Table of Contents
WordPress is a popular and user-friendly content management system (CMS) that allows individuals and businesses to create and maintain websites with ease. Although no technical skills are required to use WordPress, it helps to be familiar with some key concepts to make the most of the platform. In this blog post, we’ll break down essential WordPress terminology in simple language to help non-techies navigate the world of WordPress effectively.
Posts
In WordPress, each published blog entry is called a post. Posts typically consist of two components: the title and the content. The content can include text, videos, images, and links. Each post also features publication time, content category, tags, and comments, which help organize and archive the content.
Pages
Pages are similar to posts but do not have features such as publication time and content category. Pages consist of a title and content, which can include text, videos, and images. Examples of pages include “Home”, “About Us” and “Contact Us”. Pages are usually listed on the homepage, depending on the website’s menu structure.
Themes
A theme defines the design and layout of a WordPress website. Themes do not affect the content, but they do change the visual layout. Users can preview, add, and apply new themes through the WordPress admin panel. Most themes are free, but commercial options are also available.
Plugins
Plugins are small components that enhance the functionality and ease of use of the WordPress system. They can be added to create a richer and more functional structure tailored to the user’s needs. Plugins enable features such as spam protection, security verification, membership management, social media integration, search engine optimization, and more.
Categories and Tags
Categories and tags are used to organize blog posts, making them easier to find and view. Categories can be thought of as general topic titles, while tags contain keywords. Each post can have multiple categories and tags.
Dashboard
The WordPress Dashboard is the main administration area where you manage your website. Upon logging in, you’ll see an overview of your site, including recent activity, updates, and at-a-glance statistics. The Dashboard also provides access to all the essential settings, tools, and features you need to create and manage your website’s content.
Media Library
The Media Library is where you can upload, manage, and store all your website’s media files, such as images, videos, and documents. You can easily add media to your posts and pages from the Media Library, as well as edit and organize your files.
Menu
Menus in WordPress help you create and manage navigation for your website. You can create custom menus that include links to your pages, categories, and custom URLs. Menus can be displayed in various locations on your site, such as the header, sidebar, or footer, depending on your theme.
Comments
Comments are essential for maintaining interactivity in blogs. Many blogs feature comment sections beneath posts, allowing readers to share their thoughts and ideas with the author and other readers. This interactive structure helps increase the blog’s popularity and engagement.
RSS
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a web page notifier that allows users to collectively view content from various internet sites. Users can subscribe to and follow websites that regularly provide content through RSS feeds. WordPress enables users to serve content as RSS, allowing readers to access updates without frequently visiting the blog.
Widgets
Widgets are small components that add various features and content to WordPress side menus. Common widgets include categories, tags, search bars, and more. Widgets make WordPress themes more useful by providing easier access to important features.
Shortcodes
Shortcodes are simple code snippets that allow you to add specific functionality or content to your posts and pages easily. By inserting a shortcode into the post or page editor, you can quickly add features like galleries, contact forms, or buttons without any coding knowledge. Many plugins and themes provide their own shortcodes for added functionality.
User Roles
User roles define the permissions and capabilities of different users on your WordPress site. There are several predefined user roles, including Administrator, Editor, Author, Contributor, and Subscriber, each with specific permissions. This allows you to manage who can access, create, edit, or delete content on your website.
Understanding these key WordPress concepts will make it easier for non-techies to use the platform effectively. With this foundational knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to create and manage your own WordPress website or blog, regardless of your technical background. So, dive into the world of WordPress and unlock the full potential of this powerful CMS!
