Documentation · Initial setup
Configure SitePublisher AI in the right order.
Confirm the WordPress basics, connect your own OpenAI API account and define the Website Profile that guides every article created for this website.
For Free and Pro · Preview settings before saving · Never share credentials
Before plugin configuration
Check the WordPress settings SitePublisher AI uses
Open WordPress Settings → General first. Correct website information prevents avoidable language and scheduling differences later.
Site Title and address
Confirm the public website name and URLs. SitePublisher AI uses the current installation as the local destination called This website.
Site Language
The initial local language follows WordPress Site Language. You can override it and select multiple content languages in Website Profile.
Timezone
Select the real local timezone rather than relying on an incorrect default. Publication dates and scheduled Pro workflows use WordPress time.
Setup path
Complete these steps from top to bottom
The first five steps apply to both Free and Pro. Start with the local website before adding remote websites or automation in Pro.
Open the SitePublisher AI dashboard
Confirm that the dashboard loads and that the Edition card shows SitePublisher AI Free or SitePublisher AI Pro as expected.
Review the WordPress basics
Check Site Title, Site Language and Timezone under WordPress Settings → General before configuring content.
Connect your OpenAI API key
Open SitePublisher AI → Platform Settings → OpenAI API, enter the key, preview the exact change and save the encrypted key.
Review Platform Settings
Check the default length, AI output budget, article structure, FAQ and call-to-action preferences. Keep the defaults if they fit your workflow.
Save the local Website Profile
Open Website Profile, choose This website if needed and complete the country, languages, tone, audience, reading level and author.
Prepare a draft test
Open Single Article and confirm that This website is selected. Use the first article guide to create and review a draft before publishing.
OpenAI API, Platform Settings and Website Profile each require a preview before their save button becomes available. Review that preview rather than trying to bypass it.
Connect OpenAI
Store your own API key securely
SitePublisher AI does not include OpenAI usage. Create and fund your own OpenAI API account, then connect its secret key inside WordPress.
Create API access
- Sign in to the official OpenAI Platform
- Add API billing or credits to the API account
- Create a secret API key for SitePublisher AI
- Copy it once and keep it out of messages and screenshots
Preview and save the key
- Open Platform Settings → OpenAI API
- Paste the key into Secret API key
- Select Preview key change
- Review the preview and select Save encrypted key
Confirm the active source
- Check that GPT configuration says Configured
- Confirm that Encrypted key stored says Yes
- Note that an externally configured key can take priority
- Never send the stored key to SitePublisher AI Support
Platform Settings
Start with the safe defaults
The default content specification is ready for a normal first article. Change it only when you have a clear editorial reason, then preview the complete result before saving.
Length and AI budget
Review target word count, maximum output tokens and the allowed word-count tolerance.
Article structure
Review the minimum number of H2 and H3 headings, bullet lists and items per list.
FAQ and call to action
Choose whether the defaults allow an FAQ section and a call to action in generated articles.
Preview before saving
Select Preview defaults, resolve any validation message and then select Save previewed defaults.
Article-specific choices can override the defaults later. Keeping the supplied defaults is the safest way to complete a first test.
Website Profile
Define the identity of this website
The Website Profile supplies consistent context for generated content. Free includes the current WordPress website; Pro can maintain a separate profile for every connected destination.
Country and languages
Select the primary country or territory and one or more content languages. Official languages for that country appear first; the first selected language becomes the default.
Tone and audience
Choose the preferred writing tone and describe the primary readers or customers precisely enough to guide the article.
Reading Level
Select the desired complexity and accessibility. Match it to the real audience rather than trying to make every article sound highly technical.
Author
Enter the default author identity used as content context. This is a writing preference and does not replace WordPress user permissions.
Ahrefs DR
Add the current Domain Rating from 0 to 100 when it is relevant to your workflow. This field is optional and updated manually.
Preview Profile
Review every field, resolve missing required values and select Save Profile only after the preview matches the intended website identity.
Setup complete
Run a short verification before creating content
A correct initial setup should leave the dashboard, OpenAI configuration and local Website Profile in a clear ready state.
Ready for the first article
Confirm the items below before starting a real content request.
- The expected Free or Pro edition is shown
- OpenAI GPT configuration says Configured
- An encrypted key is stored or an approved override is active
- The local Website Profile is complete and saved
- This website appears as the Single Article destination
Do not add complexity too early
These settings can wait until the basic local workflow has been tested successfully.
- Changing the supplied Platform Settings defaults
- Adding Ahrefs DR to the Website Profile
- Connecting remote WordPress websites in Pro
- Creating bulk automation and schedules in Pro
- Configuring company details for Pro reports
Next guide
Set up the OpenAI API connection in detail.
The next guide explains the difference between ChatGPT and API billing, how to create a secret key and how SitePublisher AI protects it inside WordPress.
Initial setup FAQ
Common first-time questions
These answers help separate required configuration from optional preferences.
Do I need to change every Platform Setting?
No. The supplied defaults are suitable for a normal first test. Change them only when your editorial workflow needs different length, structure, FAQ or call-to-action rules.
Why must I preview settings before saving?
The preview shows the exact validated change and unlocks the save action. This helps prevent incomplete profiles, invalid content settings and unintended credential changes.
Can I select more than one language?
Yes. Select one or more languages in Website Profile. Official languages for the chosen country appear first, and the first selected language is used as the default.
Does ChatGPT Plus include the API access I need?
No. ChatGPT subscriptions and OpenAI API billing are separate. SitePublisher AI uses an API key from your own OpenAI Platform account.
Should I connect remote websites immediately in Pro?
Start with one successful article on the local website. Then connect remote websites and test each connection before introducing bulk automation or schedules.
Keep moving
Complete one reliable setup before scaling.
Configure OpenAI, save the Website Profile and create one controlled draft. Add Pro automation only after that basic workflow succeeds.