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Complete Setup Guide

Everything you need to launch your automated content site from start to finish.

System Requirements

Before installing Content Steer, make sure your server meets these requirements:

  • WordPress: Version 5.8 or higher
  • PHP: Version 7.4 or higher (8.0+ recommended)
  • MySQL: Version 5.6 or higher
  • Memory: 256MB WordPress memory limit recommended
  • HTTPS: SSL certificate required for API connections
Tip: Most modern WordPress hosts meet these requirements. If unsure, contact your hosting provider.

Installation

Follow these steps to install Content Steer on your WordPress site:

1

Download the Plugin

After purchase, download the plugin ZIP file from your order confirmation email or account dashboard.

2

Upload to WordPress

Go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin. Select the ZIP file and click "Install Now".

3

Activate the Plugin

After installation, click "Activate Plugin". You'll see a new "Content Steer" menu item in your dashboard.

Important: Do not unzip the file before uploading. WordPress needs the ZIP file to install the plugin correctly.

License Activation

Activate your license to enable all features and receive updates:

1

Find Your License Key

Your license key is included in your purchase confirmation email. It looks like: CS-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

2

Enter the License

Go to Content Steer > License. Paste your license key and click "Activate".

3

Verify Activation

You'll see a green "Active" status and your license tier (Starter, Professional, or Agency).

API Key Setup

Content Steer uses AI APIs to generate content. Here's how to set them up:

OpenAI (Required)

  1. Create an account at platform.openai.com
  2. Go to API Keys section and create a new key
  3. Add billing information (pay-as-you-go)
  4. Copy your API key
  5. Paste in Content Steer > Settings > API Keys

Claude AI (Professional+)

  1. Create an account at console.anthropic.com
  2. Generate an API key
  3. Add to Content Steer settings
Cost Estimate: Most users spend $5-20/month on API costs for 10-20 articles per week. Much cheaper than freelance writers!

Generate Your First Article

Now let's create your first AI-generated article:

1

Go to Generate

Navigate to Content Steer > Generate in your WordPress dashboard.

2

Enter a Keyword

Type your target keyword (e.g., "best hiking boots for beginners") in the keyword field.

3

Configure Options

Select your AI model, content length, and whether to generate as draft or publish immediately.

4

Click Generate

Hit the "Generate Article" button and watch the magic happen. This typically takes 1-3 minutes.

AI Model Selection

Content Steer supports multiple AI models. Here's when to use each:

  • GPT-4o: Best balance of quality and speed. Recommended for most content.
  • GPT-4 Turbo: Highest quality, slightly slower. Great for pillar content.
  • Claude 3 Sonnet: Excellent for nuanced, well-researched articles. (Professional+ only)
  • Claude 3 Opus: Premium model for exceptional quality. (Professional+ only)

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

"API Key Invalid" Error

  • Double-check your API key for typos
  • Ensure billing is set up in your OpenAI/Anthropic account
  • Verify the key has not expired or been revoked

Generation Timeout

  • Increase PHP max_execution_time (300 seconds recommended)
  • Increase WordPress memory limit to 256MB
  • Try generating shorter content first

Automation Not Working

  • Verify WordPress cron is functioning
  • Check that automation is enabled in settings
  • Ensure keyword queue has items
  • Consider setting up a real cron job for reliability
Still stuck? Contact our support team and we'll help you out!