Understanding WordPress Basics for Beginners
Hello, friend! Embarking on your WordPress journey can feel a bit overwhelming at first. No worries though, I’m here to help guide you through, step-by-step. By the end, you should have a better grasp on some of the fundamental concepts of WordPress.
What is WordPress?
Simply put, WordPress is a free and open source software that you can use to create amazing and functional websites. It’s user-friendly for beginners, yet powerful enough for advanced users and developers. Most importantly, it’s highly customizable, which means you can design your site just the way you want.
WordPress Themes
In WordPress, “”Themes”” inform the style and presentation of your website. They dictate your site’s look and feel by controlling aspects like layout, color schemes and font types. The great part is that there are thousands of free and premium themes to choose from, so you’re bound to find one that fits your preferences.
WordPress Plugins
While themes deal with aesthetics, “”Plugins”” on the other hand, extend your site’s functionality. They’re like apps for your website, enabling you to add elements such as contact forms, galleries, shopping carts, etc. There’s a wealth of plugins available, catering to virtually any feature you might need.
Posts vs. Pages
In WordPress, your content is published in two main forms: “”Posts”” and “”Pages.”” Posts are typically used for timely content like blog articles, news updates, etc. They’re listed in reverse chronological order on your blog or home page.
Pages, however, are static and timeless in nature. They represent the unchanging part of your site, like ‘About Us’, ‘Contact’, ‘Services’, etc.
How to Set Up WordPress
Setting up WordPress is a breeze. Here are the basic steps:
- Download WordPress from the official site.
- Choose a host and domain name for your site.
- Install WordPress through your hosting account. Many hosting providers offer a one-click install option.
- Choose a theme from the WordPress theme directory (or upload one from another source).
- Start adding your content!
WordPress.org vs WordPress.com
When starting out with WordPress, it’s important to understand the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com.
WordPress.org, also known as ‘self-hosted WordPress’, gives you the freedom to install any theme and plugin, and to fully own your website. This means you have full control over every aspect of your site.
WordPress.com on the other hand, is a hosting service created by the co-founder of WordPress. With WordPress.com, you don’t have to worry about downloading WordPress, managing hosting, or backups. However, your options for customizing your site are limited compared to WordPress.org.
In conclusion, navigating the world of WordPress as a beginner can be challenging, but keep in mind that the learning curve is totally worth it. You’re now equipped with a fresh set of basics to help you create your very own WordPress site – have fun, and happy website building! Remember, WordPress is all about exploring, learning, and sharing, so never hesitate to seek help from the vibrant WordPress community whenever you need it.