Professional Documents
Culture Documents
~ Introduction
Section 1: Introduction to Web Hosting & Domains
Chapter 1: Elementor Cloud Hosting
Chapter 2: Introduction to Domains & Web Hosting
Chapter 3: Buying Hosting & Domain Names
Chapter 4: Try Siteground or Cloudways Hosting
Chapter 5: Installing WordPress Quickly
Chapter 6: Installing WordPress Locally with Local by Flywheel
Section 2: Project #1 - Build a Travel Blog with Elementor
Chapter 7: Project Intro - What We Shall Build & Website Preview
Chapter 8: Project Setup
Chapter 9: Installing Elementor & General Settings
Chapter 10: Elementor Overview
Chapter 11: How to Create Blog Posts with Elementor AI
Chapter 12: Containers, Margins & Paddings
Chapter 13: Setting up the Global Site Values
Chapter 14: Creating the Global Header
Chapter 15: Building our Global Footer
Chapter 16: Adding the Homepage Banner
Chapter 17: Alternative Homepage Banner with Video
Chapter 18: Building the Homepage - Part 1
Chapter 19: Building the Homepage - Part 2
Chapter 20: Adding the Image Carousel
Chapter 21: Adding the Blog Section
Chapter 22: Adding an Alternative Blog Section
Chapter 23: Adding Our Call to Action
Chapter 24: Adding the Testimonials Section
Chapter 25: Home Page Review
Chapter 26: Creating the Blog Page
Chapter 27: Building the Contact Page
Chapter 28: Working with Pre-Built Templates
Chapter 29: Introduction to Responsive Design
Chapter 30: Designing the Responsive Header
Chapter 31: Designing the Responsive Footer
Chapter 32: Making the Home Page Responsive
Chapter 33: Making Other Pages Responsive
Chapter 34: Elementor Free Version Review
Chapter 35: Connecting your Site to Elementor Pro
Chapter 36: Recreating the Header with Elementor Pro
Chapter 37: Recreating the Footer with Elementor Pro
Chapter 38: Recreating the Blog Page with Elementor Pro
Chapter 39: Building the Single Post Template
Chapter 40: Building the Contact Page with Elementor Pro
Chapter 41: How to Create Popups
Chapter 42: Working with Template Kits and Landing Pages
Chapter 43: Elementor Pro Tips
Section 3: Project #2 - Build a Business Website with Elementor
Chapter 44: Project Intro - What We Shall Build & Website Preview
Chapter
Chapter 45: Project Setup
Chapter 46: Elementor General Settings
Chapter 47: Setting up the Website
Chapter 48: Setting up the Global Fonts & Colors
Chapter 49: Building the Global Header Template
Chapter 50: Building the Global Footer Template
Chapter 51: Building the Contact Us Page
Chapter 52: Building the Blog Page
Chapter 53: Building the Single Posts Template
Chapter 54: Adding the Homepage Banner
Chapter 55: Adding the About Us Section
Chapter 56: Adding the Services Section
Chapter 57: Adding the Blog Section
Chapter 58: Adding the Clients Section
Chapter 59: Adding the Testimonials Section
Chapter 60: Adding the Contact Us Section
Chapter 61: Services Page, Templates & Global Widgets
Chapter 62: Mobile Responsiveness
Chapter 63: Elementor Cloud Backend
Chapter 64: Elementor Animations
Chapter 65: Final Touches & Wrap Up
~ Conclusion
Introduction
Assets, Resources, and Materials:
- WordPress: ( https://wordpress.org/ ) - The world's most popular
CMS platform that allows you to build and maintain websites.
- Elementor Plugin: ( https://elementor.com/ ) - A WordPress page
builder plugin which will be the main focus of this book. It will help you
design intricate web pages without the need to write any code.
Why WordPress?
Before diving into Elementor, it's worth noting why WordPress is the
chosen platform. WordPress powers more than 30% of the web. It’s
flexible, highly customizable, and considered by many to be a content
management system (CMS) powerhouse. Its open-source nature
means it’s continually updated, ensuring it remains secure and on the
cutting edge.
Conclusion
As we embark on this enlightening journey, always remember that
web design is as much an art as it is a skill. There's room for creativity,
innovation, and personal touch. With the power of Elementor at your
fingertips, the only limitation will be your imagination.
So, let’s dive in and start our mastery over Elementor!
Section 1:
Introduction to Web Hosting &
Domains
Elementor Cloud Hosting
Assets, Resources, and Materials Used in this Chapter:
- Elementor Cloud Hosting (Acquire from Elementor’s official website.
This is a hosting solution provided by Elementor for a seamless
experience).
- Elementor Plugin (Free or Pro version can be obtained from the
WordPress repository or Elementor’s official website).
- WordPress Installation (To illustrate the integration process between
Elementor Cloud and a standard WordPress installation).
2.6 Conclusion
The world of domains and hosting can be confusing for beginners, but
they're the foundational elements of any website. Think of your
domain as your online address and your hosting as the home where
your website's files live. Both are essential for anyone looking to
establish a presence online. As you delve deeper into website building
with Elementor, understanding these basics will prove invaluable.
In the next chapter, we will explore the process of buying hosting and
domain names, ensuring that you make informed decisions for your
web projects.
Introduction
The cornerstone of every website lies in two foundational elements: a
domain name and web hosting. In simpler terms, if the website were a
house, the domain name would be its address, and web hosting would
be the land on which the house is built. In this chapter, we'll delve
deep into understanding the significance of both and guide you on
how to make informed decisions while purchasing them.
Conclusion
Your domain name and hosting are integral to the success of your
website. By investing time in understanding and choosing the right
providers and services, you set the foundation for your website's long-
term success. Remember, as your website grows, you can always
upgrade your hosting plan or even switch providers to cater to
increased traffic and demands.
Stay tuned for the next chapter where we dive into exploring specific
hosting providers like Siteground and Cloudways to help you make an
informed choice.
Introduction
When venturing into the world of website development and
WordPress, the choice of hosting is paramount. Your hosting provider
serves as the foundation for your website, impacting its speed,
security, and overall performance. Among the plethora of hosting
options available, SiteGround and Cloudways have emerged as two of
the most reliable and efficient. In this chapter, we'll delve into the
unique features of each, helping you decide which might be the best fit
for your WordPress project.
Conclusion
Choosing between SiteGround and Cloudways boils down to your
project's specific needs. For beginners looking for ease of use and
fixed pricing, SiteGround may be ideal. For more advanced users
seeking flexibility, scalability, and cloud-based solutions, Cloudways
might be the way to go.
In the next chapter, we'll discuss the process of installing WordPress,
the foundation upon which you'll build your website using Elementor.
Introduction:
Before diving deep into the world of Elementor and building amazing
websites, it's essential to understand the benefits of working on a local
environment. Installing WordPress locally allows you to test and
develop your website without the need for web hosting or even an
internet connection, once set up. By using Local by Flywheel, you can
effortlessly set up a local WordPress environment, making the process
as seamless as possible.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing WordPress Locally with Local by
Flywheel:
1. Download and Install Local by Flywheel:
- Go to the official [Local by Flywheel website](https://localwp.com/)
and download the software suitable for your OS (Windows, MacOS, or
Linux).
- Once downloaded, launch the installer and follow the on-screen
instructions.
2. Launch Local by Flywheel:
- After installation, open the application. You'll be greeted with a
user-friendly interface that's ready to set up your local WordPress site.
3. Create a New WordPress Site:
- Click on the "+ Add Local Site" button.
- Name your local site. This name will be used as the site's local
URL (like `yoursitename.local`).
- Choose your preferred environment. For beginners, the preferred
setup might be the latest versions of PHP, Web Server (usually
Apache), and MySQL. However, Local by Flywheel allows you to
configure these settings based on your requirements.
4. Set Up WordPress:
- You'll be prompted to set up your WordPress admin username,
password, and email address. Remember these details as you'll need
them to log into your local WordPress dashboard.
- Once filled, click "Add Site," and Local by Flywheel will start the
setup process. It'll install WordPress, the database, and all necessary
files.
5. Accessing your Local Site:
- After the setup completes, you'll see your site listed on the main
Local by Flywheel dashboard.
- Click on the site's name. You'll be presented with details about the
site. From here, you can:
- Click the "Admin" button to access the WordPress dashboard.
- Click the "View Site" button to view the site as it currently
appears.
6. Manage Site Settings:
With Local by Flywheel, you can:
- Stop/Start your site: This turns off or on the local server hosting
your website.
- Open Site SSH: This gives advanced users SSH access to the
site's server.
- Database: Access the site's database using Adminer, an
integrated database management tool.
Conclusion:
Setting up WordPress locally provides a safe, efficient, and effective
environment for website development. Local by Flywheel streamlines
this process, ensuring that even beginners can get a local website up
and running in minutes. As you advance in your Elementor Mastery
journey, this local setup will prove invaluable for testing, designing,
and refining your web creations.
Note: Readers are always advised to refer to Local by Flywheel's
official documentation and community forums for detailed guides and
troubleshooting.
Section 2:
Project #1 - Build a Travel Blog with
Elementor
Project Intro - What We Shall Build
& Website Preview
Assets and Resources Required:
- Mockup Tool (e.g., Adobe XD or Figma): These are design tools that
help create a visual representation of what the final website will look
like. They can be downloaded from their respective official websites.
