Articles on: Product Roadmap

WordPress Product Roadmap Plugin - User Guide

WordPress Product Roadmap Plugin - User Guide


Table of Contents


Introduction


The WordPress Product Roadmap Plugin helps you create and manage product roadmaps directly on your WordPress website. Share your product vision, collect user feedback through voting and comments, and keep your community engaged with your development plans.


What You Can Do


For Product Owners:

  • Create and organize roadmap items with statuses and categories
  • Display beautiful roadmaps on any page using shortcodes
  • Collect user votes to prioritize features
  • Enable community discussions with comments
  • Accept feature suggestions from users
  • Track progress with percentage indicators
  • Set target dates and timelines
  • Manage multiple products (with Pro addon)


For Users:

  • Vote on features they want
  • Comment on roadmap items
  • Submit feature suggestions
  • Track what's being built
  • Stay informed about product direction


Installation & Setup


Automatic Installation


  1. Log into WordPress admin
  2. Go to Plugins > Add New
  3. Search for "Product Roadmap"
  4. Click Install Now on the Product Roadmap plugin
  5. Click Activate once installed


Manual Installation


  1. Download the plugin zip file from WordPress.org
  2. Go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin
  3. Click Choose File and select the zip
  4. Click Install Now
  5. Click Activate Plugin


Initial Setup Wizard


After activation, a setup wizard automatically appears to help you configure:


Step 1: Product Name

  • Enter your product name (e.g., "My Awesome App")
  • Customize item labels (default: "Feature" / "Features")
  • This appears in titles and throughout the interface


Step 2: Categories

  • Default categories are created: Feature, Enhancement, Bug Fix, Security, Performance
  • You can add custom categories or remove defaults
  • Categories help organize different types of items


Step 3: Statuses

  • Default statuses: Idea, Under Review, Planned, In Progress, Testing, Completed, Cancelled
  • Customize your workflow by adding/removing statuses
  • Statuses show development stage


Step 4: Settings

  • Enable voting (let users vote on items)
  • Enable comments (let users discuss items)
  • Enable suggestions (let users submit feature ideas)
  • Configure notification emails


Step 5: Demo Content (Optional)

  • Import sample roadmap items to see how it works
  • Great for testing before creating real items
  • Can delete demo items anytime


Click "Finish Setup" when done. You can always change these settings later.


What Gets Created


After setup:

  • Menu: "Roadmap" appears in WordPress admin sidebar
  • Database tables: For storing votes and settings
  • Taxonomies: Categories, Statuses, Products (taxonomy-based)
  • Default product: "Main" product is created
  • Settings: Initial configuration is saved


Dashboard Overview


Access the dashboard at Roadmap > Dashboard in WordPress admin.


Dashboard Widgets


Quick Stats

  • Total roadmap items
  • Items by status (Planned, In Progress, Completed, etc.)
  • Total votes received
  • Recent activity


Recent Items

  • Shows latest 5 roadmap items
  • Quick links to edit
  • Status indicators


Popular Items

  • Top voted items
  • Helps identify community priorities
  • Click to view/edit


Activity Feed

  • Recent votes
  • New comments
  • Feature suggestions
  • Status changes


Top Navigation


The Roadmap menu includes:

  • Dashboard: Overview and quick stats
  • All Items: View and manage all roadmap items
  • Add New Item: Create a new roadmap item
  • Statuses: Manage status taxonomy
  • Categories: Manage category taxonomy
  • Products: Manage products (shown if Pro addon active)
  • Settings: Configure plugin options


Creating & Managing Roadmap Items


Creating a New Item


  1. Go to Roadmap > Add New Item


  1. Fill in Item Details:


Title (Required)

  • Clear, concise feature name
  • Example: "Dark Mode Support"


Description (Content Editor)

  • Detailed explanation of the feature
  • Use formatting, images, videos
  • Explain why this matters
  • Example: "Add a dark color scheme that reduces eye strain..."


