WordPress is by far one of the most powerful tools that people can use to design a website. The best thing about WordPress is that it is widely used around the globe and is very simple to use. All you have to do is master the basics and learn how to use it along the way. Just to give you some ideas on how to use this powerful tool, here’s a list of the things that you need to consider.
Everythings You Need to Know About WordPress:
Installing WordPress
The first thing that you need to do is to install the WordPress software. This can be found in the official download page on the website. Go to the official website, go to downloads, and click the download button. After clicking the download button, you must install the software in your computer. After installation, upload all the necessary files to your WordPress.
Tip: Once you have a domain name, it is advisable to have a public_html folder that is attached to your WordPress so that you can access those files once you open your account. You may also have other folders inside so that you can organize things. A client application like cPanel will make things easier for you to upload your files using the FTP server.
After that, you must make a MySQL database so that you can have an admin (a person who manages the website). When you have created one, then the next step is to list all of the necessary information into the database like the name, username, and password. Once all of those things are done, you may start using WordPress.
Logging into the Dashboard
After you have already installed the software in your computer, the next thing to do is to tour the site a little bit. First, you have to log into the dashboard using the username and password that you created. Do take note that in order to edit the site, you need to log into the admin area which resembles the back office of your website. To do so, type in your WordPress name followed by /wp-admin. It should look something like this: http://mywebsite.com/wp-admin.
After you typed that link into your browser, you will be brought to the log in page where you can log into your WordPress account and edit your posts.
Now, there are a few things that you need to take note when you are at the back office. First, you must know how to create a new post, and you must know how to manage the old ones. At the left side of your dashboard, there is a “Posts” option. If you click that one, you will see an option that allows you to create a new post, and there is also an option that allows you to see the old ones. This function allows you to manage what you put into your website.
Designing Your WordPress Posts
When you design a website, it is recommended to have a unique design that can capture the attention of the people. In order to do so, you need some creative talents. However, not all people have that innate talent in designing. For those who do not have the creative know-how, there are some ready-made templates that one can choose from. Once you have chosen a specific template, all your posts will carry that signature design you have picked.
Adding Media
You can put some pictures on your posts if you want to. All you have to do is go to the upper left of your post, then click the button that says “Add Media”. Once you click it, you will be brought to the post library where there is a collection of pictures that you have used before. You may select an old picture or upload a new one. There is also a drag-and-drop option that you can make use of to make the uploading process easier.
You may either embed videos or upload them as well. When embedding, all you have to do is just get the embed code of the video that you want to put in your WordPress site. After that, there is an option in the upper right part of the post that allows you to place the embed code. Once you place the embed code there, the video will appear on your post.
Coding With Your WordPress
If you know how to do some basic coding, then you will be able to manipulate your website even more fluidly. If you take a look at the top right section of your post’s body, you can see the “Visual” tab and the “Text” tab. The Visual tab is for those who don’t know how to code. You can just write and post pictures while on Visual mode. In the Text mode, however, you can place HTML or CSS codes if you like. One of the benefits of coding is that you can create your own design for your WordPress site without using the ready-made templates.
Building Custom WordPress Widgets
Widgets make things much easier for you to maneuver the platform. To create your first Widget, click “Appearance” on the left side of your dashboard then select “Widgets”. You first have to make a WordPress plugin where you can add codes for your widget. After that, create a folder in the plugins section of your WordPress where you can put your codes. Once you do that, save a blank note named nameofyoursite-plugin.php”. Finally, put this code in:
<?php
/*
Plugin Name: Site Plugin for your site
Description: Site specifications
*/
/* Add functions
(Body)
/*Stop Functions
?>
