Category: Blog

The Blog is the central hub for insights on digital design, development, online strategy and emerging web technologies. It brings together practical tutorials, opinion pieces, industry observations and hands‑on guides to help creators and businesses strengthen their online presence.

This section spans a broad range of topics — from website optimisation and performance enhancements to design thinking, user experience and platform updates. Its aim is to distil complex ideas into clear, actionable knowledge that can be applied immediately.

Whether you are learning a new skill, revisiting best practice, or keeping abreast of industry developments, the Blog provides context‑driven content grounded in experience. Articles are written with an emphasis on long‑term value rather than short‑lived trends.

How to add twitter feed in WordPress Blog using Jetpack plugin
If are you on twitter, then you can display latest tweets on WordPress Blog. By adding twitter feed in Website, visitors can keep track of your latest tweets and one-click to follow you on twitter.

Twitter Stream Illustration

A latest plugin by automatic JetPack features to add twitter stream in sidebar with ease. In the article we will learn how to add twitter feed in WordPress using Jetpack plugin. Below is a simple stepwise procedure:

Step 1: Install Jetpack plugin

I have already mentioned in the article how to install jetpack plugin on wordpress. Once the jetpack is installed proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Configure Twitter Widget

When Jetpack plugin is installed and configured, by default it activates Twitter Widget which can be configured by Navigating to Appearance > Widgets, as you can see in the screenshot below.

Twitter Widget Jetpack dashboard

Step 3: Show Tweets on Blog

In order to display latest tweets on sidebar, follow the procedure below to add twitter widget:
- Navigate to Appearance > Widgets.
- Find Twitter (Jetpack) widget in the list and Drag it to sidebar.
Twitter Jetpack Widget
- Now configure twitter jetpack settings for title, twitter name, number of tweets to show etc. Refer to screenshot below:
Twitter Widget Settings
- Once done with the settings, click on Save button.
We are Done!

As we are done with installation and configuration, now its time to see things live in action. Refresh the website and you will find twitter stream in sidebar similar to the screenshot below.

Twitter Stream Live on Sidebar

Here we come to the end of this tutorial, where we learned to add twitter feed in WordPress blog. If you have any query or any assistance is required, feel free to post comment as your feedback.
April 2, 2011
How to add Tell a Friend button without plugin on WordPress Blog ?

We often find stories and interesting articles online which are worth sharing with friends. Mostly people never miss sharing product reviews, special discounts and offers on website. Tell a friend button is used to share article with your friends by personal email. Tell a friend button is also known has Email This button, which is similar to share button like tweetmeme button, facebook like or linkedin.

Sharing something with Friend

There are many plugins made to add Email button on WordPress, but depending upon third party plugins for simple code is just waste of resources and increasing server load by php calls. In this article, we will learn how to add tell a friend button without plugin in WordPress blog.

Tell a Friend Button Code

The analogy behind is that on click of the button, it will open a default email software and will add subject, link of the article and will prompt to enter friend’s email address. Below is the Email button code for WordPress, and you add the code in single.php file.

Make sure you take full backup of single.php file using FTP before modifying it.

[php]

<a class="email-share" href="mailto:?subject=Check this out&BODY=I found this article interesting and thought of sharing it with you. Check it out: <?php the_permalink(); ?>" target="_blank"></a>

[/php]

Once done editing the php file, now apply some CSS on it. Copy-Paste the below code snippet in style.css file.

[css]

.email-share{
background:url(‘images/email.png’) no-repeat;
width:97px;
height:23px;
display:block;
margin:10px 20px 10px 0;
}

[/css]

Download the the following image, by right clicking and Save Image as.. “email.png”

Place the downloaded image in the Theme Directory as {theme folder}/images/email.png

We are done!

After adding all code snippets, refresh the website and open any blog post, and you can see the email button demo below:

Email button Demo:

On click of above button, it will send the link of this blog that is cms.thecreatology.com/ to the email address you enter.

If you have any query or require further assistance, you can post comment as your feedback.

March 31, 2011
How to redirect 404 error page to Homepage in WordPress ?
In my previous article I explained about significance of 404 error page in website development. If you missed it, then you can read it here Create 404 Error page to decrease bounce rate on WordPress.

Road block 404 Error, redirect to Home

The WordPress 404 error page is usually custom coded, and hence it can be enhanced as per our requirements and needs. In this article we will learn how to redirect 404 error page to homepage in WordPress.

Redirect 404 error page

Below is a simple procedure to add redirection on 404 error page to homepage of blog.
- Navigate to Theme Directory and locate 404.php file.
- If found, open it in any text editor. If you couldn’t find one, then just read how to create 404.php file in wordpress.
- Copy the below code snippet, and replace it completely with existing code.
[php]
<!–?php $URL= get_bloginfo(‘url’); header("Location: $URL"); ?–>
[/php]
- Done adding the code ? Now, save the file and upload it to server.
We are done!

