I just finished attending a conference yesterday and there were several new business owners in the audience. Frequently the question came up in the chat box was how to get their website started. Most experienced owners, of course, promptly responded you need a WordPress site. WordPress is actually software (not a website in itself.) It is the leading Content Management System with an install base of 20% around the world. It even comes with a free theme – the website part that appears in a browser window.
Food For Thought
Now before you get started hitting the videos or books, some food for thought. Setting up a website is not everyone’s cup o’ tea. There are technical aspects involved and designing pitfalls. Learning the software doesn’t guarantee a professional looking or an engaging website. If you have the funds, hiring a professional web designer or developer is in your best interest and may save you a lot of frustration.
WordPress Learning Goodies!
These are the resources I send my clients to and what I read.
- Easy WP Guide. No cost (unless you get the Kindle or iBooks version.) Goes over the basics of understanding the dashboard, no code talk and well presented! This guide is always up to date and simply a must have for your library. There is a PDF version and digital versions for your fav tablet device. I use this guide to look up the new WordPress features when new releases come out.
- WP101 Videos.* These outstanding videos are wonderfully short, to the point and easy. There are a few free videos but the price for a lifetime subscription is a sweet deal. I send my clients who are managing blogs themselves to this resource.
- WPBeginner Blog. Great for quick questions and covers a lot of topics. They advertise free learning videos, but they are actually WP101 videos (although not everything.)
* Affiliate link
There you go – some great quality resources to get you started. Even if you have been using WordPress for a while, they are great to be able to refer to.
Have some favorites you would like to share?