WordPress For Dummies

by Lisa Sabin-Wilson

The bestselling guide to WordPress, fully updated to help you get your blog going! Millions of bloggers rely on WordPress, the popular, free blogging platform. This guide covers all the features and improvements in the most up-to-date version of WordPress. Whether you are switching to WordPress from another blogging platform or just starting your first blog, you'll find the advice in this friendly guide gets you up to speed on both the free-hosted WordPress.com version and WordPress.org, which requires the purchase of web hosting services, and figure out which version is best for you. You'll be able to take full advantage of the flexibility and usability of WordPress. This guide helps bloggers quickly and easily take advantage of everything this popular blogging tool has to offer.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Technology, Writing, Business, Programming, Computers

432 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2011

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is best suited for WordPress users, but there are a few chapters for developers. Designers and developers are better served by WordPress Web Design for Dummies and WordPress All-In-One for Dummies. I skimmed the basics and concentrated on the development sections. Unfortunately, the explanations and examples of theme development weren’t as clear as I’ve seen in other WordPress books.

The book deals with both WordPress.com and the self-hosted WordPress.org. It covers configuration, publishing, media, plugins, and themes. My favorite chapters were 12 and 13, about theme development (template files, template tags, The Loop, widgetized areas, etc.). I also liked Bonus Chapter 1, Designing for WordPress as a CMS, which covers custom templates, custom post types, post formats, and basic on-site SEO. The book uses the Twenty Eleven theme for its examples.

The WordPress For Dummies 5th Edition page has bonus chapters about designing for WordPress as a CMS, and WordPress Network (Multisite), and free downloadable themes.

Below are my notes.

Theme development
Use the post_class function in a template tag within the Loop to add post-related classes to the div tag, giving more control over CSS styling.

Plugins
Miscellaneous plugins
• Scan for malware with the Sucuri Security - SiteCheck Malware Scanner plugin or Sucuri SiteCheck.
• Back up and migrate sites with BackupBuddy.
• Use the Custom Post Type UI plugin to create custom post types.

Audio plugins
• HTML5 jQuery Audio Player
• oEmbed HTML5 audio
• Blubrry PowerPress Podcasting plugin

Premium plugin directories
• iThemes plugins
• WPMU DEV

Themes
Premium theme providers
• iThemes
• StudioPress
• Press75
• Commercial Themes on WordPress.org

Free themes
• Hybrid
• Responsive
• BlackBird

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best WordPress book I’ve read so far; it’s great for beginners and intermediate WordPress designers. Lisa Sabin-Wilson, a well-known WordPress authority with firsthand experience, starts with the basics and builds up in each chapter. Beyond the essentials, there’s an appropriate amount of space given to tweaking WordPress.

The book covers both WordPress.com and the self-hosted WordPress.org. There’s an informational explanation of template files and template tags, and how to tweak themes with basic HTML, CSS, and PHP. I liked the chapter on enabling and administering a WordPress Network (AKA Multisite; formerly WordPress Multi User, or WPMU).

Lisa Sabin-Wilson owns E.Webscapes Design Studio and Blogs About Hosting. This book is strictly about WordPress; it doesn’t discuss the usability or business sides of web design.

You can read this entire book on Google Books: WordPress for Dummies.

Notes

Find WordPress news on WordPress Planet
The best permalink structures for SEO are date/postname and category/postname

Permissions
PHP files should have chmod 666 (or 644 for safe mode)
Folders/directories should have 755
htaccess should have 755 or 777
Plugins folder should have 755 or 777

Plugins
ShareThis
All in One SEO Pack
WB-DB-Backup
WP Super Cache
Google XML Sitemaps

Themes
Free themes
Hybrid
DesignPile
Elegant Grunge
P2
Stargaze
Carrington Blog
iTheme
Redoable
Corporate
Gridline Lite

Premium themes
iThemes
StudioPress
ThemeGarden

[Chantal E. Larsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with intentions of beginning a WordPress.org blog. There weren't enough chapters on how to make your theme unique.

