I get asked a lot of questions about the Wordpress Workshop.

“Are we going to learn how to —–?”
“Will we be able to do —–?”
“Is this an advanced class or a beginner class?”

Wordpress is a very powerful but incredibly easy to use content management system (CMS).

What is a Content Management System?

Websites are made up of code and graphics, no more.  So in order to have a website, you need to know how to code and how to get your images and logos, etc just the right size and format. Oh, and how to upload them, and where to upload them, etc.  A CMS eliminates those needs. It’s a frame for all your content, and allows you to upload graphics and copy to it, and then converts it into a website for you.

Why do I need a Content Management System?

You don’t know code.  And you don’t own photoshop. This is why in the past, you’ve hired a web designer, a web developer, a webmaster… they go by different names, but basically, the dude (rarely a chick) that charged you a lot, delivered the project late and charge you every time you want to change something on your site, which always takes them a few days and atleast a few phone calls. A CMS is independance from your web contractor and website fees.

Why do I want to use Wordpress as my CMS?

There are lots of CMS out there. Wordpress is one of the most popular because 1.) It’s free.  2.) Its very highly supported by the open source community. This means there are plugins that will do almost anything you can think of. 3.) Because its so popular, you’ll never have any problem finding a programmer or designer to help you with your site if you need it. 4.) Of all the CMS out there, Wordpress is by far, the easiest to learn.

Wordpress is great if you want to just have a blog. But it can do a LOT more. It can contain your entire website! Imagine being able to update your website, photos, blog all in one place, at once site and having total control.

Will my website/blog look like everyone’s else?/Does it have to look a certain way?

The word “template” scares people, but it doesn’t mean you’re locked into a specific look. Wordpress sites can look like absolutely anything! With the right theme, you can’t even tell they ARE Wordpress. In this class, you’ll just learn how to install an existing theme out there… not how to change it, but you will be able to change the look by changing the theme, and will be given resources to customize the theme in the future.  (REALLY customizing it will likely require you to learn CSS or hire someone to help you design a custom theme)

I can’t learn Wordpress-It’ll be too hard.

Wordpress is easy.  Learning to use it in a day isn’t hard, but it is fast.  People who do well in this class are comfortable with their computer and the internet.  They have a wifi enabled laptop to follow along on. They are not easily flustered. Don’t worry, we stop at every point in class to make sure everyone is caught up and following. Ample time is given at lunch and after class for questions specific to YOUR site. Don’t want to follow along, but merely listen and take notes? We have a number of people do so each class. I’m available after for questions.

What will I learn in 1 day?

what you need to get your own domain and hosting and make them work together
how to install wordpress using 1 click install
how to install a theme and plugins without FTP
how to find themes and plugins
how to configure settings in Wordpress
the difference between a post and page, and how to use them
rss streams and basic SEO (search engine optimization)
how to configure your sidebar and widgets
my top 20 plugins essential for any Wordpress site

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