WordPress is actually a FREE blogging tool that uses PHP and MySQL to make vibrant content management system. This definition may sound confusing but really, in the simplest terms, WordPress is like a file document where you can write texts, paste pictures, construct spreadsheets and create presentations. This is what makes it different though, because with WordPress (aided by PHP and MySQL), people are allowed to comment or remark on the content that you did making blogger-reader interaction more dynamic and vibrant.
How is it used?
Everything starts with signing up your own account, of course. You could choose the free or the paid one. It depends on you. For the purpose of this article, I chose to avail of the free one. J
First, you have to choose whether you want to post a text, a photo, a video, quote or link as you can see in this picture.
Second, if you click the text icon for example, you will be directed to a page where you can enter your precious text like the one below.
Different pages will be seen with different icons you click, all of them are all easy to use so do not worry.
Third, (remember we are still writing a text) you can format or add some artistry in your text by using the icons in the text editor. It’s just easy navigating through this and it is also fun. J
Fourth, add your own title (if you like) and tags and categorize your posts. Tags help in categorizing your posts. Make sure to make your titles and tags catchy and charming so it could get the attention of everyone.
***Titles and tags are optional and are all present in the five types of posts. They maybe optional but titles and tags help you get more attention so don’t doubt giving effort on these two.
Last,PUBLISH your post! If you are not ready to publish your post, it can be automatically saved as a draft.
Easy right? But to help you use more of the gifts of WordPress, Read on. At the right side of your page, a lot of options are present, see below:
DASHBOARD: it is where you can quickly see the most used areas of your blog administration.
POSTS:. They are main pieces in your blogs. Without posts, why would you call it a blog? Right?
MEDIA: Using this option, you are able to add, edit, or view media objects in your blog. You can also add a new media if you so desire.
LINKS: Basically, this helps you share the links you so love to your readers. You can do this by clicking on the option Add New Link. You can organize links by category, can be automatically associated with images, and can even be rated on a scale from zero to nine.
PAGES: “Contact or About us page” is an example of Pages. This is a tool that is often used to present static information about your site. Remember that this is displayed individually and not go together with your other posts.
COMMENTS/ FEEDBACKS: It is where readers can post their remarks or thoughts. Comments can be controlled and regulated using filters for language and content. Comments can also be dependent on your approval, helping you deal with comment spam. Plug ins, like Akismet, can do wonders in controlling spams. Comments and Feedbacks maybe separated but they do have the same function.
APPEARANCE: This basically helps you change the appearance of your blog. You can choose different themes and you can also add some widgets to help you add, for example Blogroll, Archives or Recent Posts, in your sidebar.
USERS: You can add authors to your blog, just make sure that the person should have access to a user account.
TOOLS: This provides you the chance to boost your WordPress Tools for local machine, import content from other sources, and export your content. It can also help you upgrade your WordPress software to a new release.
SETTINGS: This tool mainly involves the settings that define your blog in general. It also determines the behaviour and interaction of your site with you and with the rest of the world.
WordPress is not only a blogging platform, you can actually transform it into a full-featured content management system by using plug-ins and customization. You can create product pages, eCommerce sites, and e-magazines. The applications are honestly endless.
