4. 2. Backup
Most hosting companies will offer a backup system of some
kind
Jetpack has one
WordPress.com doesn't need one
I recommend Backup Buddy by iThemes because of its
options, it's easy to use and to migrate, especially those in
the room hoping to do their own development business
Another good solution (and free for the most part) is Updraft
Plus
5. 3. Contact Information
Contact forms rather than publishing your email address
Mailchimp signup form. Integrates with WordPress and
can be done as a widget
6. 4. Themes
The “Look and Feel”
of your website
Might include some
functionality
The “Front End” or
what people see
From Graph Paper Press
7. 5. Theme Selection
Start with the repository
Can be accessed through your Dashboard >
Appearances > Themes
Directly at wordpress.org/themes
If not, go outside and use the authors in the repository as
a start
Do not Google “free WordPress themes”!
These could contain malicious code
8. 5. Theme selection (con’t)
Where do I start?
Ask yourself, “What is the purpose of the website?”.
Many of the themes are categorized by purpose (i.e.,
photography/portfolio, business, blog, etc.)
Ask yourself, “What do I want it to look like? Do I want
a big header? Do I want columns? Main content with
sidebar?”. A good way to familiarize yourself with
these is to look in the repository.
Make sure that the them you choose is mobile-
enabled/responsive!
9. 6. Plugins
Plugins extend the
usefulness of your
website
Some examples are
Backup Buddy and
Jetpack
The “Back End” or what
people don’t see
10. 6. Plugin Selection
Just like the themes, best to check the repository
(http://wordpress.org/plugins)
Don’t overload your site. Choose your plugins carefully.
First, by function. What do you need it to do?
Is there a plugin that does multiple functions, such as
memberships AND payments? This is such a wide
area, you need to research it. It will depend on what
functionality you need.
11. 7. More About Hiring a Professional
Educate yourself
Not only about the terminology, but also have an
idea of what you want. This saves everyone a good
amount of time and effort.
Expect to give a deposit of some sort, whether you’re
working with a student or a professional. Don’t expect
any of this for free.
This is not a cookie cutter process, nor is it an
overnight one.
12. Extra Resources
WordPress.com: This is where you can learn almost
everything I’ve just talked about! There is also one for
.ORG, but this will get you about 90% of the way there.
Skip the “Getting Started” part if you are using the .ORG
WordPress.tv: Most of the talks given at WordCamps are
recorded and archived here. You can find my talks
there!
Marc Benzakein did a great presentation called: “How
to Rock a WordCamp Even if You’re a n00b” at
WordCamp Toronto 2014. (PS. He’ll be here this
weekend too!)
Now that you’ve decided to go to Self-hosted, which host to you go for?
Shared is less costly in most cases, but they are becoming much more competitive.
Managed hosting is more of a “hands on” approach from the provider. They look after the updates for you, as well as protect your interests.
Not an easy question as to who is reliable.
Not an easy question as to who is reliable.
Other popular ones might be WordFence or Google Analytics
I urge you to get on my mailing list if you want more! New brand, new courses, new offerings.