Is WordPress Easy to Learn? A Beginner’s Guide
WordPress is one of the most popular Content Management Systems (CMSs), with over 60 million users worldwide. Its limitless design possibilities and over 55,000 plugins make it the ideal choice for any type of business. However, learning the WordPress basics can sometimes be challenging for users with limited web experience.
Fortunately, there are countless resources that can help you master WordPress. You can find WordPress tutorials, blogs, publications, courses, and even one-on-one training to assist you with every aspect of building your site.
In this article, we’ll explain why WordPress is a top choice for beginners. We’ll then look at some of the best ways to learn the platform. Finally, we’ll show you how to get started with WordPress. Let’s jump right in.
Is WordPress Easy for Beginners?
WordPress.org is an open-source platform that allows users to create websites and blogs for free:
Its user-friendly interface and limitless customization options make it the world’s most popular CMS. In fact, 43 percent of the internet is currently powered by WordPress.
Anyone can use WordPress. You don’t need to be a WordPress developer or familiar with coding in order to create a functional website.
WordPress users can choose from countless themes to design the ideal site for their business. There are also numerous plugins available to increase functionality, such as eCommerce capabilities. The WordPress dashboard makes installing WordPress themes and plugins a simple process.
WordPress also facilitates the creation of accessible pages, which helps with your site’s Search Engine Optimization (SEO). You can further enhance your rankings by installing an SEO-friendly theme and using the vast suite of WordPress SEO plugins available.
You can also purchase a managed hosting plan if you want a professional to handle WordPress security and maintenance for you. At WP Engine, we offer several WordPress hosting plans with various features to help simplify website management:
A managed hosting plan will provide world-class security and help you improve your site’s overall performance. This way, you can focus more time and energy on learning WordPress and creating amazing content for your website.
The speed at which you learn WordPress really depends on several factors, including how much time you designate to it and the type of learning resource you choose. You can likely learn the basics and have your WordPress website up and running in one week or less. However, mastering the platform may take a month or two.
What Is the Best Way to Learn WordPress?
There are tons of online resources that can help you learn the ins and outs of creating a WordPress website. We’ve compiled a list of the five best learning platforms to help you get started. Let’s take a close look at each option.
1. WP Engine
At WP Engine, we’re known for our managed WordPress hosting plans. However, we also have a vast Resource Center with countless WordPress tutorials, articles, and guides for learning the platform.
Our free content has everything you need to move your business forward. This includes a complete guide to using WordPress. You can even filter posts by topic, or type a query in the search bar to find what you’re looking for more quickly.
2. The Tao of WordPress
The Tao of WordPress is a comprehensive 300-page ebook that discusses a variety of WordPress topics. It gives you in-depth information on the steps, tools, and techniques required to create your ideal website.
The Tao of WordPress is designed for users of every level. It is available as a searchable PDF download, with free lifetime updates for a one-time fee of $38.
3. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is a subscription-based learning experience that provides access to 16,000+ courses, including WordPress development. These are led by expert instructors and produced in different languages.
The platform’s WordPress courses use project files and quizzes to maximize learning for beginners and experts alike. LinkedIn Learning subscriptions start at $26.99 per month. You also have the option to purchase courses for your entire team.
4. Udemy
Udemy is a global destination for online learning. This marketplace has one of the largest collections of WordPress courses on the web. This includes video lessons by industry professionals.
Some courses are free, while others cost anywhere between $20-150. You can filter courses based on experience level, duration, and star ratings. You can also read user reviews and preview content to help decide which course is best for your needs.
5. WP101
WP101 is a video subscription service that focuses exclusively on learning WordPress. The content is carefully scripted for beginners, and each video lesson is just five minutes long (or less).
WP101 will cost you a one-time fee of $89 for lifetime access to all content. You can also choose a monthly plan at $19 per month or an annual plan at $49 per year.
All plans provide access to an entire catalog of tutorials and courses. However, the lifetime plan will get you access to all future-released content.
