By Jacob Crawford<\/p>\n
Sometimes you don\u2019t know what you don\u2019t know \u2013 but what you don\u2019t know could be hurting your website or your engagement. Basic WordPress points will be covered in the WordPress 101 Workshop. For now, here are a few points to help you make the most of your WordPress site.<\/em><\/p>\n Studies show that users spend fewer than three seconds waiting for web pages to load. And while it\u2019s tempting to load your site with forms, trackers, extra styles, and integrations, each of those programs and sheets cost valuable load time. <\/p>\n Jetpack, WooCommerce, and Yoast are maybe the best plugins for a beginner. WooCommerce manages your e-business, Yoast checks your SEO, and Jetpack takes care of pretty much everything else from social media to comments.<\/p>\n Grow organically with your site. While it\u2019s easy to upscale, it\u2019s difficult to downscale. There\u2019s no need to drop money on an expensive theme when you don\u2019t have the content or infrastructure to support it. <\/p>\n If you\u2019re hosting through WordPress.com, seriously consider your goals and scope before investing in a Premium or Business plan. If you\u2019re building a portfolio site, the Personal plan is probably best. If you\u2019re a t-shirt company with a couple dozen employees, a Business plan is probably more your speed.<\/p>\n This seems self-evident, but you\u2019d be surprised how many WordPress beginners choose themes based on previews. Instead, consider how the theme will highlight your content. If you\u2019re a photoblogger, consider a theme with plenty of thumbnails and galleries. If you\u2019re a writer, pick a theme that highlights your words.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t waste your time trying to match your content to your theme: match your theme to your content. <\/p>\n WordPress is a community. And it\u2019s full of people who love helping beginners. Get involved with local MeetUps and other events. It always helps to have a second set of eyes look over what you are doing.<\/p>\n At WordCamp Birmingham, we\u2019re dedicated to helping people like you get started. Attend our WordPress 101 course, where we walk you through the basics one step at a time. Or stop by and see us at the Happiness Bar, where specialists and enthusiasts like you congregate help others get the most from their WordPress sites. \nInterested in learning more? Snag your tickets to WordCamp Birmingham today!<\/p>\nOverloading your site with too many plugins<\/h2>\n
Paying for premium services you don\u2019t need (yet)<\/h2>\n
Picking a theme that doesn\u2019t reflect your content<\/h2>\n
Friends don\u2019t let friends blog alone<\/h2>\n
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