Excerpt (Optional)

  • Short summary (1-2 sentences)
  • Shows in board view cards
  • If left empty, auto-generated from content


  1. Assign Taxonomy:


Status (Right sidebar)

  • Select current development stage
  • Default: "Planned"
  • Choose from: Idea, Under Review, Planned, In Progress, Testing, Completed, Cancelled


Category (Right sidebar)

  • Select item type
  • Choose from: Feature, Enhancement, Bug Fix, Security, Performance
  • Can select multiple categories


Product (Right sidebar)

  • Assign to product (default: "Main")
  • With Pro: Can assign to multiple products


  1. Set Additional Fields:


Priority (Meta box)

  • Low, Medium, High, Critical
  • Helps internal prioritization


Progress (Meta box)

  • Percentage complete (0-100%)
  • Updates as work progresses
  • Shows progress bar on frontend


Target Date (Meta box)

  • Expected completion date
  • Click calendar icon to select
  • Optional but recommended


Start Date (Meta box)

  • When work begins
  • Useful for timeline planning


End Date (Meta box)

  • Actual completion date
  • Set when item is completed


Featured Image (Right sidebar)

  • Optional image for the item
  • Shows in certain views
  • Recommended size: 1200x630px


  1. Publish
  • Click Publish to make live
  • Or Save Draft to work on later
  • Preview to see how it looks


Managing Existing Items


View All Items

  1. Go to Roadmap > All Items
  2. See list of all roadmap items with:
  • Title
  • Status
  • Category
  • Votes count
  • Comments count
  • Date


Filter Items

  • By Status: Dropdown at top to filter
  • By Category: Dropdown at top
  • By Date: Date filter at top
  • Search: Search box for keywords


Bulk Actions

  1. Check boxes next to items
  2. Select action from dropdown:
  • Edit: Mass edit selected items
  • Move to Trash: Delete multiple items
  1. Click Apply


Quick Edit

Hover over item title and click Quick Edit to quickly change:

  • Title
  • Status
  • Category
  • Priority
  • Target date


Individual Edit

  • Click item title to edit full details
  • Change any field
  • Add/remove categories
  • Update progress
  • Click Update to save


Trash/Delete

  • Hover and click Trash to move to trash
  • Go to Trash tab to permanently delete or restore


Item Meta Boxes


When editing an item, you'll see meta boxes:


Roadmap Item Details

  • Priority selector (Low/Medium/High/Critical)
  • Progress slider (0-100%)
  • Target Date picker
  • Start Date picker
  • End Date picker


Roadmap Statistics (Read-only)

  • Total votes
  • Total comments
  • View count
  • Last updated date


Publish Box

  • Save Draft
  • Preview
  • Status (Published/Draft/Pending)
  • Visibility (Public/Private/Password Protected)
  • Publish immediately or schedule


Categories & Statuses


Understanding Taxonomies


Categories and Statuses are taxonomies that organize your roadmap items.


Categories = Type of item (what it is)

Statuses = Development stage (where it's at)


Managing Statuses


Access at Roadmap > Statuses


Default Statuses:

  1. Idea - Suggested but not confirmed
  2. Under Review - Being evaluated by team
  3. Planned - Approved, scheduled for development
  4. In Progress - Actively being developed
  5. Testing - In quality assurance phase
  6. Completed - Finished and deployed
  7. Cancelled - Won't be implemented


Add New Status:

  1. Click Roadmap > Statuses
  2. Fill in form:
  • Name: Display name (e.g., "In Development")
  • Slug: URL-friendly (e.g., "in-development")
  • Description: Optional explanation
  • Color: Pick a color for board view
  • Icon: Dashicon class (optional)
  • Order: Display order (lower = first)
  1. Click Add New Status


Edit Status:

  • Click status name
  • Modify fields
  • Click Update


Delete Status:

  • Hover over status
  • Click Delete
  • Items assigned to it will become "Uncategorized"
  • Warning: Deleting affects all items with that status


Best Practices for Statuses:

  • Keep 5-8 statuses for clarity
  • Use clear, action-oriented names
  • Order logically (left to right flow)
  • Choose distinct colors for visual clarity


Managing Categories


Access at Roadmap > Categories


Default Categories:

  1. Feature - New functionality
  2. Enhancement - Improvements to existing features
  3. Bug Fix - Fixing issues
  4. Security - Security updates
  5. Performance - Speed/optimization improvements


Add New Category:

  1. Click Roadmap > Categories
  2. Fill in form:
  • Name: Display name (e.g., "Integration")
  • Slug: URL-friendly (e.g., "integration")
  • Description: What this category includes
  • Icon: Dashicon class (optional)
  1. Click Add New Category


Edit/Delete Category:

  • Same process as statuses
  • Items keep category even after deletion (stored in database)


Category Usage Tips:

  • Use categories to filter items
  • Items can have multiple categories
  • Create categories based on your product areas
  • Examples: Mobile, Web, API, Design, Infrastructure


Product Management


Products let you manage separate roadmaps. The free version includes basic product support via taxonomy.


