There has been much discussion on forums lately about WordPress. I vote for WordPress as definitely the best site building software for other frugal do it yourself control freaks, like me! This software platform is great for the self employed business person, homepreneurs, solopreneurs, mini- and micro-business owners, and anyone who wants to get up a site in less than an hour’s time. All you need is a little knowledge or mentoring, plus a domain name and Web host.
There is little if any code writing to do. A familiarity with basic html is beneficial. Adding content is as easy as using a word processing program. The latest WordPress version (2.9 3.0.1) has a simple to use photo manipulation feature. Videos can also easily be added to enhance your presentation. It is ready for Search Engine Optimization.
This platform is ideal for a smaller five to ten page (even 12 page) site, and offers unlimited sub-pages. The platform was primarily designed for blogging. It can be configured as a traditional sight (no sidebars), with one or two sidebars, as well as divided sidebars. When used as a traditional site, a blog can also be used to easily add content to the site and attract search engines.
WordPress’ origins are in Open Source software under the GPL. As such, it is distributed freely. However, when considering a business blog, there are several alternatives to consider and questions to ask and answer.
WordPress.com is a stand alone site where you can register with an email address and password and then blog freely. However, a WordPress.com site cannot be commercialized. WordPress.org, on the other hand, can be monetized. It offers the same platform for on-site hosting (on your own Web site) and can be used either as an add on blog to your regular site, a stand alone blog, or a combination site with a blog.
If you opt for the former, you might migrate to the later if you are building a traditional business site because it is one of the easiest ways to add content. And, if you want to control your own Web site and not pay a developer’s cost, there is no better solution. You might have to settle for normal “stock graphics that don’t offer much pizzazz. That is unless you opt for a theme where you can customize the header. Then you will need some basic graphic arts skills to make one.
Installing WordPress and Theme Selection
Does your Web host offer cPanel with Fantastico or Simple Scripts? Then installation of a blog is a breeze with WordPress.org! All you need is to log into cPanel, i.e. click on Fantastico, and then WordPress (left sidebar). A window (as shown) opens and then click on new installation.
If your provider does not offer Simple Scripts, you can register for free at their Web site. You get to do three free uses, then the cost is only $15.00 per year after.
The next screen asks you for a folder or to set up a folder – generally called ‘blog’ as shown above – then click on. The only preparation you need ahead of time is an administrator (your) name, pass code and an email address where an email will be sent with details.
Theme selection is your next step. A rather vanilla theme is standard, although you can change the colors of the header. The latest version also has a second option. The new Twenty Ten theme is a step above the previous choices and offers loads of standard options. In addition However there are many themes out in Web land, both Free, subscription based as well as one time fee.
What do you want the site to look like? A blog? A traditional Web site with no sidebars? Or a traditional Web site with a blog? All are available, with different sidebar arrangements, color schemes, pre-included graphics, etc.
With a free theme you need to install a lot of plugins (add-ons, mostly free but some developers request “donations” – which by the way is illegal per the I.R.S. unless you are a non for profit organization) and you may need some code writing or altering experience. Technical support is not generally available with free themes. So, you may have to resort to WordPress on line forums and FAQ’s. There are also tons of tutorials and videos if you are in a learn at a snail’s pace mode (as I was).
However, if you are a fast tract, then consider a fee based theme or subscriptions. You will pay a small fee (generally under $120.00) for most themes. For the fee you should get a perpetual license, lifetime upgrades of developer enhancements as well as technical support. Subscriptions offer multiple themes and may have to be renewed annually.
Continued with Free vs Fee Themes…
