For those who haven’t heard about WordPress or heard the word “WordPress” but are wondering what it is, WordPress is an open source CMS (Content Management System) software that anyone can use. It has four core principles, all related to being “free”: 1) free to download, 2) free to use, 3) free to change or modify and 4) free to distribute.
WordPress the top CMS out there with currently around 33% of websites in the world using WordPress as their base system.
Some might find it surprising that such a widely used system makes free distribution and use central to its identity. WordPress is an open source project that’s been around since 2003. “Open source,” if you’re unfamiliar with the concept, refers to an ethos of open collaboration in software development that aims to improve software—and the world—by making it open and free to all, and is the reason WordPress is free.
You can download the latest version of WordPress from wordpress.org or simply go to Gandi’s Simple Hosting and install WordPress on your Simple Hosting instance with one click.
When you check wordpress.org or type “WordPress” in Google, you might also see “wordpress.com” and wonder what the difference is between wordpress.org and wordpress.com.
WordPress.org is the community website for development, communication, sharing, and learning about WordPress whereas wordpress.com is a cloud-based subscription service for using WordPress as a website or personal blog provided by a company, hosting included. If you are looking for information on WordPress in general (how to download, plugins, documentation, etc.), make sure to go to wordpress.org.
WordPress allows you to have a website all your own, which in turn enables you to have more visibility and discoverability on the internet than what you get when your online presence is limited to a Facebook fan page for example. That’s because WordPress gives you more freedom and control over your website. Having a WordPress site can also help you develop web marketing skills and general internet literacy as you get familiar with managing a website all on your own.
Why not get started setting up your blog or website using WordPress with Gandi?
How to choose a domain name
Before installing WordPress, you need to choose a domain name. A domain name is not just a name, it will be the first contact point between you and your readers or your customers. We recommend picking on that’s short, memorable and can be repeated easily. You should also think about picking a domain name that connects to the topic of your website. Let’s take a simple example: if you’re a very fashionable person and are interested in developing your personal brand, then you can use your name and the word “fashion” for your domain name. Whatever your interest is, there may even be a top-level domain for it. In the case of fashion, there’s .fashion. Or, if you’re into tech, there’s .tech. There are over 750 options to choose from at Gandi ranging from .academy, .beer, and .catering to .wedding, .yoga, and .zone.
Find your domain name:
Installing your instance
After choosing a domain name, the next step is to set up your hosting instance. Simply put, an instance is the platform on which you can install and run WordPress. It includes storage space, a certain amount of bandwidth, an operating system, a database, and all the basic infrastructure you need.
To set up your instance, you need to find a hosting provider, Gandi Simple Hosting for example. Next, install your WordPress and connect your domain name to it , then you can start using your website.
How to start after installing WordPress
The most useful WordPress functions are its “themes” and “plugins.”
What is a theme?
Simply put, the theme is what your website looks like. In general, the WordPress themes are divided into three parts: blog, official website, and e-commerce. Themes make producing a high-quality and professional-looking website as easy as picking a them once WordPress is installed and then modifying the website text and images.
If you want to customize the theme itself, then you’ll need to know how to use HTML or CSS. If you don’t know how to use HTML or CSS and the theme you’ve chosen doesn’t match your need, there are also many themes you can buy which may more exactly fit what you’re looking for. Normally, those themes are more suitable for avanced users or technical support.
What are plugins?
WordPress is a Content Management System (CMS). Its built-in functions are for content management, such as publishing articles, editing them, sorting them into categories, adding tags, etc. So how do use WordPress as an e-commerce website? To extend the functionality and features of your WordPress site, you’ll need to install plugins. Woocommerce, for example, enables you to manage all your products, orders, and members with a single plugin.
In other words, you can install plugins to expand the functions you need on WordPress, and start buliding your website accordingly.
Managing your domain names and website from a single interface at Gandi
Sill don’t know how to get started after reading this article? Wish you had a simpler way to build your website? Then Gandi might be the right option for you. From domain name registrations to setting up an instance to installing WordPress—Gandi can handle it all for you!
Gandi offers more than 750 top-level domains, so you can find the most suitable one no matter what industry or interest area your website belongs to. Previously, we’ve discussed “7 tips for choosing a winning domain name for your startup” which can help your business transform into a powerhouse brand and stand out in its niche!
With our Simple Hosting Service, you can choose different size packages according to your need, from S+ to XXL. Our service is also quite flexible and you can change your hosting pack at any point. For most purposes, we recommend you start with a size M.
Finally, install WordPress on Simple Hosting. Then you can start writing your blog and running your e-commerce business.
If this is your first Simple Hosting instance, you can get 50% off your first order (of 1, 3, 6, or 12 months).
So don’t wait! Get started with Simple Hosting WordPress today!
Tagged in Simple HostingWordpress
