WPWIZARDGUIDE.

COM

Getting Started
With WordPress

A GUIDE
What you need to do when setting up
WordPress
 About Us
At WP Wizard Guide, we believe in empowering individuals and businesses by
demystifying the world of WordPress.

Our Mission
Our website, wpwizardguide.com, is dedicated to offering comprehensive, free
resources about WordPress. Whether you’re a beginner just starting with
WordPress or a seasoned professional looking to expand your skillset, we’re
here to help. Our mission is to make WordPress accessible to everyone,
providing easy-to-understand guides, tutorials, and a detailed glossary to
navigate the complexities of website management.

Our Connection
WP Wizard Guide is proudly managed by Omologist.com, a digital agency known
for its expertise in online marketing and web development. This connection
enriches our content with professional insights and up-to-date industry
practices, ensuring you’re getting the best information possible.

What We Offer
1. Free Guides and Tutorials: Step-by-step instructions on various WordPress
functions – perfect for all skill levels.
2. Comprehensive Glossary: Understand WordPress terminology with our
extensive glossary that simplifies complex concepts.
3. Expert Advice: Our team, backed by the professionals at Omologist.com,
provides reliable and practical advice.
4. Community Support: Connect with other WordPress users and experts for a
collaborative learning experience.

Our Team
Our team comprises enthusiastic WordPress experts, content creators, and web
developers. We’re passionate about sharing our knowledge and helping others
achieve their web development goals.

Get in Touch
Have questions, suggestions, or feedback? We’d love to hear from you!
Connect with us at info at omologist.com.

Join Our Journey

Whether you’re building your first website or looking to enhance your
WordPress skills, WP Wizard Guide is your go-to resource. We’re excited to be
a part of your WordPress journey and can’t wait to see what you create!

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 Overview of WordPress

WordPress is an immensely popular content management system (CMS) that empowers

users to create and manage websites with ease. Initially launched in 2003 as a simple
blogging platform, WordPress has evolved into a versatile tool that powers over 40% of
all websites on the internet. This platform stands out for its user-friendly interface,
extensive customization options through themes and plugins, and a robust community of
developers and users who continuously contribute to its growth and accessibility.
Whether you're looking to create a personal blog, a business website, an online store, or
a portfolio, WordPress offers the flexibility and resources to meet a wide range of needs.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS GUIDE

This guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive introduction to WordPress,

tailored for those who are just starting out. We will walk you through the basics, from
understanding the system requirements and choosing a domain name, to selecting a
hosting provider and deciphering the differences between WordPress.com and
WordPress.org. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to begin your
WordPress journey, ensuring a smooth and successful website creation experience.

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 Preparation and Requirements
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR WORDPRESS
Before diving into WordPress, it's essential to understand the system requirements.
WordPress is known for its compatibility with a wide range of servers and setups, but for
optimal performance, a few key elements are necessary:

PHP version 7.4 or greater

MySQL version 5.6 or higher OR MariaDB version 10.1 or higher
HTTPS support
It's important to ensure that your hosting environment meets these requirements for a
smooth WordPress experience.

CHOOSING A DOMAIN NAME

Your domain name is your digital address - it's how users find you online. When choosing
a domain name, consider its relevance to your content, ease of recall, and simplicity in
spelling. Aim for a name that reflects your brand or purpose and avoids complexity.
Remember, your domain name is often your first impression to online visitors.

Here are some considerations for choosing a domain name.

1. Business or Website Purpose: Understanding the core purpose of the website or

business is crucial. Is it a blog, an e-commerce site, a portfolio, an informational site, or
something else? Knowing the primary function will help in generating relevant domain
ideas.

2. Target Audience: Information about the intended audience, such as their age group,
interests, profession, or location, can provide valuable insights. A domain name that
resonates with the target audience can be more effective.

3. Keywords or Key Phrases: Any specific keywords or phrases that are essential to
the business or website content. These could be related to the industry, services,
products, or core themes.

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 4. Brand Tone and Personality: Details about the brand's personality—whether it's
professional, playful, innovative, traditional, etc.—can influence the style of the domain
name.

