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Free Plugin by Doodlebee v3.1.1

Back End Instructions

Plugin for WordPress developers to provide easy "how to use" instructions to their clients.

Back End Instructions

The facts

Rating
3.8★ from 9
Active installs
30+
Price
Free
Last updated
17 Apr 2014
Added
Feb 2011
Requires WP
3.1
Tested up to
WP 3.9.40
Downloads
12,221

Our analysis

AI-assisted

Back End Instructions is a WordPress plugin designed for developers who provide custom functions and scripts to clients. It allows you to create and display instructional content directly in the WordPress back-end, making it easier for clients to access the information they need without searching through emails or manuals.

The plugin enables you to add instructions that can be tailored to different user levels, ensuring that clients only see the information relevant to them. It supports multi-site installations and offers options for displaying content on the front end, depending on user permissions.

Best for: This plugin is suitable for WordPress developers who need to provide clear instructions to clients managing their sites.

What it does well

  • Allows creation of custom instructional content for clients
  • Supports user-level specific instructions
  • Can be integrated into the WordPress Help tab
  • Multi-site capable
  • Free to use

Where it falls short

  • Limited support available
  • Last updated in April 2014
  • Compatibility is only up to WordPress 3.9.40

Verdict

Back End Instructions offers a practical solution for developers looking to enhance client support through accessible instructional content, though its age and limited support may be a concern.

From the developer

Doodlebee's own description of Back End Instructions, lightly tidied.

WordPress developers: ever written awesome custom functions and script work for client’s site? Then you provide said client with instructions – either via printed manual, video tutorials, or even emails – but no matter how many ways you tell them how to use the site you just made for them, they keep asking you for instructions?

I’ve found this is typically because most clients want instructions that appear “in your face”. They like immediate answers to their questions – they don’t want to have to find that file, or search their email for the answers. It’s much faster for them to just call you and ask what to do.

This plugin solves the issue. Now there can be no more excuses for not finding the answers you’ve already supplied for them ad nauseum.

Features

  1. Version 3.0 now has the option of using a custom tab, or the ability to be integrated in the WordPress “Help” tab.
  2. Due to popular demand, I’ve added in a new feature where you can add a single instruction to multiple pages.
  3. Choose the tab (named by your post title), and the “instructable” displays the content.
    • Content can be a written list of instructions, or some other form of media.
    • Content can be anything you like, and you can use it just like you would any other post – the only difference is, this stuff shows up in the back-end.
  4. The options page will allow you to set what user level can add/edit/delete “instructables”, as well as allow you to choose whether or not to make the instructions viewable from the front end. You can also choose to make front-end “instructables” viewable to the public, or only to logged-in users. You can also give non-logged-in users “capabilities” to restrict what they see.
  5. You can set what end user level can view which instructions. For example, you don’t want an Author to see the same instructions for “Edit Posts” that an Administrator would see – it would confuse them. So you can also create content and serve up specific information based on the user level, if you so desire.

Note that upper levels will also see lower-level videos, so keep that in mind while preparing your instructions. I recommend making videos/content specific to the lowest level first, and then build onto that base as you go up the user-level chain of command.
6. Multi-Site capable.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for improvement, feel free to contact Shelly at Brass Blogs Web Design. If you prefer Twitter, I’m @brassblogs.

Given that this is free, I offer limited support. Pretty much if you have issues with the plugin working I will do whatever I can to help you fix the issue, but when it comes to customizations, I’m in limited supply. I’ll do what I can, but no guarantees. Pretty much your standard “as-is” application. In all honesty, ask customization questions in the forums – if I can’t help, perhaps someone else can. (If you want to hire me to customize it, that’s another story – feel free to contact me to do so!)

Read the full description on the official page →

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