How to Create a New Announcement or Newsletter

Welcome to the content creation team! This simple guide will walk you through the process of adding a new post (like a news update, announcement, or article) to The Belmont Albion Lodge website using our custom layout templates (Patterns).

Step 1: Log In to the Dashboard

  1. Go to the Login Page: Navigate to your website’s administration login page (https://thebelmontalbionlodge.co.nz/wp-admin).
  2. Enter Credentials: Use your assigned Username and Password to log in.
  3. Find the Posts Section: Once in the WordPress Dashboard, look for the Posts link in the menu along the left side.

Step 2: Start a New Post

  1. Click “Add New”: Hover over the Posts link on the left menu, and click Add New (or click the main Posts link and then click the Add New button at the top).
  2. Add the Title: Click where it says “Add title” at the very top and type the headline for your post (e.g., “W. Bro. Smith Receives Grand Lodge Award”).

Step 3: Insert Custom Layout Patterns (Recommended)

To keep our posts consistent and professional, you will use our custom Patterns to structure your content.

  1. Open the Block Inserter: Click on the + (plus icon) on the top-left side of the editor (this is the Block Inserter).
  2. Select the Patterns Tab: In the menu that appears, click the Patterns tab.
  3. Select “My Patterns”: Click on the “My Patterns” section to see our custom templates.
  4. Insert the Starter Pattern:
    • REQUIRED: For every new post you create, you must select the “First Section” pattern at the very top. This sets up the initial formatting.
  5. Add Your Content:
    • Click on the blocks within the “First Section” pattern and replace the placeholder text with your actual article text.
    • For additional sections, open the Block Inserter (+) again and select a layout that suits your content from the “My Patterns” list:
      • Section: 1 column paragraph
      • Section: 2 column paragraph
      • Section: 3 column paragraph Image Left
      • Section: 2 column paragraph Image Right
  6. Add a Photo: If you insert a section with an image placeholder, click on the placeholder and choose Replace to upload a file or select one from the Media Library.

Step 4: Set a Featured Image (Optional)

The Featured Image is the main photo that appears at the top of the post and when the post is shared on social media.

  1. Find the Panel: Look for the Post settings panel on the right side of the screen.
  2. Set Image: Scroll down and click on Featured Image, then Set featured image.
  3. Select/Upload: Select a photo or upload a new one.
  4. Add Alt Text: Very important: Always add a brief description of the photo in the Alt Text field for accessibility and search engines (e.g., “W. Bro. Smith and Grand Master at the awards dinner”).

Step 5: Add Categories and Tags (Metadata)

This step tells the website where to display your post. Look for the Post settings panel on the right side of the screen.

  1. Categories: Click on the Categories panel.
    • By default, the Announcement category is selected.
    • IMPORTANT for Newsletters: If your post is intended for a newsletter, unselect the Announcement box and select the Newsletter box instead.
    • Only select the category that best fits the post’s purpose.
  2. Tags (Optional): Click on the Tags panel and add relevant keywords (e.g., Charity, Dinner, Degree, Installation). Separate each word or phrase with a comma.

Step 6: Publish or Save Draft

Once you are satisfied with your post:

  1. To Save for Review: If you are not ready to publish, click the Save draft button at the top right of the screen.
  2. To Publish: Click the blue Publish button (it will ask you to confirm again).
    • Note: Publishing a post makes it immediately live on the website.