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
- 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