5. Unique Selling Points: Any unique aspects of the business or website that could be
highlighted in the domain name. This could include special products, services, or a unique
approach to the industry.

6. Preferred Domain Extension: Preferences regarding the domain extension (like .com,
.net, .org, .info, .biz, etc.). While .com is the most common, other extensions might be
more suitable depending on the nature of the website.

7. Length and Memorability: Preferences for the length of the domain name. Generally,
shorter and more memorable names are preferable, but longer names can work if they
are catchy or highly descriptive.

8. Existing Competitor Domain Names: Knowledge of competitor domain names can

help differentiate the new domain and avoid confusion.

9. Any Existing Ideas or Concepts: If any pre-existing ideas or partial names are already
considered, these can be a good starting point for brainstorming.

10. Legal Considerations: Ensuring the proposed domain names do not infringe on
existing trademarks or copyrights.

SELECTING A HOSTING PROVIDER

A hosting provider is where your WordPress site will live. Choosing a reliable host that
meets WordPress's minimum requirements and offers good performance, security, and
support is important. Various hosting services are available, such as shared hosting, VPS
hosting, dedicated hosting, and managed WordPress hosting. Your choice should be
based on your website's size, traffic expectations, and budget.

We have used all the services below at different times, and our current pick is
Cloudways.

However, here are 5 choices which we think are worth considering.

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 Cloudways
Website: www.cloudways.com
Features: Cloudways stands out for its flexible and user-friendly managed WordPress
hosting solutions. They offer a unique approach by allowing users to choose their cloud
provider from options like Google Cloud, AWS, and DigitalOcean. Features include easy
scaling, managed security, and performance optimization.

Bluehost
Website: http://www.bluehost.com
Features: Bluehost is highly recommended by WordPress.org, offering features like 1-
click WordPress installation, a free domain for the first year, and 24/7 support. It caters
to a variety of website sizes with shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting options.

SiteGround
Website: www.siteground.com
Features: SiteGround is known for its superior customer service and high-performance
hosting. Features include managed WordPress hosting, automated updates, daily
backups, and enhanced security. They also offer user-friendly tools and multiple data
centers.

WP Engine
Website: http://www.wpengine.com
Features: A premium managed WordPress host, WP Engine is known for fast and
secure hosting services. It includes daily backups, threat detection, and free SSL
certificates. Ideal for businesses requiring robust hosting solutions.

Kinsta
Website: kinsta.com
Features: Kinsta provides premium managed WordPress hosting emphasizing speed
and security. They leverage Google Cloud Platform and offer daily backups, free
migrations, and advanced security features.

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 UNDERSTANDING WORDPRESS.COM VS.
WORDPRESS.ORG

One common confusion for beginners is the difference between WordPress.com and
WordPress.org. WordPress.org is the home of the free, open-source WordPress
software that you can install on your own web host. It offers full customization but
requires more hands-on management. On the other hand, WordPress.com is a hosting
service that offers a simplified version of WordPress, with hosting included. It's easier to
use but comes with limitations in terms of monetization and customization. Your choice
between the two will depend on how much control and flexibility you need over your site.

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 Installation and Initial Setup on
a Managed WordPress Host
(Example: Cloudways)
INTRODUCTION TO MANAGED WORDPRESS
HOSTING

Brief Explanation of Managed WordPress Hosting: Managed WordPress hosting is a

specialized hosting service where all technical aspects of running WordPress are
managed by the host. This includes security, speed, WordPress updates, daily backups,
website uptime, and scalability.

Advantages of Using Services Like Cloudways: Cloudways, as a managed WordPress

host, offers significant advantages such as improved website performance, enhanced
security, expert support, and ease of managing websites. These benefits allow users to
focus on their content and business rather than technical maintenance.

CREATING AN ACCOUNT WITH CLOUDWAYS

Step-by-Step Guide on Signing Up for Cloudways: To start with Cloudways, visit their
website and sign up for an account. You must provide basic information like your name,
email address, and password for account creation.