Where Can I Learn WordPress for Free?
You can also head straight to WordPress for a free course. The platform’s learning resources are available in various formats and are designed for all experience levels.
The WordPress Codex is essentially the online manual for learning WordPress. It offers extensive documentation and free WordPress courses:
The codex offers lessons for beginners and intermediates, as well as advanced topics for experts. You can also find tips for WordPress theme development.
Meanwhile, WordPress TV offers in-depth videos on various topics. The tutorials are easy to follow and cover subjects for all experience levels:
You can also find a section that features videos from WordCamp conferences. WordCamps are global, community-organized events where individuals come together to attend free sessions on how to use WordPress. With WordPress TV, you can experience WordCamp conferences from the comfort of your own home.
How to Get Started With WordPress (In 5 Steps)
Getting started with WordPress is a relatively easy process. You can have your website up and running in a matter of days (or even hours). Afterward, you can focus on creating content and taking courses to enhance your site. Let’s take a closer look at the core steps you need to take.
Step 1: Buy a Domain and Choose a WordPress Host
The first step is to choose your domain name and web host. Your domain name is essentially your site’s online address. You can purchase a domain name through a domain registrar.
Next, you’ll need to sign up for a web host. WP Engine is the leading provider of WordPress hosting. You can browse our plans to determine which option best suits your needs.
Step 2: Install WordPress
Once you have your domain and hosting sorted, you can install WordPress. You can either do this through your hosting account or by downloading the software yourself.
In our Resource Center, you can find step-by-step instructions on how to set up WordPress using WP Engine. To sum up the process, you’ll want to:
- Log into your User Portal and click on the Installs tab.
- Select Add Install from the navigation bar.
- Type in the details about your site.
- Click on Create Install.
You will then receive an email with your credentials. You’ll need these details to log in and start customizing your WordPress site.
Step 3: Familiarize Yourself With the WordPress Dashboard
Before you make any changes to your site, you may want to familiarize yourself with the platform. You can do this by reviewing the options in the left-hand menu bar:
Take some time to explore the various tabs in your dashboard and make sure you understand what they allow you to do. For instance, you can go to Pages or Posts to create new content. Meanwhile, you can navigate to Appearance to customize the design of your site, or click on Plugins to add new tools.
It is also helpful to reference the dashboard as you’re going through your WordPress courses and tutorials. This will make it easier to internalize the content.
Step 4: Choose a WordPress Theme
Now that you’re familiar with the platform, you can select and install a WordPress theme for your site. A theme is a group of files containing specific graphics, templates, stylesheets, and code that make up the web design of your site.
You can find free themes in the WordPress repository:
To install a theme, navigate to Appearance > Themes > Add New. Then, select a theme and click on Activate.
If you purchased a premium theme, you’ll need to choose the Upload Theme option. Next, click on Choose File, select the .zip file of the theme, and hit Install Now. After that, you’ll just need to activate the theme, and it will be live on your site.
Step 5: Install WordPress Plugins
After you install your theme, you can explore plugin options for your site. A WordPress plugin is an add-on that increases the functionality of your website.
For example, if you need eCommerce capabilities, you can install the WooCommerce plugin:
To install a plugin, navigate to Plugins > Add New, select the tool you want to add, and then click on Install Now. Next, you’ll need to click on Activate to complete the installation.
After a plugin is installed, you will find a new tab for it in your WordPress dashboard. Here, you can make changes to the plugin and view its options.
Conclusion
WordPress is fairly easy to learn, but you’re bound to have questions when you first start. Fortunately, the internet is full of resources to help you master this popular CMS.
The best way to learn the platform depends on your skill level, your learning preferences, and how much you’re willing to pay. If you’re a beginner, you might fare well with video tutorials and an in-depth WordPress course.
At WP Engine, we offer an entire repertoire of online resources that can help you learn WordPress. Visit our Resource Center and select WordPress to get started.