Default Product


  • Main product is created automatically
  • Use for single-product roadmaps
  • Required parameter in shortcodes


Viewing Products


Go to Roadmap > Products to:

  • See all products
  • View item count per product
  • See shortcode for each product


Adding Products


  1. Go to Roadmap > Products
  2. Enter product details:
  • Name: Product name (e.g., "Mobile App")
  • Slug: URL-friendly (e.g., "mobile-app")
  • Description: Product description
  1. Click Add New Product


Assigning Items to Products


When editing an item:

  1. Find Product taxonomy box (right sidebar)
  2. Check product(s) this item belongs to
  3. Can select multiple products
  4. Click Update to save


Using Products


Display specific product roadmap:

[roadmap product="mobile-app"]


Filter items by product in admin:

  • Dropdown filter above item list
  • Select product to view only its items


Displaying Roadmaps on Frontend


Basic Shortcode


Minimum required shortcode:

[roadmap product="main"]


The product parameter is mandatory. Use "main" for the default product.


Shortcode Parameters


Full example with all parameters:

[roadmap
    product="main"
    template="board"
    status="planned,in-progress"
    category="feature"
    limit="50"
    orderby="votes"
    order="desc"
]


Available Parameters:


product (Required)

  • Which product to display
  • Value: product slug (e.g., "main", "mobile-app")
  • Example: product="main"


template (Optional)

  • Display style
  • Default: "board"
  • Free version: "board" only
  • Pro version: "board", "timeline", "list", "cards", "minimal"
  • Example: template="board"


status (Optional)

  • Filter by status
  • Single: status="planned"
  • Multiple: status="planned,in-progress,completed"
  • Comma-separated status slugs


category (Optional)

  • Filter by category
  • Single: category="feature"
  • Multiple: category="feature,enhancement"
  • Comma-separated category slugs


limit (Optional)

  • How many items to show
  • Default: 100
  • Example: limit="20"


orderby (Optional)

  • Sort items by field
  • Values: "date", "title", "votes", "modified"
  • Default: "date"
  • Example: orderby="votes"


order (Optional)

  • Sort direction
  • Values: "ASC" (ascending), "DESC" (descending)
  • Default: "DESC"
  • Example: order="desc"


mode (Optional)

  • Display mode
  • Values: "view" (default), "manage" (Pro - enables drag & drop)
  • Example: mode="view"


Display Examples


Show all items from main product:

[roadmap product="main"]


Show only planned features:

[roadmap product="main" status="planned" category="feature"]


Show top voted items:

[roadmap product="main" orderby="votes" order="desc" limit="10"]


Show in-progress and testing items:

[roadmap product="main" status="in-progress,testing"]


Adding to Pages


Gutenberg Editor:

  1. Add a Shortcode block
  2. Paste shortcode
  3. Preview and publish


Classic Editor:

  1. Switch to Text mode
  2. Paste shortcode where you want roadmap
  3. Switch back to Visual mode to see placeholder
  4. Publish


Page Builders:

  • Elementor: Use Shortcode widget
  • WPBakery: Use Raw HTML element
  • Beaver Builder: Use HTML module
  • Divi: Use Code module


Widget Areas


Add roadmap to sidebar or footer:

  1. Go to Appearance > Widgets
  2. Add Custom HTML widget
  3. Paste shortcode in content
  4. Save


Menu Items


Create menu link to roadmap page:

  1. Create page with roadmap shortcode
  2. Appearance > Menus
  3. Add page to menu
  4. Save menu


User Engagement Features


Voting System


How Voting Works:

  • Users click vote button on items
  • One vote per user per item
  • Votes are tracked and displayed
  • Helps prioritize features


Enabling Voting:

  1. Go to Roadmap > Settings > General
  2. Check Enable Voting
  3. Choose Require Login for Voting (recommended)
  4. Save settings


Vote Display:

