To learn more about the basics of how to write for the web, WordPress, SEO and general updates, please see the WordPress guide for state staff.

Editing Menus

Adding a New Menu

To add a new menu, select create a new menu, then follow the same steps for editing menus in the video above.

How to add a WordPress user

Adding a Staff Profile

Part 2

Removing a Staff Profile

To remove a staff profile, go to the staff member posts and trash the staff page.

 

How to add & remove a job description

Editing your homepage

The home page is like a storefront window. It is a peek inside of your website. It’s a website’s only chance to show visitors what there is to offer.

So if you wouldn’t fill your storefront window with erroneous announcements, outdated news, and anything else not pertaining to your store’s mission, then why would you do that to your website?

Here are some instructions on how to make edits to your homepage.

Adding images

Image Sizing

Image Topper: 1145  x 700 px

Staff Profile Picture: 1050 x  1050 px width

You can add images easily through the Media section on the left page. Simply select Media, then select add new. You can upload as many images as you like.

If you are working on a page you can add an image by clicking Add Media button on the module.

Modules you can add images to: Featured, Full Width Content, Text/Image, Quote, Grid Template, Person Grid Template, Action Network Action.

Resizing Images

Please make sure they are sized correctly. The easiest way to make sure your images are the right size is in Canva. When you start a new design set the dimensions to 1145 X 700px or 1050 x1050px whichever is appropriate. Add your image to fill the background and then download.

We do not currently have an image subscription like Getty. You can find stock images in Canva that you are free to use.

Campaign Pages

Click the link below for written instructions on how to create a winning campaign page.

Adding Press Releases and Clips

Click the link below for written instructions on how to add a press release or a news clips.

Building Resources

Click the link below for written instructions on how to add a resource.

Creating Democracy Wire Posts

Click the link below for written instructions on how to add a Democracy Wire blog post.

Why do we use Alert Bars or Lightboxes?

Simply put, they are built to grab the immediate attention of a viewer to entice them to click on a link, donate or take an action. Though often disregarded as annoying, it is proven that they work!

Click the link below for written instructions on how to add a conversion tool.

Modules Explained

Modules are the building blocks that compose our posts.   We have different modules to add text, video, images, columns, grids, etc.  Every module listed below can be used on almost every post type. You can add a module by clicking “Add module” in the module section of the post, which is usually found after the Topper and Yoast SEO sections.  

When you are thinking about building your post, be sure to consider what is the best way to layout the content for your viewers. Check out the various modules we currently offer and the recommended way to use them on our WordPress site.

Full-Width Content Module

The full-width module is the go-to module for adding text content. This module allows you to type or copy & paste your text and style as needed.

Pro Tip: Especially when copying from Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or emails, try pasting into the text side of the module (instead of visual) to avoid formatting issues. You can always re-style your text on the visual side of the module once it’s in there. 

You are also able to use different headings styled in the Common Cause Font:

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Paragraph

Featured Content

Featured Content is the go-to module for adding images, video, or an image slider.

Photography and video should be aspirational to democracy and the work we do. When possible, images should focus on particular individuals with attention to inclusiveness and diversity. Closeup images highlight that Common Cause is about the people that make it happen. Rally and conference shots should clearly show Common Cause signage and branding when possible.

Requirements:

Image:  1 Image; Dimensions:  1145 x 700 px
Image Slider: 2 or more images; Dimensions: 1145 x 700 px
Video: YouTube link (note your video must be on YouTube to add it to our WordPress site)

Full-Width Link

This module allows you to add a designed link in between paragraphs. An alternative to a hyperlink, the full-width link is great for breaking up wordy pages with a call to action.

Requirements:

Intro text/ CTA : 40 characters or less
Example: Take the Common Cause Action Survey!
Button text: 40 characters or less
Example: Learn More, Demand Accountability from Congress!, or Download the Report

Grid Template

This module is grid allows you to have a max of 3 columns and unlimited rows, making a cool display to link to other pages. It works well when you have links in multiples of three.

Requirements:

  • Headline & Description for the entire grid
  • Headline & description for each box
  • Internal or external link
  • Optional: Image 1145 x 700

Person Grid Template

This module works similarly to the grid module, but it features people. This has a maximum of 4 columns and an unlimited amount of rows.

Requirements:

  • Person’s Headshot 1145 x 700 (you should use the one from our staff directory if applicable)
  • Name
  • Position
  • Optional: Social Media– this includes email, telephone number, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and or LinkedIn
  • Optional: blurb/description

Columns

This module allows you to create columns, just like on any other platform.  Recommended as a nice visual way to break up small pieces of information, like comparing what’s happening in two different states. We can only break the content down into two columns.

Buttons

Buttons are another alternative to hyperlinks. Often used in Resources to link to the report or fact sheet that should be downloaded.

Sign Up

Sign Up module is a great way to add an Action Network action to your page. You can easily add a petition to your post to get people to join our email list. (petition only)

Text/Image

Text/Image module allows you to pair images or videos with text, similar to text wrapping in Microsoft Word. You can add an image or video to the left, right, above, or below the text.

Map Module

The map allows you to build an interactive map similar to the homepage. Now we can add them to internal pages and customize them to highlight program work across the states. Great for showing NPV has passed in the following states!

Action Network Action

This module is a great way to add any of your Action Network actions to your page. You can easily add a petition, an event, a form, and more.

Action Network Donations

Action Network Donations allows visitors to donate directly on the page.

Here are live examples of how the modules can be used: