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Author Bio: WordPress user since 2021. General understanding of plugins.
Create and launch a WordPress.com website in just three steps. 1) Pick a plan 2) Choose a Theme 3) Pick a Domain name. WordPress.com handles performance and security checks for you so you can rest easy knowing your site is safe, fast and reliable. Import can be used to transfer post or comments from another hosting provider. On the flip side the Export function allows you to create XML files that can move content from WordPress.com to a hosting provider of your choice. Add Pages as needed for content that won’t change but may need to be updated. And add Post to inform or engage readers and/or potential customers.
Website Basics
Here’s what I found building Foundations80 on WordPress.com. Edit Home Page: Option 1; Pages >> All Pages >> Edit Homepage, will take you to the customizer. 2nd Option; Appearance >> Theme >> select current active theme >> Customize Site. 3rd Option; Appearance >> Editor. Also, Media Library is where you can add media files and import media. And customization can be done using plugins via Plugins Menu
Website holds (stores) your content. Whereas hosting is the “address to where the publicly accessible content is stored (Domain). With WordPress.com you have the option to keep your current address (created website address) as the domain address or select a new address as for the Domain.
WordPress address (URL) and Site address (URL) “Domain” should be the same. After selecting a hosting plan and selecting your domain URL, WordPress website address and your site address becomes one and the same.
Your Homepage (Website) is your WordPress Address (URL) where all your posts and links to other pages or menus are hosted. Also, when creating your site, add pages (About and/or Contact), upload any media and create post(s). Visibility will display as “coming soon” until you select a hosting plan and launch your site.
Website Customizations
Limited customization options when just creating a website on WordPress.com. However, if you create the site and choose one of the hosting plans available you unlock customization capabilities. For instance, editing plug-ins and theme options become available. Upgrade as needed as your business/website grows to unlock additional features.
Create a WordPress website and host it on WordPress.com. Site Kit plugin gives you access to insight to how your content is doing. In addition to, user experience with suggestions on how to improve speed. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) plans available.
The personal plan has access to thousands of plugins in addition to a free domain for one year and 6 GB of storage. All paid plans can be customized using plugins.
Jetpack
Jetpack is a feature rich plugin for WordPress sites. Most importantly, sites hosted on WordPress.com has access to most features. In addition, with the free plan the Activity Log tracks the 20 most recent events. Some features include:
- Social – Connect social media accounts
- Akiskmet – Anti Spam blocker
- Forms – Create forms
Also, in the Jetpack submenu Monetize you can set up stripe payments via payment settings (Jetpack >> Monetize >> Payment Settings). And start collecting payments directly for things like
- Digital Goods and Services
- One-time Donations, Contributions and tips using the Donation Form block
- Subscriber only content via Paid Content block. Create subscriptions for access to text, video, images, and other content.
- Newsletters
You can view your subscribers who have signed up for your newsletter, post or promotional updates through the subscriber’s menu. Additionally, you have options to publish your podcast with a free podcast plan. Or with the Premium plan, you’re able to host your podcast on WordPress.com. As well as connect Google Analytics when choosing a premium plan.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce plugin tested up to WordPress 7.0. The newest version of WordPress available for managed and self-managed WordPress sites. Launch an online store as well as sale physical and digital goods. Instant downloads and affiliate items. In addition, add, view and edit products. Monitor sales, visitors and view from the home menu.
Products >> add new product;
- Enter new Product
- Add Product Name and Description
- Media and Contact Form (Optional)
- Enter Product Data Information: Simple Product >> Virtual or Downloadable
- Pricing Information; Regular price, Sale Price, whether or not the item is taxable or not and Tax Class (Standard, Reduced Rate or Zero Rate).
- Inventory; SKU Number, Stock Status, and GTIN, UPC, EAN or JSBN number
Furthermore, package weight and measurements are entered in the shipping section of Product Data. Also summarize the product in 1-2 sentences in the Product Short Description Box.
Finally, make sure status is set to “Publish” after entering all information. Additionally, visibility status should be “Public”. Indicate which category the product belongs to before saving the final published copy.
Menu Navigations
Most Menus will contain links that once clicked will take you to the editor for that feature. Also, the editor page will allow editing of other features without having to go back to the dashboard.
For instance, easily upgrade and activate plugins from the Plugins menu found in the WordPress Icon shortcut menu (upper left-hand corner). As well as change your Theme.
Hosting Panel and Account Dashboard
- Hosting Panel shortcut menu (WordPress Icon) once clicked the drop-down menu gives you shortcuts to access all of your sites. As well as the ability to transfer or pick a domain.
Clicking on your profile picture opens up a menu for you to click the action button (my WordPress.com Account). It will take you to your account settings where you can set the default site dashboard you will see when you first log in.
Furthermore, from the “Sites” page you are able to select which website you want to edit or review. Can also add a new site from this page as well.
Migrate Site Feature – Free access to backing up website with Jetpack Vault Press. Backups available when choosing the Business plan. The Business plan also includes a security scanning feature.
My Home; takes you back to WordPress Account Website Dashboard.
2. WordPress Account Dashboard Homepage contains your site setup configuration process. The +New shortcut menu allows you to add new Post, Media, Page or a User.
General Settings – you can add your site Tagline and Site Icon. Additionally in the General Settings Tab, you will also see your WordPress address (URL) and your site address (URL). Set your time zone, time format and language too.
Appearance Menu – Locate theme customizer to customize the appearance of your site. Enter your site title, tagline, logo and site icon. Add a Page as well as view the status of each Page; Published, Scheduled, Draft, Pending, Private and Trash.
Furthermore, stay up to date with other blogs and newsletters with Reader. Pick your topics (“Subscribe”). Personalize your feed to your interests and likes.
Create Website
All in all, building a website is quick and easy. Pick a Website Name and URL. Choose where to store your published content “Hosting” plan and select a Domain URL for your website. Customize using plug-ins or the editor. When ready launch your site and introduce it to the world.
While WordPress.com offers managed plans, a periodic manual review of your website is warranted. Make sure it stays in compliance with your current standards, desired results and growth of your business or hobby. Keeping you updated. And in the know with what’s going on with your website’s functionality. Allowing you to make adjustments as needed.
