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Help me decipher the world of WordPress

by Aussieguy
13 replies
Hi all,

Was thinking of getting xSitepro to start building my own sites, yet WP seems to be the way to go.

The only experience in that department I have is my own personal blog using the free wordpress site.
I now see that there is a lot more to learn. Lots of professional themes available, and lots to learn about using WP when you are using them as an actual website for a business, as opposed to a personal blog.

So.................

Please recommend me some good info. I'm at the stage of, "I don't quite know what I don't know" at the moment, so it's hard for me to even ask a question, sorry!

Is there a good "dummies guide" to WP?
Anything specific to "Using WP for business sites?"
Where are the best place to go for themes?

Do you (if you're an offline consultant) make web sites with many different themes / theme suppliers, or stick with one you like and jig it around?

"Theme" seems to be important for SEO. Why? When I first signed up for WP (personal blog) I thought it was just for how you like it to look. Yet I keep running across stuff talking about SEO being better with some themes.

How does this world of "themes" work?

Then I keep hearing about "plug-ins"..........security & WP issues...etc etc....

Help!


Basically, something that is too specific in one area is not going to help me right now - I'm more at the "A-Z guide" or "dummy guide" stage.....I need the broad overall.
However, something specifiically from an offline IM perspective would be much better than a generic "dummies guide" that's going to teach you how to build a pretty, personal blog......

Cheers!!!!
#decipher #wordpress #world
  • Profile picture of the author dadamson
    You need to start from the start.

    Check out Wordpress.org for info on getting started.

    You basically upload the software to your domain via FTP then pick a theme and plugins, install them, create posts and pages, etc.

    The options are limitless but there really is too much detail to instruct you through a forum post.

    Read up on the instructions at the above site, you'll be up and running in no time.

    Dave
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  • Profile picture of the author David Miller
    I've used both XSP and wordpress, both have good and bad points. It's a matter of personal preference. XSP has a very active and helpful user forum....wordpress tutorials are abundant...you can find lots by searching youtube.
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  • Profile picture of the author balkina
    G'day mate

    I've been using html and various editors for many years and I was reluctant to go all the way with Wordpress, but let me say, it's the best thing I've ever done. Sites are are so easy to build and more search engine friendly. i suggest you go with Wordpress all the way.

    As to learning, there are a huge number of video courses on Wordpress - just Google a few keywords like Learn Woodpress etc. You should be able to buy a 20 - 30 video course for as low as $7, but you don't need to pay any more than $25.

    As to themes, there are so many free themes around. I suggest that you stay with a
    very standard 2 col theme to start. That is 1 content col and one right hand sidebar col. Again, Google free themes.

    This should get you going on the right track! let me know and I'll happily give you any further info on the subject. Hope this helps!
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  • Profile picture of the author Aussieguy
    Thanks guys. Yep, I've googled and got a few links to check out later.
    Just wondering if anyone had any experience with a video/book course/training on the topic. No doubt plenty exists, just looking for good ref. from someone who'se happy with a course / training guide they took........
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  • Profile picture of the author balkina
    Yep - Ive got several good and cheap ones I can suggest. I'll even give you a PLR one I've got! Let me know and I'll arrange it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alipatinho
    Originally Posted by Aussieguy View Post

    Hi all,

    Was thinking of getting xSitepro to start building my own sites, yet WP seems to be the way to go.

    The only experience in that department I have is my own personal blog using the free wordpress site.
    I now see that there is a lot more to learn. Lots of professional themes available, and lots to learn about using WP when you are using them as an actual website for a business, as opposed to a personal blog.

    So.................

    Please recommend me some good info. I'm at the stage of, "I don't quite know what I don't know" at the moment, so it's hard for me to even ask a question, sorry!

    Is there a good "dummies guide" to WP?
    Anything specific to "Using WP for business sites?"
    Where are the best place to go for themes?

    Do you (if you're an offline consultant) make web sites with many different themes / theme suppliers, or stick with one you like and jig it around?

    "Theme" seems to be important for SEO. Why? When I first signed up for WP (personal blog) I thought it was just for how you like it to look. Yet I keep running across stuff talking about SEO being better with some themes.

    How does this world of "themes" work?

    Then I keep hearing about "plug-ins"..........security & WP issues...etc etc....

    Help!


    Basically, something that is too specific in one area is not going to help me right now - I'm more at the "A-Z guide" or "dummy guide" stage.....I need the broad overall.
    However, something specifiically from an offline IM perspective would be much better than a generic "dummies guide" that's going to teach you how to build a pretty, personal blog......

    Cheers!!!!
    i was in your shoes once not too long ago. YouTube is your best friend for learning how to navigate WP, that and just login into your acct and start clicking on every tab lol load up a couple themes, plugins, throw up some demo posts -after awhile you will get a feel for the mechanics. it's pretty simple but it can get really technical too.

    i got the 'Thesis' theme, because of all the great reviews of functionality, customizations blah blah blah.. there were so many options and input fields i couldnt even figure out what to do LOL

    Al
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  • Profile picture of the author Block Head
    I am in the same situation myself. Currently using XSP and looking for WP training. Please post your findings.

    thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author balkina
    I can't PM you, but if you give me an email address, I'll happily send you some ideas and good links.
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  • Profile picture of the author ChristineCobb
    You might look into WP Live at WP Live Support for hands on help and to learn Wordpress.

    As for themes, I like the Studio Press themes built on the Genesis framework. They are solid themes with good SEO functionality, very good support forum and many child themes to give you a good start in getting the look and feel you want. I like to look through their showcase for ideas, especially for business sites.
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  • Profile picture of the author danielkanuck
    I would like to help you, although wordpress is too advanced even for a network engineer like myself lol. Blogger is easy and customizable, and you can use it to even point to your home page of your website. Maybe you should check it out. It's incredibly easy.
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    • Profile picture of the author dtaylor
      There are a ton of great training videos on YouTube. If you do a Google search for "free Wordpress training videos" you should be able to find them.

      I can point you in the right direction but can't help you myself as my sites usually look like someone turned a pre-schooler loose with a crayon.

      Good Luck,
      DTaylor
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  • Profile picture of the author Aussieguy
    Thanks.....yeah there's some training about if you google it.
    wp101.com looked good to me.

    I've come up with Headway Themes as my WP alternative to going with XSP...

    thanks everyone!
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    • Profile picture of the author StarkContrast
      Perhaps the question that could be asked is, why do you want to learn WordPress? It's a very good tool to get online and once you get the hang of it, it's fairly easy.

      Are you interested in 1-2 page sites or sites with lots of pages? Or perhaps you want to create MicroNiche Sites (google it if you don't know what it is)?

      To both tools you mentioned there is a learning curve. I myself prefer WP as my signature implies. You can get free or premium WP themes, or you can just buy tools that modify themes and make it easy to create many themes.

      If, however, you want to learn WP or XSP because you are building sites for clients, then it is an invaluable tool.

      My advice is to get a domain and some hosting, install WP and just play around with it. There are plenty of tutorials on Youtube or Vimeo that you can learn from. Lynda.com I"m sure has good tutorials (paid but worth it). Learn a bit at a time, then move on to the next area within WP. Again, it is a good tool but there's a learning curve. I still get frustrated at some things esp. when something goes wrong. Good luck and let us know how you are faring with whatever choice you've made.
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