How to Use WordPress: A Simple Guide for Beginners

If you’re looking to create a website but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place! WordPress is a popular tool that makes it easy for anyone – even beginners – to build a beautiful website without needing to know how to code. Whether you want to create a blog, portfolio, or even an online store, WordPress has got you covered. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basics of using WordPress, from logging in to adding themes and plugins. Check the top trend in website building before getting started.

What Is WordPress?

WordPress is a Content Management System (CMS) that helps you build and manage websites. It’s open-source, meaning it’s free to use, and it’s super beginner-friendly. In fact, over 40% of all websites on the internet use WordPress! From simple blogs to complex business websites, WordPress can handle it all. If you’re wondering, “What is WordPress?” now you know: it’s your new best friend in the world of website building. Read below to know how to use WordPress Websites.

Getting Started: How to Log Into WordPress

Before you can start building your site, you’ll need to log into your WordPress dashboard. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to your WordPress website login page. Usually, it’s at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
2. Enter your username and password that you created when setting up WordPress.
3. Hit “Log In”, and you’re in!

This dashboard is where you’ll do everything: create posts, install themes, manage plugins, and more. It’s your central hub for building and maintaining your site.

Choosing a WordPress Hosting Provider

Before you can use WordPress, you need a place to host your website. This is where WordPress hosting comes in. Hosting is where your website “lives” online.

There are many hosting providers that offer plans specifically designed for WordPress. Some popular options include:

• Bluehost
• SiteGround
• DreamHost

When selecting hosting, look for a provider that offers good customer support, fast loading speeds, and easy installation of WordPress. The good news is most hosting providers offer one-click installations for WordPress, making the process much easier. You can always level up your hosting provider according to your need.

Picking a WordPress Theme

A WordPress theme is like the “skin” of your website. It controls how your site looks and feels. When you’re starting out, WordPress has plenty of free themes to choose from. You can find them in the WordPress theme directory, or you can buy premium themes from websites like Kadence. I personally like it for its light weight and great functionality.

To add a theme:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on Appearance > Themes.
3. Click Add New, and you’ll see a library of themes to choose from.
4. Preview a theme, and if you like it, click Install and then Activate.

Once activated, you can customize your theme under the Customize section in the dashboard. Don’t worry if you’re not happy with your theme later on – you can always change it!

Installing Plugins to Add Features

Knowing how to use WordPress websites is mostly determined by use of Plugins. WordPress plugins are tools that add extra functionality to your site. Whether you need to add a contact form, improve your SEO, or set up an online store, there’s likely a plugin that can help.

To install a plugin:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on Plugins > Add New.
3. Search for the plugin you want to install.
4. Click Install Now and then Activate.

There are thousands of free and paid plugins available, so don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for your site.

Creating Your First Post or Page

Now comes the fun part – creating content for your website! Whether you’re starting a blog, creating a portfolio, or building a business website, WordPress makes it easy.

• To create a new post: Go to the dashboard and click Posts > Add New. You’ll be able to add a title, content, and images.
• To create a new page: Go to Pages > Add New. Pages are typically used for content like “About Us,” “Contact,” or “Services.”

Both posts and pages use the same editor. Getting to know how to use WordPress block editor allows you to easily add text, images, videos, buttons, and more.

Making Your WordPress Website Live

Once you’re happy with your site, it’s time to make it live! If you’ve already set up WordPress hosting, your site is likely live as soon as you hit “publish.” However, there are a few other things to consider to make sure everything is running smoothly:

• Set up your site title and tagline. You can do this in Settings > General.
• Set up your permalinks. This will control the URL structure of your posts and pages. Go to Settings > Permalinks to choose a structure that works for you.
• Install essential plugins. Some plugins you’ll definitely want to install include Yoast SEO for better search engine optimization (SEO), Jetpack for security, and Akismet to protect your site from spam.

Tips for Beginners

1. Take it slow: Don’t try to do everything at once. Start small and build up as you get more comfortable with WordPress.
2. Check for updates: WordPress regularly releases updates for the platform, themes, and plugins. Make sure to keep everything updated for security and performance.
3. Ask for help: If you get stuck, Google it! There are tons of WordPress tutorials and forums where you can find answers to your questions.
4. Get Professional: If you are planning to create a website that is way beyond a simple website. It is adviced to have a professional build and maintain your website so that you don’t drain your energy on building a complex website and end up not liking it at the end. Contact us for custom wordpress website, we will can have a short consultation on your idea/project completely free. Check our article on benifits of custom website.