FAQ: Learn the Basics of WordPress
FAQ
Approx read time: 3.7 min.
Learning the basics of WordPress is a great step towards building and managing your own website or blog, especially considering your interest in running a blog. WordPress is a powerful content management system (CMS) that enables you to create, manage, and modify content on a website without needing extensive coding knowledge. Here’s a primer to get you started:
1. Understanding WordPress
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WordPress.org vs WordPress.com: WordPress.org is where you can download the WordPress software to install on your own web host. It offers full customization but requires you to manage hosting, backups, and security. WordPress.com offers hosting and is simpler to start with but comes with limitations unless you opt for a paid plan.
2. Setting Up WordPress
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Hosting and Domain: To use WordPress.org, you’ll need a domain name and web hosting. The domain is your website’s address on the internet, while hosting is where your website lives.
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Installation: Many hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation. This is the easiest way to get started. Alternatively, you can download WordPress from WordPress.org and follow the manual installation guide.
3. Dashboard and Interface
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Dashboard: Once installed, you’ll access your site’s backend through the WordPress dashboard. This is where you can create posts, pages, manage comments, install themes and plugins, and customize your site.
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Posts vs Pages: Posts are blog entries or articles that appear in reverse chronological order. Pages are static and are not affected by date, ideal for ‘About Us’, ‘Contact’, or ‘Home’ pages.
4. Themes and Customization
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Themes: WordPress themes define your site’s appearance and layout. There are thousands of free and premium themes available. You can change your theme by going to Appearance > Themes.
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Customization: Customize your theme by going to Appearance > Customize. Here you can change your site title, tagline, colors, fonts, and more.
5. Plugins
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Extending Functionality: Plugins add functionality to your WordPress site. There are plugins for almost everything, from SEO and security to social media integration and backups.
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Installation: To install a plugin, go to Plugins > Add New, search for the plugin, and click “Install Now”, then “Activate”.
6. Creating Content
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Creating Posts and Pages: Use the Gutenberg editor, WordPress’s block editor, to create and edit posts and pages. You can add text, images, videos, and more using blocks.
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Categories and Tags: Organize your posts with categories and tags to help readers find related content.
7. Maintenance
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Updates: Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated to ensure security and functionality.
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Backups: Regularly backup your site to prevent data loss.
8. Learning Resources
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WordPress Codex and Handbook: For detailed guides and tutorials.
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Blogs and Tutorials: Many websites offer WordPress tips, tutorials, and best practices to help you learn.
Starting with WordPress can seem overwhelming, but by breaking it down into these basic components, you can gradually build your knowledge and confidence. As you become more comfortable with WordPress, you’ll discover the extensive flexibility it offers for creating and managing a website tailored to your needs.
Learn the Basics of WordPress
This recorded webinar demonstrates how to launch and develop a free WordPress site from the CloudAccess.net platform. Topics include launching the site, an overview of the dashboard, using WordPress themes, creating categories, pages, posts, menus, using widgets and installing plugins.
This recorded webinar demonstrates how to launch and develop a free WordPress site from the CloudAccess.net platform. Topics include launching the site, an overview of the dashboard, using WordPress themes, creating categories, pages, posts, menus, using widgets and installing plugins. Register for your free & live webinar at CloudAccess.net today.
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