changes”.
Added Security
You may notice that the control panel pages are now delivered over an encrypted connection. (Usually indicated by a padlock icon or colored bar in your browser.)
Example of a padlock icon and security information (Google Chrome).
This change is mainly to allow you to securely submit your credit card information on the My Account page, but it also ensures that all traffic between you and the WibWabWeb control panel is encrypted.
New System Requirements
To use the control panel with the added security, your computer must meet the minimum requirements:
- Operating System: Mac OS X or Windows Vista
- Web Browser: Internet Explorer 7, Mozilla Firefox 2, Apple Safari 2.1, Google Chrome 5, or Opera 8
If your computer is less than 10 years old, you probably meet these requirements. If you are using Windows XP, a very old browser, or a mobile phone, then the new security layer may not work. You can probably still edit your site, but we don’t recommend sending your credit card information through unsupported devices (since we can’t guarantee the security).
If there is big-enough demand for older devices, then we’ll look into adding support for them. Newer computers and phones will have the required technology built-in.
Selling with PayPal Buttons
Many WibWabWeb customers ask “Can I sell my products through WibWabWeb?” The answer is YES you can, using the PayPal payment system! You can easily create payment buttons and place them on your WibWabWeb site.
First, go to paypal.com and create a business account, if you don’t already have one. (It’s free, by the way.) Then login to your PayPal account, go to the Button Creator page, and click the “Create your button now” link.
Now let’s begin creating a button.
Step 1: Choose a button type and enter your payment details
- Choose what button you want to appear on your page (Buy a single product, add to shopping cart, buy a subscription, donate, etc.).
- Adding options for product customization is possible in the “Customize Button” section.
You can also make the button smaller, remove the credit card options, change the language of your button, and even upload your own image for the button.
Examples of adding a menu with options and customizing the button's appearance.
- Fill out the fee for shipping, if it applies, as well as tax.
- Link it to your PayPal merchant account. I would suggest to use the “Use my secure merchant account ID” so your email isn’t visible to spammers. Please click the “learn more” link to understand your options more clearly.
Step 2: Track inventory, profit & loss (optional)
- Choose “Save button at PayPal” to make it easier to manage and edit the buttons you create.
- You can choose to track your inventory and profit & loss for a product. If you want to use either of those features, be sure you check the box next to the item.
Step 3: Customize advanced features (optional)
Step 3 just offers more detailed options. If you want to redirect customers to a “Thank You” or confirmation page after they purchase, or a particular page if they cancel, you can do that here.
Adding the Button to Your Site
When you have all your settings the way you like them, click “Create Button”.
You will be redirected to a page that looks like this:
- Follow the instructions on the page to copy the code.
- Login to the WibWabWab control panel and choose the page you want the button on.
- Switch the editing box to “code view” by clicking on the “HTML” tab in the upper-righthand corner of the box.
- Locate in the code where you would like your button to go and click to position the cursor there. (This may take some experimentation unless you are familiar with HTML.)
- Paste the button code from PayPal into the editing box.
Be sure there are no extra slashes, or other characters in the code when it has been pasted. The code has to match exactly the way you see it in PayPal or it will not work! If your button doesn’t appear, most likely there is an error in the code! Check it closely again. - Your button can be seen when you preview your page. If you like what you see don’t forget to click the “Publish” button to save your work and make it available to the public!
That’s all there is to start selling products online with WibWabWeb!
At this time WibWabWeb only offers PayPal as a way to sell online. Have another favorite payment provider? Let us know.