Adding the above code, will redirect any visitor to Blog’s homepage, if encountered any error or broken links. In a way it can be modified to set custom link as well. only thing is you need to edit line number 3 and add the custom like after “Location: http://www.thecreatology.com”.

If you think its complex then you can hire me for this virtual assistance.
March 30, 2011
Create 404 Error page to decrease bounce rate on WordPress
As we all know about 404 error page which is a error message from the server over a HTTP response from client side. I have seen many theme developers ignore 404 error page on wordpress, which I believe is a big mistake, as it increases bounce rate of website and reflects bad impression on visitor who landed in a deadlock situation.

404 Error Page Illustration

Default 404 Error Page

Many visitors type wrong URL and end up landing to default error page from server. You can see the default 404 error page design below in screenshot.

Default Error Page Design

How Bounce Rate Increases ?

The above page is a dead end page where there is no navigation or any message to redirect to different link. In such a situation, visitor will either use Back button on browser or will type another URL in address bar. As mentioned above, default error page is displayed when there is no 404 error page code in wordpress theme, and now you can assume how you lost a visitor. Hence it increases the bounce rate, as a visitor just landed on your website and went away.

Add 404.php in WordPress

As we are familiar with wordpress themes, and most of them has 404.php page. But if somehow your theme folder doesn’t have 404 error page then you don’t have to worry. Follow the simple steps below to add 404 error page in wordpress:
- Open any text editor, for instance Notepad.
- Add below code snippet in the file.
[php]

<?php get_header(); ?>

<div id="content">
<h2>Sorry…</h2>
<p>The page you are trying to reach is unavailable or does not exist.</p>
</div>

<?php get_sidebar(); ?>

<?php get_footer(); ?>

[/php]
- Save the file as “404.php” and move it, into the theme folder.
Enhance 404 error page

Now, we have added custom design error page in wordpress blog. Since it is a PHP file, we have extended capabilities to innovate and enhance 404 error code. We can add google adsense code in 404 page, so that you get paid atleast when visitor leaves your site. You can play with the custom error code in 404.php file by adding images and eye catchy quotes.

In the end, I will just conclude that, every website should have custom 404 error page, so that visitor shouldn’t feel deprived. I hope this tutorial was easy, but if you have any query or any further assistance required then you post comment as your feedback.
March 29, 2011
Interesting Fact about SiteStats JetPack Plugin WordPress

Almost every WordPress user is familiar with the JetPack Plugin by Automatic. JetPack WordPress plugin has been really innovative and has made things much easy for the bloggers.

Install JetPack Plugin

If you haven’t installed JetPack plugin up till now, then you are really missing the show. You can refer to my article on how to install jetpack plugin on WordPress blog and experience the power of WordPress jetpack plugin. On analyzing WordPress site stats, I found an interesting fact about Site Stats JetPack plugin, so I am sharing it with you.

As we know about WordPress Site Stats plugin error and the problem was resolved by the JetPack plugin. New Site Stats plugin, has two types of representation for Site Stats. One is Bar Graph type and the other is Humanize Type. Bar Graph is a graphical representation of the site visits. Bar graph type can be tricky for users, who don’t even know what bar graph is. Respecting the fact, WordPress developed the Humanize type, as it explains the site stats value in a very humanly manner. Below is a screenshot of a WordPress site showing stats in Humanize Type. (Click to Zoom)

Humanize Type Site Stats Presentation

As you can see in above picture, how it says that “Today you have had 2 visits” and then how it explains the fact about number two (2) it says

Two and three are the only two consecutive prime numbers. 2 is the first Sophie Germain prime, the first factorial prime, the first Lucas prime, …

And WordPress jetpack plugin explains the facts for every number, like for number zero (0) it says

The number 0 is the smallest non-negative integer. The natural number following 0 is 1 and no natural number precedes 0.”

It though looks easy, but the concept behind is very innovative and thoughtful. I really appreciate WordPress Team behind the JetPack Humanize concept.

Did you think over it ? Let us know, if you came across any more interesting facts about WordPress, and share with us. Don’t forget to share your views about this concept, by posting a comment below. I will be waiting. 🙂

March 26, 2011
Advertising Website Design using Thesis Theme on WordPress

Advertisement Website has an amazing portfolio work, crafted for many other company brands. TheCreatology in partnership with our Project Manager Ms. Imie Belanger was contacted for the redesign of advertisement website using thesis theme. The package included customizing thesis theme, featured content slider and essential SEO settings.

