chester library quickstart to wordpress
TRANSCRIPT
How to Design a Website with WordPress
Chester Public Library
January 11, 2014
Eileen MacAvery Kane
I. Overview of WordPress
II. Options
III. Goals
IV. Plan
V. Designing and Adding Content
VI. Resources
VII. Hands-on
Agenda
What is Wordpress?
• Web software you can use to create a blog (weblog) or website
• CMS (Content Management System)
• Computer program that allows you to edit, publish, modify, and manage content on your website online
• Free and open source
What is it used for?
Blogging
Advertising
eCommerce
Portfolios
Why WordPress?
WordPress Benefits
• Easy installation
• Easy customization
• Easy maintenance
• Search engine friendly
• RSS Feeds
• Schedule Posts
• Interactivity
• Large supportive community
• Multiple plug-ins
• Design flexibility
• Multiple users
• Generates lots of traffic
Source: http://www.drostdesigns.com/wordpress-web-design-top-12-benefits-of-designing-your-website-with-wordpress/
Look at all your options
Other Free Options
eCommerce
Social Networking
• Wordpress.com is free but you need to use the wordpress.com url (i.e. name.wordpress.com) for hosting
• Limited amount of space and options with Wordpress.com
• No ads with Wordpress.com
• Pay for hosting and domain with Wordpress.org
• Wordpress.org requires more technical knowledge
• Wordpress.org better for SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
• Edublogs have a Wordpress engine and functions like wordpress.com, different levels (some free, some not)
Source: http://en.support.wordpress.com/com-vs-org/
Wordpress.org / Wordpress.com / Edublogs
Wordpress.org (pay for hosting yourself)
Wordpress.com (use them to host)
Wordpress.edublog.org (use their host)
Getting Started
Define your goals
Website Goals
• Advertise• Non-profit/Fundraising• Information• eCommerce • Portfolio site• Self-promotion
Personal goals
Personal Goals
• Easy to build • Easy to maintain and update • Easy to find • Economical • Showcase creativity
Determine your budget
Budget Considerations
• Wordpress.com – No cost (unless you upgrade)• Wordpress Community (free or paid)
– Ie. Edublogs, Photocrati
• Self-hosted Wordpress– Domain (ie. 1and1.com $.99 for first year, $10.99) – Hosting Costs (ie. Bluehost 6.95 / month for
12 month contract)– Theme (ie. free to $39/year to $299 per theme)
• E-Commerce Service Provider– Ie. Shopify, $29/month - $179/month
Make a plan
Gather Content
Content
• Brand Identity• Text• Images
Find a Theme
Layout
Not all themes are created equal, follow web usability guidelines for:
• Branding (top left)• Navigation (top or left sidebar)• Search (always include one)
Design Components
Look for themes that follow design principles:
• 3 levels of Hierarchy • Color – limited to 3 colors• Typography – no more than 3 different fonts• Rule of Thirds or other grid structure
REMEMBER THE POWER OF 3
http://www.wordpressthemesbook.com/education/
Adding images, media, and content
Images
• Keep size reasonable – approx. 1000 x 800 at 72 ppi
• Edit images directly in blog or use image editing software: iPhoto, Picnik, Photoshop for optimum results
• Save as RGB in jpeg, gif, or png format
• Make sure you follow image usage rights guidelines (use your own or images that you have permission to use)
Media
Upload to free video hosting sites•YouTube•Vimeo•Flickr
Content
• Write like you talk• KISS – keep it short and simple• Keep it lively, make it snappy and snazzy• Link often and use keywords• Use headlines and short sentences • Proof-read for typos and grammar• Make it worthwhile• Post often• Always respond
Posts vs. Pages
POSTS• Time-based• Relational• Part of group (categories)• Need to be organized• Ephemeral
PAGES• Static content• Non-relational• Permanent fixtures• Macro-level• Site information
RULE OF THUMBPages for info that doesn’t change
Posts for info that is updated and transient
SEO
• Unique and useful content.• Quality and relevant backlinks• Title tags should be unique and contain your main
keywords.• Your website shouldn't have many sub menus,
and its pages should be interlinked.
http://orange.score.org/resources/9-ways-boost-your-local-search-results
Prioritize
1. Determine which type of hosting you will use (wordpress.org, wordpress.com, edublog)
2. Make a plan for navigation3. Pick posts or a page for home page4. Find a theme5. Add content: pages, posts, widgets6. Determine comment protocol7. Extend — plugins, link to social media sites8. Find what you don’t know when you need it
Dive in and try it!