Help with Setup and Errors for a Non-Developer

1. I never stated that I was struggling with page builders; I said I had created dummy pages while learning features of a couple of new page builders. To be honest, I was following GD’s instructions to use page builders to design the pages I wanted. (See pic attached and link to GD’s article: https://wpgeodirectory.com/create-an-airbnb-like-listings-page-with-geodirectory-and-avada/) I actually was forced to use GD’s widgets when creating pages that weren’t even there. For example, the location page was never created with the setup wizard so I had to hunt through documentation on what information was supposed to be on the location page and then create it myself using GD’s widgets and link it in the template/archive settings page. Another example of a page not automatically set up using the setup wizard, but with vague instructions on how to do so is: https://wpgeodirectory.com/docs-v2/geodirectory/getting-started/front/

2. Your statement “You normally should not use UsersWP and UsersWP at the same time.” makes absolutely no sense. Can you clarify? Again, when I attempted to edit template pages for UsersWP, instead of allowing me to edit the templates, I was instantly redirected to my own profile page and unable to edit it – every single time.

3. I didn’t ask you about the number of plugins I had or about the speed, or lack thereof, of my website. I have been playing with various plugins in an attempt to determine which will best serve my intentions. I don’t plan to keep all I’ve installed so speed should improve before I launch, but thank you for that observation. Now I did ask questions that weren’t addressed (like proper menu items) and would still like answers to those, if you don’t mind.

4. Again, I’m not sure which pages to use and what to add to a menu because GD’s instructions aren’t particularly clear (see instructions regarding NOT linking to certain pages or templates but without further explanation as to where or why not to: https://wpgeodirectory.com/docs-v2/geodirectory/getting-started/front/). As for restoring GD templates to default content, I never had properly formatted default content to begin with. I had to go hunting for what information was supposed to be in the templates and then add the missing content using GD widgets found in Avada’s elements or in Elementor’s list of widgets. Furthermore, I have absolutely no interest in the way the default pages appear as that most of the demos, though functional, are unsightly. The only demo that I found to have remotely attractive pages was in the Listimia demo. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but it appears as if the only way to make my site look similar to the Listimia demo or AirBnB is to use page builders like Avada or Elementor in combination with a CSS editor like CSS Hero or Microthemer or to hire one of your GD experts to do it for me – which I now wonder if was an intentional ploy all along.

5. Another problem I’m experiencing is odd lines in places on the screen like on some buttons and bordering other areas like the “find us on Facebook” area of the footer (see pic attached).

I’m attaching screenshots of all of this including the original questions I sent in private in an effort to assist others who may be experiencing the same trouble or frustrations. Thank you.

1. “I can see that your GD page layouts are a bit strange, and to me that looks like the result of using a page builder. Sorry if I misunderstood.” No, it is only after not having normal layouts during setup have I attempted to fix them. This is exactly why I need assistance! I’m aware of the default content button as that I had to get that info in order to attempt to fix the problems with the original pages. (By the way, besides the location page, the only pages I edited were copies of the originals. I was too afraid to edit the original ones created with the setup wizard so you are free to look at all original pages created by the setup wizard to understand why I had to edit them in the first place.)

“Another example of a page not automatically set up using the setup wizard, but with vague instructions on how to do so is: https://wpgeodirectory.com/docs-v2/geodirectory/getting-started/front/

“… GeoDirectory V2 does not provide a home page. … First, create a new WP page”.”
Creating WP pages is not GD specific, but let us know if there is anything GD related you need help with on your website’s homepage.

Like I said before, it was an example of VAGUE INSTRUCTIONS. The instructions, “NOTE/WARNING: DO NOT set the WP Front Page to the GeoDirectory V2 Location page or Search page. Doing so will break search and other GeoDirectory functionality.” is not enough information for a non-developer. What does that mean??? Set it where??? Can any of the shortcodes on those pages work on the home page or will using any of those shortcodes or widgets break the site? All of GeoDirectory’s instructions are majorly lacking. There are not enough pictures to go with the instructions and many of the instructions do not match the installed software. For example, see the instructions to add a forum in UsersWP, however, when one goes to the location as instructed, the option is no where to be found! (See pics with the word “forum” in the description attached.)

2. I keep saying the same thing over and over again but you don’t seem to understand me! I was accessing the template pages correctly to edit them, but was still experiencing issues!!! Besides create a test page, I don’t know what you did while in my account, but the pages are no longer redirecting me when I attempt to edit them.

3. You quoted a question that I had clarified in a subsequent reply. I understand the basics on how to create a menu. What I was looking for was a suggested hierarchy or organization for the GD and UWP plugins. I was also still needing further clarification on the rules for using template/archive pages and when and where to link them to things.

4. I believe you meant “see image 1 for default content”… As for making changes without page builders, I don’t understand how on earth to make changes to the way a page looks without using one. Please explain how I’d go about doing that. The problem with the shortcode builder is that you have no idea what each shortcode is or what it will look like when you select it. One is forced to hunt for details on GD’s documentation and cross reference the description that’s given and hope that it will look like what one is trying to achieve because there aren’t any (or are few) pictures to go along with the descriptions so it’s really a shot in the dark for someone who isn’t familiar with what each shortcode is or does. It’s a constant game of trial and error.

5. I already provided a picture for you to see the odd lines; it even states “odd lines” in the description of the picture I uploaded!!!! Look at the pictures submitted before responding. You can see the lines on the buttons crossing over the arrows. All other odd lines are visible on any of the footers on my pages where the link that says “find us on facebook” can be seen where there is a lined border on 2/4 of the sides of that space.

I feel like the answers I’m receiving are stock answers that are scripted and that there really isn’t any quality support here. I’m really wanting to love what you guys have put together, but this whole ordeal has been extremely frustrating and time wasting.