2-Tip Tuesday: Wordpress
12.08.09
2-Tip Tuesday
I LOVE Wordpress and want to spend some time this month helping you to understand why this is such a great platform for business owners and some tips around utilizing it for your business.
First and foremost…
What is Wordpress?
Wordpress started out as a blogging platform and is probably best known for its functionality in that department. However, over the years it has become so much more than simply a “blogging platform”.
In fact, Wordpress comes with a robust CMS or Content Management System, which means, Wordpress can act as a fully functioning website as well. Hard to believe? Take a look at the site that you’re on right now. Yep, The BUZZ Builder, my website, was built on Wordpress. Need another example? Love Your Life Again is also built using Wordpress.
Why Wordpress?
- Easy to use.
- Hundreds of websites with resources helping you to learn how to utilize Wordpress.
- Hundreds of ready to use templates, most of which are offered free of charge.
- Thousands of plug-ins and widgets to add functionality.
- Well, it is…how to put this gently? It’s FREE! Yep, no kidding. Absolutely, 100% free.
I know, you’re thinking to yourself, “Really? You’re telling me that if I use Wordpress, it won’t cost me a dime?”
Okay…let’s get into some clarification.
Wordpress.com vs. Wordpress.org
Wordpress.com is a site that is hosted by Wordpress (similar to Blogger.com in functionality). At this site, you can utilize all of the Wordpress software on their site. You can even make up the name of your domain. However, if you call your website “PrettyPinkShoes”, the URL will actually be PrettyPinkShoes.Wordpress.com because you have actually built your website on the Wordpress site making your site a subdomain of Wordpress. This is all completely free of charge to you, but you lose some individuality in the process.
Wordpress.org is a site from Wordpress as well. The difference is that here is where you can download the Wordpress website software…free of charge. You will, however, have to have domain and a server with which to host your website. The cost for a domain will cost anywhere from $8-$12 per year (depending on the domain registrar) and the monthly fees for your site are typically anywhere from $4 per month to $12 per month…again, this depends on your server and the demands that you place on the server.
All of this can be done on your own, but there are also a host of people in the business world ready to help you to get your Wordpress site customized in a way that rocks your business sensibilities. Also, a good designer will also teach you how to use the site so you don’t have to rely on them anymore after the website is completed.
Either way you go, the do-it-yourself model or hiring a Wordpress designer, you will end up spending less time, money and aggravation using Wordpress.
I’ll be back next week with a couple of tips for using Wordpress. In the meantime, build a BUZZ about your business!
Deidre Hughey
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Deidre, I couldn’t agree more with how awesome Wordpress is! I just moved both of my Web sites onto Wordpress server software, and I LOVE how it works. Also, I’m already being found by more potential clients because of key terms and search engine optimization. I’ve been able to use a plugin to handle registration for my private workshops and seminars, which has made signup a breeze. Love!
Deidre — I have a blog on blogger.com (http://bluemoonistic.blogspot.com) Should I have one on Wordpress too? I’ve heard folks say they use many different sources but just post the same blog on each. Is that the way to go? …or over kill?? Becky
Hi Becky! There’s no reason not to post in multiple locations if you have the time. It’s similar to article marketing. An article in one location will be seen by a certain number of people. An article in multiple locations increases the likelihood of being seen by multiple people. In an ideal world, you would have a blog on your personal website domain and then multiple blogs in other locations (or at least postings) which will only increase traffic to your site as long as there is a trail back to your website.
Hope that helps, Becky!
Thank you for the great post!
Кажется, это подойдет.
Using FreeTranslation.com: It seems, it will approach.
Попробую, попозже отпишусь.
Using FreeTranslation.com: I shall try, later отпишусь.
Well-written. Thanks. I have been learning a lot about content management lately. I have also been experimenting with setting up an e-commerce site using WordPress. Have you ever done that? Any suggestions for me? It’s pretty fun learning it. If you’d like to see my blog it’s here. Thanks again for this blog – it is really educational.
Интересно, я попробую.
Using FreeTranslation.com: Interestingly, I shall try.
Very informative posts and stories here. Much appreciated!
Good Post
A very professional looking business card is really very important in promoting your business. It makes good impression among customers.”;`
i host 5 of my blogs on Blogspot and it is really good for beginners. but if you want something with more features, nothing beats wordpress.’;