I was hoping this book was written for those who already knew much about HTML and CSS coding. I found myself reading the things I already knew or could figure out myself by visiting my administration panel.

Yes, I learned a little about <?php ?> coding, however there is still a question mark in my head. I'm still looking into how I can modify the content-background, which is the background directly behind the blog text - not to be confused with the background that expands fully from left to right, top to bottom. I have experimented with some coding, but nothing has changed that white square yet.

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm usually not a big fan of the "dummies" books as I find the whole idea that lacking specific knowledge about something makes you a dummy quite ludicrous. However, when it comes to instructional books and computer technology, it's difficult to find books that are still current once they reach publication ... the technological world just changes too quickly for print these days. When I discovered the plans to provide free .pdf updates to this book to keep it current, I decided to give it a try.

The book does indeed provide easy-to-follow coverage of WordPress basics and would definitely be a boon to those just starting out with this software. While the book has been moderately helpful when it comes to the blog software's more complicated aspects, more often than not I still find myself visiting the WordPress Codex for the more detailed info I need to complete more advanced tasks. As I learn my way through the Codex's vast labyrinth of information, I find myself turning to my "Dummies" guide less and less.

As for the updates, the author and published have lived up to their word ... well, sort of. I recently downloaded a chapter update that addresses changes in the software as it moves from version 2.3 to 2.5. Again, it does a fair job of covering the basics, but it appears that those of us who want a more detailed update will have to wait for (& purchase) the second edition. To be honest, thus far I have not gained enough from the first publication to convince me it will be worth it ... but then, I haven't exactly read the book cover-to-cover yet either. I suspect by the time the new edition becomes available, I will be familiar enough with the Codex to rely upon it almost exclusively and won't need the new book at all. For those considering purchase of the current edition, I suggest you wait for the more up-to-date version that is currently on it's way.

[Lynda Felder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I relied on this book exclusively to pull together three web sites; in spite of the title I did not feel like a dummy as I worked my way through the intricacies of Wordpress. Sure, Wordpress is easy to use and there is plenty of documentation on Wordpress.org to help you out when you’re in trouble. However, if you have no clue what permalinks are, if you thought a “theme” had something to do with parks (or worse, your English Teacher made you talk about it and ruined a perfectly good book such as Catcher in the Rye with a lot of blather about protecting innocence,) then you need this book. Wordpress for Dummies holds your hand and takes you, step-by-step, through installing your very own blog site, customizing settings to suit the blog’s needs, and adding plug-ins and widgets. This is a fabulous introduction to an entire universe of wonderful people who will help you with all your blogging needs.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying all the information in this book can be found on the web. However sometimes it's just nice to read a book instead of the computer screen.

I'm in the process of customizing my blog and wanted some insight on the software. I found what I needed, or least the basics. I wish the book went into more detail on creating your own theme from scratch. The chapter on using Wordpress as a CMS was the most valuable to me. Now I have big plans.

The book does not cover CSS or HTMl. So if you really want to customize a blog or website you need to learn this information elsewhere.

[Jay Cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

For people that have played with blogging platforms like Wordpress or Blogger, which is most people, there's maybe one or two things that you can learn from this book. For me for example it was the chapters on Wordpress.org, it's installation, and it's introduction to theme customization. Though I realize that all this information can be found online. That said, if your just starting out with Wordpress and have never toyed around with a blogging platform, this can be a very valuable reference all in one place.

[Goodthelife · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got from library
Good description of the hosted version (wordpress.com) vs. the local install version (wordpress.org) vs. the MU multi-user version (which is only meant for those with 100s of blogs). The online version of wordpress can be customized in a limited fashion, but for custom themes and other, you need a self-hosted version. 10 most popular plug-ins and how to install. How to use the system and the administration tools.

[Felice Lam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to blogging steps with WordPress.com, WordPress.org, and WordPress MU along with some useful tips and warnings. I recommend this only to beginners and others who are somewhat familiar with this platform but would like a refresher with some helpful hints. If you are an expert, you may move along.

