Where to Start?

Sometimes all this stuff seems overwhelming, doesn’t it?  You hear terms flying about and they really don’t mean all that much.

Well, lets start by outlining some basic information and then we’ll take the necessary steps.

If you’ve read about WordPress you’ve probably run across three flavors: WordPress.com, self-hosted WordPress, and WordPress MU.   If you’d like to learn more about what they each are and why we recommend self-hosted take a look at this post: Definitions of WordPress Versions.

We recommend utilizing SELF-HOSTED WordPress.

Now, with that said, we need to walk through getting this stuff setup.

STEP 1: Get your domain registered.

First, you need to secure your web site address.  The cost of this fairly minor.  Usually it’s somewhere between $5 and $30 per year.  There are some options that will affect cost as well.

Please Note: If you are setting up hosting, many times the hosting provider can provide this for you.

STEP 2: Get a hosting account to host WordPress for you

You need somewhere to host your WordPress install.  Take a look at our hosting information – Where to Host?

STEP 3: Setup WordPress

Okay, now it’s time to setup WordPress.  Many hosting providers offer a one-click setup for WordPress.  Make sure to check for that first.

If your host doesn’t have a setup program, you can download the most recent version of WordPress from this link.  Then simply follow the instructions and install it on your host.

Would you like some assistance with this?  Let us know and we’ll install it for you.  For just a $99 flat fee, we’ll install it along with a couple of basic plug-ins.

STEP 4: Decide on a Theme

One of the greatest aspects of WordPress the wealth of themes available.  You can get many of them for free or you can look at Premium Themes.  Here’s more about themes.

STEP 5: Customize the install to meet your needs

Alright, now here’s the cool part.  The theme will get you part way to WordPress looking the way you want it to.  Now, you’re ready to customize the setup to meet your needs.  Each theme will have it’s own requirements and abilities so this phase will depend on your needs and your selected theme.

We’d love to help you get WordPress working the way you want it.  We specialize in customizing the structure for you.  Whether you need us to find plug-ins for you, altering the theme, or building custom pieces to fit your needs we’re here to help.

Want to see some of the sites that we’ve finished recently? Here are some samples.

To begin the process, click to Customize It!.

STEP 6: Go Live

Now that the site is ready… let’s let people see it!  Once you’re ready, we’ll roll it out and it will be available to the public…

STEP 7: Watch the Analytics

Now, sit back and watch the hits come in.  You can track all the statistics and see where people are going.  We’ll help you with this as well.