When it comes to content management systems (CMS), WordPress is one of the most powerful and easiest to learn. It has come a long way since it first burst onto the scene in the early 2000s. Starting off as a simple blogging platform, WordPress is now one of the most popular website builders in the world.

Even if you hire a professional to build a website for you using WordPress, you still need to understand how to manage it. From updating WordPress plugins to understanding which customization options are available for your WordPress theme, there is a lot to manage.

It can be a little intimidating to learn how to use a CMS and make changes to your site, but the more you know, the more you will be able to get out of your new WordPress website.

Here are a few basic things that you will need to know and understand in order to create a successful website with WordPress.

Setting Up Your WordPress Website

First things first, you need to set up the basics of your website. This starts with choosing a domain name (URL). You’ll also need to decide whether you want to purchase hosting through WordPress.com, or use the open-source software WordPress.org to build your website and then work with a separate hosting provider.

Once you buy a domain name and select a hosting provider, it will be time to actually create your website. You’ll be given the option to choose from various templates which provide a basic “outline” for your new website and its content. Many themes come with pre-installed plugins, though you can also add additional plugins depending on the type of functionality you need.

If all of this sounds confusing, don’t worry — Site Rockstar can help. We can set up web hosting, determine which themes and plugins would work best for your site, add content specific to your company, optimize for SEO, and more to get everything up and running.

Exploring the WordPress Dashboard

Even if you’ve chosen to have a third party set up your website, you’ll still have the option to access the WordPress dashboard yourself. From this dashboard, you can add content to your site, install plugins, manage updates, and more.

Even if you are using professionals to set up your WordPress website, navigating the dashboard will help you learn how your site works and make the process easier if you want to make updates yourself.

After logging in to your site, you are taken to the admin/dashboard panel. This is where you can access all of your site’s main settings and features. You can look at individual pages and plugins, customize your theme, update other settings, and more. This is also where you’ll add content to your WordPress site.

This tutorial video will help you better understand how to start using WordPress by navigating the dashboard.

Creating Posts and Pages

The meat and potatoes of a WordPress site are its posts and pages. Both of these can be created and edited right from the dashboard. Knowing the difference between the two is important, though these types of content share many similarities such as being assigned to categories, using featured images and potentially including user-derived content in the form of text, images, videos, etc.

Generally speaking, pages include the “main” and more static parts of your site, such as your homepage, contact page, and about page. While you may need to make changes periodically to keep your site up to date, these pages don’t require frequent content changes.

Posts are your site’s blog content. Adding a blog page allows you to create new content to provide extra information and updates to visitors. Consistently adding new blog content with helpful information can improve your SEO and bring more visitors to your site.

Getting Started

When you first install WordPress, you might not be sure what to do next. But with Site Rockstar on your side, you’ll be able to get your WordPress website up and running quickly and effectively. From serving as your WordPress hosting provider to helping you understand what a WordPress plugin is, we can help you get your website set up the way you want.

We’ll help you learn the essentials and keep everything running smoothly so your website looks and performs in a way that strengthens your online presence. Contact us today to get started — it’s time to create!