General problems with theme building that probably has simple answers and solutions
WPMU DEV Community
General problems with theme building that probably has simple answers and solutions
Elite
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Marketingdoc
Member
—
30th December 2011 16:05
I purchased a membership for your Wordpress services through AppSumo on Monday, Dec. 26th. My main reasons for the purchase are: my lack of coding knowledge, your offer of manuals and videos, and tried and true testing of such things as plugins.
I selected the Business Portfolio Theme for my personal web site, http://www.mikedeuerling.com. In one of the samples of this theme they were 5 boxes in the lower half which fits the different types of marketing services I offer. I have three other web sites that I can link up to this site.
My first problem was in the installation instructions. It reminded me to make changes only to the child theme. I found the child theme in the files but I am not sure if I correctly set it up. One of my other themes I was looking at on Wordpress.org has a separate child theme for loading (if that is the correct term).
I could not find a separate install instruction for the Business Portfolio Theme.
I tried adding BuddyPress to see if that would offer any assistance, but I am still stuck and unable to set my pages or posts.
I’ve built 3 Wordpress sites prior to this attempt. I already have made a lot of changes to these sites and was hoping I would learn more with this attempt, but alas I'm lost. Here's my other 3: http://www.dmcm.net A site for my Direct Mail customers who purchase content, newsletters and communication services. http://www.marketingcommunicationgroup.net My corporate site targeting my main clients in a small business environment. http://www.marketingdoc.net A blog using my corporate brand.
I want this theme, http://www.mikedeuerling.com to be another business site and not sure if I need any one to post comments. However, I do like the idea of starting a dialogue with a prospective customer.
My questions - Is there a PDF manual for this theme? Are there videos for the theme? I have spent too much time going in wrong directions. Is there a site map to help me find what I’m looking for?
Once I am able to see examples I usually can get the job done, but this is not the case so far with your services.
Thanks in advance for your assistance,
Mike Deuerling MD@DMCM.net
I purchased a membership for your Wordpress services through AppSumo on Monday, Dec. 26th. My main reasons for the purchase are: my lack of coding knowledge, your offer of manuals and videos, and tried and true testing of such things as plugins.
I selected the Business Portfolio Theme for my personal web site, http://www.mikedeuerling.com. In one of the samples of this theme they were 5 boxes in the lower half which fits the different types of marketing services I offer. I have three other web sites that I can link up to this site.
My first problem was in the installation instructions. It reminded me to make changes only to the child theme. I found the child theme in the files but I am not sure if I correctly set it up. One of my other themes I was looking at on Wordpress.org has a separate child theme for loading (if that is the correct term).
I could not find a separate install instruction for the Business Portfolio Theme.
I tried adding BuddyPress to see if that would offer any assistance, but I am still stuck and unable to set my pages or posts.
I’ve built 3 Wordpress sites prior to this attempt. I already have made a lot of changes to these sites and was hoping I would learn more with this attempt, but alas I'm lost. Here's my other 3: http://www.dmcm.net A site for my Direct Mail customers who purchase content, newsletters and communication services. http://www.marketingcommunicationgroup.net My corporate site targeting my main clients in a small business environment. http://www.marketingdoc.net A blog using my corporate brand.
I want this theme, http://www.mikedeuerling.com to be another business site and not sure if I need any one to post comments. However, I do like the idea of starting a dialogue with a prospective customer.
My questions - Is there a PDF manual for this theme? Are there videos for the theme? I have spent too much time going in wrong directions. Is there a site map to help me find what I’m looking for?
Once I am able to see examples I usually can get the job done, but this is not the case so far with your services.
Thanks in advance for your assistance,
Mike Deuerling MD@DMCM.net
To help you get started with this theme in specific, you'll actually find a PDF manual in the theme folder as follows:
business-portfolio\library\docs\businessportfolio_manual.pdf
There aren't currently any videos for the theme but any specific questions you might have, we'll gladly look into here if you'll let us know.
As for a sitemap, are you referring to the site here in general? If so, there's not really a site overview, but that's a great idea and we can look into that one. Would you basically like a visual guide to how the site is organized and how it operates?
They provide a great starting point for getting accustomed to all the terminology used around here as well as providing general information on installing and using plugins and themes, which the instructions here typically assume is known before-hand.