  • Vote count shown on item cards
  • Items can be sorted by votes
  • Admins see who voted (in meta box when editing item)


Guest Voting:

  • If enabled, anonymous users can vote
  • Uses cookies/IP to prevent duplicate votes
  • Less reliable than logged-in voting
  • Enable in Settings > Advanced


Removing Votes:

  • Users can click vote button again to unvote
  • Admins can manually delete votes from item edit screen


Comments & Discussions


Enabling Comments:

  1. Go to Roadmap > Settings > General
  2. Check Enable Comments
  3. Configure comment settings:
  • Require login to comment
  • Moderate comments
  • Email notifications for new comments
  1. Save settings


Comment Features:

  • Standard WordPress comments
  • Threaded replies
  • Moderation tools
  • Spam protection (if Akismet active)
  • Email notifications


Managing Comments:

  • View all comments at Comments in WordPress admin
  • Approve/unapprove comments
  • Reply to comments
  • Mark as spam or trash


Comment Display:

  • Shows on single item page
  • Comment count on item cards
  • Click to view all comments
  • Standard WordPress comment form


Feature Suggestions


Let users submit feature ideas that become roadmap items.


Enabling Suggestions:

  1. Go to Roadmap > Settings > General
  2. Check Enable Feature Suggestions
  3. Configure:
  • Require Login: Make users log in to suggest
  • Default Status: Status for new suggestions (default: "Under Review")
  • Notification Email: Get notified of new suggestions
  1. Save settings


How It Works:

  1. Suggest Button appears on roadmap
  2. User clicks and fills form:
  • Title (required)
  • Description (required)
  • Category (optional)
  • Email (if guest submission allowed)
  1. Submission creates draft item with "Under Review" status
  2. Admin receives email notification


Managing Suggestions:

  1. Go to Roadmap > All Items
  2. Filter by "Under Review" status
  3. Review each suggestion:
  • Approve: Change status to "Planned" or "Idea"
  • Edit: Improve title/description
  • Reject: Move to trash or "Cancelled"
  1. Suggestions are now regular roadmap items


Suggestion Notifications:

  • Admin gets email for each suggestion
  • Email includes title, description, submitter
  • Configure email address in settings
  • Can disable notifications


Tips for Suggestions:

  • Review regularly (weekly)
  • Thank submitters (comment on item)
  • Explain decisions (why accepted/rejected)
  • Merge duplicate suggestions
  • Keep submitters informed of progress


Settings Configuration


Access at Roadmap > Settings


General Settings Tab


Product Information

  • Product Name: Your product name (appears in titles)
  • Item Singular Label: What to call one item (default: "Feature")
  • Item Plural Label: What to call multiple items (default: "Features")


Display Options

  • Items Per Page: How many items to show (default: 100)
  • Default Status: Initial status for new items (default: "Planned")
  • Enable Dark Mode: Toggle dark theme support


User Interaction

  • Enable Voting: Let users vote on items
  • Enable Comments: Let users comment on items
  • Enable Suggestions: Let users submit feature ideas
  • Require Login for Suggestions: Make users log in to suggest


Notifications

  • Admin Email: Where to send notifications
  • Notify on New Vote: Email when someone votes (can be noisy)
  • Notify on New Comment: Email on new comments
  • Notify on New Suggestion: Email on feature suggestions


Display Settings Tab


Board View Settings

  • Status Column Order: Drag to reorder status columns
  • Items Per Status: Limit items shown per column
  • Show Vote Count: Display vote numbers
  • Show Comment Count: Display comment numbers
  • Show Progress Bar: Display completion percentage


Item Card Display

  • Show Excerpt: Display item excerpt on cards
  • Show Category Badge: Show category label
  • Show Target Date: Display target date on cards
  • Show Priority Badge: Display priority level
  • Card Height: Auto or fixed height


Colors & Styling

  • Primary Color: Main theme color (buttons, links)
  • Status Colors: Color for each status column
  • Custom CSS: Add your own CSS for advanced styling


Advanced Settings Tab


Performance

  • Cache Duration: How long to cache roadmap data (seconds)
  • Enable Object Cache: Use WordPress object cache if available
  • Lazy Load Images: Load images as user scrolls


