Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

CustomVA · #1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2011

I posted here a while back that I was determined to learn Wordpress and was going to venture creating my VA website on Wordpress to immerse myself. However, I am not finding it very user-friendly.

I have a domain name, but not a domain host, so should I be using Wordpress.com or .org? Do I need to know code to use .org? I've been working with Wordpress.com and can't seem to get a handle on that darn Dashboard page. I'm so confused

and don't like the feeling of not being able to figure it out. I'm the type of person that if I don't know something I will work at it until I figure it out, but Wordpress is getting the best of me. I'm considering just using Weebly to get my website done and then continue working at Wordpress until I've mastered that devil and then switch over.

How long did it take for you to learn Wordpress and what were your major challenges? All suggestions, advice, resources are welcomed!

Thanks for allowing me to vent.

CustomVA · #2 (**permalink**) 05-03-2011

Did a search and found some answers here Feeling like this whole website thing is beyond me....has anyone felt like that?. If anyone would like to shed further light on this issue that would be awesome.

Thank you!

ClockwiseVA · #3 (**permalink**) 05-03-2011

Anita,

I believe that Wordpress.org is used if you have a host, and Wordpress.com hosts the site themselves. Wordpress experts, please correct me if I'm wrong.

I too am finding Wordpress to be my biggest hurdle at the moment. I have only managed to publish a rather pathetic home page so far; one that I am far from proud of! It is frustrating because I usually pick up new technology rather quickly and for some reason this one has me stumped.

I bought Wordpress for Dummies (because it seemed appropriate!) but on glancing through it I have decided that in order to meet my plan to open for business and stay within budget, I should start off with a professional theme template. Themeforest.net has a nice selection if you decide to go that route.

I will be working on learning Wordpress in my spare time without the pressure of holding back my business. I figure at some point it will just make sense and fall into place and I will look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. She says, hopefully!

Good luck Anita and sorry I couldn't be more help. Sometimes it just helps to know that you aren't the only one in the same predicament.

CustomVA · #4 (**permalink**) 05-03-2011

Hi Linda, thanks so much for sharing and yes it does help to know that I am not alone in this! I too pick up new technology pretty quick and pride myself as a hands-on, self-directed student, but I am stumped with WP as well.

I also plan on just getting my website up (using Weebly) and take my time to learn WP without the pressure of needing to get my website up and running.

Maybe we should keep each other accountable so that we don't lose sight of our goal...mastering WP!

Best,

ClockwiseVA · #5 (**permalink**) 05-03-2011

Sounds like a plan, Anita.

Good luck with Weebly. At least it will get you up and running.

This will make you laugh, I purchased a professional theme last night but now it will not load into Wordpress. So much for going the easy route! Although I have to give kudos to my host, FatCow. Their response times to my ticket have been impressive. Hopefully they can help me get it figured out.

What doesn't break us, makes us stronger!

lmfaust · #6 (**permalink**) 05-03-2011

Hi everyone!

Linda, you are correct in what you said about wordpress.com vs. wordpress.org. In addition, on wordpress.com there will be limitations on themes, layouts, plugins, widgets etc. On wordpress.org there will be alot of choices and options which can be overwhelming. I have created a free guide that is available to download from my website intended to help sort through questions such as yours. It can be downloaded at: http://www.lmfva.com/wordpress/getti...rdpress-guide/

If you have specific questions I can try to answer them. I love the power of wordpress. My first website I built using a template from a host that offered template html sites. But the more I heard about wordpress, I decided to take the plunge. I have no regrets making the change. I am now able to add on features to my website without facing the limitations of my previous site. I faced needing to keep upgrading to a more expensive "package" if I wanted more features. That's not the case with wordpress.

Good luck and email me with any questions!

Linda

lmfaust · #7 (**permalink**) 05-03-2011

This will make you laugh, I purchased a professional theme last night but now it will not load into Wordpress. So much for going the easy route!

Some themes will require you loading it via FTP to your wordpress files on your host. You may want to contact the people you purchased your theme from for support and help troubleshoot.

Good luck!

Linda

ClockwiseVA · #8 (**permalink**) 05-03-2011

Thanks Linda for the tip and the link to your free guide!

FatCow customer support were wonderful. They had me upload the zip to FileManager and then they took care of the rest so it appeared on my Wordpress dashboard. They said they needed to correct the permissions. I couldn't be more impressed with their service.

lmfaust · #9 (**permalink**) 05-03-2011

Linda,

It is wonderful when your webhost is so helpful. I had a similar experience/different problem with Dreamhost. They could have told me the solution and had me fix it, instead, they fixed the problem, explained the cause and what I can do going forward. A+ customer service!!

Linda