The Connected Genealogist Guide to Getting Started With WordPress Create Your Blog Creating a blog is quick and easy with WordPress since the process is very streamlined. 1. Go to WordPress at http://www.wordpress.com. The Create Account page appears.
3. A Domain Name will be created based on your username. Enter the name of your blog in the Blog Title field. Click Signup.
2. Enter your username, password and email address. Select Gimme a Blog! (which all also create a WordPress count) and click Next.
4. An email confirming creation of your WordPress account and blog will be sent. Open the email and click the link to confirm. Enter details about yourself.
Note: You cannot use spaces or special characters (such as ?, *, etc.) in your blog address. If the blog address is not available you will be asked to enter a different name.
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5. And you’re done! And ready to create your first post by signing in to WordPress.
6. Click Login and enter your credentials. The WordPress dashboard appears.
Create Your First Post 1. Click Posts in the sidebar. The Edit Posts dialog appears.
2. Click Add New in the sidebar. The Add New Post screen appears.
3. Enter a title for the blog post and then compose an introduction to your blog describing your goals and yourself. Click Publish.
4. The post is published and confirmation appears. Click View Post. Your first post appears on the blog. Now that your blog is set up, you are ready to create your first blog post! Write an introduction to your blog describing your goals and yourself.
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Default Blog Posts and Comments 1. Once your blog is created, WordPress will create two default blog posts and one blog comment as examples.
Change Blog Settings 1. Return to the Dashboard by clicking Site Admin in the sidebar. 2. Click Settings. The Settings menu will expand and the General settings appear.
2. It is recommended that you delete these items - mark the items and select Move to Trash then click Apply. 3. Enter blog title, tagline, change time zone etc. Click Save Changes at the bottom when done.
4. There are several sub-sections including Writing, Reading, Discussion, Media, Privacy, OpenID and Domains.
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Customize Your Blog Blog customization for WordPress blogs takes place in the Appearance section of the Dashboard.
Themes Several themes (blog templates) will appear (currently 91 free themes) for you to try on your blog.
Click Preview to test drive the theme, click Activate to accept the new look.
Widgets Widgets are items displayed in the blog sidebar which assist your readers in locating information. Default widgets are usually Search, Recent Posts, Archives, Categories and Meta (access to the Dashboard). Your Theme determines widgets display.
Add new widgets by clicking in the Available Widgets section and “dragging” them to the Primary Widget Area (or other desired locations).
Links and Resources Here is a list of resources for design, templates and manage your blog. Bootcamp for GeneaBloggers http://fbbootcamp.blogspot.com/ Resources for Blog Design http://www.geneabloggers.com/resources-blog-design/ Resources for Blog Templates http://www.geneabloggers.com/resources-blog-templates/ Resources for Improving Your Blog http://www.geneabloggers.com/resources-improving-blog/
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