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# Getting started |
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Before you start, ensure your hosting environment satisfies the minimum specifications outlined by the [](https://wordpress.org/about/requirements/WordPress](https://wordpress.org/about/requirements/](https://wordpress.org/about/requirements/). Unfortunately, YeKen plugins may not work on older versions. |
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### Installing the core plugin (mandatory) |
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1. Install the [](https://wordpress.org/plugins/shortcode-variables/Snippet Shortcodes plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/shortcode-variables/](https://wordpress.org/plugins/shortcode-variables/). In your WordPress dashboard, go to 'Plugins' > 'Add New' search for 'Snippet Shortcodes,' and click 'Install Now.' |
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2. Activate the plugin. |
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3. To begin, create [your own shortcode]({{ site.baseurl }}/shortcodes-own.html). In the WP Dashboard, go to 'Snippet Shortcodes' > 'Your Snippet Shortcodes.' Then, click 'Add a New Shortcode Snippet' and follow the prompts. |
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4. Take a moment to explore the free [ready-made shortcodes]({{ site.baseurl }}/shortcodes-free.html) — you might find them quite useful for your website. |
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### Installing the Premium plugin (optional) |
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> Note: To get the Premium features, you must install both plugins and have a [](https://shop.yeken.uk/product/shortcode-variables/Premium license](https://shop.yeken.uk/product/shortcode-variables/](https://shop.yeken.uk/product/shortcode-variables/). |
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1. Install the [](https://snippetshortcodes.yeken.uk/download/Snippet Shortcodes - Premium plugin](https://snippetshortcodes.yeken.uk/download/](https://snippetshortcodes.yeken.uk/download/). Start by downloading the plugin zip file from [](https://snippetshortcodes.yeken.uk/download/https://snippetshortcodes.yeken.uk/download/](https://snippetshortcodes.yeken.uk/download/](https://snippetshortcodes.yeken.uk/download/). |
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2. In your WordPress dashboard, go to 'Plugins' > 'Add New'. Click "Add Plugin", choose the downloaded zip file. |
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3. Activate the plugin. |
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4. Purchase a [](https://shop.yeken.uk/product/shortcode-variables/Premium license](https://shop.yeken.uk/product/shortcode-variables/](https://shop.yeken.uk/product/shortcode-variables/) and apply via the WordPress dashboard, "Snippet Shortcodes" > "Upgrade to Premium". |
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5. You should now have all of the additional [Premium features]({{ site.baseurl }}/features.html) applied as well as access to the [Premium ready-made shortcodes]({{ site.baseurl }}/shortcodes-premium.html). |
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