If you are installing WordPress for the first time, and all you’ve known about website design so far has been based on Dreamweaver and HTML, then it might seem a bit strange, or even daunting, when the time comes to get WordPress up and running on your site.
Show In A Box have made a great video that explains the whole process in easy steps.
Even though the installation instructions at WordPress.org are very clear, it’s when you look at the detailed version of the instructions that your head can start to buzz with technical terms you’ve never encountered before. I wish I had seen this video before I installed WordPress on my website 15 months ago. It would have removed a lot of my noob style uncertainty about the whole process.
If your website is hosted by 1&1 webhosting (as mine is), then this video has extra value for you because it focusses on setting up the (required) MySQL database within the 1&1 control panel. It makes the whole business look so easy.
The 1&1 Control Panel - setting up the database for WordPress
Success!
Now Get Blogging!
This is the default theme, called “Kubrick”. There are thousands of other themes to choose from, and most of them are free. This site uses a minimalistic styling called Plaintxtblog, designed by Scott Wallick.
WordPress can import all your old posts from other blogging platforms like Blogger, and a long list of others.
The feature of WordPress that appeals most to me is the ability to have static pages that work just like a regular website, as well as the journal style blog.
And then of course there’s the thousands of plugins…..
Via Matt
6 Comments
The UK 1&1 webhosting is, well, frustrating because of how little it offers you! I was with them for a year - but thankfully moved 2 years ago due to too much frustration!
I’m sure the video would have helped me too when I first installed WordPress - I think I got so confused I gave up to begin with!
But WP won over MT. And I’ve been loyal ever since!
Emz Thanks for your comment! I have to agree about WP. It just keeps getting better. (Although I could do without the security upgrades happening so often. Maybe it’s a good thing, though - better to be informed than misled by silence from software developers!)
How do you rate Dreamhosts, then?
This is my first post
just saying HI
Thanks most helpful vid. Dreamhosts are ok, I just find them expensive!
Thanks for the info, you make it look pretty easy!
@GiannyL: It looks very geeky at first, but it soon gets easier after you have installed a few updates of the software.
I guess it’s a bit like doing anything unknown for the first time, like making a bikini out of a T-shirt, for example, or a Chocolate Marquise!