Overview of Cloudways Dashboard: Once signed up, you'll gain access to the Cloudways
dashboard. This user-friendly interface allows you to manage servers, applications, and
settings. It's designed for ease of use, even for beginners.

Click the link below if you need additional help with setting up on Cloudways.

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 SELECTING YOUR SERVER AND APPLICATION
Choosing the Right Server: Cloudways allows you to select from various cloud providers
like DigitalOcean, Linode, and AWS. Your choice should be based on your specific needs
such as expected traffic, server location, and budget.

How to Select WordPress as Your Application: In the Cloudways platform, you can easily
select WordPress as your desired application during the server setup process.

Understanding Server and Application Settings: When setting up, you'll encounter various
options like server size, location, and application settings. These should be selected
based on your website's expected requirements.

When you have signed up with Cloudways to create a server you will start with the
screen similar to that above.

Choose the latest version of WordPress. Above we chose 6.2.2 as it was the lastest. It
should be the version at the top.

Now give your application a name which might be your website name and your server a
name and assign it to a project.
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 Now, you choose who your server will be with. Most people with a starter website
should choose DigitalOcean.

Next, you select the server size. If your website is new, choose the 1GB or 2GB option.

If your website is established and depending on the traffic, you would choose the 2GB
or higher.

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 Last choose a city close to where your audience is and it will tell you the price for the
server.

When your ready push “Launch Now” to create your server.

LAUNCHING YOUR WORDPRESS SITE

Steps to Launch the WordPress Site on Cloudways: After selecting your server and
application, you can launch your WordPress site. Cloudways automates the installation
process, making it straightforward and quick.

Explanation of Automated WordPress Installation: Cloudways' automated process

installs WordPress on your server, eliminating the need for manual installation steps.
This includes setting up databases and configuring necessary files.

ACCESSING YOUR WORDPRESS DASHBOARD

Locating and Accessing the WordPress Admin URL: Once WordPress is installed, you
can access your WordPress dashboard via a unique admin URL provided by Cloudways.

Initial Login Using Credentials Provided by Cloudways: For the first login, use the
credentials provided by Cloudways. It's recommended to change these to your
personal preferences post-login for security reasons.

MIGRATION OF YOUR WEBSITE

if you are setting up a new site you will be able to skip this step.

If you do have your WordPress website at another host and wish to migrate it to
Cloudways we recommendfollowing the instructions at Cloudways using their cloudways
migratory which makes it very simple.

https://support.cloudways.com/en/articles/5133559-how-to-use-cloudways-wordpress-
migrator-plugin

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 POINTING YOUR DOMAIN TO YOUR CLOUDWAYS
SERVER
Guide on Linking Your Domain to the Cloudways Server: To link your domain, you need to
update your DNS settings to point to your Cloudways server IP address.

if you have never done this before we recommend talking with the support team at
Cloudways who are amazing and provide excellent support and they can help you with
this.

In addition, they have a detailed article (which covers what we will touch on below) at
https://support.cloudways.com/en/articles/4805075-how-do-i-take-my-website-live-
from-cloudways

Setting Up DNS Records for Your Domain: This involves configuring A records in your
domain registrar's panel to direct your domain to your Cloudways server.

SSL CERTIFICATE SETUP

How to Install a Free Let's Encrypt SSL Certificate: Cloudways offers an easy way to install
a Let's Encrypt SSL certificate for your domain, directly from the dashboard, ensuring
secure connections to your site.

Importance of SSL for Security and SEO: SSL certificates are crucial for website security
and are also a ranking factor in search engine optimization (SEO).

BASIC WORDPRESS SETTINGS CONFIGURATION

Setting Up Site Title, Tagline, and Timezone: In the WordPress settings, configure your
site's title, tagline, and timezone, which are important for your site's identity and
functionality.

Configuring WordPress Reading and Writing Settings: Adjust the Reading and Writing
settings in WordPress to control how your content is displayed and managed.

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 EXPLORING CLOUDWAYS ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Introduction to Built-in Cloudways Features: Cloudways offers built-in features such as
advanced caching, enhanced security measures, and automated backups, which are
crucial for maintaining and optimizing your WordPress site.

