WordPress - The Basics

WordPress is a free, Web-based software program that anyone can use to build and maintain a website or blog. Around 1/3 of all websites around the world use Wordpress. Originally intended as an easy way to set up a blog, WordPress has become much more than just a tool for bloggers - it's now a “content management system” (CMS), which means that it can be used to run full-sized personal or business websites.

The software lets you create and edit new web pages and blog “posts” using only a web browser and you don’t need to know HTML or any other code. Editing Wordpress is very easy - it works a lot like simple word-processing software and because the interface is web-based, creating and editing pages can be done from anywhere with an Internet connection. The WordPress editing interface is very easy to use. It works a lot like simple word-processing software and because the interface is web-based, creating and editing pages can be done from anywhere with an Internet connection. 

This course is designed to meet the needs of self-hosted sites (ie using the resources from wordpress.org).  If your site is hosted on wordpress.com, please contact the office to see if the course is relevant to your needs.

In late 2018, Wordpress released a new approach to editing based on blocks. This course introduces the Block Editor but also covers the Classic editor previously used by Wordpress. 

For more information, visit David's website.

By the end of the workshop, you'll be able to:

• Describe content management systems (CMS) and identify the key features of a CMS
• Describe the basics of WordPress and the modular WordPress platform
• Explain the differences between posts and pages in WordPress
• Understand the fundamentals of using both the block editor and the Classic Editor
• Create, edit, and manage posts and pages including adding formatting, links, and media
• Customise a WordPress site by making changes to the settings, homepage, and menus
• Describe the main functions of WordPress widgets, plugins and themes - note managing widgets, plugins and themes is covered in more detail in the next Step course.

This is a hands-on opportunity to learn and practise your skills and your development site will be accessible via the web a short while after the course. 

Note:  Courses need a minimum number to go ahead so if we don't have enough enrolments a few days before the start date, we have to cancel. We'll let you know by email so please check yours regularly. If you need to cancel your registration, here are our terms and conditions: "What You Need to Know".

You need good computing and Internet skills.  This course is designed to meet the needs of self-hosted sites (ie using the resources from wordpress.org).  If your site is hosted on wordpress.com, please contact the office to see if the course is relevant to your needs.