Getting Started Guide

Welcome to AI CMS Pro! This quick start guide will help you get up and running quickly after installation.

AI CMS Pro is a comprehensive Laravel-based content management system featuring e-commerce, learning management, and a powerful page builder, enhanced with AI capabilities for streamlined content creation.

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Table of Contents

1. First Steps
2. Essential Configuration
3. Basic Workflow
4. Common Tasks
5. Next Steps

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First Steps

1. Log In to Admin Panel

After installation:

1. Navigate to: http://yourdomain.com/login
2. Enter your admin credentials:
   • Email: The email you used during installation
   • Password: The password you created
3. Click Login

2. Explore the Dashboard

Once logged in, you'll see:

• Dashboard: Overview of your site
• Navigation Menu: Access to all modules
• Quick Stats: Key metrics
• Recent Activity: Latest actions

3. Familiarize Yourself

Take a moment to:

• Browse the navigation menu
• Check available modules
• Review dashboard widgets
• Understand the layout

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Essential Configuration

Step 1: General Settings

1. Go to Settings → General
2. Configure:
   • App Name: Your site name
   • Logo: Upload your logo
   • Favicon: Upload favicon
   • Default Language: Select language
   • Timezone: Set timezone
3. Click Save

See: General Settings

Step 2: Email Configuration

1. Go to Settings → Email Settings
2. Configure SMTP:
   • Host: SMTP server
   • Port: Usually 587
   • Username: Your email
   • Password: Email password
   • Encryption: TLS
3. Test email sending
4. Click Save

See: Email Settings

Step 3: Payment Gateways (If Needed)

If you're selling products or services:

1. Go to Settings → Payment Gateways
2. Add payment gateway:
   • Stripe: Most popular
   • PayPal: Widely used
   • Other: As needed
3. Enter API credentials
4. Test connection
5. Click Save

See: Payment Gateways

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Basic Workflow

Creating Your First Page

1. Go to Pages:

   • Navigate to Core → Pages
   • Click Create New Page

2. Basic Information:

   • Enter page title (e.g., "About Us")
   • Slug auto-generates
   • Choose template (or start blank)

3. Build Content:

   • Use page builder
   • Add blocks (text, images, etc.)
   • Arrange content
   • Preview as you go

4. Publish:

   • Set status to "Published"
   • Click Save
   • Page is live!

See: Pages Module

Creating Your First Blog Post

1. Go to Blog Posts:

   • Navigate to Content Management → Blog Posts
   • Click Create New Post

2. Write Content:

   • Enter title
   • Write post content
   • Add featured image
   • Assign category

3. SEO Settings:

   • Add meta title
   • Write meta description
   • Add keywords

4. Publish:

   • Set status to "Published"
   • Click Publish
   • Post is live!

See: Blog Posts Module

Uploading Media

1. Go to Media Library:

   • Navigate to Core → Media Library
   • Click Upload Files

2. Organize:

   • Create folders
   • Name files clearly
   • Add to appropriate folders

3. Use Media:

   • Select from library when needed
   • Insert into pages/posts
   • Use in products/services

See: Media Library

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Common Tasks

Adding a New User

1. Go to Core → Users
2. Click Create New User
3. Enter:
   • Name
   • Email
   • Password
   • Role
4. Click Create User

See: User Management

Creating a Product

1. Go to E-Commerce → Products
2. Click Create New Product
3. Enter:
   • Product name
   • Description
   • Price
   • Images
   • Categories
4. Click Publish

See: Products Module

Setting Up an Appointment Type

1. Go to Business → Appointments → Appointment Types
2. Click Create New Type
3. Configure:
   • Name and description
   • Duration
   • Price
   • Availability
4. Generate time slots
5. Click Save

See: Appointments Module

Managing Module Settings

1. Go to Settings → Module Settings
2. View all modules
3. Enable/disable modules as needed
4. Configure module-specific settings
5. Save changes

See: Module Settings

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Next Steps

Content Creation

1. Create Pages:

   • About Us
   • Contact
   • Services
   • Portfolio

2. Add Blog Posts:

   • Create content calendar
   • Write posts
   • Organize with categories

3. Add Products/Services:

   • Create your offerings
   • Add descriptions
   • Set pricing

Customization

1. Branding:

   • Upload logo
   • Set colors
   • Customize header/footer

2. Design:

   • Custom CSS
   • Theme customization
   • Layout adjustments

3. Content:

   • Customize pages
   • Add testimonials
   • Create FAQs

Advanced Setup

1. Payment Processing:

   • Configure gateways
   • Test transactions
   • Set up webhooks

2. Email Automation:

   • Set up email templates
   • Configure notifications
   • Test email sending

3. User Management:

   • Create roles
   • Assign permissions
   • Set up teams

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Quick Reference

Important URLs

• Admin Login: /login
• Admin Dashboard: /admin
• Frontend: / (homepage)

Key Modules

• Pages: /admin/pages
• Blog: /admin/posts
• Products: /admin/products
• Users: /admin/users
• Settings: /admin/settings

Getting Help

1. Documentation:

   • Review module guides
   • Check settings documentation
   • Read troubleshooting guides

2. Support:

   • Check error logs
   • Review common issues
   • Contact support if needed

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Recommended Learning Path

Week 1: Basics

• [ ] Configure general settings
• [ ] Set up email
• [ ] Create first page
• [ ] Upload media files
• [ ] Create first blog post

Week 2: Content

• [ ] Create multiple pages
• [ ] Add blog content
• [ ] Set up categories
• [ ] Add testimonials
• [ ] Create FAQs

Week 3: E-Commerce

• [ ] Add products/services
• [ ] Configure pricing
• [ ] Set up payment gateways
• [ ] Test checkout process
• [ ] Configure shipping

Week 4: Advanced

• [ ] Set up appointments
• [ ] Configure courses (if using)
• [ ] Set up support tickets
• [ ] Customize design
• [ ] Optimize for SEO

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Tips for Success

Start Simple

• Don't try to do everything at once
• Focus on essential features first
• Add complexity gradually
• Test as you go

Regular Backups

• Set up automated backups
• Test restore process
• Keep backups off-server
• Document backup schedule

Stay Updated

• Keep software updated
• Review new features
• Check for security updates
• Read release notes

Monitor Performance

• Check site speed
• Monitor error logs
• Review analytics
• Optimize as needed

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Related Documentation

• Post-Installation Setup
• General Settings
• Module Documentation
• Settings Documentation

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Last Updated: [Date will be updated during final review]