(Purpose: To create and preview the design before actual
development.)
- Elementor Free Version: You can download this plugin from the
WordPress repository or directly from the Elementor website.
(Purpose: Page builder to design our travel blog.)
- Travel Stock Images: Websites like Unsplash or Pexels provide high-
quality images for free. Ensure you respect copyright and licensing
agreements. (Purpose: To add visually appealing graphics to our
website.)
- Web Hosting with WordPress Installed: If you've followed the
previous chapters, you should have this set up by now.
Introduction:
Building a travel blog is not just about writing and sharing your travel
stories; it's also about presenting them in a way that's visually
appealing and user-friendly. In this project, we will be using the
Elementor page builder to craft a beautiful and responsive travel blog.
Before diving into the build itself, let's first get a clear idea of what our
final product will look like and the key features it will include.
Website Overview:
Our travel blog will be a multi-page website, consisting of the following
key sections:
1. Homepage: A visually striking landing page that gives visitors an
immediate sense of wanderlust. It will feature a banner showcasing a
travel destination, a section for the latest blog posts, an image
carousel showcasing various travel destinations, and a call-to-action
prompting users to subscribe or explore more.
2. Blog Section: This will list all our blog posts in a grid layout with an
image, title, and a short excerpt for each post. It will also have filters
for users to categorize the blogs based on destinations or themes.
3. Single Blog Post: Detailed layout for individual blog posts. Each
post will have a prominent feature image, the main content, an author
box, and a comments section.
4. Contact Page: A dedicated section for visitors to reach out. It will
include a contact form, Google map integration showcasing our
location, and other contact details.
5. About Us: A section to introduce ourselves, share our journey, and
perhaps include testimonials or reviews from other travelers or
readers.
Final Thoughts:
This chapter gave you an overview of our project's final look and the
resources we will need. With our blueprint in place, the subsequent
chapters will guide you through the building process step-by-step. By
the end of this project, you will have a professional-looking travel blog
that not only showcases your adventures but also provides an
engaging user experience for your visitors.
In the next chapter, we will dive into the initial setup and begin our
journey in building our dream travel blog with Elementor. Stay tuned!
Project Setup
Assets, Resources, and Materials:
1. WordPress Installation (Acquired via your hosting provider's
dashboard or manually installed via WordPress.org).
2. Elementor Free Plugin (Available for download from the WordPress
plugins repository. Directly installable from your WordPress
dashboard).
3. Theme (In this guide, we'll be using the Hello Elementor theme,
available for free in the WordPress theme repository).
4. Content Assets:
- Images: For our travel blog, we'll need high-quality travel photos
(Sourced from royalty-free image websites like Unsplash, Pexels, or
Pixabay).
- Text Content: Articles, headlines, taglines, etc. (If you don't have
content at the moment, you can use A.I tools like ChatGpt to generate
catchy Articles and taglines for your website).
5. Basic Knowledge of the WordPress Dashboard (If you're new, don’t
worry! We’ll guide you through it).
Introduction
Setting up our travel blog project involves a series of sequential steps.
The goal of this chapter is to ensure you have the foundational
elements ready for the creation process. This includes installing the
necessary tools, selecting a theme, and gathering essential content
assets.
Step 1: Setting Up Your WordPress Environment
Before diving into Elementor, make sure you have WordPress
installed on your hosting. If you've followed the previous chapters, you
should already have WordPress set up either locally or on your web
hosting.
Step 2: Installing the Elementor Plugin
1. Navigate to your WordPress dashboard.
2. On the left-hand side, hover over Plugins and select Add New.
3. In the search bar, type “Elementor” and locate the Elementor Page
Builder.
4. Click Install Now and then Activate.
Step 3: Selecting a Theme
Although Elementor works with most WordPress themes, we
recommend using the Hello Elementor theme for its clean, lightweight
design—perfect for showcasing your Elementor skills.
1. Navigate to Appearance > Themes > Add New.
2. In the search bar, type “Hello Elementor”.
3. Install and activate the theme.
Step 4: Gathering Your Content
It's crucial to have all your content ready before the design process.
For our travel blog:
1. Images: Collect and organize high-quality travel images. Ensure
you have the rights to use these images.
2. Text Content: Prepare your blog posts, headlines, about page text,
and other textual elements. Even if you don't have final content, use
placeholder text for design purposes.
Step 5: Preliminary Settings
Before we start building our pages, let’s configure some basic
settings:
1. Permalink Settings: Set up SEO-friendly URLs. Navigate to Settings
> Permalinks and select Post name.
2. Reading Settings: Set your homepage to display a static page. This
will be crucial when we build our homepage later. Go to Settings >
Reading and set the homepage to a default page for now.
Step 6: Creating Essential Pages
You'll want some essential pages ready:
1. Homepage: Navigate to Pages > Add New. Title it "Home".
2. Blog Page: Similarly, add a new page and title it "Blog".
3. Contact Page: Add another page titled "Contact Us".
4. About Us: This page can provide background on the blog, the
author, or the traveling journey you're documenting.
These pages will be the backbone of our travel blog, and we will
design them in the upcoming chapters.
Conclusion
With these steps completed, you're now set up and ready to dive into
the world of Elementor. As we proceed through the chapters, we'll
start with designing our travel blog, implementing widgets, and
maximizing the potential of the Elementor plugin. Remember, the
foundation you've set up in this chapter is crucial, and everything we
build henceforth will rely on this groundwork. So take a moment to
review, ensure everything's in place, and gear up for the exciting
design journey ahead!
Introduction:
Elementor, with over a million downloads, has transformed the way
web creators design WordPress websites. With its intuitive drag-and-
drop interface and numerous widgets, it becomes a breeze to create
responsive pages without writing a line of code. In this chapter, we'll
walk you through the steps to install the free version of Elementor and
dive deep into its general settings.
1. Installing Elementor:
Step 1: Access your WordPress Dashboard
- Log into your WordPress website. Once logged in, you will be in your
'Dashboard'.
Step 2: Navigate to the Plugins Section
- On the left-hand sidebar, hover over or click on 'Plugins' and then
click 'Add New'.
Step 3: Search for Elementor
- In the 'Search Plugins' box on the top right, type in 'Elementor'. The
plugin will appear as 'Elementor Website Builder' by 'Elementor.com'.
Step 4: Install and Activate
- Click on the 'Install Now' button. After the installation is complete, the
button will change to say 'Activate'. Click on it to activate the plugin.
Conclusion:
By now, you should have successfully installed Elementor on your
WordPress website and familiarized yourself with its general settings.
These foundations are crucial as we dive deeper into designing your
travel blog. Remember, while Elementor offers an abundance of
settings and customizations, start with the basics. As you grow more
comfortable, you can delve deeper into its advanced settings to truly
harness its power.
In the upcoming chapters, we will delve deeper into the myriad of
functionalities offered by Elementor. From understanding its interface
to building complete sections, our travel blog's journey has just begun!
Elementor Overview
Assets, Resources, and Materials for this Chapter:
- Elementor Free Plugin: You can acquire this plugin from the
WordPress plugin repository. (Purpose: This is the core plugin that will
allow you to build and customize pages using a drag-and-drop
interface.)
- Official Elementor Documentation: Available on the Elementor
website. (Purpose: A comprehensive guide and reference material to
all the Elementor features.)
- Elementor Community and Support Forums: Found on the Elementor
website and other WordPress-focused forums. (Purpose: To ask
questions, share knowledge, and get troubleshooting help.)
Introduction
Elementor is a game-changer in the world of web design. Gone are
the days when you needed to know coding to design beautiful and
functional websites. With Elementor, all you need is creativity, and you
can craft and customize pages just the way you envision them. In this
chapter, we'll be diving deep into what Elementor is, why it's so
powerful, and a high-level overview of its primary features.
What is Elementor?
Elementor is a live page builder plugin for WordPress, which means
you get to see your changes in real-time. With its drag and drop
interface, you can create advanced layouts without any coding
knowledge. It offers pixel-perfect design, mobile responsive editing,
and instant page loads, making the web designing process a breeze.
In Conclusion
Elementor's power lies not just in its advanced features but also in its
simplicity. As we journey through creating our travel blog, you'll
discover the true potential of Elementor, allowing you to bring your
website visions to life effortlessly.
Containers, Margins & Paddings
Assets, Resources, and Materials for this Chapter:
- Elementor Page Builder Plugin: (Available in the WordPress
repository, simply go to the 'Plugins' section in your WordPress
dashboard, click on 'Add New' and search for 'Elementor'. Install and
activate.)
- Use/Purpose: To build and design web pages on your WordPress
site.
- Images for Demonstrations: (Unsplash.com - A free stock photo
platform. You can search for images related to 'containers' or 'web
design' to visually understand certain concepts.)
- Use/Purpose: To understand the concept and application of
containers, margins, and paddings.
Introduction
In web design, understanding the structure of a page and how space
is managed is crucial. The effective use of containers, margins, and
paddings can significantly influence the look, feel, and functionality of
a website. As you embark on building a travel blog with Elementor,
you'll find these concepts invaluable.
1. What is a Container?
A container, as the name implies, is a box or 'container' that holds
content or other design elements. It can encapsulate single or multiple
design elements, such as text, images, videos, buttons, etc.
- Purpose of Containers:
- Organizing content.
- Creating a clean layout.
- Ensuring responsiveness across devices.
