1. Install the plugin
- Sign in to the WordPress administrator.
- Open Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin.
- Select the BidPlugin ZIP file, install it, and activate it.
- Confirm that WordPress created Browse Jobs, Post a Job, and Bid Dashboard.
- Add those pages to your primary menu or marketplace navigation.
2. Choose a setup path
Manual setup
Add job categories under Jobs → Job Categories. This is the best route when you already know the exact trades or services your marketplace will support.
AI-assisted setup
Open Jobs → AI Setup, enter your own OpenAI API key, and describe the marketplace. Review the generated labels, categories, and custom fields. Edit the JSON if needed, then approve the configuration.
3. Configure email delivery
BidPlugin sends transaction emails when a winner is selected. WordPress mail delivery varies by host, so connect a reputable SMTP provider and send test messages before inviting real users.
4. Test with separate accounts
Create at least three users: one administrator, one customer, and one contractor. Do not test the whole workflow from a single account because job owners cannot bid on their own jobs.
- As the customer, publish a test job with a future deadline.
- As the contractor, find the listing and submit a bid.
- Confirm the contractor cannot submit a second bid.
- Withdraw and resubmit if that is part of your intended workflow.
- As the customer, open the dashboard and review the private bid.
- Select the winner and confirm the job closes.
- Verify notification emails reach each account.
5. Review production boundaries
The current plugin does not process payments, hold escrow, verify contractor licenses, or provide a dispute system. If your business model needs those capabilities, handle them through a clearly documented external process until an appropriate integration is available.
6. Prepare the site for search
- Write a unique title and description for every important page.
- Create useful niche and location pages only when each has original content.
- Link related guides and use cases through normal navigation.
- Submit the XML sitemap in Google Search Console.
- Use URL Inspection to request indexing for the homepage and your most important guide.
- Avoid publishing dozens of near-duplicate city pages.
Shortcodes
| Shortcode | Purpose |
|---|---|
[bidplugin_jobs] | Lists up to 12 open jobs. |
[bidplugin_jobs limit="24"] | Changes the listing limit. |
[bidplugin_jobs category="construction"] | Filters jobs by category slug. |
[bidplugin_submit_job] | Displays the front-end job form. |
[bidplugin_dashboard] | Shows a member’s posted jobs and submitted bids. |