As we haven't heard back from you we're going to assume the problem was sorted out and mark this ticket as resolved.
If it wasn't resolved, or you have any more questions related to this thread please feel free to post them below and tick the 'Mark as Not Resolved (re-open)' box below the post area (or else we'll miss it!)
Otherwise, thanks for using the forums, and for being a member of WPMU DEV, it's a pleasure to help you out and we look forward to being of assistance in the future.
I started to follow a few suggestions from the theme PDF but I haven't returned to it. The PDF is somewhat vague although I was able to change the landing page. I am in the middle of a few client projects that has taken up my time. I hope to return to it this weekend.
MD
I put some work into the site a few days back and got a bit stumped. I want to use the theme as a business web site. I added some copy and headlines to a variety of pages but was unable to make them visual on the site.
I made the Home page a static site but that certainly did nothing. What am I missing? What do I need to do to make them visual and with navigation tabs or buttons?
Can you let us know which theme you're using (is it Business Portfolio) and even provide a link to the site so we can take a look and see what's going on?
hi mike
yeap, in terms of development or customization, best use a child theme instead.
its easy actually, when unpacking the theme, there's a themes folder with business-portfolio-child inside, just copy paste that to your wp-content/themes and activated it via appearence.
if you want to edit any files like index.php..just copy paste the index.php to business-portfolio-child
and edit the file there....your site will use the child theme/index.php instead.
I made the Home page a static site but that certainly did nothing. What am I missing? What do I need to do to make them visual and with navigation tabs or buttons?
try rename parent theme home.php to homex.php...the static page should be working now
We have not heard back from you as to the status of this issue.
If you are still having an issue with this please let us know so that we may try to get you fixed up as soon as possible by choosing to mark this ticket as unresolved.
This will also bring your ticket up front back in plain view again.
Mason - It is Business Portfolio.
To answer your other questions below is summary of my first post on December 30th:
"I purchased a membership for your Wordpress services through AppSumo on Monday, Dec. 26th. My main reasons for the purchase are: my lack of coding knowledge, your offer of manuals and videos, and tried and true testing of such things as plugins.
I selected the Business Portfolio Theme for my personal web site, http://www.mikedeuerling.com. In one of the samples of this theme they were 5 boxes in the lower half which fits the different types of marketing services I offer. I have three other web sites that I can link up to this site.
My first problem was in the installation instructions. It reminded me to make changes only to the child theme. I found the child theme in the files but I am not sure if I correctly set it up. One of my other themes I was looking at on Wordpress.org has a separate child theme for loading (if that is the correct term).
I could not find a separate install instruction for the Business Portfolio Theme.
I tried adding BuddyPress to see if that would offer any assistance, but I am still stuck and unable to set my pages or posts.
I’ve built 3 Wordpress sites prior to this attempt. I already have made a lot of changes to these sites and was hoping I would learn more with this attempt, but alas I'm lost. Here's my other 3: http://www.dmcm.net A site for my Direct Mail customers who purchase content, newsletters and communication services. http://www.marketingcommunicationgroup.net My corporate site targeting my main clients in a small business environment. http://www.marketingdoc.net A blog using my corporate brand.
I want this theme, http://www.mikedeuerling.com to be another business site and not sure if I need any one to post comments. However, I do like the idea of starting a dialogue with a prospective customer.
My questions - Is there a PDF manual for this theme? Are there videos for the theme? I have spent too much time going in wrong directions. Is there a site map to help me find what I’m looking for?
Once I am able to see examples I usually can get the job done, but this is not the case so far with your services."
Richie KS recommended I build it using the child theme, which I'm pretty sure I didn't. This project has turned into a large problem and I'm not sure what to do next. I'm not a programmer, a web builder or an IT person. I built the other three sites I referenced above over the past two years, but this project has been a real thorne in my side.
I want a Home Page, an About, and an introduction to my services and the five services I offer, and a contact us page. I want linking capability to my other sites. If this is the wrong theme for what I'm looking for, please let me know.
Thanks for your understanding,
Mike Deuerling
Hi! Thanks for being a WPMU member and hanging in there while we hash this out :)
I installed you theme on a test site and had a look. I'm not terribly familiar with it but I'll tell you what I found that may help.