In Elementor:
You’ll often start by adding a section, which can be thought of as a
primary container. Inside this section, you can further divide your
content using columns, each acting as a sub-container.
2. Understanding Margins
Margins refer to the spaces outside of an element or container. They
push an element or container away from neighboring elements.
- Purpose of Margins:
- Create breathing room between elements.
- Enhance readability and flow.
- Create distinct sections or areas on a page.
In Elementor:
When selecting a widget or section, the 'Advanced' tab in the editing
panel will provide options to adjust the margin. By default, Elementor
uses pixels (px) but you can change to other units such as %, EM, and
VH/VW.
6. Quick Tips
- Visual Balance: Always preview your changes to ensure visual
coherence.
- Responsiveness: Regularly check how your adjustments appear on
various devices using Elementor’s responsive mode.
- Templates: If you find a design structure you like, save it as a
template for future use.
Conclusion
Understanding and effectively utilizing containers, margins, and
paddings are foundational skills in web design. As you proceed with
building your travel blog using Elementor, always remember that these
elements are tools in your toolkit. They exist to help you present your
content in the most appealing and accessible way possible.
Next Chapter Preview: Setting up the Global Site Values. Dive deep
into setting unified designs across your travel blog, ensuring a
consistent and appealing visual language.
Conclusion
Setting up global site values is an exercise in branding. It ensures that
your travel blog has a consistent look and feel, no matter which page
or post a visitor lands on. By the end of this chapter, you should have
a beautifully consistent design foundation for your travel blog, making
the upcoming design tasks much smoother and faster.
Remember, while global values provide consistency, Elementor's
flexibility allows you to override these on individual elements if
needed, granting you both uniformity and flexibility.
In the next chapter, we'll take this foundation and begin building upon
it, starting with the creation of a global header for your travel blog. See
you there!
1. Preliminary Steps:
Before we dive into Elementor, ensure you've done the following:
- Installed and activated the Elementor plugin.
- Chosen images for your logo, background, and any other visuals you
want in the header.
2. Accessing Elementor:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to `Pages` > `Add New`.
- Click on `Edit with Elementor`.
5. Making It Global:
To make the header global, which means it will be applied across all
your pages:
- Click on the green `Update` button.
- In the pop-up window, click on the `Add Conditions` button.
- Choose `Entire Site` and then click `Save & Close`.
Now, every new page or post you create will automatically have this
header.
6. Mobile Responsiveness:
It’s essential that your header looks great on all devices.
- On the Elementor dashboard, click on the `Responsive Mode` at the
bottom.
- Check and tweak the header's appearance for tablet and mobile
views.
Conclusion:
Creating a global header with Elementor is straightforward and
requires no coding. This header will serve as the face of your travel
blog, guiding your readers seamlessly through your content.
Remember, while aesthetics are vital, usability should always be the
top priority. Always test your header to ensure it provides the best
user experience across all devices.
In the upcoming chapters, we will dive deeper into other global
elements, ensuring that our travel blog not only looks cohesive but
also offers a seamless user experience.
Introduction:
The footer of your website is like the conclusion of a book. Though
often underrated, it's a vital component, offering users a space to find
critical information, navigate to other parts of your site, or connect with
you via social media. In this chapter, we will craft a compelling global
footer for our travel blog using Elementor's versatile tools.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You've just crafted a global footer that will be
consistently displayed across your travel blog. This footer not only
offers essential links and information but also establishes a brand
coherence throughout your site. As you continue your Elementor
journey, remember the importance of such seemingly minor elements,
as they play a significant role in enhancing user experience.
Adding the Homepage Banner
Assets, Resources, and Materials:
1. High-Quality Images - Source from stock image websites such as
Unsplash or Pexels. These images will serve as the main visual
attraction for your banner.
2. Elementor Page Builder (Free Version) - This will be our main tool
for constructing the homepage banner. Download and install via the
WordPress plugins page.
3. Google Fonts (optional) - These are free fonts that can be
integrated with Elementor to make your banner text more stylish.
(Accessible directly from Elementor's font options)
4. Call-to-Action Button Design (optional) - Source from free design
tools like Canva or use Elementor’s button widget. This button will
prompt your visitors to take some action, such as reading a blog post
or signing up for a newsletter.
Introduction
A homepage banner, often referred to as a hero section, is one of the
first things visitors see when they land on your website. It sets the
tone, introduces the brand, and provides a clear call to action. For our
travel blog, we aim to captivate visitors immediately with stunning
visuals and compelling text.
Conclusion
The homepage banner isn't just a pretty picture; it's a powerful tool for
brand storytelling and user engagement. With Elementor's intuitive
interface, even beginners can craft compelling banners that resonate
with their target audience. In the next chapter, we'll explore alternative
homepage banners incorporating videos for an added dynamic touch.
Introduction:
While a static image can create a powerful impression, nothing
captivates a visitor's attention quite like a moving video. Using a video
banner can help convey the spirit of travel, capturing the essence of
movement, discovery, and adventure. In this chapter, we will replace
our static homepage banner with a dynamic video clip, providing an
engaging alternative for your website visitors.
Conclusion:
Incorporating a video banner provides an exciting twist to traditional
website design. It not only enhances the visual appeal of your travel
blog but also offers an immersive experience for your visitors. By
following these steps, you've now equipped your website with a
dynamic alternative homepage banner that is sure to captivate and
inspire wanderlust in your audience.
Introduction:
Building the homepage is arguably the most crucial aspect of your
travel blog. It’s the first impression visitors get of your site and sets the
tone for the rest of their experience. In this chapter, we’ll begin crafting
a compelling homepage using the Elementor plugin, focusing on the
initial sections.
Step 1: Accessing Elementor
1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to ‘Pages’ and click ‘Add New’.
3. Title this page "Home".
4. Click on ‘Edit with Elementor’. This will launch the Elementor editor
interface.
Conclusion:
Building a compelling homepage is about more than just aesthetics;
it's about guiding your visitor's journey and showcasing what your blog
offers. With Elementor, you have the tools to visually craft this
experience. In the next chapter, we will continue building on this
foundation by adding more sections and refining our homepage
design.
Remember, practice and experimentation are key. Feel free to play
around with the design, test various images, and text until you find
what resonates best with your envisioned brand and audience.
Stay tuned for "Building the Homepage - Part 2" where we delve
deeper into creating a cohesive and engaging user experience for
your travel blog!
Objective: By the end of this chapter, you'll have added key sections
to your travel blog's homepage, making it interactive, informative, and
attractive.
4. Newsletter Signup:
Encourage readers to stay updated with your latest adventures by
subscribing to your newsletter.
- Add a new section for the newsletter signup.
- Use the Title Widget for a catchy headline, e.g., "Stay Updated!" or
"Join Our Adventures!".
- Below the title, drag the Form Widget to create a simple signup form.
You might only need a field for the email and a submit button.
- Ensure you link this form to your email marketing provider, so
subscribers are added to your list.
5. Testimonials:
If you have reviews or testimonials, this is a great place to showcase
them, building trust among new readers.
- Create a new section.
- Use the Title Widget for a heading like "What Readers Are Saying".
- Drag the Testimonials Widget into this section. Input the testimonial
text, the name of the reader, and, if available, their photo.
Conclusion:
Your travel blog homepage is now not only visually appealing but also
functional, guiding your readers through a journey of discovering who
you are, what you offer, and how they can engage further with your
content. Remember to preview and test your homepage across
different devices to ensure everything looks perfect. In the next
chapter, we'll delve into adding alternative styles and sections to make
your homepage even more dynamic.
Introduction
An image carousel is a great way to showcase a series of pictures in a
space-efficient manner. It's especially useful for travel blogs, where
vivid imagery can tell a story on its own. In this chapter, we'll delve into
how to add an image carousel to our travel blog using the free version
of Elementor.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Accessing the Elementor Editor
- Navigate to the page you wish to edit.
- Click on “Edit with Elementor”.
2. Searching for the Image Carousel Widget
- On the left sidebar of the Elementor editor, you'll see a search bar at
the top.
- Type in “Image Carousel” and drag the widget to where you'd like to
place it on your page.
3. Adding Images to the Carousel
- Once you place the widget, a new panel on the left will open.
- Click on the ‘+’ sign to open your WordPress Media Library.
- You can upload new images or select from those you’ve previously
uploaded.
- After selecting your images, click on ‘Insert Media’.
4. Configuring Carousel Settings
- Image Size: You can choose from a variety of pre-set sizes or set a
custom size.
- Slides to Show: Determine how many slides you want to display at
one time.
- Slides to Scroll: Decide how many slides should scroll at once.
- Navigation: Choose to display arrows, dots, both, or none.
- Pause on Hover: If enabled, the carousel will pause when a user
hovers over it.
5. Styling the Carousel
Elementor provides you with a plethora of styling options to match the
look and feel of your blog:
- Image: Adjust the spacing between images and border type.
- Navigation: Customize the arrow and dots in terms of size, color, and
position.
- Caption: If your images have captions, you can customize their
typography and color here.
6. Mobile Responsiveness
One of Elementor’s powerful features is the ability to make your
design mobile responsive:
- Click on the responsive mode icon at the bottom left of the panel.
- Switch between desktop, tablet, and mobile views.
- Adjust any settings as necessary to ensure your carousel looks great
on all devices.
