Wordpress help please

[Mandyj58]

Hope somebody can help. I want to set up a new business website using Wordpress, I've got an old version of Dreamweaver which I've done my other business websites with but I've never been properly trained so the sites are very basic I don't even know how to use stylesheets.

I've been on Wordpress.org and installed wordpress onto my laptop and I've purchased a domain name and hosting through 123Reg as that's where my other websites are. In 123 reg I got as far as installing wordpress to my hosting package but then I didn't know what to do so I uninstalled it all this morning from the host, that wasn't a quick job.

Can anybody tell me what to do next and do I need to keep the version of wordpress I downloaded onto my laptop?

Thanks

Mandy

 

[Faevilangel]

To run WordPress on your laptop you need to install another program such as Xampp which installs the vital stuff needed to run WP, it's quite complicated to set up so not for the faint hearted.

To use WP properly you need a webhost as they offer all the bits you need, there are loads of guides online to install wp, and then use something like http://www.wpmadesimple.org/ to learn the basics of wp.

 

[Mandyj58]

Thanks for your reply sorry I don't really know anything at all about wordpress there are loads of videos and forums about using it but I'm having trouble getting into it. Like I say I uploaded it to my web host and I just don't know what to do from there. Do you think I should ask 123 Reg?

 

[PuneetJvw]

Yes, you should ask them.

You can use content from your old dreamweaver and put it on to wordpress after you have installed it on your server.

 

[NuBlue]

If you're familiar with Dreamweaver then you're used to managing sites on your laptop and uploading the content to a web host. With Wordpress, install it on your web hosting and manage it online.

123-Reg hosting advertises 75 free applications including Wordpress. I assume once you login to your hosting control panel, there will be an automated installation tool - is that what you used? Uninstalling it through the same tool should also be quick & easy. I'd use the built-in installer rather than wordpress.org instructions.

Wordpress can take a bit of time to familiarise yourself with it but it's worth the effort. Once you've got your head round it, there's apps available for tablets & mobile so you can manage it without your laptop.

One thing I would recommend, install a security plugin from the start such as Wordfence or All In One WP Security.

 

[UKSBD]

Thanks for your reply sorry I don't really know anything at all about wordpress there are loads of videos and forums about using it but I'm having trouble getting into it. Like I say I uploaded it to my web host and I just don't know what to do from there. Do you think I should ask 123 Reg?

You can ask them, but depending on what package you have, you shouldn't expect them to help too much.

123-Reg are registrar and hosts, it's not really up to them to be developers as well (unless you have a package that provides this service)

 

[Mandyj58]

Thanks all for your help yesterday I didn't actually have to do anything as 123Reg did it all for me with the installation. Now for the really hard bit trying to use the software, no doubt I'll be picking your brains again shortly

 

[fisicx]

Have you looked at this site: http://www.wpmadesimple.org/

It will help you get started.

 

[Mandyj58]

Thanks will do thought yesterday was the hard bit I think I'm going to like Wordpress but I really need to design something in my head before I start. If you choose a theme and change your mind would it save the information you've put in and convert it to the new theme?

 

[Nuno]

Yes

 

[Matthew : TekHive Hosting]

Yes it should do, however some templates come with pre text included so make sure you don't install that bit

Best regards,
Matthew

 

[fisicx]

Starting with the theme is not the best way to build a website. Focus on the content, navigation and calls to action. Get these in place and then play with different themes. Remember that you are building a site for your potential clients not for you. So what you may like your visitors may not, so be prepared to change themes more than once.

 

[Mandyj58]

Good morning, can anybody recommend a good photo gallery plug for Wordpress in I've installed the Photo Gallery one by Webdorado because I watched a youtube video and it looked great BUT it doesn't tell you that it's the pro version they're showing which you have to pay for so my thumbnails look a bit unscaled (if that's a word).

 

[fisicx]

You don't need a plugin. Wordpress has a great built in gallery.

Create a new page, click on 'Add Media' then on the left select 'Create Gallery'. once you have selected your images you have all sorts of display options to play with.

 

[Mandyj58]

Thanks again for the fast reply

 

[alexdigital]

Hey Mandy,

You might want to check out my recent Youtube video on how to make Wordpress Website. You can skip past the bit about the hosting. It uses the excellent 3clicks theme which is really flexible and do most things you need.

Here's the vid. Let me know how you get on..

-Alex

 

[PuneetJvw]

Wow the people are so helpful on this forum

When i see someone asking for help i just try to sell them my services.

time to rethink forums and way i look at life...

 

[alexdigital]

Wow the people are so helpful on this forum

When i see someone asking for help i just try to sell them my services.

time to rethink forums and way i look at life...

You seem pretty helpful to me..

 

[tyler web design]

Get 123 to reinstall it on your hosting account as it's a lot easier to manage than using Xampp. You can then login to the admin screen (this will be yourdomain/wp-admin) and you can start managing the site from there.