I think the first problem is that the Installation and Use instructions are very generic. You don't need to be concerned with the parent/child issue unless you want to build a child theme. (It doesn't sound to me like you do, I'm hearing you want to use this out of the box, but please let me know if this is not the case)
So, crossing the first hurdle we are now at: You have the theme installed, out of the box. No other concerns or steps. Just installed in your themes and activated.
Secondly, upon looking at the theme and it's options I find something that can be very confusing: it requires url's instead of allowing you to link to pictures and media directly through a menu. This means that you will need to upload your pictures, video, logos etc into your Media files (Dashboard > Media > Add New) and reference the url that is given to to you after you upload it when filling in your fields on the Theme Options page.
(does that make sense? I know what I'm saying but am I saying it clearly? haha)
Also, creating navigation and menus are the same on this theme as any wordpress, you just need to make sure you add a primary navigation menu.
As always, you can turn comments off or on at your discretion. If you are looking for a forum type solution that is a different matter all-together. There are many excellent plugins here that can help you chat or dialogue with a client in a manner you feel is best for your business if you feel you need something beyond a Contact Us form.
I wish you the best and am very impressed with your dedication to accomplishing this! Your site will be stunning, I know it! If you need any further reference materials please come back and post here. Just make sure you re-open the thread so we will see it :)
Responses (10)
WPMU DEV Fanatic — 30th December 2011 19:48 #
Hi Mike and first off, welcome to WPMU DEV!
To help you get started with this theme in specific, you'll actually find a PDF manual in the theme folder as follows:
business-portfolio\library\docs\businessportfolio_manual.pdf
There aren't currently any videos for the theme but any specific questions you might have, we'll gladly look into here if you'll let us know.
As for a sitemap, are you referring to the site here in general? If so, there's not really a site overview, but that's a great idea and we can look into that one. Would you basically like a visual guide to how the site is organized and how it operates?
Just to mention too, probably the very best starting point in all this is the online manuals, as follows:
http://premium.wpmudev.org/all-wpmu-dev-manuals/
They provide a great starting point for getting accustomed to all the terminology used around here as well as providing general information on installing and using plugins and themes, which the instructions here typically assume is known before-hand.
-David
Sales & Support Lead — 8th January 2012 22:06 #
Hiya,
As we haven't heard back from you we're going to assume the problem was sorted out and mark this ticket as resolved.
If it wasn't resolved, or you have any more questions related to this thread please feel free to post them below and tick the 'Mark as Not Resolved (re-open)' box below the post area (or else we'll miss it!)
Otherwise, thanks for using the forums, and for being a member of WPMU DEV, it's a pleasure to help you out and we look forward to being of assistance in the future.
Thanks
Member — 9th January 2012 15:00 #
I started to follow a few suggestions from the theme PDF but I haven't returned to it. The PDF is somewhat vague although I was able to change the landing page. I am in the middle of a few client projects that has taken up my time. I hope to return to it this weekend.
MD
Sales & Support Lead — 9th January 2012 22:48 #
Hiya MD,
Sure thing. Just come back to us with any specific questions you may have :)
Thanks
Member — 25th January 2012 22:05 #
I put some work into the site a few days back and got a bit stumped. I want to use the theme as a business web site. I added some copy and headlines to a variety of pages but was unable to make them visual on the site.
I made the Home page a static site but that certainly did nothing. What am I missing? What do I need to do to make them visual and with navigation tabs or buttons?
Sales & Support Lead — 1st February 2012 03:23 #
Hiya,
Can you let us know which theme you're using (is it Business Portfolio) and even provide a link to the site so we can take a look and see what's going on?
Thanks!
Geeky Developer — 1st February 2012 03:45 #
hi mike
yeap, in terms of development or customization, best use a child theme instead.
its easy actually, when unpacking the theme, there's a themes folder with business-portfolio-child inside, just copy paste that to your wp-content/themes and activated it via appearence.
if you want to edit any files like index.php..just copy paste the index.php to business-portfolio-child
and edit the file there....your site will use the child theme/index.php instead.
try rename parent theme home.php to homex.php...the static page should be working now
Support Kangaroo — 4th February 2012 20:26 #
Greetings Marketingdoc :-)
We have not heard back from you as to the status of this issue.