7. Preview and Save
- Before finalizing, always preview your changes by clicking on the
"Eye" icon.
- If you’re satisfied with how the carousel looks and functions, click on
the green 'Update' button.
Conclusion
Adding an image carousel can significantly enhance the visual appeal
of your travel blog. With Elementor’s user-friendly interface, you can
easily integrate this feature, ensuring that your readers get a dynamic
visual experience. Remember to always source high-quality images
that resonate with the content of your blog for maximum impact.
Introduction:
The blog section is the heart of any travel blog. It's where readers will
spend most of their time, diving into your travel tales, insights, and
experiences. Using Elementor, we can create a visually appealing and
functional blog section with ease, even without delving into code.
Introduction:
While the traditional blog section gives our travel blog a professional
look, introducing an alternative style can provide the site with a fresh
appeal, and cater to varied tastes of your audience. In this chapter,
we'll explore creating an alternative blog section using Elementor’s
versatile tools.
Conclusion:
Creating an alternative blog section not only adds aesthetic variety but
also ensures that your travel blog remains fresh and engaging for
visitors. With Elementor's intuitive interface, you can easily customize
this layout further, experimenting with different styles, layouts, and
features to create a truly unique design.
Introduction
In the context of website design, a Call to Action (or CTA) is a prompt
on a website that tells the user to take some specified action. For our
travel blog, a CTA can encourage visitors to subscribe to your
newsletter, check out a featured destination, or read a popular blog
post. It's an essential part of driving user engagement and ensuring
visitors don't just passively scroll through your content. In this chapter,
we will delve into how to effectively add a Call to Action to your travel
blog using Elementor.
Conclusion
An effective Call to Action is pivotal for guiding user behavior on your
travel blog. With Elementor, creating and implementing a visually
appealing and compelling CTA becomes a breeze. Ensure you keep
the CTA relevant to your content, enticing enough to provoke an
action, and always be ready to iterate based on user feedback.
Introduction
Adding a testimonials section is crucial for any website, especially for
a travel blog. Testimonials add authenticity to your site, providing real
feedback from individuals who have experienced the services or
content you offer. They can build trust with new visitors and
encourage them to engage more with your blog.
In this chapter, we’ll walk through the steps to create an engaging
testimonials section using Elementor.
Conclusion
Testimonials can be a powerful tool for building trust and credibility
with your audience. By showcasing real feedback, you provide
reassurance to potential readers or customers about the quality and
authenticity of your content. Remember, always ensure that the
testimonials you add are genuine and represent real opinions about
your blog or service.
Home Page Review
Required Assets and Resources:
1. Elementor Free Version - [Acquire here](
https://wordpress.org/plugins/elementor/ ): This is the primary tool
we've used to design our travel blog's homepage.
2. Travel Blog Home Page Design - Created in Chapter 18 & 19: We'll
be referring to this design throughout our review process.
3. Web Browser (like Chrome or Firefox) - To view the live home page
and test its functionality.
4. Checklist for Web Page Review: Helps to ensure that we've
covered all essential design and functionality aspects.
Introduction:
Now that we've spent considerable effort designing our travel blog's
homepage with Elementor, it's time to review our work. This chapter
will guide you through a systematic review of the home page, ensuring
that every element is in place, functional, and visually appealing.
Introduction:
The heartbeat of every travel blog is its content. With Elementor,
creating a visually appealing and functional blog page becomes a walk
in the park. In this chapter, we will dive deep into creating a blog page
that showcases all your articles in a neat, responsive layout. Let's get
started!
2. Choosing a Layout:
For our travel blog, let's aim for a grid layout with a sidebar. This
layout is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, as it
provides space for widgets, categories, and other essential blog tools.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You've just set up a dynamic, visually appealing blog
page using Elementor. This page will automatically update with each
new post you publish, offering a seamless experience for your
readers.
Introduction:
The contact page is an essential part of any website, including a travel
blog. It provides your readers a direct way to get in touch with you,
inquire about collaborations, or even share their own travel
experiences. In this chapter, we'll walk you through the steps to create
an effective contact page using Elementor.
Conclusion:
Your contact page is not just a way for readers to reach out, but an
extension of your travel blog's brand. Make it inviting, easy to use, and
reflective of your blog's theme. Remember, a well-designed contact
page can be the bridge that connects you to numerous opportunities,
from reader feedback to collaboration offers. Enjoy the journey of
connecting with your audience!
Introduction
As you venture deeper into the world of Elementor, you'll quickly
discover the power of pre-built templates. These templates, crafted by
expert designers, offer a quick and efficient way to design stunning
pages without starting from scratch. Given that we are working on a
travel blog, utilizing pre-built templates can save tons of time and
ensure a professional look for your site.
Why Use Pre-Built Templates?
1. Speed: Instead of building a page from the ground up, you can
import a template and modify it according to your needs.
2. Design Inspiration: Not sure about the design direction? These
templates can serve as a great starting point.
3. Consistency: Pre-built templates often maintain a consistent design
language, ensuring that different pages of your website have a
uniform look and feel.
Conclusion
Pre-built templates in Elementor are a game-changer, especially for
those who are new to web design or are pressed for time. For our
travel blog project, these templates can give a head-start, ensuring
that we have a beautiful, responsive, and functional site in much less
time.
Remember, while templates offer a ready-made design, the real magic
happens when you infuse them with your personal touch. Customize
them to resonate with your travel stories, and you'll have a travel blog
that's uniquely yours.
Conclusion:
As we delve deeper into building our travel blog with Elementor,
always have responsiveness in mind. With the tools Elementor
provides, and the principles we've outlined in this chapter, you're well-
equipped to create a travel blog that looks and functions beautifully on
all devices. Remember, a responsive site not only ensures a better
user experience but also boosts your site's SEO and reach.
In the upcoming chapters, we will discuss practical steps and
techniques to design responsive elements in our travel blog using
Elementor.
Designing the Responsive Header
Assets, Resources, and Materials Required:
1. Elementor Free Version (Acquired by installing the Elementor plugin
from the WordPress dashboard).
2. Laptop/Desktop and Mobile Device (For testing responsiveness).
3. Sample Images/Logo (Can be sourced from free stock image
websites like Unsplash or Pexels).
4. Elementor Mobile Editing Tool (Automatically available within
Elementor).
Introduction
As our website development progresses, it becomes imperative to
ensure that our travel blog not only looks great on desktops but also
on tablets and mobile devices. The header, being the first thing
visitors see, needs to be immaculate and responsive. In this chapter,
we'll delve deep into designing a header that adapts seamlessly
across devices.
1. Understanding Responsiveness
Before we begin, it's crucial to understand why responsiveness
matters. A responsive design ensures that website elements adjust
according to the screen size, providing an optimal viewing experience.
With a majority of web users accessing sites via mobile devices, a
non-responsive header can deter potential readers.
Conclusion
A well-designed responsive header ensures that your travel blog looks
professional and user-friendly, irrespective of the device. While
Elementor provides intuitive tools for this, regular testing and tweaking
are key. Remember, the goal is to offer an optimal user experience
without compromising on the design aesthetic. As you continue with
the travel blog project, always consider the responsiveness of each
element you design.
In the next chapter, we'll dive into designing a responsive footer to
complement our header, ensuring our website's bookends are as
polished as the content they encapsulate.
Designing the Responsive Footer
Assets, Resources, and Materials:
- Elementor Free Plugin: Available from the WordPress plugins
repository or [Elementor's official site]( https://elementor.com/ ). It's the
primary tool you'll be using to build the responsive footer.
- Travel Blog Assets Package: This is a hypothetical set of images,
icons, and branding elements relevant to a travel blog. You can
source royalty-free images from websites like [Unsplash](
https://unsplash.com/ ) or [Pexels]( https://www.pexels.com/ ). Make
sure to choose images that align with your travel blog's theme.
- Desktop, Tablet, and Mobile Devices: For testing responsiveness.
Ensure you test on actual devices in addition to using Elementor's
built-in responsiveness testing tools.
- Google Fonts: Available for free from [Google Fonts](
https://fonts.google.com/ ). A repository of web-friendly fonts that can
be used to customize your footer's typography to match your site's
branding.
Introduction:
Designing a responsive footer is crucial as it ensures that users on all
devices get a consistent experience. This chapter will guide you on
how to design a responsive footer for your travel blog using the
Elementor plugin.
Conclusion:
A responsive footer not only provides essential information and
navigation options but also ensures that users on all devices have a
consistent and positive experience on your travel blog. With
Elementor, designing such a footer becomes a hassle-free task, even
for those without any coding experience.
Introduction:
Creating a website that looks great on a desktop is just one part of
modern web design. With the majority of internet users accessing
websites via mobile devices, ensuring your travel blog homepage is
responsive is not just recommended, it's imperative. In this chapter,
we'll dive into making your Elementor-built travel blog homepage
responsive across devices.
1. Understanding Responsiveness:
Before diving in, let's understand what "responsive" means. A
responsive website automatically adjusts and fits itself depending on
the screen size and orientation of the device on which it's viewed. This
ensures a consistent and user-friendly experience across all devices.
8. Testing Responsiveness:
Once you've made adjustments:
- Use Elementor's responsive mode to preview changes.
- Use your browser's developer tools to emulate different devices and
screen sizes.
- If possible, test on actual devices for a real-world view.
