How to Use WordPress for Existing Websites
You’re reading this because you already know the value of WordPress – managing and maintaining a blog can be a lot of work and it’s very easy to fall into a rut. Hopefully, reading this guide will help you to avoid those ruts and help you to use WordPress to it’s fullest potential.
Why Use WordPress For Existing Websites?
There are several reasons why you might want to use WordPress for a website you already have. Perhaps, you’re looking for a way to maintain digital connection with family and friends who are far away. Or, it could be that you’re looking to create a professional-looking website to grow your business. Regardless of your reasoning, WordPress offers a solution.
What Should I Use For My Existing Website?
When considering what CMS to use for your existing website, it’s important to think about your requirements and the way you want the site to function. To that end, WordPress is a popular option containing the following bonuses.
- Feature-rich
- User-friendly
- SEO-optimized
- Mobile-friendly
- Secure
- Free
- Open-source
- Cross-browser compatible
Out of all the content management systems, WordPress is one of the most populars because it is highly customizable and offers a wealth of functionality. Additionally, with WordPress, you can take advantage of numerous free extensions to further enhance your website. Not only that, but you can also use the WordPress.org website to find and download extensions for free. This is an invaluable resource for busy website owners who want to keep their research minimal.
How Do I Start Using WordPress For My Existing Website?
The first step to using WordPress for your existing website is to download the WordPress software from WordPress.org. From there, you can launch the WordPress dashboard, which will present you with a variety of options for how you want to configure your site. While the default options are usually suitable for most situations, you might find it helpful to dive into the settings and have some flexibility.
What About Hosting & Domain Names?
When setting up a website with WordPress, you’ll need to decide where you want your site to live. There are a variety of hosting providers who offer WordPress-optimized hosting, so if you decide to go down this route, you won’t have to worry about securing a hosting slot. (You might have to secure a domain, though.)
As for the domain name, ideally, you’ll want to purchase a.com or.net domain that is as close to your company name as possible. However, as we mentioned above, securing a domain can be difficult for startups. If your company is still a young entity, purchasing a.com domain through one of the major registrars might be a good deal since you’ll have the benefit of a free domain for as long as you maintain a monthly payment.
What About Installation & Maintenance?
Once you’ve launched WordPress, you’ll need to ensure that it is functioning correctly. From there, you can use a variety of tools to maintain your site. For instance, you can install a WordPress plugin to automatically update your website with the latest material. You can install a security plugin to have WordPress shield your website from hackers and other malicious actors. (WordPress also offers a one-click installation option for these items.)
Additionally, you can use the free WordPress dashboard to monitor the activity on your site. From there, you can track the number of visitors, the sources of those visitors, and much more. You can also use the WordPress dashboard to establish a baseline for your site’s performance and make any necessary changes.
What About Learning Curve?
Before you start using any CMS to it’s fullest potential, you’ll need to learn how to use it effectively. However, once you’ve mastered the basics, utilizing WordPress for your existing website will be a walk in the park. (Maybe a little strenuous, but still a walk in the park!)