How to Utilize These Features for WordPress Optimization: These features can be
accessed and configured via the Cloudways dashboard, enabling you to optimize your
WordPress site for performance, security, and efficiency.

WordPress Dashboard
Overview
UNDERSTANDING THE WORDPRESS ADMIN
DASHBOARD
The WordPress Admin Dashboard is the control center for your website, where you
manage content, appearance, functionality, and settings. It's a user-friendly interface
designed to give you quick access to all the tools and options needed to manage your
site effectively.

Upon logging in, you'll be greeted by the Dashboard home, which provides an overview of
your site's activity, including recent posts, comments, and site health.

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 NAVIGATING THROUGH DIFFERENT SECTIONS
Posts: This section is where you create, edit, and manage your blog posts. It includes
features for categorizing and tagging posts, as well as setting up featured images.

Pages: Similar to posts, but typically used for static content like 'About Us', 'Contact', or
'Home' pages. Pages do not use categories or tags.

Comments: Here, you can moderate comments left on your posts and pages. This
includes approving, replying to, editing, marking as spam, or deleting comments.

Appearance: This section allows you to customize the look and feel of your site. You can
select and customize themes, manage widgets, create menus, and sometimes edit your
site's CSS depending on the theme.

Plugins: Plugins extend the functionality of your WordPress site. In this section, you can
install, activate, deactivate, update, and delete plugins.

Users: Manage the people who can access your WordPress dashboard. Here, you can
add new users, assign roles, and edit user information.

Tools: This section provides tools to perform certain non-routine management tasks, like
importing or exporting content, and sometimes special features added by plugins.

Settings: This is where you configure the global settings for your site, including site title,
tagline, URL, email, timezone, and more. It also includes settings related to reading,
writing, discussion, media, and permalinks.

User Roles and Permissions

WordPress comes with a built-in system to manage user roles and permissions. These
roles determine what a user can and cannot do on your site. Key roles include:

Administrator: Has access to all administrative features within a single site.

Editor: Can manage and publish posts, including posts written by other users.
Author: Can publish and manage their own posts only.
Contributor: Can write and manage their own posts but cannot publish them.
Subscriber: Can only manage their profile and read content.
Understanding these roles is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your
website. Assign roles carefully, especially the Administrator role, as it allows complete
access to all aspects of the site.

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 Theme Selection and
Customization
CHOOSING A THEME
Selecting the right theme is crucial as it dictates the visual appearance and layout of
your website. When choosing a theme, consider factors like your website's purpose,
desired aesthetic, functionality needs, and load speed. The WordPress theme directory
offers a wide range of free themes, while numerous premium themes are available from
third-party developers.

Functionality vs. Design: Look for themes that not only appeal visually but also provide
the necessary functionality. For example, a portfolio website might need a theme that
highlights images, whereas a blog would benefit from a text-focused layout with easy
readability.

Compatibility and Updates: Ensure the theme is compatible with the latest version of
WordPress and regularly updated by the developers for security and functionality.

Reviews and Ratings: Check user reviews and ratings to gauge the theme's
performance and support quality.

INSTALLING AND ACTIVATING THEMES

Using the Customizer: WordPress includes a built-in customizer that lets you modify
various aspects of your theme. Access it by going to 'Appearance'> 'Customize'. Here,
you can tweak settings like colors, fonts, header images, and more.

Widgets: Widgets are small blocks that perform specific functions. You can add these
to designated areas like sidebars or footers. Access them through 'Appearance'>
'Widgets'.

Menus: Create and manage navigation menus by going to 'Appearance'> 'Menus'. You
can set menu locations and add items like pages, categories, and custom links.

Custom CSS: For more specific customizations, some themes allow you to add custom
CSS directly via the Customizer. This is useful for advanced users who want to tweak
the theme's default styling.

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RESPONSIVE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure the theme is mobile-responsive. This means it should
automatically adjust its layout and content to fit different screen sizes, from desktops
to smartphones.

Testing on Different Devices: Test the theme on various devices and browsers to
ensure compatibility and a consistent user experience.

