WordPress Question

[mcw2004]

Hi,
I wanted to ask about Wordpress since it is highly recommended here. Did most of you all have to learn Wordpress? Or did you have someone design your site for you using Wordpress? I want to get started blogging and everyone seems to be using Wordpress but I am clueless as to how to use it or even begin using it.

Also, I do know that some hosting company's allow you to use Wordpress, is it easier to use word press through whatever hosting company I choose to use? (Hope that question makes sense)

Thanks all for your help!

[lindastacy]

I learned Wordpress (started many years ago) and continue to learn more about it. Even if you have someone design a WP site for you, you'll want to learn a little about it or you'll continually have to pay someone to update and tweak it for you. However, you can have someone set it up for you to get you started and then learn as you go.

Many people will tell you that Wordpress is very easy to use. And relatively speaking it is. But there is still a learning curve and depending on your experience level and comfort level, it can be a bit overwhelming at first.

These days I guess it would be hard to find a hosting company that didn't allow WordPress. Perhaps what you are referring to is hosting companies that include one-click Wordpress install? Or are you referring to installing Wordpress on your own hosting (using the script provided at Wordpress.org) as opposed to using the hosted version at Wordpress.com?

The hosted version at Wordpress.com is easier, but can be restrictive in what type of business you can run and has fewer options than the hosted version. Long term you will likely want your own hosted version so you might be better off starting there. It really depends on your needs.

[KNicholls]

I use WordPress for all of the websites I operate and love it. I don't do the hosting on Wordpress, but have my own domain names and install it on that domain. I agree with Linda, it's pretty easy to use, however, there is a learning curve. It's important that you have a good theme that offers lots of flexibility to it and that you find the plug ins that work for what you want to do. That said, I find it's worked well for my online sites and it was well worth the time to learn!

[Jeannie Zavala]

Both ladies gave great advices! I looked into hiring someone to set up my Wordpress site awhile back and it was expensive! Soooo I did a lot of youtubing and googling and ended up learning as I go. I'm glad I did it that way because I saved money and can adjust my site whenever I want to without having to pay someone else to do it. Once you start, you'll get the hang of it good luck!

[angienewton]

Yep, you learn as you go. I used a free theme for the first 3 years and then had someone design one for me.

You'll want to buy a domain name, get a hosting account (not at the same place you buy your domain) and then load Wordpress through your hosting's cpanel. Your hosting company can help you and most likely have tutorials on how to do it all.

Don't go for wordpress.com if you are looking to make any money. You cannot monetize there so it's not a good platform when it comes to business.

[mcw2004]

Thanks everyone for the great advice...I did some searching and did find some good sites on youtube that show you step by step what to do. Any suggestions on where to get really good free themes for wordpress?

Thanks

[NYoung]

Wordpress is by far the easiest to use! If you just search "free wordpress themes" you'll find a ton of different options.

[lindastacy]

I always get my free themes from Wordpress. It gives me some confidence that they are secure and probably not full of bugs. I don't know how much of a difference it makes, but I like that themes are "subject to review," users rate them, and I've seen themes removed when security issues were found. Just click on the themes tab at Wordpress.org to browse through them. You can also search for and install new themes from within your Wordpress dashboard.

[Jeannie Zavala]

Originally Posted by mcw2004

Thanks everyone for the great advice...I did some searching and did find some good sites on youtube that show you step by step what to do. Any suggestions on where to get really good free themes for wordpress?

Thanks

Once you have Wordpress set up, you can install your own free themes in your admin back office acct. there's a lot you can choose from

[LilBlackDress]

You do have to be careful with free themes. Some have malicious code and/or links in them.
It may be best to look within WordPress for the free themes they offer.

There are several sites that offer free step by step WordPress tutorials. It really pays to learn how to manage your website yourself so you can update, change etc. And once you get the hang of it, it is so easy.