Written on: April 11, 2016
This tutorial will show how to set up the Genesis User Profile Widget.
In order to use this widget correctly, you will need a WordPress.com / Gravatar.com account. Gravatar, which is short for Globally Recognized Avatar, is a free service provided by Automattic, the same folks who created WordPress.com. Once you get your WordPress.com account, that same username and password will log you into Gravatar.com.
If you come across any issues or confusion with this tutorial, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Step 1: If you don’t already have one, you need to signup for a WordPress.com account. This IS different than WordPress.org. Go to: Gravatar.com. Up at the very top right hand side, you will see WordPress.com Sign In. Click on Sign In.
Step 2:
Step 3: On this page, click on Create an Account at the bottom of the form. If you already have a WordPress.com account, login and skip to step.
Step 4: Fill out the form with your email address, a username and a password. Click on Sign Up.
Step 5: The next page is a note stating you’ll get a confirmation email with a link to activate your account. Click on the link in the email to activate and log into your Gravatar account.
Step 6: Click on My Profile from the top navigation tab and add or change any of your profile information. Save Profile.
Step 7: Click on My Gravatars from the top navigation tab to manage your Gravatar image.
Step 8: On this page you will now be able to add a image, click on either links to add an image.
Step 9: Click on Upload new to pick an image from your computer.
Step 10: Browse to find the image to use, then click on Next.
Step 11: On this next page you will be able to crop your photo by using your mouse. You can leave the image square or make it rectangle. Scroll down for a small and large preview sample. Once you are done and happy with your image, click on the Crop and Finish button.
Step 12: Next, rate your Gravatar by clicking on one of the ratings.
Step 13: You are now done and are back on the Manage Gravatars page.
Step 14: Log into your WordPress site dashboard.
Step 15: Under Users, click on Your Profile.
Step 16: Scroll down to About Yourself and fill out the Biographical Info. You will notice that your Gravatar is showing under Profile Picture, it worked! Scroll down to the bottom and click on Update Profile.
Step 17: Under Appearance, click on Widgets.
Step 18: On the left hand side under Available Widgets, you will see the Genesis User Profile Widget. Drag and drop that widget to your Primary Sidebar on the right hand side.
Step 19: Under the Primary Sidebar area, click the down arrow for the Genesis User Profile Widget to open it up and fill out the options.
Step 20: Options to fill out:
Title: Title for this Widget
Select a User: Use the drop down and choose the correct name.
Gravatar Size: Use the drop down and the correct size needed.
Gravatar Alignment: Use the drop down and select either right or left alignment.
Bio Text: Choose Author Bio to take the text from the User Profile Area. Choose Custom Text to place in your own text.
Extended About Page: Use the drop down to select an extended about me page (optional).
Extended Page Link Text: Change the Read More text to something else if needed.
Be sure to click on SAVE before moving on.
Step 20: You are done! Now go to your site homepage, refresh and take a look at your awesome profile!