Introduction
In our last chapter, we delved into the intricacies of making the home
page responsive. With an ever-growing number of devices with
varying screen sizes and resolutions, ensuring that your website looks
impeccable on all devices is paramount. In this chapter, we’ll embark
on the journey of making the rest of our travel blog pages responsive
using Elementor.
5. Mobile Optimization
Switch to mobile mode:
1. Stacking Columns: On mobile, columns typically stack vertically.
Ensure content flows logically.
2. Navigation Menu: Adjust the size and layout. It’s essential the
navigation remains user-friendly on smaller devices.
3. Text & Headings: Adjust sizes to ensure readability without too
much zooming.
4. Image Proportions: Ensure images are centered and not cut off.
Adjust the sizes if necessary.
5. Form Fields: Make sure form fields fit the screen width and are
easily clickable.
Conclusion
Responsive design, although seemingly intricate, becomes intuitive
with tools like Elementor. By following the steps outlined in this
chapter, you’ll ensure that every page on your travel blog is not just
beautiful but also functional across all devices. In our next chapter, we
will delve deeper into advanced features of the Elementor Free
version.
Remember: A seamless user experience can be the difference
between a one-time visitor and a loyal reader. Always prioritize your
audience’s viewing experience!
Introduction:
Having traversed the wonders of Elementor through the process of
building our travel blog, it's crucial to stop and evaluate what the free
version of Elementor brings to the table. This chapter will provide an
in-depth review of the free version of Elementor, assessing its
features, benefits, limitations, and comparing it briefly with its Pro
counterpart.
1. User-Friendly Interface:
One of the standout features of Elementor's free version is its intuitive
and user-friendly interface. With a simple drag-and-drop functionality,
even those new to web design can quickly grasp the basics and start
building attractive web pages.
2. Widgets:
Elementor Free offers a generous assortment of widgets that cater to
the basic needs of any website builder. These include:
- Text Editor: Easily input and format text.
- Image: Add and style images.
- Video: Embed videos from platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
- Button: Add interactive buttons for calls to action.
- Divider: Neatly separate different sections of your content.
- Spacer: Adjust the space between elements for aesthetic appeal.
... and many more. While the free version provides an ample
selection, there's a broader array of specialized widgets available in
the Pro version.
3. Responsiveness:
Elementor’s visual design capabilities allow users to create mobile-
responsive pages without requiring any coding knowledge. With visual
controls, you can optimize how your design appears on various screen
sizes.
4. Template Library:
Elementor Free offers a selection of professionally designed
templates. While limited compared to the Pro version, these templates
serve as an excellent starting point for various page designs.
5. Customization:
The power to customize every little detail is where Elementor shines.
From column widths, margins, paddings to color schemes, and
typography - you have control over each element.
6. History Feature:
Mistakes happen, but Elementor has your back. With its history
feature, you can quickly revert to a previous design version, making
the design process far more forgiving.
7. Limitations:
While Elementor Free is robust and versatile, it comes with limitations:
- Restricted set of widgets compared to Pro.
- No access to theme builder functionality.
- Limited template kits.
- No WooCommerce builder for online stores.
8. Compatibility:
Elementor Free is designed to be compatible with most WordPress
themes. However, some specialized themes might not fully support
every feature. It’s advisable to check compatibility before diving deep
into designing.
9. Support:
Elementor offers a robust knowledge base, tutorials, and community
support for free users. While dedicated support is reserved for Pro
users, the community forums and online resources are usually enough
to resolve common issues.
10. Performance:
Elementor, despite being a powerful builder, is optimized for speed.
The free version, when used wisely, does not noticeably slow down
your website. It's always good to keep an eye on page load times as
you design, but typically, Elementor pages perform well.
Conclusion:
Elementor's free version is a testament to the plugin’s quality and the
developer’s commitment to providing a top-tier product for the
community. It's an excellent tool for beginners and intermediate users
alike, offering a plethora of features to design attractive, functional
websites. As we proceed, we will dive deeper into the Pro version to
uncover its potential. But for now, rest assured that the free version of
Elementor is a formidable tool in the world of web design.
Connecting your Site to Elementor
Pro
Assets, Resources, and Materials:
- Elementor Pro License: Acquire by purchasing from the Elementor
official website ( www.elementor.com ). This will allow you to use all
the advanced features that are not available in the free version.
- Elementor Free Plugin: Before activating Elementor Pro, you need
the free version installed on your site. You can find this on the
WordPress plugin repository or from your WordPress dashboard.
- WordPress Website: You should already have this set up from
previous chapters.
Introduction
Having established a foundational knowledge of Elementor's free
version, it's time to elevate our travel blog by leveraging the more
powerful and flexible features available with Elementor Pro. In this
chapter, we'll guide you step-by-step through the process of
connecting your WordPress site to Elementor Pro, enabling the
advanced design and functionality tools this premium tool provides.
3. Installation
Ensure the free version of Elementor is already activated on your
website.
1. On your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New.
2. Click Upload Plugin and select the ZIP file you received.
3. Click Install Now and activate the plugin once the installation is
complete.
4. License Activation
1. After activating the plugin, you'll notice an Elementor menu item on
your dashboard. Click on Elementor > License.
2. Enter the license key you received upon your purchase.
3. Click Activate and wait for the confirmation message.
7. Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes, even after activating Elementor Pro, you might face
issues like not seeing Pro widgets or getting an invalid license
notification. Here are some solutions:
- Clear Cache: Sometimes your browser or caching plugins can show
a cached version of your dashboard. Clear your browser cache or
disable caching plugins temporarily.
- Deactivate & Reactivate: Deactivate the Elementor Pro plugin and
reactivate it. This often resolves minor glitches.
- License Issues: Ensure the license key is correctly entered. If you
face issues, contact Elementor support with your purchase details.
Conclusion
Connecting your WordPress site to Elementor Pro is a straightforward
process. This chapter equipped you with the knowledge to not only
connect but also to make sure your website takes full advantage of the
Pro features. As we proceed with building our travel blog, you'll find
these Pro functionalities invaluable, enabling a more professional,
cohesive, and user-friendly design and experience.
Introduction
Headers are vital components of any website as they are consistently
visible to users, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes.
Elementor Pro provides enhanced capabilities over its free counterpart
for creating and customizing headers. In this chapter, we will delve
deep into how you can recreate and enrich the header for our travel
blog using Elementor Pro.
1. Getting Started:
Before we begin, ensure you have Elementor Pro installed and
activated on your WordPress site. This can be done by purchasing the
pro version from the Elementor website, downloading the plugin, and
then installing it on your WordPress dashboard under ‘Plugins > Add
New’.
4. Making It Sticky:
A sticky header remains fixed at the top as users scroll down. To
activate this:
- Click on the header section.
- Go to the 'Advanced' tab.
- Scroll down to the 'Scrolling Effect' section.
- Turn on ‘Sticky’ and choose 'Top' so it sticks to the top during
scrolling.
5. Mobile Responsiveness:
Ensure your header looks great on all devices:
- Click on the bottom-left responsive mode icon in Elementor.
- Switch between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to adjust the
header design accordingly. You might want to adjust logo size, menu
item spacing, or hide certain elements on mobile for a cleaner look.
Conclusion
Recreating a header using Elementor Pro not only offers aesthetic
upgrades but also provides enhanced functionalities that enhance
user experience. As we progress with our travel blog project, you'll see
how such enhancements play a crucial role in attracting and retaining
readers. In the next chapter, we will explore footer creation using
Elementor Pro, ensuring that both the top and bottom of your pages
are equally captivating!
Introduction
The footer of a website plays an essential role, often housing
important links, contact information, social media icons, and
sometimes even a subscription form. With Elementor Pro, you're
equipped with a range of powerful tools to design and implement a
compelling footer that aligns with the overall theme of your travel blog.
Conclusion
Recreating your footer with Elementor Pro not only provides a
professional touch to your travel blog but also enhances user
experience. Remember, the footer is more than just a design
afterthought. It's an integral part of website navigation, offering quick
access to important sections and promoting user engagement.
Introduction
In the previous chapters, we dived deep into the functionalities of the
free version of Elementor. Now, let's step up our game and explore
the advanced capabilities of Elementor Pro. One of the primary
advantages of using the Pro version is the ability to design dynamic
content. In this chapter, we'll recreate our blog page using Elementor
Pro, providing a more robust and dynamic presentation for our travel
blog entries.
6. Dynamic Content
Elementor Pro's real power is its ability to display dynamic content.
- For each post, click on the title.
- You'll see a dynamic icon next to the content source. Click on it.
- Choose "Post Title" for the title and "Post Excerpt" for the post
summary.
7. Styling Our Blog Posts
Here's where you get to ensure your blog looks unique:
- Box Shadow: Give each blog post a slight shadow to make them
pop.
- Image Overlay: Choose a subtle gradient or color overlay for images,
which will unify the look of diverse travel photos.
- Meta Data: Decide what meta data (like date, author) you want to
display under each post.
8. Pagination
Don't forget about navigation for your blog:
- Scroll to the 'Pagination' section.
- Choose 'Numbers' for clear navigation between blog pages.
- Style accordingly to match your site's design.
Conclusion
With Elementor Pro, recreating and enhancing our blog page has not
only become dynamic but also visually stunning. It provides us with
flexibility, diverse style options, and the ability to integrate dynamic
content seamlessly. As we continue our journey with Elementor Pro,
you'll find that the possibilities are endless.
