WordPress: You’ve got the basics but where to next? While learning as you go can get you to your destination, it wouldn’t hurt to have the tools and resources help make the process easier. A simple search of “Wordpress Help,” or something of the like, could end up leading you on a wild goose chase for the guidance you were looking for. One easy way to expedite this is to know what you’re searching for, the second is to know where to look.
Having a solid foundation is the key to improvement. Knowing the basics of WordPress will allow you to turn your ideas into reality. Here are some ways to improve your WordPress skills:
WP101 is a site that provides you with step-by-step video tutorials to guide you through the beginning stages of WordPress. They also have a Q&A Forum for you to find the answers to the questions they may have not covered.
WPBeginner is a great website which includes tutorials as well as a Beginners Guide and other resources specifically for new WordPress users.
Your foundation is set, but you still have questions when it comes to development. These sites can help you on your way:
WPArena goes talks through some of the more in-depth subjects regarding WordPress. Their blog’s content includes how-to’s, plug-ins and theme suggestions.
You have your basic WordPress set up, but now you want to learn how to make it more customized. That’s where WPModder’s tutorials can help.
At this point you have some references and have developed your knowledge to where you are comfortable tackling your own site. Now you want to keep up to date on news, advancements and general conversations regarding WordPress. Or maybe you want to see examples of other peoples work for inspiration. Either way here are some great sites to keep you in-the-know:
Another great way to keep up with news and trends of WordPress is through Twitter. If you want to fill your feed with posts and updates related to WordPress, here are a few to get you started:
@TheTorqueMag: The self proclaimed Wordpess news core.
@wplift: Dedicated solely to WordPress, WPLift covers everything from tips, to plug-in reviews.
@DavidWells: David is a WordPress designer and developer, as well as the founder of Inbound Now.
Learning WordPress, or developing your skills, is not a lonely journey. There are endless sites and sources to help you on your way. Finding sites that answer the questions you have, or the content you desire, will help WordPress go from a foreign or overwhelming site-development tool to a place you can be creative and deliver your content in the way you desire.
Photo credit: Nicholas Wang
