Creating Your First Post

Learn how to create your first blog post as a member. This guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish.

What You’ll Learn

  • How to access the post creation form
  • Writing and formatting your content
  • Adding featured images
  • Submitting your post

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access Your Blog Dashboard

Where you find your blog depends on your site’s setup:

BuddyPress/BuddyBoss Sites:

  1. Click on your profile avatar or username
  2. Navigate to your profile page
  3. Click the Blog tab

Standalone Sites:

  1. Look for a “Blog Dashboard” or “My Blog” link in your site’s menu
  2. Click it to access your blog dashboard

Step 2: Click “Add New Post”

Once in your blog dashboard, look for the Add New Post button. Click it to open the post creation form.

Frontend post creation form showing title, editor, and submit button

Step 3: Add Your Title

Click on the title field and type your post title. Good titles are:

  • Clear and descriptive
  • Not too long (50-60 characters ideal)
  • Engaging enough to encourage clicks

Step 4: Write Your Content

The content area is where you write your post. Depending on your site’s settings, you’ll see one of these editors:

Editor.js (Block Editor):

  • Just start typing to create paragraphs
  • Type “/” to see available blocks (headings, lists, images, etc.)
  • Click the “+” button to add new block types

Medium Editor:

  • Start typing anywhere in the content area
  • Select text to see formatting options appear
  • Click buttons to apply bold, italic, links, etc.

Classic Editor:

  • Use the toolbar at the top for formatting
  • Click buttons for bold, italic, lists, links
  • Works like Microsoft Word or Google Docs

Step 5: Add a Featured Image

Featured images appear as the main image for your post in listings and social shares.

  1. Find the Featured Image section
  2. Click Select Image or the upload area
  3. Choose an image from your computer
  4. Wait for it to upload

Image Tips:

  • Use landscape orientation (wider than tall)
  • Aim for at least 1200px wide
  • Keep file size under the site limit (check with your admin)
  • Supported formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP

Step 6: Choose a Category

Categories help organize content on the site.

  1. Find the Category dropdown
  2. Select the most relevant category for your post
  3. Some sites allow you to create new categories

Step 7: Submit Your Post

You have two options:

Save as Draft:

  • Saves your work without submitting
  • Come back later to continue editing
  • Post won’t be visible to others

Submit for Review / Publish:

  • Sends your post for publication
  • Depending on your role, it may be published immediately or go to review

What Happens After Submitting

Your post’s status depends on your user role:

Your RoleWhat Happens
SubscriberPost goes to “Pending Review” – admin will approve
ContributorPost goes to “Pending Review” – admin will approve
Author or higherPost publishes immediately

You can check your post status in your blog dashboard under different tabs: Published, Drafts, and Pending.

Tips for Great Posts

  • Write for your audience – Keep your community in mind
  • Use headings – Break up long content with H2 and H3 headings
  • Add images – Visual content increases engagement
  • Proofread – Check spelling and grammar before submitting
  • Be original – Share your unique perspective

Auto-Save Feature

WB Member Blog automatically saves your work every 30 seconds while you write. If your browser closes unexpectedly, your content should be recovered when you return.

Related Docs

  • Managing Your Posts – Edit, delete, and organize your posts
  • Using Categories & Tags – Organize your content effectively
  • Featured Images Guide – Best practices for post images
Last updated: January 18, 2026