What is WordPress? In a nutshell, WordPress works as the engine under your website’s hood. It runs the website and allows you to edit content, create new posts and pages, and it makes sure that your site displays correctly on all devices including tablets and smart phones.
WordPress is an excellent website platform for a wide variety of websites, from blogging to e-commerce to business and portfolio websites. WordPress is a versatile Content Management System (CMS) which has become one of the most popular web publishing platforms in existence. In fact, as of today it powers more than 40% of the entire World Wide Web.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing a WordPress website. WordPress themes and plugins can add new design options and a vast array of added functionality. To find out more, check out WordPress.org for free themes and plugins.
How do I Get Started?
The good news is WordPress is 100% free. You can get started today with a WordPress website in just a few steps.
You will need:
- Quality web hosting
- A domain name
- WordPress software installed on your website
- A WordPress theme
- WordPress plugins
What is a WordPress Theme?
A theme provides the design “framework” for your website which makes the appearance unique.
Most WordPress themes provide the following:
- The overall design (the look, feel and style) of your site
- Site-wide font styles
- A color scheme
- Styles for blog posts and blog archives
- Page layouts (or templates)
- Widget locations
- Many additional stylistic details
What is a WordPress Plugin?
A WordPress plugin is something that adds new functionality to your WordPress website or extends existing functionality on your site. Plugins can make everything from small tweaks to massive changes to your website. For example, some plugins can turn your WordPress site into a fully functioning eCommerce store, social network, or forum. Or, the plugin can add smaller features like an Instagram feed or share buttons.
Over 58,000 plugins are available to download from the WordPress.org plugin directory. Whatever your site’s needs are, there’s most likely a plugin to achieve the desired functionality.
While there are many free WordPress plugins available, you can also get premium or paid options. Free plugins offer basic functionality, while the paid options offer extra value like advanced features and dedicated support from developers.
Next Steps
If you want to start building your WordPress website right away, you may be wondering what are the next steps to take. You can find a theme you like and start building a website yourself or you can contact a professional web designer who will guide you through the process and do the much of the heavy lifting for you.
If you decide to look for a web designer to help with the process, get in touch and we can discuss your new project. You can get a head start on the discussion by filling out my Project Questionnaire and I’ll be happy to provide you with a free, no obligation, project estimate.