MuckTech

You have purchased a domain and acquired web hosting.  You are anxious to install WordPress and start writing.

Still, the thought of an online content management system is a bit intimidating.  This tutorial walks you through the basics of installing, logging in and navigating your way around the WordPress interface.

Setting up WordPress is simple on most web hosts, as they offer a one-click install.  If you are unfamiliar with setting up a database or installing files on a server, choose a host that offers this – usually through a service called Fantastico or Simple Scripts (see our post on hosting).  You will need to choose an installation location (your domain name), and a username/password.

If your host does not offer this, download WordPress and follow their famous 5-minute install.

Once installed, you can view your blog by going to YourDomain.com.  The default WordPress install provides a basic design a sample post.  To create content, click the “Site Admin” link on the right.  If you do not see this link, go to YourSite.com/wp-login.php.

Upon logging in you are greeted by the WordPress dashboard.  A menu of options runs down the right side.  Here is a synopsis of what each link controls.

Dashboard.  The Dashboard is the overview of your WordPress site and where you start when you login. A summary box, quick post, recent comments and WordPress information are standard.  Other information including statistics can be added as well.

Posts. Add a new entry, edit, change tags and add categories. The area of the site where content is created. More on creating a post coming soon.

Media.  In your post, you have the ability to add images and video.  Once uploaded, they appear in the media library.

Links.  Links creates you ‘Blogroll’ – a list of recommended sites for your visitors.  If you look to the right in this post, you will see my blogroll comprised of my favorite websites.

Pages.  A page is information that you want to keep prominent.  Contact info, history or any other details you want visitors find easily can be added.  You start with an “About” page when WordPress is installed.

Comments. When a reader leaves a comment on your post, it will appear here awaiting your approval.  You can also view all comments and spam via the link.

Appearance.  Want to change the look of your blog from the standard blue box?  Appearance is the place.  Themes are “looks” for your site.  You start with two generic options, but there are a ton of free themes available.  I will discuss themes more in my next post.

Widgets are tools that allow customization.  Want to add your Flickr photo gallery?  Maybe a Twitter feed or a link to your Facebook fan page.  Widgets add these options.

Plugins.  Plugins allow WordPress to do the things not native to the system.  Spam blocking, SEO, advanced analytics and widgets are all available as plugins.  You can search for plugins through WordPress, or read my post on top plugins coming soon.

Users. Additional logins are created here if you plan to have multiple users creating content for your website.  WordPress also has a built in editing workflow where users can require approval before their posts appear on the site.  You can also change your profile information including how your name appears on your content under this tab.

Tools and Settings.  The last two tabs allow you to “tinker” with your website.  You can change what appears in the blue box on the standard template, the date format and comment settings.

One change I HIGHLY recommend is under the Settings – Permalinks tab.  Change the “Common Settings” from the default to “Day and Name.”  This adds the title and date of your post to the URL, making it easier for search engines to find your content.

These are the basics.  However, the best way to learn what everything does is to experiment with the site before you add any real content.  That way if your “break” something, you can always delete your WordPress install and start from scratch.

Have any tips for WordPress rookies?  Add them in the comments.