Archive for category: How to start a blog

With the popularity of WordPress showing no signs of stopping you would think there would be an easier method to create your own WordPress website rather than complete coding.

The new CS5 version of Dreamweaver is suppose to make it easier, and from what I have heard from the features it will make it somewhat of a more simpler job, but still something only the knowledgeable web developers will be able to achieve.

I assume this is possible the only way it can be done, since there no systematic tool to design a website without knowledge of coding. Now you may argue, but I’m talking about real design. Not templated options. I know for a fact there is software out there for you to create a WordPress blog from templates and color options. This isn’t the kind of design I am talking about.

So now we have come to the conclusion there is no easy option if you decide to create your website with the WordPress platform as your preferred CMS. What do we need to learn to accomplish this?

• A design platform will be key of course; most notable Photoshop seems to be the most efficient platform to design a WordPress template although it is possible with fireworks with a little more effort if that is your preference. In addition to the design you’ll need to slice and dice the site so you can export header, footer, etc.

• Knowledge of PHP is fundamental, although you’ll not need to be extremely advanced in this coding platform learning the basics will go a long way in assisting you put together your theme.

• HTML, not too dissimilar to our PHP knowledge basics will helps greatly but you may be able to pick up what you need to know along the way as long as you are eager to learn.

• CSS, this is one of the most important parts of any website to be honest and no more so with your WordPress theme. This CSS files will tell your WordPress theme how to look. And that’s the reason we doing it ourselves right? So we can make it look, the way we want it to look.

So this is what you’ll need to get your head around before and during the design and development process of your WordPress website. If you already have knowledge of these coding platforms then you’ll have no problem whatsoever.

Those beginners out there, there is no better way to start as WordPress incorporates some of the most highly used coding platforms on the web today. There is no hiding from it, so bite the bullet and dive in.

There are many tutorials out there which will help you design and develop your WordPress website, so get Googling!