In the upcoming chapters, we will further explore the dynamic
capabilities of Elementor Pro, ensuring that every aspect of our travel
blog stands out. Remember, a captivating and interactive blog page
will keep your readers engaged and coming back for more!
Introduction:
The single post template is a crucial aspect of any blog. It dictates the
layout and design for every individual blog post on your website. By
creating an attractive and functional template, you ensure consistency
in the presentation of all your blog posts, making your site look
professional and user-friendly.
Conclusion:
Building a single post template with Elementor is not only
straightforward but also empowers you to have a consistent and
beautiful design for all your blog posts. Always remember to test your
template on various devices to ensure it's responsive and looks great
everywhere. As you continue to post, appreciate the efficiency and
uniformity this template brings to your travel blog.
Introduction:
Contact pages are more than just a form. They're a bridge between
you and your visitors, potential clients, and followers. An engaging and
functional contact page increases trust and encourages visitors to
reach out. In this chapter, we will walk through creating a dynamic and
inviting contact page for your travel blog using Elementor Pro. Let's
begin!
Conclusion:
And there you have it! A dynamic contact page for your travel blog
using Elementor Pro. Remember, the key to an effective contact page
is to make it inviting and user-friendly. Always encourage your readers
to reach out and ensure you've set things up to receive their
messages.
In the next chapter, we will delve into how to create engaging popups
to capture visitor attention and enhance user interaction. Stay tuned!
4. Popup Settings:
- a. Layout Settings: Adjust the width, height, and alignment of your
popup. For mobile responsiveness, ensure your popup looks good on
all device types.
- b. Positioning: Position your popup to appear at the center, top,
bottom, or any corner of the screen.
- c. Overlay: This darkens the content behind the popup, ensuring
focus on the popup content. Toggle this on/off based on preference.
- d. Close Button: Customize the design and position of the 'X' button
that closes the popup.
5. Setting Up Triggers:
Determine what causes the popup to appear.
- a. On Click: Show the popup when a specific button or link is clicked.
- b. On Page Load: Show the popup after the page has been loaded
for a certain number of seconds.
- c. On Scroll: Trigger the popup when a user scrolls to a specific point
on the page.
- d. On Exit Intent: Display the popup when the user is about to leave
your site.
6. Adding Conditions:
Decide where on your site the popup will appear.
- For a travel blog, you might want the popup to appear on the
homepage, specific posts about travel deals, or on all pages except
the contact page.
Conclusion:
Popups, when used effectively, can be a powerful tool for driving user
engagement on your travel blog. With Elementor Pro, you have a
robust set of tools at your disposal to design, customize, and optimize
popups for the best user experience. Remember, always keep your
audience in mind and ensure your popups add value to their browsing
experience.
Introduction
One of the remarkable benefits of Elementor is its ability to use
template kits and landing pages. These kits are collections of pre-
designed pages that can be imported and customized to fit your
specific needs. Given that our project revolves around building a travel
blog, we'll explore how to integrate travel-specific templates and
design enticing landing pages for our audience.
Conclusion
Elementor’s template kits and the ability to craft landing pages simplify
the website design process, especially for specific niches like travel
blogs. By leveraging these tools, not only will you speed up the design
process, but you'll also ensure a professional and consistent look
across your website. Remember to keep the user experience in mind,
ensuring that every page and template you choose resonates with
your target audience and the goals of your travel blog.
Introduction:
Elementor Pro isn’t just a tool to drag and drop widgets; it’s a robust
design platform that can transform your design workflow. While we’ve
explored a lot of its features in the previous chapters, there are still
some hidden gems and advanced tips that can make your travel blog
stand out. Let’s dive into them.
4. Role Manager:
If you have multiple contributors or editors for your travel blog, you can
control their access using the Role Manager feature.
How to Use:
- Go to Elementor > Role Manager.
- Here, you can define who can edit content, who can access the
Elementor editor, and more.
5. Dynamic Content:
With Elementor Pro, you can pull dynamic content from your
WordPress site. This is great for showcasing the latest posts, featured
trips, or popular travel destinations dynamically.
How to Use:
- Drag a widget that supports dynamic content.
- Click on the dynamic icon next to the content area.
- Choose the source of the content. This can be a recent post, meta
content, or any other dynamic source available.
7. Template Library:
Elementor Pro provides a vast library of pre-made templates. These
can be imported and used as a starting point for your travel blog.
How to Use:
- Click on the folder icon in the Elementor Editor.
- Browse the library and insert the desired template.
Remember to customize it to match the theme and feel of your travel
blog!
8. Sticky Scroll:
Make crucial widgets or sections “sticky”, so they stay visible even
when users scroll down. For a travel blog, this could be a “Book Now”
button for tour packages.
How to Use:
- Select the widget or section you want to make sticky.
- Go to Advanced > Motion Effects > Sticky.
- Choose "Top" or "Bottom" based on your preference.
Conclusion:
Elementor Pro provides a myriad of advanced features and
functionalities to enhance the overall design and user experience of
your travel blog. By leveraging these pro tips, you can not only make
your blog visually appealing but also more user-friendly and functional.
Remember, the key is to keep experimenting and finding what works
best for your audience.
Section 3:
Project #2 - Build a Business Website
with Elementor
Project Intro - What We Shall Build
& Website Preview
Assets, Resources, and Materials for this chapter:
- Sketch or Wireframe tools: Use tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, or
Balsamiq. (These tools allow you to create a visual layout of your
website before diving into the design with Elementor.)
- Sample business details: For our fictional company "SEO Experts".
You can create a brief profile, or alternatively, find similar profiles
online.
- Browser: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or any other. (For
previewing our wireframe design.)
Introduction:
Before diving into the hands-on building of our business website using
Elementor, it’s vital to understand the structure and layout we're
aiming for. By having a clear picture in mind, we can seamlessly
integrate various sections without any redundancies or confusion. This
chapter will provide a detailed introduction to our second project,
where we will be creating a comprehensive website for a fictional
company named "SEO Experts".
4. Browser Preview:
After you've created your wireframe, preview it in a browser. This
gives you a feel of how the website will look in terms of layout.
Remember, at this stage, we're not concerned with colors, fonts, or
high-fidelity designs – just the structure. Use your browser (like
Google Chrome or Firefox) to see how the wireframe responds to
different window sizes.
Conclusion:
Starting with a clear vision and layout for "SEO Experts" website
ensures that our design and development phases are streamlined.
With a wireframe in hand, we're now ready to delve into Elementor
and begin the exciting journey of bringing our vision to life. In the
upcoming chapters, we will explore each section in detail, starting with
setting up Elementor for our business website project.
Project Setup
Assets & Materials for This Chapter:
- Domain & Hosting account details (Acquired from domain registrars
and hosting providers like SiteGround, Bluehost, etc.)
- WordPress Admin credentials (Set up when you install WordPress
on your hosting)
- Images & logos for "SEO Experts" (Can be sourced from stock
image websites like Unsplash, Pexels or Shutterstock)
- Elementor Pro plugin (Purchased and downloaded from the official
Elementor website)
- Elementor theme (Free themes available on WordPress theme
repository or recommended themes from the Elementor site)
2. Installing WordPress
With your hosting secured, the next step is to install WordPress. This
CMS (Content Management System) is the foundation on which you'll
be building your Elementor site. Most modern hosting providers offer
"1-click WordPress installs" which make the process hassle-free.
In Summary:
Setting up for your project is like laying the foundation for a house.
The stronger and more organized your foundation, the smoother the
rest of the building process will be. With all these in place, you're now
ready to embark on the journey of creating an amazing business
website for "SEO Experts" using Elementor Pro. In the next chapter,
we will delve into Elementor's general settings to tailor it perfectly for
our needs.
Introduction:
As you embark on the journey to build a business website using
Elementor for the fictional company "SEO Experts," it's crucial to begin
with a solid foundation. Elementor's general settings play a pivotal role
in ensuring that your site's design and functionality align with your
vision. This chapter will guide you through the labyrinth of Elementor's
general settings, demystifying each option and helping you set up for
success.
Integrations Tab:
While not strictly a "general setting," the integrations tab in
Elementor's settings can be crucial for business websites.
1. reCAPTCHA:
- Purpose: Helps prevent spam on your forms.
- Setup: Get your site key and secret key from the Google
reCAPTCHA website and input them here.
2. MailChimp, Drip, ActiveCampaign, and More:
- Purpose: Integrates Elementor with popular email marketing
services.
- Setup: For each platform, you'll typically need to enter an API key
which you can obtain from the respective service's dashboard.
Advanced Settings:
1. Switch Editor Loader Method:
- Purpose: Tackles potential conflicts and issues.
- Options: Turn on if you face issues with the editor loading.
2. Optimized DOM Output:
- Purpose: Reduces the amount of HTML code generated by
Elementor, leading to faster load times.
- Options: It's typically best to keep this option enabled for optimal
performance.
Conclusion:
Elementor's general settings may seem straightforward, but they offer
powerful configuration options that every site builder should
understand. By mastering these settings, you lay a robust foundation
for the rest of your site-building journey with Elementor.
In the upcoming chapters, we will delve deeper into the intricacies of
setting up and designing a business website for "SEO Experts" using
Elementor's plethora of features. Remember, each setting and feature
is a tool in your arsenal; understanding when and how to use them is
the key to your success.
