Top WordPress FAQ Answered
WordPress is a great tool that allows everyone from beginners to more advanced users build out their websites. Because it serves such a wide and diverse user base, there can be a bit of a learning curve for beginners, especially if this is your first site you’re building out.
As a result, you’re going to have a lot of questions. So, instead of searching through Google, looking for the answers you’re looking for, we decided to compile them into a single post. Below you’ll find seven of the most common WordPress questions answered.
1. How do I create a WordPress site?
Before you can begin installing WordPress first you’ll need a host and a domain name. If you use a beginner-friendly host like HostGator, then you can install WordPress with the click of a button. Within your hosting control panel, you’ll find an app called One Click Install. This app allows you to install WordPress, or a number of other popular CMS, with a few clicks.
Then, once you have WordPress installed on your site you can install your theme of choice, install plugins, and start building your site.
2. Can I build a WordPress site without a blog?
Yes. WordPress initially began as a blogging platform. But, it has since evolved into a full-fledged website creator. If you want to build a site without any blogging functionality, then you can build out your site using only the Page options from within the dashboard.
3. How do I add plugins to my site?
Plugins are an incredibly useful aspect of the WordPress CMS. There are tens of thousands of different plugins you can choose from that will extend the functionality of your site. You’ll be able to do things like add contact forms, sliders, social sharing buttons, and much more.
To install a new plugin first navigate to your WordPress dashboard. On the left-hand side, you’ll see a menu, navigate to Plugins>Add New. This will bring up a screen that will allow you to search for your plugin of choice, or you can choose from the most popular downloads.
Once you decide upon a plugin click the Install Now button and finally click on Activate.
4. How do I install a new WordPress theme?
Installing a new WordPress theme is similar to installing a plugin. First, navigate to your WordPress dashboard. Then, on the left-hand menu select Appearance>Themes. On this screen click on the Add New button.
Here you’ll be able to browse the selection of themes, or you can upload your own theme if you’ve purchased or downloaded a theme from another source. If you want to upload your own theme click the Upload Theme button, and on the next screen you’ll choose your theme and click Install Now.
5. How do I add a new blog post?
The two main content elements you’ll be using to build out your site are posts and pages. To add a new post to your site click on Posts>Add New from within your WordPress dashboard.
Then, you’ll create your blog post, upload images, format it accordingly, and press Publish.
6. How do I improve my WordPress SEO?
Right out of the box WordPress is optimized for search engine rankings. The theme you choose might even take your onsite SEO even further. Typically, you’ll have a box at the bottom of each page and blog post that allows you to edit the SEO title, meta description, and more.
If you really want to improve your onsite SEO, then it’s a good idea to install Yoast SEO. This is one of top SEO plugins out there and will help you to optimize each page and post on your site around your chosen keyword.
7. How do I speed up my WordPress site?
Site speed is incredibly important, both for your site rankings and for your users. If you notice that your WordPress site is lagging, then there are a lot of things you can do to improve it
For example, you could reduce image sizes before you upload them, reduce the total amount of plugins you’re using, turn on caching, or even utilize the power of a CDN. There’s a lot you can do to improve page speed. Check out this post for even more optimization tips.
Hopefully, the answers above have helped to answer your most common WordPress questions.
Kevin Wood writes about technology and human potential. You can find him at his virtual homes Wooden Writing and Counter Culturist.