[Sotiris Makrygiannis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, it is what it says....for dummies and Im one as well. There is nothing in this book that you cannot find it in youtube videos. Comparing the time reading it versus the time watching youtube is not necessary because the youtube watching is faster. 2 stars on the length of each answer but I could have given one more star for the same reason. I just didn't feel doing it.....

[Bellamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet

[Soheil Karami · Rating 3 out of 5]

یکی از بهترین کتاب ها برای آغاز یادگیری وردپرس

[Lino Matteo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you considered Blogging

WordPress for Dummies 7th Edition
2015
Lisa Sabin-Wilson
Have you considered blogging? What worries you about it? Is it the writing, the consistency or the platform? Well if you want a friendly and easy platform to try your hand, we think that Wordpress is where you want to be. There are glitches. There is learning. There are things that you will struggle with, but a regular person that is reasonably able on a computer – can you post a tweet with a picture and tagging – can be up and running in a morning.
Here are three ways to go about it:
1. Start and scrap – try your hand, experiment, see how it feels and then scrap the experiment so that you are ready to start for real.
2. Get a coach – that is what I did the first time when I was blogging for a client a few years back. It worked real well, but the person was more a doer than a ‘good’ coach, so I did not have as much practice as I would have liked. Get a coach that will help you, guide you but that you still do the work. Otherwise look for a coach and a virtual assistant (we can help you with this if you need some guidance).
3. Start and learn – This book can be a great help if you decide to take this approach. It has tips, tracks and easy to read and use Dummies formats that make it one of my favourite go to resources.
Sure you can YouTube, google and there are plenty of other ways to augment your knowledge, but we think that this book will get you good to go. Beware of the danger of ‘knowledge paralysis.’ You don’t have to be the most knowledgeable person on the block to get it done right. Got it?
This book is chock full of good stuff with lots of what interested me wanted to make sure still current so you can also visit the link here to get up to date articles at www.dummies.com/extras/wordpress.

That you Ms. Lisa for the guidance.
Lino Matteo ©™
Twitter @Lino_Matteo
https://linomatteo.wordpress.com/2021...

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thinking if starting a blog using Wordpress.com. If I do go ahead with it I will definitely get the latest edition of this book because it provided the clearest information for the complete novice that I am. I had borrowed it from the library along with "Teach Yourself Visually Wordpress" and "Wordpress the Missing Manual". These last two quickly went into the complexities of Wordpress leaving me totally at a loss. The latter two are clearly better for someone with experience who wants to add bells and whistles to their blog.

[Jeffrey Powanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I migrated from Wix to WordPress recently, so I downloaded this book from the library to become familiar with WordPress features. The book is a typical Dummies offering: straightforward, focused, friendly, surprisingly comprehensive. It's a nearly 10-year-old edition, but I found most of it still applicable to the current WordPress user interface. I'm using the free version of WordPress, so I skipped over the chapters that didn't apply to me (those about the hosted version, multiple-user version, and plugins), but I was still impressed with Sabin-Wilson's complete coverage. Overall, nice job.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive, and extremely detailed although it deals with an older version of WordPress. One of the better "For Dummies" books I have read, because it was very organized, and very clearly written. The author, who is the CEO of a WordPress developer, does use her own web pages as the example, but this is a minor quibble. For someone trying to get started on a WordPress site, it was a good guide, even if it was a little dense with detail at times (Apache, CSS, etc.) Rating: 4.1-4.3/5.0 stars.

[MK · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, it is very difficult for beginners who are starting a blog to set up WordPress from scratch. I'm a freelance writer, but if you're just starting out, I always ask someone on Fiver or something similar to set up.
This book has a lot of content, so it is difficult to memorize it all in a short period of time.

[Tariqur Rahman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of dummies. I have read their book more than maybe my academy book. I think the quality of the book is different than others. All of the books are organized nicely and with illustrations. It is really great.

[Blazus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what it should be : a detailed and introductory guide on how to use Wordpress

[DL Rudd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tons of info. Good detail. I need a copy for myself. (borrowed this from library).

