Best Practices for Creating Content

Or Why You Shouldn’t Copy and Paste From a Word Processor

Cristina Robinson

UI/UX Designer at Three29 Blogger at TheLovelyGeek.com @LovelyGeek #wcsac

Best Practices for Creating Content

1. Don’t use a traditional word processor to copy & paste

2. Use the right tool for the job such as apps or shortcuts

3. Take preventive measures on your site and with clients

Don’t Use a Word Processor for Creating Your Content

Hidden Formatting

Copying and pasting brings hidden code over that can break your site.

It looks like you’re trying to copy and paste into WordPress. Would you like some help with that?

Inconsistent Styling

Your CSS styles can get overwritten by your word processor’s code.

It looks like you’re trying to copy and paste into WordPress. Would you like some help with that?

Formatting Isn’t Guaranteed

E.g. headings in Word aren’t recognized as headings in WordPress which is not good for SEO

It looks like you’re trying to copy and paste into WordPress. Would you like some help with that?

Methods and Tools for Bringing Your Content into WordPress

WordPress Editor

• Autosaves drafts • Distraction-free writing • Desktop + mobile app

Copy and Paste with No Formatting

• Keyboard shortcuts • Text editor • Paste As Text button

Use An App

• WordPress - Desktop + Mobile • Blogo - Mac & iOS only • Ulysses - Mac only • Desk PM - Mac only • BlogJet - Windows only • ZenWriter - Windows only

Preventive Measures to Take on Your Site

Paste as Plain Text

• WordPress plugin • Forces editor to paste

everything as plain text • Make sure your WordPress site

is up-to-date!

Style the Visual Editor

• add_editor_style function to functions.php

• Create separate stylesheet dedicated to editor styles

• wpfill.me

Make the Admin User Friendly

• Theme Customizer • Widgets • Custom Fields

Educate Your Client

• Set expectations • Training • Paste as Text button

Thank you!

www.TheLovelyGeek.com