As mentioned above the company has portfolio work which they wanted to showcase on homepage. Mockup for the advertising website design was prepared and soon was approved by the client. In no time, website was redesigned as per the prototype and thereafter was published online. Few references like Ease with Thesis Design options, Scrolling Text in Header and Featured Content Slider for Thesis Theme made it look easy and the project was wrapped very soon.

Below you can see a screenshot of the Advertising Website Design:

Advertising Website Design

If you want something similar for your advertisement website design, you can either hire me or you can use the contact form below and I will get back to you asap!

March 24, 2011
Add featured content slider to showcase Portfolio Work in Thesis Theme
In my recent work on advertising website design, client being a flyer designer had an amazing portfolio on automotive flyer design. In order to show portfolio work, client demanded for a presentation or a slide show of work on landing page. A featured content slider was added on the homepage using thesis theme. A screenshot below will clear you about the featured content slider.

Featured Slider on Client Site

Featured content slider uses JavaScript which takes your blog to next level along with SEO advantage. In this article, we will learn to add image slider in wordpress thesis theme. But before we proceed with this article I recommend you to safely upgrade thesis theme.

Step 1: Add Content Slider Plugin in WordPress

In order to add featured slider in wordpress we will have to install a plugin. Below is a simple procedure to add slider plugin:
- Login to Dashboard Admin of WordPress site.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add new Plugin.
- Type “Content Slide Plugin” in search box and click on the submit button.
- In the listed result, click Install Now link under WordPress Content Slide Plugin by Snilesh. (Refer to the screenshot below)
Step 1: Install Plugin
- Install the plugin by clicking on install link underneath it and further Activate it.
Step 2: Configure Content Slider Settings

On activating the plugin, a left pane menu item “Content Slide” is added. In order to customize content slider, we will have to configure its settings for width height and content. Below is a simple procedure to configure slider.
- Navigate to Dashboard > Content Slide.
- Content Slide options are divided into three sections General Settings, Effects & Animation Settings and Image Source Settings.
- General Settings for content slider can be configured by referring the screenshot below:
Step 2: General Settings
- Effect & Animation Settings can be configured by referring the screenshot below:
Step 2: Effect & Animation Settings
- Image Source Settings can be configured by referring the screenshot below:
Step 2: Image Source Settings
- Once you are done with the settings click the update button to save the configurations.
Step 3: Show Featured Slider in Thesis Theme

Now that we are done with the configuration of featured slider, we are left with to display slider on homepage template. Copy-paste the code snippet in the custom_functions.php, below:

Make sure you take full backup of custom_functions.php file using FTP before modifying it.

[php]
//Author: AkyJoe
//Email: akyjoe@gmail.com
function content_slider() {
if (is_home())
{ ?>
<div id="slider"><?php if(function_exists(‘wp_content_slider’)) { wp_content_slider(); } ?>
</div>
<?php }
}
add_action(‘thesis_hook_before_content’, ‘content_slider’);
[/php]

We are Done!

Now, that we have added the code, you can refresh the website and see the slider in homepage. If you find the slider not adjusting the layout, you can repeat Step 2, above to change width, height and color settings for slider, till you are satisfied.

We come to the end of this tutorial to add featured content slider in thesis theme. If you have any query or further assistance is required, post comment below as your feedback.
March 22, 2011
Add Author Bio below single post in Thesis WordPress Theme
With the increasing number of people writing articles on web, blogs are working hard to present them in best way. Being a blogger, I always get excited when I see my name published on web, for instance, a short bio explaining about you after each article you publish. By Blogs presenting its Author, I mean that a self-respect, delights a blogger and make them more enthusiastic towards their blogging. This is can be done, by adding an image of the author add adding a short bio about author, like you can see in the screenshot below.

Author Bio on TheCreatology

In this article we will learn to add author bio in Thesis Theme. As we all know about the DIY thesis theme and its SEO optimization and design customizations. Thesis being a simple wordpress theme, is incomplete with few options like Author Bio, share buttons, etc. But since thesis theme does allows customization, so we will add author bio after post on wordpress blog. But before we proceed with this article I recommend you to safely upgrade thesis theme.

Author BIO after post in Thesis

As we are know that Thesis customization is done using thesis hooks which are overriding functions. To show author bio in single post, copy-paste the code snippet in the custom_functions.php.

Make sure you take full backup of custom_functions.php file using FTP before modifying it.

