WordPress 101

Presented by David Wolfpaw and Kara Franco

obm.io/ob-wp

David Wolfpaw

• Professional web developer focused on WordPress theme and plugin development
• Helps small businesses with ongoing support through FixUpFox
• Helps organize both WordPress Orlando and WordCamp Orlando

Kara Franco

• Helps small business owners (and bloggers!) create and maintain their websites through kara-franco.com
• Specializes in copywriting, content creation, and email marketing

What Is WordPress?

What is WordPress?

• It's FREE!*
• WordPress is open-source
• WordPress is a content management system (CMS)
• What's the catch?

WordPress.com vs WordPress.org

WordPress.com (Private Company)

• 6 plans to choose from
• Hosted and managed for you
• Ads that you don't control (free plan)
• No custom domain name (free plan)
• Limited theme/plugin options (free and lower-tier plans)
• WordPress branding in site footer (free and lower-tier plans)
• View the WordPress.com Plans & Pricing page for more info

WordPress.org (Free Software)

• Self-hosted
• More control
• No WordPress branding
• No ads, unless you add them
• Access to thousands of themes/plugins
• Requires expenses (domain, hosting, technical assistance)

How to Find a Web Host and Set Up a Site

Choosing a Web Host

• Look for a host that has good customer support
• Look for added value features that you may use
  • Free SSL certificate with Let's Encrypt
  • Backups included in hosting plan
  • Staging environment to test changes
  • Multiple sites/domains allowed
  • Page Caching systems included

Suggested Web Hosts

• SiteGround
  • Best general hosting I've ever used
  • ​GrowBig suggested (starts $5.95/month)
• WP Engine
  • Best managed hosting I've ever used
  • ​Startup suggested (starts $31.50/month)

What Are Themes?

What Are Themes?

• Appearance
  • A collection of templates and styles
  • Determines "look and feel" of site
• Free themes available from the WordPress Theme Directory
• Premium themes available from developer websites

How to Choose a Theme

• Content first!
• Start with the free Theme Directory
• Don't get locked in by theme marketing
• Experiment!
• Explore paid options
  • Genesis, Divi, and Builder are great options
  • Some premium themes include page builders
• Attend a WordPress Meetup

What Are Plugins?

What Are Plugins?

• Functionality
• Adds additional features to your site (examples):
  • Contact Forms
  • Affiliate Marketing Systems
  • Social Share
• Free plugins available from the WordPress repository
• Premium plugins available from developer websites

How to Choose Plugins

• Check ratings, number of active users, versions tested
• Best method: recommendations from friends
• Try 2-3 plugins at most for one feature, then delete unused ones!

When to Pay For Themes, Plugins, and Services

When to Pay for WordPress

• Template vs Custom
  • Templates can still be very versatile
  • Save time and money when starting out
• Pay for important tools or repetitive tasks
  • Backups
  • Image Optimization
  • Form Creation

Using the Customizer and Gutenberg

Using the Customizer & Gutenberg

• Try Gutenberg (Block Editor) - https://testgutenberg.com
• Some plugins and themes add Customizer Settings
• Third party Gutenberg Blocks exist as plugins

How to Troubleshoot Your Site

How to Troubleshoot Your Site

• Make sure that you have backups!
• Use staging to test if your host offers it
• Disable all plugins and enable default theme. Re-enable one at a time until the problem returns again.
• Google the issue: you are not alone!
• Find local resources like a Meetup, FB Group, or Slack

QUESTIONS?