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Start The Presses

This was a fairly good book on WordPress.

I have read better, but if you are getting into WordPress, Lisa did a fine job at getting you ready.

3.8/5

[Joost · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging book, packed with interesting content. It was quite easy to get through. I utilized it while designing the website https://uberg.ru

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Uche · Rating 2 out of 5]

Focus group are non-developers.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review originally appeared in the February 2016 edition of "Technical Communication" journal.

WordPress for Dummies is a well-organized resource for those wanting to create their own Web page using the WordPress platform. WordPress is a free program that lets you create and maintain a blog or non-blog Web site with minimal technical knowledge. There are two forms of WordPress: Wordpress.com where you host your blog and Wordpress.org where you use their software on a Web site that you control. WordPress’ real power is realized when you choose the second option, and accordingly that is the book’s focus. Sabin-Wilson simplifies complex technical issues associated with running your own Web site without sounding pretentious. She takes you through installation, to customization, and delves deep into powerful functionality, all while suggesting best practices for each.

Starting your own blog or Web site is perhaps one of the most daunting aspects you may face. Creating a Web site from scratch has many complex steps which this book breaks down into easily understandable, achievable tasks. Even though not all Web pages use WordPress, Sabin-Wilson takes the time to go beyond WordPress and explain internet concepts such as domain registration and Web hosting, as well as to list some sample companies that offer such services. After underlying Internet needs are covered, the book moves on to blogging, a common WordPress use. Sabin-Wilson discusses basic blogging techniques along with ways that you can use WordPress to enhance your posting experience with images, videos, and plugins—small programs that integrate with WordPress to enhance its usability and functionality. Next it covers WordPress themes, which control the look and feel of your WordPress output page. The discussion of themes and templates is quite detailed, and while elegantly explained, may prove challenging for non-technical readers due to the sophisticated nature of the topic. Pushing onward, Sabin-Wilson discusses using WordPress as a Web authoring tool beyond blogging. She smoothly moves you across a variety of technical topics without overwhelming you.

Overall, WordPress for Dummies is an excellent reference book for both beginner and advanced WordPress users. Not every WordPress user will take advantage of everything WordPress has to offer, but this book strives to cover every situation possible in great detail. Like other books in the For Dummies series, WordPress for Dummies is organized and styled in a standard, easy-to-follow format that lends itself to either a quick reference check, or a comprehensive study of a topic. In the past, I've used another WordPress reference book, and I find Sabin-Wilson’s book to be superior. Therefore, I recommend this book for both veteran WordPress users and anyone setting out on their first WordPress adventure.

[D.w. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why could this book not have been more helpful then it turned out to be...

The author had moments when it should have been. The entire point of this book is to make our use of WordPress.Org something that if we don't master after reading the book and can make a website as well as the authors, at least start the process of making our own websites. A dummies book for just Wordpress.com and blogging would take all of 50 pages and Dummies can't charge you $25 for that.

What goes wrong, oh so much. One is that there is not enough dummy humor. Always useful to break up the monotony of computer learning. But that is a minor point. The major problem of Sabin-Wilson is that she thinks to start telling the readers how to master their use of the software. A good thing, except that she fails miserably at telling us how to use the items.

She will have endless tables throughout the book that will tell us the name of a parameter, the information the programming tag. Such as charset, Character settings set in Settings/General, <?php bloginfo ('charset'); ?> and then does not tell us how to use that, or any of the other long lists and wasted pages of text she devotes to such lists. Even the programming code she took us through in her putting a theme together does not work, and has inconsistencies from her step by step instruction to the code she copied and pasted at the end of it.

Those are the features that should have made this book a powerful tool. Instead it becomes fluff letting you know that Wordpress is powerful but you need to spend money again to find a teacher who actually covers the material in how you can use it. Not who give you lists of the nouns and verbs you can use, but without the rules of what a noun or a verb is in the context of comparing grammar to Wordpress programming.

I have been programming in a lot of languages long enough to know that I can push it and get something out of this book. I can use the list of tens, but this book is not worth $25. If it is worth $10, that is a stretch.

