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Website - Navigation Guide

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Prerequisites:

  • Active foreUP Website subscription.
  • Your website is live and accessible via its domain (URL).
  • Admin login credentials for your website CMS (username and password).
  • Appropriate user permissions to:
    • View and edit pages
    • Access the CMS dashboard

 

Overview:

This article will assist in understanding the difference between the front end (public website) and back end (CMS/admin). You will:

  • Learn how to log into your CMS using the /admin URL.
  • Get familiar with the CMS Dashboard and main navigation menu (the “spine” of your CMS).
  • Learn what each core menu item does.
  • Understand the Utility Menu (blue bar at the top of the site when logged in) and how to use it as a shortcut for editing.

 

Front End vs. Back End

Front End (Public Site)

The front end is what your golfers, members, and visitors see when they go to your website’s domain in their browser. From the front end, visitors can:

  • Navigate pages (About, Rates, Events, etc.)
  • View content you’ve published
  • Interact with forms (Contact, Membership Requests, etc.)
  • View upcoming events and announcements
  • Note: You will only see editing tools on the front end if you are logged into your admin account.

 

Logging into the Website CMS (Back End)

  1. Open your browser and go to your website’s URL.
  2. In the address bar, add /admin to the end of the URL.
    1. Example: https://yourdomain.com/admin
  3. Press Enter to load the Admin Login screen.
  4. Enter your username and password.
  5. Click Log In.

After logging in, you’ll be taken to your Website CMS Dashboard.

 

CMS Dashboard

The dashboard is your home base inside the CMS. Here you may see:

  • Website activity metrics
  • Form metrics and submission data
  • SEO and traffic information
  • While this information is helpful, the main thing to focus on is the left-hand navigation menu, which serves as the spine of your CMS.

Main Navigation Menu (CMS Spine)

The left-hand menu contains all the tools required to manage your website. Below is an overview of each key section. (NOTE: Your website might not utilize some of the features listed below)

 

Dashboard

  • Returns you to the main CMS summary screen from anywhere in the admin.

Pages

  • Use Pages to manage your static website content such as your About Us, Contact, Rates, and any other pages. If you need to update text, images, or layout on a core page, this is usually where you will start.

Posts

  • Posts (sometimes labeled as Blog) are best for time-sensitive or recurring content, such as:
    • News updates
    • Articles or newsletters
    • Club announcements
    • Weekly/Monthly blog posts
  • If your site includes a News or Blog section, you will manage it here.

Events

  • Every foreUP website includes a built-in calendar. From the Events section, you can:
    • Add new events
    • Edit or remove existing events
    • Control what appears on the public event calendar
  • Typical uses include creating:
    • Tournaments
    • Leagues
    • Clinics and lessons
    • Social or member events

Gift Cards & Passes

  • Use the Gift Card & Passes section to manage gift cards and passes that are available for sale and integrated with your foreUP software. Changes here help keep the website and your foreUP system dynamically linked, so your online offerings stay in sync.

WP Engine

  • The WP Engine is the hosting provider for your website. You generally won’t need to change anything here, except possibly Clearing the website cache after large updates (if requested by support or training materials).

Stream

  • Stream logs important activity on your website, such as:
    • Who logged in
    • What changes were made
    • When updates occurred
  • Use Stream to audit changes or identify who modified a page or setting.

Campaign Pilot

  • If your club uses Campaign Pilot (a separate foreUP marketing tool), This link will take you directly into Campaign Pilot. If you’re not currently using it, contact your Client Success Manager or foreUP support to learn more.

Media

  • The Media Library is your central hub for all uploaded files including:
    • Images (logos, photos, banners)
    • Documents (PDFs, forms, flyers)
    • Videos
  • If you need to add a new image or file to a page or post, first upload it here.

Spectra

  • Spectra enhances the website editor with:
    • Additional content blocks and layouts
    • Tools to fine-tune your page design
  • It also includes the Pop-Up Builder, which allows you to create on-site notifications such as:
    • Weather or course-condition alerts
    • Promotion banners
    • Special event announcements
    • Page-specific pop-ups

Forms

  • Use Forms to build and manage interactive forms, including:
    • Contact Us forms
    • Membership or league signup forms
    • Request Information forms
    • General feedback or custom data-collection forms
  • Submissions from these forms can usually be viewed inside the forms module and/or sent via email, depending on configuration.

 

Additional Backend Settings

These items are used less frequently but are important to know about:

Appearance

  • Here you can manage theme and appearance settings. This section includes access to the theme editor. (NOTE: Always consult foreUP Website Support before changing theme files or advanced appearance settings.)

Profile

  • Edit your own user profile (name, email, password). Certain admins may also manage other user accounts.

Tools

  • Tools Provides access to plugin-related tools and theme file details. This is typically adjusted only during site setup or with support guidance.

Settings & ACF (Advanced Custom Fields)

  • Control global settings like:
    • Site name and tagline
    • Homepage settings
    • Various plugin options
  • ACF holds custom configuration for your site and is usually managed by foreUP support or your implementation team.

 

Utility Menu (Top Blue Bar)

When you’re logged into the CMS and viewing the front end of your website, a blue bar appears at the top of the page. This is your Utility Menu. It provides quick shortcuts, which may include:

  • Dashboard – Return to the CMS dashboard.
  • Edit Site – Open theme customization tools.
  • Customize – Adjust appearance options for selected parts of the site.
  • New – Quickly create:
    • Posts
    • Pages
    • Media
    • Other content items
  • Edit Page: Edit the specific page you’re currently viewing (a very handy shortcut).
  • WP Forms / Forms Shortcut: If the current page contains a form, lets you edit that form directly.
  • AI Helper: Provides additional information or contextual help for the page.
  • User Profile Menu: Access your profile or log out of the admin.

This bar makes it easy to browse the site like a visitor while still being able to quickly jump into edit mode for the page you are on.

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