[php]
//Author: AkyJoe
//Email: akyjoe@gmail.com

function add_author_bio() {
if (is_single())
{ ?>
<div class="postauthor">
<?php echo get_avatar( get_the_author_id() , 120 ); ?>
<h4>Article by <a href="<?php the_author_url(); ?>">
<?php the_author_firstname(); ?> <?php the_author_lastname(); ?></a></h4>
<p><?php the_author_firstname(); ?> has written <strong><?php the_author_posts(); ?></strong> articles for us. <br/><br/><?php the_author_description(); ?></p>
</div>
<?php }
}
add_action(‘thesis_hook_after_post_box’, ‘add_author_bio’);

[/php]
- Now that we have added the author bio code, next we will have to style author bio by CSS code.
- Navigate to Thesis > Custom File Editor, select custom.css file and copy paste the below code snippet very carefully in Custom.CSS file.
[css]

.postauthor {background: #F5F5F5; border-top: 1px solid #e1e1e0; border-bottom: 1px solid #e1e1e0; overflow: hidden; padding: 1.5em; }
.postauthor img { border: 5px solid #e2dede; float: left; margin-right: 1.5em; }
.postauthor h4 { color: #666; font-size: 2em; margin-bottom: 5px; }
.postauthor p { color: #515151; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12px; }

[/css]
- Above code will style author bio for single post and you can change color of box background and font color accordingly in the above code to match the theme.
- Now, that we have added the code, you can refresh the website and see the author bio after post detailed page.
I’m sure by adding author bio in single post, will increase blog rating and a check plus to boost your author’s enthusiasm. Do let us know the after effects of adding Author Bio in your blog, by a simple feedback.

If you have any query or further assistance is required, then you can post comment below.
March 20, 2011
How to add facebook like button on post page in Thesis Theme ?

I have already mentioned about facebook like button for wordpress and in this article we will learn to add like button in thesis theme.

Get Thesis Theme Now

As we all know about Thesis Theme and its content management as well SEO capabilities. Though it is a simple wordpress theme allowing endless customization for wordpress blog. If you don’t have a copy of Thesis Theme then you can download thesis theme here. If you are using an old version of Thesis Theme then I recommend you to safely upgrade thesis theme.

Add Facebook Like button in Single post

As we all know that Thesis customization is done using thesis hooks which are overriding functions. To show like button in single post, copy-paste the code snippet in the custom_functions.php.

Make sure you take full backup of custom_functions.php file using FTP before modifying it.

[php]

function joe_adds_like_btn () {
if (is_single()) { ?>
<div style="float:right; margin:0 10px;">
<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=<?php echo urlencode(get_permalink($post->ID));?>&layout=button_count&show_faces=false&width=90&action=like&colorscheme=light" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:90px; height:25px;"></iframe>
</div>
<?php
}}
add_action(‘thesis_hook_before_headline’,’joe_adds_like_btn’);

[/php]

Save the custom_functions.php file, once you are done adding the above code. Now upload the edited file on server using ftp client and when you will refresh website, you will find something like in screenshot below.

Facebook Like button on Single Post

As we have added facebook like button in thesis theme, we come to the end of this article. If you have any queries then you can post comment below as your feedback.

March 19, 2011
How to increase upload media file size limit in WordPress
Are you unable to upload media file in wordpress ? Well, you don’t have to worry about this common limitation set by wordpress. Usually, upload file size error occur when we try to upload a heavy file like a video, or a PDF file, or any other media, exceeding the upload file limit. WordPress throws an exception saying “This file exceeds the maximum upload size for this site”, a similar can be seen in screenshot below.

Error Media file size exceeds limit

For different web hosting like hostgator or bluehost , WordPress sets different upload file size limit depending upon the PHP configuration on server. For instance, hostgator sets the default limit to 64MB. But there are many more web hosting, which set default limit to only 2MB. In this article we will learn to increase upload media file size limit in wordpress.

How to increase file upload limit in wordpress?
- Login to CPanel of your website hosting, for instance hostgator or bluehost etc…
- Navigate to /public_html/wp-admin using the file manager.
- In the wp-admin directory look for php.ini file and if found then right-click to edit php.ini file in text editor. But if not found, then create a new file and name it as “php.ini” and then open it in the code editor.
Edit Php.ini File
- When you click the edit button, as in the screenshot above, it will open the php.ini file in text editor. If you have just created new a file php.ini file, then simply copy-paste the below code and save it.
[php]

upload_max_filesize = 32M
post_max_size = 32M

[/php]
- But if you have edited the already existing php.ini file then, search for “upload_max_filesize” line and change the numeric value to 32M, or as desired, 64M, 128M etc…
- Click save button and close the file.
- Now login to WordPress Admin panel and navigate to Media > Add new media.
- Now you will notice the maximum upload file size has been increased to the value we just set in the php.ini file, just like in the screenshot below.
Upload Media Size Increased
- Now you can upload your media with file size up to 32MB, but if you want to increase the limit then you again edit php.ini file and change its desired value.
I hope this tutorial was not that complex as it seemed initially, but all’s well, that ends well. If you have any query or any further assistance required, then you can post comments as your feedback.
March 19, 2011