WordPress 102Shanta R. Nathwani – WordCamp Toronto 2015
Agenda
Hosting Backup Theme selection Plugin selection More on hiring someone
1. Hosting
Shared hosting GoDaddy BlueHost*
Managed hosting WPEngine Siteground*
* - I’m an affiliate
2. Backup
Most hosting companies will offer a backup system of some kind
Jetpack has one WordPress.com doesn't need one I recommend Backup Buddy by iThemes because of its
options, it's easy to use and to migrate, especially those in the room hoping to do their own development business
Another good solution (and free for the most part) is Updraft Plus
3. Contact Information
Contact forms rather than publishing your email address
Mailchimp signup form. Integrates with WordPress and can be done as a widget
4. Themes
The “Look and Feel” of your website
Might include some functionality
The “Front End” or what people see
From Graph Paper Press
5. Theme Selection
Start with the repository Can be accessed through your Dashboard >
Appearances > Themes Directly at wordpress.org/themes
If not, go outside and use the authors in the repository as a start
Do not Google “free WordPress themes”! These could contain malicious code
5. Theme selection (con’t)
Where do I start? Ask yourself, “What is the purpose of the website?”.
Many of the themes are categorized by purpose (i.e., photography/portfolio, business, blog, etc.)
Ask yourself, “What do I want it to look like? Do I want a big header? Do I want columns? Main content with sidebar?”. A good way to familiarize yourself with these is to look in the repository.
Make sure that the them you choose is mobile-enabled/responsive!
6. Plugins
Plugins extend the usefulness of your website
Some examples are Backup Buddy and Jetpack
The “Back End” or what people don’t see
6. Plugin Selection Just like the themes, best to check the repository (
http://wordpress.org/plugins) Don’t overload your site. Choose your plugins
carefully. First, by function. What do you need it to do? Is there a plugin that does multiple functions, such
as memberships AND payments? This is such a wide area, you need to research it. It will depend on what functionality you need.
7. More About Hiring a Professional Educate yourself
Not only about the terminology, but also have an idea of what you want. This saves everyone a good amount of time and effort.
Expect to give a deposit of some sort, whether you’re working with a student or a professional. Don’t expect any of this for free.
This is not a cookie cutter process, nor is it an overnight one.
Extra Resources WordPress.com: This is where you can learn almost
everything I’ve just talked about! There is also one for .ORG, but this will get you about 90% of the way there. Skip the “Getting Started” part if you are using the .ORG
WordPress.tv: Most of the talks given at WordCamps are recorded and archived here. You can find my talks there!
Marc Benzakein did a great presentation called: “How to Rock a WordCamp Even if You’re a n00b” at WordCamp Toronto 2014. (PS. He’ll be here this weekend too!)
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