Speed and Performance: Responsive design isn't just about visual adjustment; it also
involves ensuring that your site loads quickly and efficiently on all devices. Opt for
themes that are optimized for speed and performance.

Plugin Management
FINDING AND INSTALLING ESSENTIAL PLUGINS
Plugins extend the functionality of your WordPress site, allowing you to add new
features and optimize performance. The process of finding and installing the right
plugins is key to enhancing your website.

Using the WordPress Plugin Directory: Access the plugin directory by navigating to
'Plugins'> 'Add New' in your WordPress dashboard. Here, you can search for plugins by
name or functionality and read reviews and ratings.

Installing Plugins: Once you find a plugin, click 'Install Now' and then 'Activate' to use it.
Some plugins may require additional setup or configuration after activation.

Premium Plugins: For more advanced features, consider purchasing premium plugins
from third-party developers. These often come with dedicated support and more robust
functionality.

FINDING AND INSTALLING ESSENTIAL PLUGINS

Configuring Plugins: After installation, most plugins will add a new menu item to your
WordPress dashboard or integrate into existing settings. Configure each plugin
according to your needs, which might involve setting preferences or inputting additional
information.

Regular Updates: Keep your plugins updated to ensure security and functionality.
Updates can be managed from the 'Plugins' section of your dashboard. They often
include security patches, bug fixes, and new features.
 RECOMMENDED PLUGINS FOR BEGINNERS
SEO Plugins (e.g., RankMath, Yoast SEO, All in One SEO Pack): These plugins help
optimize your website for search engines. They can assist with creating SEO-friendly
content, generating sitemaps, and improving your site's overall SEO.

Security Plugins (e.g., Wordfence, Sucuri): Security plugins protect your site from
hacking attempts, malware, and other security threats. They often include features like
firewall protection, security scanning, and monitoring. Check with your managed host
as some provide security without needing a plugin. For example Cloudways
installsplugin on setup called “Bot Protection” which provides security.

Caching Plugins (e.g., WPRocket, W3 Total Cache, WP Super Cache): Caching can
significantly improve your website's loading times. These plugins generate static HTML
pages of your site, reducing the server processing load and speeding up page delivery
to visitors. Could you check your host as many now include these so you won't need a
plugin? For example Cloudways provides a plugin called Breeze which does all the
caching functions these otherplugins provide.

Built-in Caching Features: Quality-managed hosting providers like Cloudways often

have built-in caching mechanisms. These are explicitly optimized for the server
environment, which can lead to better performance compared to standard caching
plugins.

Benefits of Integrated Caching: The integrated caching feature in a managed hosting

environment ensures that your website loads faster by storing frequently accessed
data. Since it's configured to work seamlessly with your server, it often provides more
efficient cache management and speed improvements.

Managing Caching on Cloudways: Cloudways provides advanced caching solutions

like Varnish, Memcached, and Redis. These tools are pre-configured but offer
customization options through the Cloudways dashboard. This allows you to handle
various caching aspects directly without the need for additional plugins.

Backup Plugins (e.g., UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy): Regular backups are essential. These
plugins automate the process of backing up your website, ensuring you have a recent
copy in case of any issues. Note that a quality-managed host like Cloudways will
provide this functionality without a plugin.

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 Automated Backup Solutions: Managed hosting solutions like Cloudways typically
include automated backup systems. These systems ensure that your website data is
regularly backed up, providing peace of mind and data security.

Configuring Backup Settings: On platforms like Cloudways, you have the flexibility to
configure your backup frequency and retention period. This can usually be done easily
through the hosting dashboard, allowing you to set how often backups are created and
how long they are stored.

Restoring from Backups: If you need to restore your website, managed hosting
services typically provide a straightforward process to revert your site to a previous
state. This can be a crucial feature in case of data loss or website issues.

Advantages over Backup Plugins: While backup plugins are helpful, integrated backup
solutions provided by your hosting service are often more reliable and less resource-
intensive. They are designed to work with your specific server architecture, providing
optimized performance and reducing the risk of compatibility issues.

