chester library quickstart to wordpress

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://ilovetypography.com/

http://fstop2.photocrati.com/

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!