WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that helps you create and manage websites without needing to know how to code. It’s free and open-source, which means anyone can use and modify it. But how hard is it to learn WordPress?
WordPress is one of the most popular CMS on the internet today, powering over 40% of all websites. Its popularity is due to its user-friendly interface and easy customization of websites.
However, when you’re starting out, all of this can seem impossible, and you may wonder how hard it is to learn WordPress…but I got you!
This article will explore the difficulty level of learning WordPress and provide some tips to make the learning process easier. Here is a simple FREE checklist to help you start a new website.
How hard is it to learn WordPress? Not that hard!
The difficulty level of learning WordPress largely depends on your web design and development knowledge. If you have a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and PHP, then learning WordPress will be much easier.
But, if you are a complete beginner with no prior web design or development knowledge (like I was!!), you may find learning WordPress has a definite learning curve.
But don’t let that discourage you.
With a little patience and dedication, you can master the basics of WordPress in no time. Trust me; I was able to figure this out with only a little help (and four kids running around in the background).
The good news is that WordPress is very intuitive and user-friendly. You don’t need to be a developer to use it. Its visual editor (Gutenberg) allows you to create and edit pages and posts without coding knowledge. Plus, many tutorials, courses, and online resources are available to help you learn WordPress quickly and easily.
What do I need to learn in WordPress?
- Setting up WordPress: To use WordPress, you need first to purchase a domain name and web hosting. Once you have that, you can install WordPress on your web hosting account. Most web hosts offer a one-click WordPress installation process. I love New Blog Host or Big Scoots for hosting because their customer service is BOMB.
- Choosing a theme: Themes determine the look and feel of your website. There are thousands of free and paid WordPress themes to choose from. You can select one that suits your needs and customize it to your liking. I would say from experience you’re likely to change themes a few times, so purchasing something like Astra that has a bunch of template options is great because you can more easily swap if you find you want to change the look and feel.
- Adding content: Once you have a theme in place, you can start adding content to your website. You can create pages (Home, About, Contact, Privacy etc.) and posts (such as blog posts or articles). You can add images, videos, and other media to your content. Make sure you understand how to brand your website!
- Plugins: WordPress plugins are like apps that add functionality to your website. There are thousands of free and paid plugins available. They can help you with everything from SEO to social media sharing. Here are some of my favorite WordPress plug-ins that I found necessary for a functioning and efficient site.
- RankMath (SEO), Pretty Links, Google site kit, LinkWhisper and WPRocket
- *Just be aware you shouldn’t just start adding plug-in after plug-in because they can slow down your site speed, and also, some don’t play well with others (if you run into an issue, just put in a support ticket with your host, and they should be able to help you!)
- Maintenance: WordPress requires regular updates to keep it secure and functioning properly. You should also back up your website regularly in case of any issues. Your host can help with backups, and once a week you can update plug-ins to make sure nothing sits for too long. It’s really not a TON of work, but it does take someone paying attention and logging into the back end (your WordPress dashboard) to keep things running smoothly.
That’s a basic overview of what you need to know to start with WordPress. Of course, as you get more familiar with the platform, there’s much more to learn, but these are the key things you should focus on as a beginner.
Now here are some simple tips for learning WordPress.
Tips for Learning WordPress
If you are ready to learn WordPress, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with the Basics: The best way to learn WordPress is to start with the basics. Familiarize yourself with the WordPress dashboard, create a post or a page, and explore the features and options available.
- Watch Tutorials: Many video tutorials are available online that can help you learn WordPress quickly and easily. You can find tutorials on YouTube, Udemy, or even on WordPress.org.
- Use a Pre-Designed Theme: WordPress has thousands of pre-designed themes that you can use to create a beautiful website without any coding knowledge. Just choose a theme that fits your needs, install it, and customize it to your liking. (Don’t spend money having someone custom code your site OR rush into paying someone to design it–you can usually make your way through the design using a solid theme like Astra and save yourself thousands of dollars)
- Join a Community: Joining a blogging community can be a great way to learn from other users and get help when needed. You can join the official WordPress forum or a Facebook group for WordPress users.
- Take a Course: If you want to learn WordPress in-depth, then taking a course may be the best option for you. Many online courses cover everything from the basics to advanced topics like plugin development and theme customization. Keep in mind there is a ton of FREE quality content on YouTube so check that out first before dropping too much money on a course.
Here are some reasons why a small business owner might want to consider learning WordPress:
- Easy to use: WordPress is a user-friendly content management system (CMS) that doesn’t require advanced technical skills to create and manage a website. You can learn to use WordPress relatively quickly and create a professional-looking website that reflects your brand and business goals.
- Cost-effective: WordPress is a free, open-source platform, meaning you can build a website without spending a lot of money on software or licensing fees. However, additional costs may be associated with purchasing a domain name, web hosting, and premium WordPress themes or plugins.
- Customizable: WordPress offers a wide range of customizable themes and plugins that allow small business owners to tailor their websites to their specific needs and goals. With the help of a developer, you can also create custom themes and plugins that enhance your website’s functionality if you get to the point of needing that!
- Search engine optimization (SEO): WordPress has built-in SEO features that help you optimize your websites for search engines. By learning how to use these features effectively, small business owners can increase their website’s visibility and drive more traffic. There are also great SEO plug-ins like RankMath that integrate seamlessly with WordPress.
- Community support: WordPress has a large and active community of users and developers who share their knowledge and expertise through forums, blogs, and tutorials. You can tap into this community to get help and advice on using WordPress and solving problems that arise.
Learning WordPress is a valuable investment for anyone who wants to create a professional website that reflects their brand and business goals without spending a lot of money or time on website development.
What is the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
WordPress.com is a web hosting service that allows users to create a website or blog using the WordPress platform. It is a fully hosted platform, which means that WordPress.com takes care of all the technical aspects of running a website, such as hosting, security, backups, and updates. Users can sign up for a free account, which provides basic features and limited customization options, or they can choose from a range of paid plans that offer more features and flexibility.
WordPress.org, on the other hand, is the website where you can download WordPress software for free. It is an open-source content management system that anyone can use to create a website or blog.
Unlike WordPress.com, WordPress.org is self-hosted, meaning you need to find your own web hosting provider and install WordPress software on your server to create a website. This gives you complete control over your website and its customization options but also requires technical knowledge to manage and maintain.
In summary, WordPress.com is a fully hosted service that provides users with a simple and easy-to-use platform for creating a website or blog. WordPress.org is a self-hosted software that gives users more control and customization options but requires more technical expertise to set up and manage.
I ALWAYS recommend WordPress.org, and you can download my FREE Checklist for Starting a New Website here.
In conclusion, learning WordPress can be easy or difficult, depending on your existing knowledge of web design and development. However, with the right resources and patience, anyone can learn WordPress and create a beautiful website. Start with the basics, watch tutorials, use pre-designed themes, join a community, and take a course if you want to go in-depth. Good luck on your WordPress learning journey!
