Step 1: Setting Up WordPress
First and foremost, you need a WordPress.org website set up. If you haven’t done that yet, WordPress Beginner has an excellent tutorial.
Step 2: Accessing the WordPress Dashboard
Make sure you’re logged in to your WordPress account, and navigate to the Dashboard. This is your control panel and will be where most of the magic happens. To get here, simply add /wp-admin to the end of your site’s URL.
Step 3: Navigating to the Posts Section
Once on the dashboard, look towards the left side of the screen where you will find a menu. Here, click on Posts. This will take you to a page displaying all of your site’s posts.
Step 4: Adding a New Post
To start making a new post, click on the Add New button located at the top of the page or in the left sidebar under Posts. This will lead you to the editor page where you’ll build your content.
Step 5: Crafting Your Post
Here comes the fun part—designing your post! At the top of this page, there’s a blank where you should input your post title. Below this area, you’ll see a larger field. This is your content area where you’ll write the main body of your post.
Pro tip: WordPress uses a feature called Gutenberg Blocks for more complex layouts. You can add paragraphs, headings, images, lists, quotes, and much more. Gutenberg Tutorial provides a breakdown on how to utilize these features.
Step 6: Adding Categories and Tags
To the right of your content area, you’ll find the Categories and Tags options. Categories are like broad topics under which your post can fall. Tags, on the other hand, are more specific words that describe the details of your post. Both are useful for organizing your blog and helping readers find your content.
Step 7: Setting a Featured Image
Below the categories and tags, there’s the Featured Image section. This will be the main image associated with your post. Click on Set Featured Image to choose an image from your media library or upload a new one.
Step 8: Previewing Your Post
Before publishing, always preview how your post will look to your audience. You can do this by clicking on the Preview button at the top of your page. This opens up a new tab showing your post as it would appear once published.
Step 9: Publishing Your Post
If everything looks great in the preview, you’re all set to publish. Go back to the editor page, and on the right sidebar, click the Publish button. WordPress will ask you to confirm your choice. Click Publish again to finalize the process.
Step 10: Viewing Your Published Post
After publishing, you’ll see a message with a link to view your post. Click this to confirm your content is live on your website. You can alternatively locate it from your site’s homepage.
Conclusion
Now you can publish a post on WordPress! With practice, these steps will become second nature. Keep exploring the platform, use featured plugins like Yoast SEO for better search engine rankings, and stay updated with WordPress news and changes via official WordPress News.
Remember, creating standout content takes time and consistent efforts. Patience, creativity, and persistence go a long way. Happy WordPressing!