Introduction:
Building a business website, especially for a professional service like
"SEO Experts," requires strategic planning, efficient design, and a
user-friendly interface. This chapter will guide you step-by-step on
setting up the foundational aspects of your website using WordPress
and the Elementor Pro plugin.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You’ve now set the foundation for your "SEO
Experts" business website. With WordPress properly configured, the
Astra theme installed, and Elementor Pro activated, you're ready to
start designing your website using Elementor's advanced features. In
the coming chapters, we'll dive into the specific design elements,
starting with global fonts and colors in the next chapter.
Introduction
Consistency in design is crucial for branding and user experience.
Setting global fonts and colors in Elementor allows you to maintain
this consistency across your entire website. By defining these settings,
you'll ensure that every page and post you create will have the same
look and feel, aligning with your brand's identity.
In this chapter, we'll delve into setting up global fonts and colors using
Elementor Pro for our business website project.
Conclusion
Setting up global fonts and colors is a foundational step in web design,
ensuring consistency and branding alignment across your entire site.
With Elementor Pro, this process becomes incredibly streamlined,
allowing for efficient design and easy updates in the future.
Remember, while it's essential to stick to your brand's identity, it's also
crucial to ensure that your website remains user-friendly. Always
prioritize readability and user experience in your design choices.
Introduction:
The global header is a vital part of any website. It appears at the top of
every page and serves as a navigation guide for your visitors. By
creating a well-structured global header template with Elementor, you
ensure consistency across your entire website, enhance user
experience, and strengthen brand identity.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You've successfully built a global header template for
your business website using Elementor Pro. Remember, a well-
designed header can significantly improve user experience and play a
crucial role in website conversions. Always test your header on
different devices to ensure it's fully responsive and functional.
Note: Always ensure that you regularly update the Elementor Pro
plugin and regularly test the functionality of your global header to
ensure that everything is working seamlessly.
Introduction:
A footer is an essential part of any website. It not only offers additional
navigation options but also provides crucial information and reinforces
branding. With Elementor Pro, you can design a global footer template
that can be applied to all your web pages, ensuring consistency and
saving design time. In this chapter, we will guide you through building
a professional and functional global footer for the fictional business,
"SEO Experts."
Conclusion:
The global footer is now set and will appear across the entire website.
The benefits of using a global template are evident in its consistency,
time-saving, and uniformity. Remember to periodically update the
footer if there are changes in contact details, branding, or other
relevant information. With Elementor Pro, making these adjustments is
seamless and efficient.
Building the Contact Us Page
Assets, Resources, and Materials Needed:
1. Elementor (Pro Version) - You'll need this to access advanced
widgets and templates. (Acquire it from the official Elementor website)
2. Contact Form Plugin such as WPForms or Contact Form 7
(Available for free in the WordPress plugins repository. Upgrades
available for advanced features.)
3. Google Maps API Key - To embed a live map on your page.
(Acquire this from the Google Cloud Platform Console)
4. Images related to Contact or Business - For aesthetics and to
maintain branding. (Sources include Unsplash, Pexels, or
Shutterstock. Ensure you have the right to use any images.)
Introduction
The Contact Us page is often one of the most visited sections of a
business website. It serves as a direct link between the visitors and
the business, providing an opportunity for visitors to get in touch for
queries, feedback, or potential business proposals.
Conclusion
Building an effective Contact Us page is crucial for business websites.
With Elementor, the process becomes simpler, but remember, it's not
just about aesthetics; functionality plays a significant role. Always test
your contact form and map to ensure they work as expected, providing
your visitors with a seamless experience.
Introduction
The blog page plays a vital role in sharing information, updates, and
insights related to a business. This chapter will guide you through the
process of designing a comprehensive blog page for our fictional
company, "SEO Experts," using the Elementor Pro plugin.
5. Pagination
For easy navigation, especially if you have numerous articles:
1. Activate the Pagination option in the Posts widget settings.
2. Choose between Numbers, Previous/Next, or Numbers +
Previous/Next.
3. Customize the typography and colors to fit the overall design.
6. Sidebar (Optional)
Many blogs include a sidebar with categories, recent posts, or ads:
1. Drag a new Section widget and choose a Two-Column structure.
2. Move your Posts widget into one column.
3. In the other column, use Elementor's widgets like Categories,
Recent Posts, and custom HTML widgets for ads or call-to-actions.
8. Mobile Responsiveness
It’s crucial your blog page looks good on all devices:
1. Click on the Responsive Mode at the bottom panel of Elementor.
2. Check and adjust the design for both tablet and mobile views,
ensuring all elements align well and the text remains readable.
Conclusion
Your blog page is not just a collection of articles; it's a representation
of the company's expertise and knowledge in the field. By using
Elementor Pro, you have a powerful tool at your disposal to design
and customize your blog page to suit the business's brand and needs.
In the next chapter, we'll delve deeper into creating single post
templates to maintain consistency in your individual blog articles. This
ensures a uniform look throughout and enhances the user experience.
Building the Single Posts Template
Assets, Resources, and Materials:
- Elementor Pro Plugin (Available from the Elementor website)
- Stock Images (Available from stock photo websites like Unsplash,
Pexels)
- Icon Sets (Available from websites like FontAwesome, Iconfinder)
Purpose: The single post template controls the structure and design of
each individual blog post on your website. This ensures uniformity and
brand consistency every time you publish a new post.
Introduction
When you publish multiple blog posts, having a consistent layout for
each post can significantly improve user experience. With Elementor
Pro, we can design a Single Post Template that will automatically
format each new post according to our specified design. This chapter
walks you through the creation of a single post template suitable for
our fictional "SEO Experts" business website.
Introduction:
The homepage banner, often termed a "hero section," is one of the
first things visitors see when they land on a website. It sets the tone,
creates the first impression, and provides an opportunity to
communicate your business's primary message immediately. In the
case of our fictional company, "SEO Experts," this section will
communicate their primary offering and professional standing in the
world of SEO.
Conclusion:
Congratulations, you've now set up an impactful homepage banner for
"SEO Experts". This banner will not only set the tone for the rest of the
site but also efficiently communicate the company's primary message
to visitors. Always remember to periodically update the banner to
reflect any changes in offerings, promotions, or branding.
1. Introduction:
The 'About Us' section is integral to any business website. It gives
visitors a glimpse into the company's ethos, history, and the people
behind the brand. In this chapter, we'll guide you through creating a
compelling 'About Us' section using Elementor.
11. Conclusion:
Your 'About Us' section is the bridge between your company and
potential clients or partners. It humanizes your brand and showcases
its journey, values, and people. With Elementor's intuitive interface
and this guide, creating an engaging 'About Us' section is both
efficient and effective.
In the next chapter, we'll delve into presenting the services your
company offers, ensuring visitors understand the value and expertise
you bring to the table.
Adding the Services Section
Assets, Resources, and Materials:
- Elementor Pro: Ensure you have the Elementor Pro version installed
and activated. (Available at Elementor's official website)
- High-quality images: For each service your business offers. These
should be consistent in style and size. (Free images can be sourced
from sites like Unsplash, Pixabay, or Pexels)
- Service Descriptions: Well-crafted briefs about each service. (Work
with a content writer or develop in-house)
- Icons (optional): Visual representations of each service. (Available
within Elementor or sourced from sites like FontAwesome or
Iconfinder)
Introduction:
The "Services" section is an integral part of any business website. It
informs your visitors about what you offer, giving them clear insights
into how you can assist them. With Elementor Pro, adding a
captivating services section is straightforward and visually engaging.
Conclusion:
The "Services" section is more than just a list of offerings. It's an
opportunity to showcase your expertise, draw in potential clients, and
build trust. With Elementor Pro, you have a plethora of tools at your
fingertips to create a captivating services display that not only looks
great but also drives engagement.
Adding the Blog Section
Required Assets and Materials:
- High-quality blog post images (These can be sourced from stock
photo websites like Unsplash, Pexels, or Pixabay)
- Sample blog post content (You can use dummy content or write your
own for the purpose of this tutorial)
- Elementor Pro Plugin (Ensure you have the Pro version installed, as
we'll leverage some advanced features)
Introduction
In today's online ecosystem, a blog serves multiple purposes. Not only
is it a platform to share knowledge, news, and updates, but it's also
essential for SEO and driving organic traffic to your site. In this
chapter, we will walk you through the steps to add a captivating blog
section to the "SEO Experts" business website using Elementor Pro.
1. Preparation
Before diving into the design, ensure you have some blog posts
published on your WordPress website. For this tutorial, let's assume
you have at least three posts ready with titles, content, and featured
images.
2. Create a New Section
Begin by navigating to the page where you want your blog section to
appear. Click 'Edit with Elementor'.
- Click on the '+' button to create a new section.
- Choose the 'Structure' that best fits. For a standard blog grid, a
single column structure works well.
3. Dragging the Posts Widget
- In the Elementor sidebar, type "posts" into the search bar.
- Drag the 'Posts' widget into the section you just created.
4. Configuring the Posts Widget
With the widget in place:
- Content:
- Layout: Choose 'Grid' for a classic look.
- Columns: Decide the number of columns. '3' is a good starting
point.
- Posts Per Page: Define how many posts you want to display. Start
with '3'.
- Query:
- Source: Ensure this is set to 'Posts'.
- Post Type: This should be set to 'Post' by default.