[Dave Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reviewing the book Wordpress For Dummies by Lisa Sabin-Wilson et al which is a good book. This is a fairly recently updated version of this book. It includes a foreword by Matt Mullenweg one of the founders of Wordpress and one of the richest men in the world. Wordpress is probably the foremost blogging platform in the world. The Wordpress software is also an open source web design package which is in my opinion inferior to Dreamweaver that is expensive. At the end of the day you get what you pay for. A basic Wordpress account ids free and they make their money by selling extras for your blog and also presumably data mining your blog for search terms and selling information like personalized information and stuff like whether you like or dislike certain brands. They can sell this information to companies who in term can send you adverts tailored to things like your name and geographical location. Wordpress has literally got thousands of themes and apps and many are free and many others are for sale. Interms of them selling these paid products I don't think it is free but at the end of the day most things about it are good value. You do get a lot of people trying to sell apps and spamming as many sites as possible with stupid adverts selling these. I think it is only common sense to avoid these comments like the black death. You are better off if there is a certain type of app you need read some of the reviews on the forums. Also try and get free ones. I personally would be reluctant to pay for any. Also check they work with your current version of Wordpress you are using. I did very much enjoy this book and probably rambling a bit.

[David Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am reviewing the textbook Wordpress For Dummies 5th edition by Lisa Sabin-Wilson et al which is a very good book which I read at http://safaribooksonline.com . This book is co authored by Matt Mullwegin the owner of Wordpress who also has his own blog on the hosted version. It can be accessed through the Wordpress home page. I have read several earlier versions of this book and there isn't that much new in this book. If you are looking to get started blogging it's ideal but maybe not for more experienced users. When you join Wordpress you can verify who you are by other sites you are a member of. Of course all the major ones like Twitter & Linkedin are there but also a couple I'd never heard of which are TripIt & FriendFeed. This book also mentions a social bookmark site I'd never heard of called SocialMention. A couple of interesting plugins are Gallery for photo's & Videopress for video's. Normally you have to upgrade your account to display video. Among the self hosted options are http://wordpress.org for a self hosted single blog & http://wordpressmu.org for the multi blog account self hosted version. Both versions are free but you have to pay a third party to host them. Of course if you want to run a business website you can't have any kind of e-commerce on the hosted version. You risk losing your account with Wordpress if you do. I did really enjoy reading this book and it's got a top ten plug ins and themes near the end of the book which is quite interesting.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

WordPress for Dummies is geared to individuals wanting to start their own blog. The author, Lisa Sabin-Wilson has created several of her own blogs using WordPress and offers how-to’s, tips, and advice on getting started.

I thought there were several good parts to the book: Laymen’s definitions for some of the internet terminology, screen shots on the how-to’s, and step by step how to’s. Unfortunately, with technology changing so rapidly and WordPress updating their software, some of the steps and screen shots were not relevant anymore, which made the process confusing. Also, since I know nothing about coding, those chapters were difficult to understand, however, they may be more helpful in the future when I become more familiar and comfortable with WordPress.

This book will make you more comfortable with customizing your WordPress site/blog, using plugins and widgets, and using media. The basic knowledge was very helpful to get started, however, I still feel I need more education, and noticed a lot of reviewers mentioning searching the internet for the most current up to date information and advice.

[Kathy Davie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A self-help manual explaining the use of WordPress.com and WordPress.org.

My Take
Sabin-Wilson did a nice job of separating out the .com and the .org versions, and she provided various lists of the best plugins, great free templates, and sites to explore for their use of various WordPress features.

I was less than excited with her explanation of changing up the WordPress templates. I suspect it will become clearer as I play with the bits and pieces. Considering this is a Dummies book, I would have expected better coverage of how the PHP works and what one should avoid changing. I certainly would have appreciated learning what I should change to make it more accurate for a particular site.

The Cover and Title
The typical Dummies cover of yellow and black. I can't get excited about the image of the laptop displaying seven positions of it closing/opening…

The title is accurate...especially for me! WordPress for Dummies.