WordPress is an open-source (free) Content Management System (CMS) to create your website. 39.7% of global websites utilize this robust CMS, ranging from beginners and experienced website developers.
Technically, it’s written in PHP format and uses a MySQL (or MariaDB) database. In a nutshell, the vast majority is using WordPress due to its simplistic yet powerful website building capabilities.
Getting Started (Auto Installer)
To get started, WordPress can be installed after you have purchased your Domain Name and it is live on a server. Or you can try it out for free on your local host as well.
You can check out the installation steps on their official website.
In most web hosts now, you can automatically install WordPress by just the click of a few buttons.
From Hostinger Dashboard
Select WordPress
Then you will need to fill your information such as
- administrator’s username,
- email,
- password, and
- website title.
The other fields can be adjusted if you have more advanced needs. And after you click on install, wait for it to set-up for a few minutes to have the power of WordPress yours to command.
WordPress Theme
The theme of a WordPress site is vital because:
- it determines the look and feel of your website.
- some plugins may or may not work with it.
- only 1 theme can running at a time. So choose the theme that is best with the plugins that you will choose later.
- think about how user experience will be like when choosing a theme, be it paid or the free version.
Choose the theme
Upload a theme
Choosing WordPress Plugins for Your Website
That is the reason why it is advisable to choose a theme before plugins; mainly due to some plugins not being able to work or might not work that well with some themes. Play around with the best combination to get the most out of your WordPress website.
Actively Installed Plugins
Some, generally well-known (most of them have more than 2 million active installations). constantly updated, open-sourced plugins that you can check out are:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| WP Forms | Drag and Drop Contact Form Builder |
| Yoast SEO | Increase the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ranking of your website |
| Elementor Website Builder | Customize your website with easy-to-use tools |
| WooCommerce | Can be used if you intend to create an eCommerce website |
| Wordfence | To protect your WordPress website from hackers or malicious software |
| BuddyPress | If you want to create your very own community-based website |
| WPS Hide Login | Change your default wp-admin/wp-login page to something else to protect from malicious intent |
| GDPR Cookie Consent (CCPA Ready) | To set-up a cookie notice as per the lawful requirement of your targeted audience |
| SeedProd | Create stunning Coming Soon Page, Maintenance Mode & Landing Pages |
I have used all of these plugins when building websites and found them to work wonders in providing the best functionality with a great support system.
What if I encounter problems using WordPress?
If you encounter any issues, make a Google search. Due to its worldwide usage, solutions are found easily from the Theme/Plugin creators or other users in the WordPress Support Forum or other websites. If there’s no solution, you can contact the creators of these Plugins for an answer in this forum.
Use Updated Plugins
In choosing a plugin, it is advisable to opt for those who are well updated and supported. Plugins which are not recently updated may not be compatible with the recent version of WordPress, other themes or plugins, and pose a security threat. Those with malicious intent may hack into your WordPress account by using the loopholes present in these old plugins even with the protection of some security plugins.
Blogging
WordPress is initially created as a blogging tool, so once you have set up the theme and plugins of your website, you can start blogging straight away. Just click on the post tab on the dashboard
You can write and style your blog however you like with WordPress tools. You can also edit before or after you publish. The design of your blog is up to your creativity in using the WordPress tools. If you know a bit of coding, you can modify your website even more.
Conclusion
WordPress is an easy-to-use CMS with stalwart functionality and Premium Add-Ons. Therefore, it’s suitable for all and with proper optimization techniques, you can speed up a WordPress site to having Top Ranks in search results and better visitor experience. Are you using WordPress? Share your WordPress experience by commenting here.