Contact Form Plugins (e.g., Contact Form 7, WPForms): For interaction with visitors,
contact form plugins allow you to add and manage forms on your site easily.

Page Builder Plugins (e.g., Elementor, Beaver Builder): For those who want more
control over their site design without coding, page builder plugins provide a drag-and-
drop interface to create custom layouts.

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 Creating Content
ADDING AND EDITING POSTS
Adding New Posts: In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to 'Posts'> 'Add New'. This
opens the post editor where you can begin writing your content, adding titles, and
inserting media.

Editing Posts: To edit existing posts, go to 'Posts' and click on the post you want to
edit. You can make changes directly in the post editor. Remember to save or update
the post after making changes.

Using Post Formats: WordPress offers different post formats like standard, image,
video, quote, etc., depending on your theme. These formats help you present content
in different styles.

ADDING AND EDITING PAGES

Creating New Pages: Similar to posts, create a new page by going to 'Pages'> 'Add
New'. Pages are typically used for static content like 'About Us', 'Contact', or 'Services'.

Editing Pages: To modify an existing page, navigate to 'Pages' in the dashboard and
select the page you wish to edit. After editing, ensure you click 'Update' to save
changes.

USING THE GUTENBERG EDITOR

Overview: Gutenberg is the default block-based editor in WordPress. It allows you to
create content in a more visual way, using blocks for different types of content like
paragraphs, images, buttons, and more.

Working with Blocks: Each piece of content (text, image, video, etc.) is added as a
block. You can easily rearrange blocks by dragging and dropping, and customize each
block with its own settings.

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 ADDING MEDIA (IMAGES, VIDEOS)
Inserting Media: In the Gutenberg editor, use the 'Add Block' button to insert media
blocks. You can upload files or choose from the media library.

Media Settings: After adding media, you can adjust settings like alignment, size, and
captions. For videos, you can also embed videos from platforms like YouTube or Vimeo
using the appropriate blocks.

CREATING CATEGORIES AND TAGS

Using Categories: Categories help organize your posts and make it easier for readers
to find related content. You can add new categories directly in the post editor or via
'Posts'> 'Categories'.

Utilizing Tags: Tags are similar to categories but are generally used to describe your
post in more detail. Add tags in the post editor or under 'Posts'> 'Tags'.

WordPress SEO Basics

SEO PLUGIN SETUP (E.G., RANKMATH, YOAST
SEO)
Choosing an SEO Plugin: Select a reputable SEO plugin like RankMath or Yoast SEO.
These plugins provide tools to optimize your site for search engines.

Installing and Activating the Plugin: Install your chosen plugin via the 'Plugins'> 'Add
New' section in your WordPress dashboard. Search for the plugin, install it, and then
activate it.

Initial Configuration: Upon activation, most SEO plugins will guide you through a setup
wizard to configure basic SEO settings for your site. This includes site type, search
engine visibility, and other essential features.

Using SEO Analysis Tools: These plugins typically include analysis tools that
recommend improving your SEO on individual posts and pages. They often cover
aspects like keyword density, meta descriptions, and readability.

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 OPTIMIZING POSTS AND PAGES FOR SEO
Focus Keyword: For each post or page, choose a focus keyword or phrase. This is the
main term that you want your content to rank for in search engines.

Title and Meta Description: Write a compelling title and meta description for each post
and page. These are displayed in search results and can influence click-through rates.

Content Optimization: Ensure your content is high-quality, informative, and includes

your focus keyword naturally. Use headings (H2, H3, etc.) to structure your content,
making it easier for readers and search engines to understand.

Image Optimization: Use descriptive file names and alt text for images. This not only
helps with SEO but also accessibility.

Internal Linking: Link to other relevant posts and pages within your site. This helps
search engines discover more of your content and understand the structure of your
website.

Security and Maintenance

BASIC WORDPRESS SECURITY TIPS
Strong Passwords and User Permissions: Use strong, unique passwords for your
WordPress admin area, FTP accounts, and database. Regularly review user accounts
and permissions and remove any longer needed.