If you are still having an issue with this please let us know so that we may try to get you fixed up as soon as possible by choosing to mark this ticket as unresolved.
This will also bring your ticket up front back in plain view again.
Joe :-)
Member — 13th February 2012 23:49 #
Mason - It is Business Portfolio.
To answer your other questions below is summary of my first post on December 30th:
"I purchased a membership for your Wordpress services through AppSumo on Monday, Dec. 26th. My main reasons for the purchase are: my lack of coding knowledge, your offer of manuals and videos, and tried and true testing of such things as plugins.
I selected the Business Portfolio Theme for my personal web site, http://www.mikedeuerling.com. In one of the samples of this theme they were 5 boxes in the lower half which fits the different types of marketing services I offer. I have three other web sites that I can link up to this site.
My first problem was in the installation instructions. It reminded me to make changes only to the child theme. I found the child theme in the files but I am not sure if I correctly set it up. One of my other themes I was looking at on Wordpress.org has a separate child theme for loading (if that is the correct term).
I could not find a separate install instruction for the Business Portfolio Theme.
I tried adding BuddyPress to see if that would offer any assistance, but I am still stuck and unable to set my pages or posts.
I’ve built 3 Wordpress sites prior to this attempt. I already have made a lot of changes to these sites and was hoping I would learn more with this attempt, but alas I'm lost. Here's my other 3:
http://www.dmcm.net A site for my Direct Mail customers who purchase content, newsletters and communication services.
http://www.marketingcommunicationgroup.net My corporate site targeting my main clients in a small business environment.
http://www.marketingdoc.net A blog using my corporate brand.
I want this theme, http://www.mikedeuerling.com to be another business site and not sure if I need any one to post comments. However, I do like the idea of starting a dialogue with a prospective customer.
My questions - Is there a PDF manual for this theme? Are there videos for the theme? I have spent too much time going in wrong directions. Is there a site map to help me find what I’m looking for?
Once I am able to see examples I usually can get the job done, but this is not the case so far with your services."
Richie KS recommended I build it using the child theme, which I'm pretty sure I didn't. This project has turned into a large problem and I'm not sure what to do next. I'm not a programmer, a web builder or an IT person. I built the other three sites I referenced above over the past two years, but this project has been a real thorne in my side.
I want a Home Page, an About, and an introduction to my services and the five services I offer, and a contact us page. I want linking capability to my other sites. If this is the wrong theme for what I'm looking for, please let me know.
Thanks for your understanding,
Mike Deuerling
People Person — 22nd February 2012 14:55 #
Mike,
Hi! Thanks for being a WPMU member and hanging in there while we hash this out :)
I installed you theme on a test site and had a look. I'm not terribly familiar with it but I'll tell you what I found that may help.
I think the first problem is that the Installation and Use instructions are very generic. You don't need to be concerned with the parent/child issue unless you want to build a child theme. (It doesn't sound to me like you do, I'm hearing you want to use this out of the box, but please let me know if this is not the case)
So, crossing the first hurdle we are now at: You have the theme installed, out of the box. No other concerns or steps. Just installed in your themes and activated.
Secondly, upon looking at the theme and it's options I find something that can be very confusing: it requires url's instead of allowing you to link to pictures and media directly through a menu. This means that you will need to upload your pictures, video, logos etc into your Media files (Dashboard > Media > Add New) and reference the url that is given to to you after you upload it when filling in your fields on the Theme Options page.
(does that make sense? I know what I'm saying but am I saying it clearly? haha)
Also, creating navigation and menus are the same on this theme as any wordpress, you just need to make sure you add a primary navigation menu.
You can try some of these:
http://premium.wpmudev.org/project/introduction-to-menus
http://premium.wpmudev.org/project/media-library
http://premium.wpmudev.org/project/add-new-page
http://premium.wpmudev.org/project/approving-and-editing-comments
As always, you can turn comments off or on at your discretion. If you are looking for a forum type solution that is a different matter all-together. There are many excellent plugins here that can help you chat or dialogue with a client in a manner you feel is best for your business if you feel you need something beyond a Contact Us form.
I wish you the best and am very impressed with your dedication to accomplishing this! Your site will be stunning, I know it! If you need any further reference materials please come back and post here. Just make sure you re-open the thread so we will see it :)
Kindest Regards
Kimberly
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