Building Your Website With WordPress (part 1)
What is WordPress?WordPress is a free, easy to install and use blog and content management system. You can download WordPress at: http://wordpress.org/download/.
Why WordPress?
Installing WordPress on Your Webhost
Option 1 : If you know how to use FTP and how to create a MySQL database, you can probably install it yourself quickly using the installation instructions at WordPress. Option 2: If you chose a webhost that includes the script library Fantastico or if you chose Netfirms.com, you can use their useful automatic installation tools. Please note: this method may not be as secure as option one.
1) Webhost with Fantastico
I will use Hostpapa.com as an example because I often recommend it to clients, but it could be any other host with Fantastico.
2) Netfirms Netfirms.com, another host I frequently recommend, is a bit different:
Option 3: If you prefer, you can have it installed by a freelancer for around $25. All the freelancer will need is access to your server and the option to create a MySQL database.
Creating ContentOnce WordPress is installed on the server, you can login to your admin account and create content in two different ways:
1) Create static pages such as « About Us », « Contact », « Services », etc.
And voilà, a new menu item will automatically be created in your site menu, linking to this new page.
2) Write a post (article)
A new title will automatically be created in your categories and will link to this article. Most likely, and depending on your settings, this new article will also appear on your home page.
You can include images, videos, audio and other files in both posts and pages using the buttons next to “Add Media”. For more info on how to use WordPress, read http://codex.wordpress.org/Introduction_to_Blogging.