One of the first things you hear when you ask how to build a site is the term WordPress. This is because it is one of the easiest and most popular ways to build a website. It resides on your web hosting server, so you can access and update it from any computer with internet access.
With so many WordPress users there is a strong community of support forums and people that can help you with your site. Change the look of your site or add tools with one of the many 3rd party add-ons that are available. So, continue reading and learn how to get started with WordPress. You’ll be ready to build your own blog or business site in no time!
WordPress is preinstalled for WordPress Hosting customers!
About WordPress
WordPress is a free open-sourced software and one of the most widely used website building tools. It is referred to as a Content Management System or CMS. With this powerful software you can build a custom website block by block. One of the best WordPress features is the ability to add features and tools with 3rd party plugins and themes. Read our full guide to learn more about WordPress:
Installing WordPress
The first step in getting started with your WordPress site is to install the software. You can easily install WordPress using Softaculous with just a click, but there are other options. For example, you can install WordPress from the command line using WP-CLI, or manually if you want to create your own databases and upload the needed files. Please see the following link for detailed information on WordPress installation:
Using WordPress
After you’ve installed WordPress, you’re now ready to begin using it.
Don’t be afraid of your WordPress site!
Most of the tasks will be completed in the WordPress Dashboard. This is the interface you use to make changes to the site. Log in from any computer and you can begin customizing your site.
In the Dashboard, you can create Posts or Pages. Posts are more geared toward bloggers since it often displays in chronological order with the date and time. This is similar to a journal or diary.
If you do not plan on blogging, you will most likely need to create static Pages. These function as a typical website with a main “Home” page, then supporting pages such as “About us” or “Contact us”. This is great for an online business card, or company site.
Themes can be used to change the entire look and style of your website. There are many free and commercial themes available. They can easily be installed in the Dashboard.
WordPress plugins are the best way to add features to your website that weren’t available before. For example, if you want to add a Google map to your website, there’s a plugin for that. Need a contact form or want to sell products from your site? Plugins can handle all of these things.
Additional Documentation
While there are many sources online that can teach you how to use WordPress, our WordPress Education Channel is a good starting point. It includes guides on everything from customizing your site to migrating it to a new server. Head over there to learn the ins and outs of using this awesome software known as WordPress.
- How to Find your WordPress User ID
- Install WordPress Using WP-CLI
- WordPress WP_Post objects
- Backing up WordPress with Google Drive
- Automatic WordPress backups with ManageWP
- PHP-FPM for WordPress
- Creating and scheduling WordPress database backups with iThemes Security
- How to Use the Easy Google Fonts Plugin for WordPress
- Fixing Image Links after a WordPress Migration
- How to Fix the HTTP Image Upload Error in WordPress
- The WordPress Hosting Stack
- Swift Control Plugin — Easy WordPress Editing For The Beginner