Permissions

  • Who Can View Roadmap: Everyone, Logged-in users, or Specific roles
  • Who Can Vote: Everyone, Logged-in users, or Specific roles
  • Who Can Comment: Based on WordPress comment settings
  • Who Can Submit Suggestions: Everyone or Logged-in users


Guest Voting

  • Allow Guest Voting: Let non-logged-in users vote
  • Guest Vote Tracking: Cookie or IP address
  • Guest Vote Expiry: How long guest votes last (days)


Developer Options

  • REST API Access: Enable/disable REST API endpoints
  • Webhook URL: Send data to external services (Pro feature)
  • Debug Mode: Show debug information (for troubleshooting)


Notifications Tab


Email Templates

Customize notification emails:


New Suggestion Email

  • Subject: Email subject line
  • Body: Email content (supports variables)
  • Variables: {title}, {description}, {submitter}, {date}


New Comment Email

  • Subject: Email subject line
  • Body: Email content
  • Variables: {item_title}, {commenter}, {comment}, {link}


New Vote Email (if enabled)

  • Subject: Email subject line
  • Body: Email content
  • Variables: {item_title}, {voter}, {total_votes}


Email Settings

  • From Name: Sender name (default: site name)
  • From Email: Sender email address
  • Reply-To: Where replies go


Product Settings Tab


Per-Product Configuration (Pro Feature)

  • Configure settings for each product separately
  • Different statuses per product
  • Different categories per product
  • Product-specific colors and styling


Free Version:

  • Uses global settings for all products
  • One set of statuses/categories for all


Advanced Features


Progress Tracking


Setting Progress:

  1. Edit roadmap item
  2. Find Progress field in meta box
  3. Drag slider or enter percentage (0-100%)
  4. Click Update


Progress Display:

  • Shows as progress bar on item cards
  • Green bar fills based on percentage
  • Helps users see what's nearly done


Progress Tips:

  • Update regularly (weekly or at milestones)
  • 0% = Not started
  • 25% = Started, early stage
  • 50% = Half done
  • 75% = Mostly done
  • 100% = Completed (change status to "Completed")


Target Dates


Setting Target Date:

  1. Edit roadmap item
  2. Click Target Date field
  3. Select date from calendar
  4. Click Update


Date Display:

  • Shows on item cards if enabled
  • Format: Based on WordPress settings
  • Past dates highlighted in red
  • Upcoming dates in green


Date Tips:

  • Set realistic dates
  • Update if timeline changes
  • Use ranges (Q1 2024, etc.) for flexibility
  • Communicate delays to users


Priority Levels


Setting Priority:

  1. Edit roadmap item
  2. Select from Priority dropdown:
  • Low: Nice to have
  • Medium: Important but not urgent
  • High: Critical for users
  • Critical: Must have, blocking
  1. Click Update


Priority Use:

  • Internal prioritization
  • Can show priority badges on frontend (if enabled in settings)
  • Sort items by priority
  • Different colors per priority level


Custom Fields


Adding Custom Data:

  • Use Custom Fields meta box when editing item
  • Click Add New Custom Field
  • Enter name and value
  • Examples: estimated_hours, team_member, release_version


Displaying Custom Fields:

  • Requires custom code in theme
  • Access via get_post_meta($post_id, 'field_name', true)
  • Can display in custom templates


Single Item Pages


Each roadmap item has its own page with:

  • Full description
  • All metadata
  • Vote button
  • Comment section
  • Share buttons (if enabled)
  • Related items (if configured)


Customizing Single Pages:

  • Create template in theme: single-roadmap_item.php
  • Copy from plugin: templates/single-roadmap-item.php
  • Modify HTML/styling as needed


REST API Access


Endpoints Available:

  • /wp-json/roadmap/v1/items - Get roadmap items
  • /wp-json/roadmap/v1/items/{id} - Get single item
  • /wp-json/roadmap/v1/vote - Submit vote
  • /wp-json/roadmap/v1/settings - Get settings


Using the API:

  • Requires authentication for write operations
  • Use for mobile apps, integrations
  • See DEVELOPER-GUIDE.md for details


Enable/Disable:

  • Settings > Advanced > REST API Access
  • Toggle on/off
  • Secure with nonces and capabilities


Best Practices


Content Writing


Item Titles:

  • Keep under 60 characters
  • Be specific and clear
  • Use action verbs
  • Examples:
  • Good: "Add dark mode support"
  • Bad: "Dark mode"


