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WordPress getting started

Kyra Pieterse edited this page Jun 20, 2024 · 2 revisions

WordPress getting started

Introduction to WordPress

WordPress is a fantastic platform for building websites, whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer. It’s user-friendly, flexible, and has a vast array of themes and plugins to help you create a website that meets your needs. If you're new to WordPress, this guide will help you get started.

Why choose WordPress?

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world. It's used by millions of people to create everything from simple blogs to complex e-commerce sites. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its flexibility and the extensive range of free WordPress themes and plugins available.

Setting up your WordPress site

The first step in creating your WordPress site is to choose a theme. Themes control the look and feel of your site. WordPress offers a wide range of themes, including free options for business. You can find themes that are specifically designed for different types of websites, such as blogs, portfolios, or e-commerce sites.

Once you have chosen a theme, you can start customising it to suit your needs. WordPress makes it easy to change the design and layout of your site using the built-in customiser. For more advanced customisation, you might want to use block templates which offer a more modular approach to building your site.

Using the Gutenberg editor

The Gutenberg editor is a powerful tool for creating content in WordPress. It allows you to build your pages and posts using a system of blocks. Each block can be customised individually, giving you complete control over the layout and design of your content. If you're new to Gutenberg, you can find a helpful introduction to the editor that covers all the basics.

Adding functionality with plugins

Plugins are a great way to add functionality to your WordPress site. Whether you need to improve your site's SEO, add social media buttons, or create contact forms, there's a plugin for almost everything. For instance, if you want to optimise your site for better user experience and SEO, you can follow these easy ways to speed up your WordPress site.

Building a navigation menu

A well-organised navigation menu is essential for any website. It helps your visitors find the information they're looking for quickly and easily. You can learn how to create a simple navigation menu and how to customise its appearance to fit your site's design.

Managing content

Managing your content is straightforward with WordPress. You can easily create and edit posts and pages using the built-in editor. For more complex sites, you might want to use full site editing which allows you to manage all aspects of your site's layout and design from a single interface.

Conclusion

Getting started with WordPress is easy and fun. With its user-friendly interface, extensive range of themes and plugins, and powerful customisation options, you can create a website that looks great and meets your needs. Whether you're building a simple blog or a complex business site, WordPress has the tools you need to succeed.

For more tips and resources on creating a successful WordPress site, check out these comprehensive guides and helpful tutorials. Happy website building!