Getting Started with

Created by Mitzi LewisAugust 2015 Update

Inspired by Barbara Nixon

What is WordPress?

• WordPress is a free, open-source publishing platform originally developed for creating and maintaining blogs.

What’s the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?

• WordPress.com provides hosting and software management (i.e., FREE)

• WordPress.org requires you to install and manage the software using a 3rd party provider (or your own server) (i.e., $$)

• More info about the pros and cons of each option can be found at http://en.support.wordpress.com/com-vs-org

• The following steps focus on Wordpress.com

Create an Account

• Go to https://signup.wordpress.com/start/en/start

• Choose a name for your site and put it in the Site Address field

• Click on the “Create Your Site and Continue”

button

Create an Account (continued)

Fill out this form

Custom address (you don’t need one)

Click “No Thanks” unless you want to pay for a custom address. A custom address is NOT required for class.

Pick a theme you like

Pick the FREE plan

Verify your email address

Now What?

Click on “Settings”

FIRST: Update your Site Title

SECOND: Save your Settings

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Posts PagesMany WordPress posts can be on a single page

One WordPress page at a time can can be on a single page

For dynamic content For static content

Can be categorized (posts can appear in multiple places on a website)

Cannot be categorized

Newest post shows at top (as info is added, older posts “sink down”)

Accessible from anywhere in your blog (often shows up in header or sidebar)

What’s the Difference Between Posts and Pages?

Delete the “Hello world!” post

Click first

Click second1 2

How to Add/Edit a Post

Tips for Adding/Editing a Post

• Click “Save Draft” often• Click “Publish” when you are ready for the

post to “go live”• The “Toolbar Toggle” gives you more

formatting options

Adding a Link

FIRST: Highlight text for hyperlink

SECOND: Click link button

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2

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3

How to Add/Edit a Page

Tips for Adding/Editing a Page(same as tips for adding/editing a post)

• Click “Save Draft” often• Click “Publish” when you are ready for the

page to “go live”• The “Toolbar Toggle” gives you more

formatting options

Tips for Your “About Me” Page

• Stay professional• Include

– Name– Photo (optional)– University affiliation (optional)– Major– Career goals– Links to other places you can be found online

(optional)

How to Track Comments for Your Blog Portfolio