Can you tell? Is it obvious? Probably. This is a WordPress managed blog. WordPress is a CMS- or Content Management System which enables users to curate, manage, and publish content seamlessly. Other examples include Drupal8, Joomla, and many more! Or you can take the open source route like Bootstrap. However using bootstrap will require users to have a FTP client like Cyberduck, and a text editor like Atom (GitHub) or Brackets (Adobe). OR you can use an IDE like NetBeans.

Yes it is simple. Yes it is straightforward. I want to focus on driving as much content as possible…without all the unnecessary bells and whistles. The blog is written on a white background. Not because I am to lazy to add some color but because it is easy to read. Have you ever noticed what all the large social media sites have in common? It is a white canvas background.

I heard a surprising statistic, that each day 1,420,000 people post to their respected domain using wordpress.org.  That is a staggering amount. Along with that fun fact there is a cool infographic that can be found here.

WordPress is a powerful, fairly simple platform to build beautiful websites or blogs.

There are two main distinctions that I would like to highlight. The distinction is in the Top- Level domain address.

WordPress.com is completely differentiated from WordPress.org. I know right. Why make it complicated?

WordPress.com is an online based service.

1. You sign up your domain for free “yourdomain.wordpress” or you can pay for one of their plans. Once you pick a plan, and choose your free/ paid domain, you can start! No headache of picking a domain host, or finding an independent domain seller. No need to download any software, just login through wordpress.com or “yourdomain.com/admin” and start editing.
2. Choose a free/ paid theme and begin!
3. Easily post, create SEO strategy, monitor conversions, all through there built in plugins.
4. If you wanted. You can have a published public website for FREE!

WordPress.com is great tool for the beginner developer, or someone who just wants to focus on content, and does not care about customization. Due to their built in plugins, and stiff themes there is little wiggle room to leave your brand.

Now on to my personal favourite…

WordPress.org. This is still the #1 website manager in my opinion. I mean once The Grid is released, then thats a different story….but until then lets focus on the present.

WordPress.org is an open source software that allows for a lot more customization, especially for front-end CSS.

To begin you must download the current version from wordpress.org, everything you need to know can be found on their codex…it is quite a heavy read- so before you dive in that sucker, I suggest a big dose of caffeine.

You must pick an approved host, I recommend blue host.

Then let the customization begin, I would suggest developing a network of beneficial plugins that will facilitate the usability, SEO, security, and over all speed of your site. Here is a list of popular plugins, and here is a list of recommended plugins…your welcome!

Here is a periodic table but with a twist. The periodic table of plugins!

It takes awhile to get used to, especially if you are going in cold with no prior experience. Just play around with it, and don’t be afraid to try things…just make sure you do a backup first…here are some tutorials to get you started.

Please note this is a very rudimentary explanation, please feel free to leave a reply with more detailed questions.

If you are still stuck there are websites that do “spoon feed” you a website. For example, Weebly and Square Space are both simple engines in regards to website creation.

Quick note:

A child theme is a theme that inherits the functionality and styling of another theme, called the parent theme. Child themes are the recommended way of modifying an existing theme.

There are a few reasons why you would want to use a child theme:

• If you modify a theme directly and it is updated, then your modifications may be lost. By using a child theme you will ensure that your modifications are preserved.
• Using a child theme can speed up development time.
• Using a child theme is a great way to learn about WordPress theme development

Here is a CSS Vertical Parallax site I have been playing around with, and learning with!

To get started on your first site, try designing a wireframe and then create a staging site to work on initial designs not open to the public,

Best,

#TheYoungBizKid

 

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