Item Descriptions:

  • Explain the "why" not just "what"
  • Include benefits to users
  • Add mockups or screenshots if possible
  • Use formatting (headings, lists, bold)
  • 2-3 paragraphs minimum


Excerpts:

  • Write custom excerpts (don't rely on auto-generation)
  • 1-2 sentences max
  • Highlight key benefit
  • Ends with compelling call-to-action


Organization


Status Workflow:

  1. Idea → User suggestion or team idea
  2. Under Review → Team evaluating feasibility
  3. Planned → Approved, on roadmap
  4. In Progress → Development started
  5. Testing → In QA phase
  6. Completed → Live and deployed


Move items left to right through statuses.


Category Strategy:

  • Create 5-10 categories max
  • Based on product areas or types
  • Keep names short
  • Use consistently


Regular Maintenance:

  • Update item statuses weekly
  • Archive completed items after 3 months
  • Merge duplicate suggestions
  • Respond to comments within 48 hours
  • Update progress percentages at milestones


Engagement Tips


Encourage Voting:

  • Add call-to-action: "Vote for features you want!"
  • Promote in newsletters
  • Respond to top-voted items
  • Show votes influence decisions


Foster Discussion:

  • Reply to all comments
  • Ask for feedback
  • Update items based on comments
  • Thank contributors


Feature Suggestions:

  • Review within 1 week
  • Give feedback (accept/reject with reason)
  • Merge similar suggestions
  • Credit submitters when implemented


Transparency:

  • Explain delays
  • Show progress updates
  • Communicate changes
  • Share wins when items complete


Performance Optimization


For Large Roadmaps (100+ items):

  • Set reasonable Items Per Page (50-100)
  • Enable caching (Settings > Advanced)
  • Use status/category filters
  • Archive old items
  • Optimize images in descriptions


Caching:

  • Enable object cache if supported by host
  • Set cache duration to 3600 seconds (1 hour)
  • Clear cache after major updates
  • Use caching plugin (WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache)


Database:

  • Regular WordPress database optimization
  • Delete spam comments
  • Remove auto-drafts and revisions
  • Use database cleanup plugins


Troubleshooting


Roadmap Not Displaying


Problem: Shortcode shows but no roadmap appears


Solutions:

  1. Check shortcode syntax:
  • Must have product parameter
  • Correct: [roadmap product="main"]
  • Wrong: [roadmap]


  1. Verify items exist:
  • Go to Roadmap > All Items
  • Check items are Published (not Draft)
  • Items must be assigned to the product


  1. Check for JavaScript errors:
  • Open browser console (F12)
  • Look for red errors
  • Disable other plugins to test conflicts


  1. Clear cache:
  • If using caching plugin, clear cache
  • Clear browser cache
  • Try incognito/private mode


  1. Theme compatibility:
  • Switch to default WordPress theme (Twenty Twenty-Four)
  • Test if roadmap appears
  • Report theme conflict to theme author


Voting Not Working


Problem: Vote button doesn't respond


Solutions:

  1. Check settings:
  • Roadmap > Settings > General
  • Ensure "Enable Voting" is checked
  • Save settings


  1. Login requirement:
  • If "Require Login" is enabled, user must log in
  • Test with logged-in account
  • Check guest voting settings in Advanced tab


  1. JavaScript conflicts:
  • Disable other plugins
  • Test with default theme
  • Check browser console for errors


  1. Vote already cast:
  • Users can only vote once per item
  • Check if vote shows as already voted (blue button)
  • Try different item


  1. Database permissions:
  • Voting requires database writes
  • Check with hosting provider
  • Check error logs


Comments Not Showing


Problem: Comment section missing


Solutions:

  1. Enable comments:
  • Roadmap > Settings > General
  • Check "Enable Comments"
  • Save settings


  1. Item-level comments:
  • Edit specific roadmap item
  • Check Discussion meta box
  • Ensure "Allow comments" is checked


  1. WordPress comment settings:
  • Settings > Discussion
  • Check "Allow people to submit comments"
  • Verify comment settings


  1. Theme support:
  • Some themes hide comments
  • Check theme documentation
  • Try default WordPress theme


Styles Not Loading


Problem: Roadmap looks broken or unstyled


Solutions:

