This document discusses extending WordPress functionality beyond simply blogging. It covers using plugins to add features to the WordPress dashboard, using BuddyPress to turn WordPress into a social network, using bbPress to add forum functionality, and using P2 to enable project management and internal communications. Dashboard plugins discussed include Google Analytics and note-taking capabilities. BuddyPress allows for user profiles, activity streams, groups and more. bbPress creates a customizable bulletin board system. And P2 aims to create an internal communication ecosystem similar to Twitter and Basecamp combined.

1. To the Word and Beyond!
Extending WordPress Past a Simple Blog
WordCamp Rochester 2016
Meagan Hanes @mhanes

2. A Bit About Myself
● Meagan Hanes - @mhanes
● Digital Designer for over 15 years
● Own and Operate Love Digimedia
● Favourite Colour: Rainbow :)

3. This Session Covers...
● WordPress Dashboard Plugins
● Social Networks using BuddyPress
● Forums using bbPress
● Project Management/Communications using P2

4. Dashboard Plugins
● Most plugins provide external functionality for the website (adding
a Twitter Widget, an image slider, etc)
● But Dashboard Plugins provide internal functionality
● They change the way the Admin Dashboard looks and works!

5. Note: Screen Options

6. Google Analytics Dashboard for
WP
● Integrates Google Analytics account with
your WordPress site
● Displays charts, reports, etc directly on
Admin Dashboard
● Allows you to monitor website's usage
without loading up full GA application

7. Dashboard Notes
● Handy way of leaving little admin notes!
● Multiple colours and options available

8. Editorial Calendar
● Makes it easy to manage timing of posts
● Uses click-and-drag interface for simplicity

9. Plugin List
● Google Analytics Dashboard: https://wordpress.org/plugins/google-
analytics-dashboard-for-wp/
● Dashboard Notes: https://wordpress.org/plugins/dashboard-notes/
● Editorial Calendar: https://wordpress.org/plugins/editorial-calendar/

10. BuddyPress
WordPress-based Social Network System

11. Extending WP: BuddyPress
● BuddyPress brings Social
Networking features to WordPress
● Users can make posts on their
profile page, follow other users,
join groups, have group
discussions, receive notifications
of new content, and more.

12. BuddyPress in Action

13. Extending BuddyPress: Plugins
● Easily extendable with BuddyPress
Plugins:
–Add Chat Rooms (iFlyChat)
–Gamify your site with Achievements
(Achievements for WordPress)
–Make profiles more Facebook-like
(BuddyPress Wall)
–Create a Dropbox-style file repo
(BuddyPress Docs)
Achievements for
WordPress

14. BuddyPress In The Wild

15. BuddyPress Links
● BuddyPress Core: https://buddypress.org
● iFlyChat: http://wordpress.org/plugins/iflychat/
● Achievements for WordPress:
http://wordpress.org/plugins/achievements/
● BuddyPress Wall: http://wordpress.org/plugins/buddypress-wall/
● BuddyPress Docs: http://wordpress.org/plugins/buddypress-docs/

16. bbPress
 Forums: The WordPress Way

17. Forums using bbPress
● bbPress is a forum solution for WordPress

18. bbPress: Forums Made Easy
● Creates a customizable bulletin
board system
● Full spam protection via Akismet
● Links with your site's existing
WP user accounts

19. bbPress In Action
● Create a new discussion topic
● Browse existing discussions
● Displays last post's time and
author
● Allows for subscribing (sends
an email)

20. bbPress Plugins
Rating Widget
GD bbPress Attachments

21. wp-Monalisa
bbPress Plugins

22. Plugin Links
● bbPress: http://bbpress.org/
● bbPress Go To First Unread Post:
http://wordpress.org/plugins/bbpress-go-to-first-unread-post/
● Rating Widget: http://wordpress.org/plugins/rating-widget
● GD bbPress Attachments: http://wordpress.org/plugins/gd-bbpress-
attachments
● wp-Monalisa: http://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-monalisa

23. P2

24. Communications using P2
● P2 is a WordPress-based complete conversion
–NOT for your current WordPress website!
● Creates a Communication Ecosystem
● If Twitter and Basecamp had a software baby!

25. P2 in Action
● Eliminates the need to use the Post Editor
● Instead, post directly on the site itself!
● Smaller posts = more communication

26. P2 in Action

27. P2 for Internal Communications
● Use MentionMe plugin to enable @namings
● Perfect for assigning tasks, asking questions
● Extend with P2 By Email to close the loop
–Now a Fully Functional Notification system!
● Organize projects/assignments with tags
● Configure widgets to show top posts, currently logged in users,
latest posts, etc
● Enable or Disable public viewing

28. Plugin Links
● P2 Core Theme: http://p2theme.com/
● MentionMe: http://wordpress.org/plugins/mention-me/
● P2 Post Feedback: http://wordpress.org/plugins/p2-post-feedback
● P2 Resolved Posts: http://wordpress.org/plugins/p2-resolved-posts/
● P2 Likes: http://wordpress.org/plugins/p2-likes/

29. Question Time!
MORE QUESTIONS LATER? @MHANES