Hi all,

I'm new to all of this and thought I'd have a play with WordPress and see if it's something I feel I could handle in building a website.

Thing is, I have ZERO website knowledge, don't know the jargon, don't understand how anything works, don't have a mathematical brain w h a t s o e v e r (I've only just figured out the difference between hosting and domain names, if that gives you an idea of the depths of my lack of knowledge). By some miracle I got MAMP installed on my Mac (apparently you need MAMP to run Wordpress), but then got to the 'downloading and installing Wordpress' bit on the (very dodgy) instructions and it says: 'Now it's time to download WordPress. Once you've downloaded and unzipped the WordPress download, open up the "wordpress" folder. Click and drag all of the files from the wordpress folder to your MAMP document root (I use /Users/USERNAME/Sites/wordpress/).

Wha?

I take it this instruction is assuming I have some sort of clue about this sort of thing....which clearly I don't.......am I wasting my time? Is there something easier to use out there or is this as easy as it gets in the do-it-yourself-website world? Dumb question alert: Do I need to have registered a domain name/found a host before I start installing this stuff on my computer? Because I haven't...maybe that's half the problem??? Arrggh!

Feeling very despondent (and stupid!) at the moment....heelllp!



Keri

Yes, you need hosting.

Some hosts (I use Crazy Domains who have this) have a thing called "fantastico" where you can install wordpress directly on your site.

But you need to get the hosting first.

Don't feel stupid, we've all had to learn at some point

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Bridie's Typing Services - specialising in transcription services
The professional's choice

Keri,
What you are doing is installing Wordpress on your own Computer. This will not let it show on the web. Installing it on your machine is a way for you to play with WP and learn how it works.

To use WP as your website you need to purchase a domain and hosting first. Most hosts have a "quick install" option for Wordpress so all you'll need to do is answer a few questions and they will do the rest automatically. Much easier

~C

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~Christina|BD Mag|VOSTeam

Keri,

You've been given some great advice re: WordPress installs and I'd just like to point out how commendable it is that you are digging in and trying to accomplish this yourself. So, while it is frustrating and discouraging to try to do something that you are unfamiliar with, remember that this is new to you and give yourself a pat on the back for jumping in and trying. I think that shows qualities that are great in a VA and will prove hugely beneficial in the long run.

So, kudos to you and hang in there!~

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Yes! I can completely relate and have definitely felt that way about WordPress (and many, many other things too ) along the road of starting up and running a business.

My own personal learning curve was with taxes - federal, state, who to pay what and when... I finally did hire a tax accountant to help me keep it sorted out and ensure no mistakes but have worked to learn as much as I can along the way. Nothing wrong with outsourcing for help when necessary! But I do agree with Kate that you should give yourself more credit for trying! And don't give up just yet

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Originally Posted by ~Keri~

Hi all, I'm new to all of this and thought I'd have a play with WordPress and see if it's something I feel I could handle in building a website.

But of course you can handle it. It just takes a bit of persistence and guidance.

Quote:

By some miracle I got MAMP installed on my Mac (apparently you need MAMP to run Wordpress), but then got to the 'downloading and installing Wordpress' bit on the (very dodgy) instructions and it says: 'Now it's time to download WordPress. Wha?

Nope, you don't need MAMP to run WordPress - only use MAMP if you want to install it on your computer to dink around with. It will not be visible to anyone on the Internet using MAMP. For example, www.mywebsite.com (example URL only that is used throughout this post) would not have WordPress installed because it is on your computer, not on the Internet.

Quote:

Is there something easier to use out there or is this as easy as it gets in the do-it-yourself-website world?

I'm assuming you don't have a domain name or hosting for a website. You could create an account with www.wordpress.com (notice the .com) to get a feel for WordPress. Your Internet URL to your site would be something like: www.mywebsite.wordpress.com - it appends wordpress.com to the end of your site name.

Quote:

Dumb question alert: Do I need to have registered a domain name/found a host before I start installing this stuff on my computer? Because I haven't...maybe that's half the problem??? Arrggh!

No question is dumb around here. You do NOT need MAMP or WordPress on your computer. But, in order to have a WordPress based site, you DO need to have a domain name and a hosting provider (I use Bluehost).

I highly recommend that you get your business domain name purchased and also a hosting company (can be the same company if you want). Once you have those, you can install WordPress easily up in Internet-land (instead of on your computer). We can walk you through installing once you have these two things done. It's actually called the Famous 5 Minute Installation.

With the above you would be installing WordPress from www.wordpress.org (notice the .org) - which is very much configurable and has a lot more to offer than wordpress.com sites.

Plus, having www.mywebsite.com instead of www.mywebsite.wordpress.com is much more professional - IMHO.

There are two different variations of WorPress:

Wordpress.com = they have control over what themes you can use, and limited customization. Is NOT self-hosted (you don't have a hosting company). Not recommended. (My opinion only.)

Wordpress.org = YOU have control over what themes you choose, with full customization capabilities. IS self-hosted with your hosting company. This would be ideal. (My opinion only.)

Quote:

Feeling very despondent (and stupid!) at the moment....heelllp!

Aw, don't feel discouraged, Keri. There is a learning curve with WordPress, but if you could install MAMP, you are no dummy! You just don't need MAMP or to have WordPress on your computer - it needs to be on the Internet, and MAMP isn't going to do this for you.

Chin up, girl - you'll get the hang of this!

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Jules, SunRise Virtual Solutions - WordPress Customization & XHTML/CSS Web Sites

Keri,

You have received some great advice here by some of our finest VA members on the forum. Wow! Great participation.

I don't have anything to add other than I am impressed that you are really trying to work through the issues; trying to learn and then made a wise decision to come here to ask questions. If this is any indication of how you will be as VA...someone who tries to find answers on their own, you will be successful. Sometimes I see posts where people don't even want to look on the web or YouTube or even reach out asking questions and I say to myself, "What will happen when she/he is stuck on a client project?" How will they handle that?

I have my share of WP questions and everyone here has been extremely helpful. It's a learning curve that you overcome and when you do, you will be able to respond to the next VA needing assistance.

Best to you!

Janine

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Wow. You people are amazing. I have printed out all this wonderful information and will take it home tonight and try again!

Thanks so much for helping and thanks for the incouragement, nearly teared me up it did!

Keri

Ah Keri! I am right there with you! I think I'm about to lose my mind trying to create this website! LOL! Good luck to you!

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Terri Randall
www.trinityvas.com

Jules pretty much covered it to be honest.

There are going to be some things that you aren't that great at though, and if designing a website is one of them don't feel defeated if you need to out source it.

As already expressed by others you need to host word press yourself (and hosting it vrs using the free version is more professional and suggested). You could also buy a template or pay one of the many great VA's on this forum (myself included) to create a custom one for you. That way you can still learn the ropes of wordpress, and update your site yourself with ease but also get your business up and running in a professional way sooner.

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Amanda Mock
My Virtual Little Helper