  1. Clear cache:
  • Clear browser cache (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R)
  • Clear WordPress cache
  • Clear CDN cache if using


  1. Check for CSS conflicts:
  • Inspect element with browser dev tools
  • Look for overriding styles
  • Add custom CSS to fix conflicts


  1. Plugin conflict:
  • Deactivate all plugins except Roadmap
  • Test if styles load
  • Reactivate one by one to find conflict


  1. File permissions:
  • Check CSS files can be accessed
  • Visit yoursite.com/wp-content/plugins/product-roadmap/assets/css/roadmap.css
  • Should display CSS code, not 404


Feature Suggestions Not Creating Items


Problem: Submission succeeds but no item appears


Solutions:

  1. Check draft items:
  • Roadmap > All Items
  • Click All tab at top
  • Filter by "Under Review" status
  • Suggestions may be in Draft status


  1. Email notification:
  • Check admin email for notification
  • Contains link to item
  • Verify email settings


  1. Settings verification:
  • Roadmap > Settings > General
  • Ensure "Enable Feature Suggestions" is checked
  • Verify default status is set


  1. Permission issues:
  • Check user permissions
  • Verify database write access
  • Check error logs


Slow Performance


Problem: Roadmap takes long to load


Solutions:

  1. Enable caching:
  • Settings > Advanced
  • Enable object cache
  • Set cache duration to 3600


  1. Reduce items per page:
  • Settings > General
  • Lower "Items Per Page" to 50
  • Use status filters to show fewer items


  1. Optimize images:
  • Compress images in descriptions
  • Use image optimization plugins
  • Lazy load images (Advanced settings)


  1. Upgrade hosting:
  • Consider better hosting plan
  • Use CDN for assets
  • Enable server-side caching


Pro Addon Issues


Problem: Pro features not appearing after activation


Solutions:

  1. License activation:
  • Roadmap > Settings > License
  • Enter license key
  • Click Activate
  • Verify "Active" status


  1. Free plugin required:
  • Pro addon requires free plugin
  • Install and activate free version first
  • Then activate Pro addon


  1. Version compatibility:
  • Update both free and Pro to latest versions
  • Ensure PHP version is 7.4 or higher
  • Ensure WordPress is 5.8 or higher


Getting Help


Documentation


  • User Guide: This document
  • Developer Guide: /docs/DEVELOPER-GUIDE.md
  • Settings Guide: /docs/SETTINGS-GUIDE.md
  • Product System: /docs/PRODUCT-SYSTEM.md


Support Channels


Free Version:

  • WordPress.org support forum
  • GitHub issues (for bug reports)
  • Documentation at plugin website


Pro Version:

  • Priority email support: support@wbcomdesigns.com
  • Include license key in requests
  • Response within 24 hours
  • Direct developer access


Before Requesting Support


  1. Check documentation - Read relevant guides
  2. Search support forum - Issue might be solved already
  3. Test with default theme - Rule out theme conflicts
  4. Disable plugins - Test for plugin conflicts
  5. Check browser console - Look for JavaScript errors
  6. Gather information:
  • WordPress version
  • Plugin version
  • PHP version
  • Active theme
  • Active plugins list
  • Error messages (exact text)
  • Steps to reproduce issue


Conclusion


The WordPress Product Roadmap Plugin gives you everything needed to share your product vision, engage your community, and gather valuable feedback. By following this guide and best practices, you'll create an effective roadmap that keeps users informed and excited about your product's future.


Next Steps


  1. Complete setup wizard if you haven't
  2. Create 3-5 roadmap items as examples
  3. Add shortcode to a page to display roadmap
  4. Configure settings to match your needs
  5. Share roadmap link with your community
  6. Monitor votes and comments regularly
  7. Update statuses as you make progress


Upgrade to Pro


For advanced features, consider upgrading to Pro:

  • Analytics Dashboard with charts and metrics
  • Multi-Product Management for separate roadmaps
  • Timeline View with interactive Gantt charts
  • Drag & Drop for easy status updates
  • Import/Export in CSV format
  • Advanced Filtering and sorting options
  • Priority Support with faster response times


Visit [your website] to learn more about Pro features.


Happy roadmapping! 🚀

Updated on: 25/09/2025

Was this article helpful?

Share your feedback

Cancel

Thank you!