Implementing Security Plugins: Use security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri for
added protection. These can help with firewall protection, malware scanning, and
blocking potential threats.

SSL Certificate: Ensure your site has an SSL certificate to encrypt data transfer. This is
especially important for sites handling sensitive information. Most managed WordPress
hosts, like Cloudways, offer an easy way to implement SSL.

Limit Login Attempts: Use plugins or server settings to limit login attempts and prevent
brute-force attacks.

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 SETTING UP BACKUPS
Automated Backup Solutions: If your hosting provider, like Cloudways, offers
automated backups, ensure they are configured properly. Set the frequency of
backups according to your website's update frequency.

Off-site Backups: In addition to hosting backups, consider using a plugin or service to

create off-site backups. This ensures your data is safe in case of any issues with your
hosting provider.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE TASKS

Monitoring Site Health: Regularly check your WordPress site health under 'Tools'> 'Site
Health'. This feature provides insights into potential security and performance issues.

Optimizing Database: Over time, your WordPress database can become cluttered. Use
a database optimization plugin or perform regular database cleanups to maintain
efficiency.

Checking Broken Links: Use a plugin to monitor and fix broken links. This helps improve
user experience and SEO.

UPDATING WORDPRESS, THEMES, AND PLUGINS

Regular Updates: Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated to the latest versions.
Updates often contain security patches, bug fixes, and new features.

Staging Environment for Major Updates: For major updates, consider using a staging
environment. This allows you to test updates without affecting your live site.

Automated Update Features: Utilize automated update features provided by your host
or through WordPress settings for minor updates to ensure your site is always running
the latest software.

Backup Before Updating: Always back up your website before performing updates.
This ensures you have a recent copy to restore from in case an update causes issues.

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 Troubleshooting Common
Issues
IDENTIFYING AND RESOLVING COMMON
WORDPRESS ERRORS
White Screen of Death (WSOD): This issue can be caused by plugin or theme conflicts,
or PHP errors. To resolve it, try deactivating all plugins and switching to a default
theme. If this fixes the issue, reactivate each one by one to identify the culprit.

Error Establishing Database Connection: Check if your database is corrupt or if there

are issues with your hosting service. Ensure your wp-config.php file has the correct
database information.

404 Error on Posts/Pages: Often due to permalink issues. Go to 'Settings'> 'Permalinks'

and simply click 'Save Changes' to reset the permalink structure.

Admin Dashboard Lockout: This may occur due to a plugin or theme error. Access your
site via FTP and deactivate the plugin or theme directory by renaming it.

Slow Website Performance: Optimize images, use caching, ensure your hosting is
adequate, and consider using a content delivery network (CDN).

GETTING SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

Our website wpwizardguide.com provides lots of help on errors, tips on Wordpress,
glossary of terms, reviews of plugins and more.

WordPress Forums: A great place for getting help with common WordPress issues.
The community is active and knowledgeable.

Developer Resources: For more technical issues, resources like Stack Overflow or the
WordPress Codex can be helpful.

Professional Support: If an issue is beyond your expertise, consider hiring a WordPress

professional. Many hosting providers also offer dedicated support.

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 Recap of Key Steps
This guide has walked you through the essential steps of starting with WordPress, from
understanding hosting options and setting up your website to creating content,
optimizing for SEO, ensuring security, and performing regular maintenance. We've also
covered how to troubleshoot common WordPress issues, providing you with a
comprehensive foundation to manage your WordPress site effectively.

Stay Curious: The world of WordPress is vast and constantly evolving. Keep exploring
new features, plugins, and themes.

Join the Community: Engage with the WordPress community through forums, social
media, and local meetups. It's a great way to learn and stay updated.

Continuous Improvement: Regularly check your website's performance, user

experience, and content relevance. The journey of improving your website is ongoing.

Keep Learning: WordPress offers endless possibilities. Whether it's through online
courses, webinars, or blogs, continue educating yourself to make the most of this
powerful platform.

Remember, building and managing a WordPress website is a journey of learning and

growth. Embrace the process, and don't hesitate to seek help when needed. Happy
WordPressing!

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