The process of editing your website with WordPress can seem a bit daunting if you’re just starting out. But don’t be discouraged! Being user-friendly is one of the main perks of WordPress, and with a bit of patience, you’ll have your site updated in no time.
Get Acquainted With The WordPress Dashboard
Before you can start editing your website, you first need to understand how to navigate the WordPress dashboard. This is where all your website management will take place. After you’ve logged into WordPress, you can access the dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
Your dashboard will include options such as Posts, Pages, Appearance, and Plugins. Spend time familiarizing yourself with this layout and what each option includes. This will better equipped you for editing your website.
Editing WordPress Posts and Pages
Your website’s content will mainly be displayed through posts and pages. Here’s a dashboard guide to help you navigate these areas.
To modify a post, go to Posts > All Posts in your dashboard. There, you will notice the list of posts that you can edit. When you find the post you want to edit, hover over its title and then click Edit.
Pages can be edited in a similar manner. Just go to Pages > All Pages, then hover over the page you want to edit and click Edit.
Now you can start editing text, adding images, and even changing the layout of your posts and pages. Remember to hit the Update button whenever you make changes.
Customize Your Theme
Appearance > Customize is where you can control the overall look and feel of your site. This is where you adjust things like the site title, tagline, colors, etc. Remember to click the Publish button at the top whenever you make changes.
Every WordPress theme is a little different, so you may have different options depending on your chosen theme. It’s a good idea to take some time to learn about your specific theme.
Consider these themes to get started.
You can also add custom CSS to your theme if you’re familiar with coding. This option can be found under Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS.
Add Functionality With Plugins
Plugins are a powerful feature of WordPress that allow you to add features to your site without knowing any code. You can browse plugins by going to Plugins > Add New. You can search for specific plugins or browse by featured, popular, recommended, and favorites.
Consider plugins like Yoast SEO for SEO optimization, or Contact Form 7 to add a simple contact form.
Once you find a plugin you want, click Install Now and then Activate. Each plugin should come with instructions on how to set it up.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to edit your website with WordPress may seem overwhelming at first, but don’t be discouraged. You have at your disposal a plentiful amount of resources online that can help you out with WordPress. Take your time, don’t be afraid to experiment, and most importantly don’t be afraid to ask for help. WordPress has vast and vibrant community forums where you can ask questions and get help. Happy editing!