- Style:
- Image: Adjust the size, spacing, and border radius of the featured
images.
- Content: Customize the padding, alignment, and typography of the
post content.
- Title: Modify the title's typography, color, and spacing.
- Meta: Adjust the styling for the post's metadata, such as the author
name and date.
5. Adding Pagination (Optional)
If you have many blog posts and wish to add pagination:
- Go back to Content in the Posts widget.
- Under Pagination, switch it to 'Yes'.
- You can then adjust the style and typography to fit your site's design.
6. Enhancing the Blog Section
For added flair, consider:
- Hover animations: Add subtle animations when a user hovers over a
blog post.
- Read More button: Add a 'Read More' button beneath each post
summary to lead users to the full article.
7. Mobile Optimization
Ensure your blog section looks great on all devices:
- Switch the Elementor's view mode to 'Mobile'.
- Adjust any settings if things look out of place. For instance, consider
reducing the number of columns on mobile view for better readability.
Conclusion
With these steps, you've successfully added a professional-looking
blog section to your business website using Elementor Pro. As you
become more familiar with Elementor, don't hesitate to experiment
with different styles and layouts to make your blog truly unique.
Remember, a blog is more than just a visual element; it's a tool. Keep
it updated with fresh, relevant content to engage your audience and
boost your site's SEO.
Pro Tip: Use Elementor's 'Save as Template' feature to save this blog
layout. This way, if you create a new page or site in the future, you
won't need to design the blog section from scratch. Instead, you can
insert your saved template and adjust as needed.
Conclusion:
The Clients Section of your business website provides prospective
customers with an insight into the companies and partners that trust
your services. By displaying these logos prominently, you reinforce
your brand's credibility and reputation in the industry.
Remember to always seek permission before displaying any client's
logo. This is essential for maintaining professional relationships and
avoiding potential legal complications.
Adding the Testimonials Section
Assets, Resources, and Materials for this chapter:
1. Images of Testimonials Givers: Acquire high-quality and clear
photos of the individuals giving testimonials. (You can source these
images from sites like Unsplash or Pexels if you don’t have custom
photos. Ensure that the images used are copyright-free and
appropriate for commercial use.)
2. Written Testimonials: Collect detailed and specific testimonials from
your clients or use fictional ones for practice purposes.
3. Elementor Pro: Ensure you have the paid version of Elementor
activated on your WordPress website. (Acquire this directly from
Elementor’s official website.)
Introduction
A testimonials section is crucial for a business website like "SEO
Experts." It offers social proof of the quality of your services and can
significantly influence potential customers. In this chapter, we will walk
you through the process of creating a compelling testimonials section
using Elementor Pro.
Conclusion
A well-crafted testimonials section can be the determining factor in
winning a potential client's trust. With Elementor Pro, adding and
customizing this section becomes a straightforward process, requiring
no coding knowledge. As you proceed, remember to ensure
authenticity in the testimonials and maintain a consistent design that
aligns with your overall website theme. In our next chapter, we'll delve
into adding the "Contact Us" section, an essential component for client
interaction and lead generation.
Conclusion
Your "Contact Us" section is the gateway for potential clients and
customers to reach out. Using Elementor, we've made the process
smooth and aesthetically pleasing. Always test the form to ensure
messages are being received correctly. With this, your Contact Us
section is not just a form but a bridge to new business opportunities.
Introduction:
The Services Page is arguably one of the most essential pages on a
business website. It's where potential clients or customers will go to
understand what you offer. In this chapter, we'll delve into creating an
effective Services Page using Elementor's tools, templates, and the
power of global widgets.
Conclusion:
The Services Page is not just about listing what you offer but
presenting it in a manner that's engaging, informative, and aligned
with your brand. With Elementor’s versatile features, creating this
pivotal page becomes a seamless experience. Remember, the goal is
to communicate value and encourage the visitor to take the next step,
whether it’s contacting you, making a purchase, or simply exploring
more of what you have to offer.
Mobile Responsiveness
Required Assets, Resources, and Materials:
1. Elementor Pro Plugin - (To be acquired from Elementor's official
website. This paid version offers enhanced responsive design
controls.)
2. Responsive Design Test Tool - Tools like Responsinator (Available
for free online, simply Google "Responsinator" and access the
website. This tool helps test the mobile responsiveness of your
website.)
3. Google Chrome Browser - (Downloadable from Google’s official
site. Its built-in developer tools are useful for checking responsive
design.)
Introduction
In today's digital world, with a myriad of devices and screen sizes
available, it's essential to ensure your website looks and functions
perfectly on all of them. This is where mobile responsiveness comes
into play. It ensures that your website adapts to whatever device or
screen size it's viewed on, providing an optimal user experience.
Given that Elementor is a foremost page builder for WordPress, its
capabilities in crafting mobile-responsive designs are unparalleled.
Let's delve into how to harness these capabilities in building our
business website.
Conclusion
Mobile responsiveness is no longer an option; it's a necessity. With
Elementor's easy-to-use features, ensuring your business website is
mobile-responsive has never been simpler. As you proceed with
designing your business website, always remember to test on multiple
devices to ensure a seamless user experience.
Next Up: Chapter 63 - Elementor Cloud Backend. We'll delve into how
the Elementor cloud backend can further assist you in website
management.
Introduction
Elementor Cloud has made significant strides in simplifying the
website development process. By offering hosting solutions integrated
with the Elementor builder, users can streamline their workflow. In this
chapter, we'll dive deep into the Elementor Cloud Backend,
understanding its features, capabilities, and how it can revolutionize
the way you approach website creation.
6. Website Migrations
If you've built a website elsewhere and wish to migrate it to Elementor
Cloud, the backend dashboard makes it seamless. With just a few
clicks, you can initiate the migration process, and your site will be
transferred without any downtime.
8. Wrapping Up
The Elementor Cloud Backend isn't just a hosting dashboard; it's a
comprehensive tool tailored for Elementor users. By understanding its
features and capabilities, you can accelerate your web design projects
and manage sites with ease.
Action Steps:
1. Familiarize yourself with the Elementor Cloud Backend by exploring
every option.
2. Migrate a demo site to Elementor Cloud to understand the migration
process.
3. Experiment with adding collaborators and understanding access
levels.
Further Reading:
- Elementor's Official Documentation on Cloud Hosting.
- Community forums discussing Elementor Cloud best practices.
Elementor Animations
Assets, Resources, and Materials:
- Elementor Pro Plugin (Acquired by purchasing a license from
Elementor's official website. Purpose: The premium version of
Elementor which contains advanced features, including the enhanced
animation capabilities we'll discuss in this chapter).
- High-Quality Images (Acquired from stock photo websites like
Unsplash or Shutterstock. Purpose: To use as visuals for
demonstrating animations).
- Modern Browser (e.g., Google Chrome or Firefox, downloadable for
free. Purpose: To ensure the animations render smoothly and
correctly).
- Sample Web Pages (Previously created in Chapter 44 to 63.
Purpose: To apply animations and see their impact in real-time).
Introduction:
Animations have become an integral part of modern web design. They
enhance user experience, draw attention to specific parts of a page,
and make web interactions more dynamic and engaging. Elementor,
especially in its Pro version, offers a vast array of animation
capabilities, allowing you to create subtle movements or dramatic
effects. In this chapter, we'll dive deep into Elementor's animation
features, exploring how they can amplify your website's design and
user experience.
3. Entrance Animations:
Under the 'Motion Effects' tab, the first set of options relate to
"Entrance Animation."
- Choosing an Animation: Elementor offers a variety of entrance
animations such as Fade In, Slide In, Zoom In, and many more. Select
one that complements your design.
- Setting Duration and Delay: Adjust the animation speed and decide if
you want a delay before the animation starts. This feature is
particularly useful when animating multiple elements sequentially.
4. Hover Animations:
Next, focus on the "Hover" section:
- Selecting a Hover Animation: Options include Grow, Shrink, Pulse,
and more. These animations trigger when a user hovers over an
element.
- Using Hover Transitions: This adjusts how the animation transitions
between its normal state and its hover state.
7. Best Practices:
- Less is More: Avoid making every element on your page animated.
Focus on the key sections and CTAs.
- Test on Various Devices: Ensure animations appear smooth across
devices, especially mobiles, where performance can be a concern.
- Prioritize Performance: Too many animations can slow down your
site. Always prioritize a smooth and fast user experience.
Conclusion:
Animations, when used strategically, can uplift the design and
interactivity of your website. With Elementor Pro, introducing these
sophisticated effects becomes simple and intuitive. Remember always
to prioritize the user experience, and you'll be well on your way to
creating dynamic, engaging web pages for your audience.
Introduction:
As we near the end of our business website building journey with
Elementor, it’s time to apply the finishing touches. This chapter will
guide you through the important final steps before launching your
business website. You've come a long way, from setting up the basics
to building individual sections and pages. Now, let's ensure everything
is polished to perfection.
Wrap Up:
Building a business website using Elementor is an accomplishment in
itself. You've armed yourself with the skills to design, create, and
optimize a professional online presence for any business. Remember,
the journey doesn't end here. Regularly update your website with fresh
content, keep abreast of design trends, and always be open to
feedback. The digital world evolves rapidly, and by staying updated,
you'll ensure that your website remains relevant and effective.
Congratulations on completing this project and book, and here's to
many more successful websites in your future!