BizSharing #5 – Building Website with WordPress
January 12, 2025
Let’s talk about WordPress, the powerhouse that runs over 40% of the world’s websites! Today’s session was packed with tips and tricks for anyone wanting to build and manage their own site. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone looking to up your WordPress game, there was something for everyone.
Starting Your WordPress Journey
We kicked off with the basics. What is WordPress, and why is it so popular? Turns out, it’s not just for techies. WordPress is easy to use, endlessly flexible, and yes, it’s free (well, mostly). We also cleared up some common confusion between WordPress.org (where you’re in control) and WordPress.com (a simpler, hosted option).
From there, we walked through setting up a WordPress site. Here’s the deal:
- Pick a host: Your website lives on the internet thanks to hosting. Choose a good one!
- Install WordPress: Most hosts make it as easy as clicking a button.
- Choose a theme: Think of it as your site’s outfit. Make it clean, fast, and mobile-friendly.
We also talked about how to avoid overloading your site with too many bells and whistles. Simplicity for the win!
The Magic of Plugins
Plugins are the unsung heroes of WordPress. They’re like apps for your site, helping you do things like boost security, speed up your pages, or improve your SEO. A few that got everyone’s attention:
- Yoast SEO: Because ranking on Google matters.
- Wordfence: To keep the bad guys out.
- WP Super Cache: Nobody likes a slow site.
But here’s a pro tip: More plugins don’t mean a better site. Too many can slow things down or even break stuff. Pick wisely.
Lessons Learned
Everyone loves a shortcut, so here are some gems from the session:
- Backup your site: Before things go wrong (and they will), use tools like UpdraftPlus to keep a copy of your site handy.
- Update regularly: WordPress, themes, plugins – keep them fresh to avoid security issues.
- Monitor performance: A slow website is like a long checkout line, and people will leave. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help.
Building a site is just step one. Managing it is where the real work starts. Regular updates, engaging content, and keeping tabs on analytics are key to a healthy site. Think of your website as a garden: nurture it, trim the weeds, and it will thrive.
What’s Next?
If you missed this session, don’t worry. There’s more to come. We’ll be exploring topics like SEO, e-commerce, and how to market your site effectively. Interested? Head over to BizPartner Sharing and sign up for the next event.
Remember, you don’t have to be a tech wizard to build something great. With WordPress, it’s all about starting small and growing from there.
We’d love to see you at the next session. Until then, happy website building!
