Expression Web Blog

Going back in time to 2007, Pat Geary and I wrote our first ebook about Launching a WordPress Blog using one’s own domain or sub-domain. WordPress has updated many versions since then all the way to 2.7.1 and we decided the time had come to rewrite our ebook so that’s what we have done.

Now available for download and completely free is:

Launching a WordPress Blog Ebook Edition 2.0

We cover the following:

1. Getting started with a WordPress Blog
2. Requirements for Installing WordPress – Before you get started make sure your host gives you the tools you need. One host that we know of who does not is 1and1 UK Home packages. Did you read to the bottom of the page?
3. Installing Database -
4. Download WordPress
5. Configure wp-config-sample file – Did you read the instructions all of the way through? Did you rename the file?
6. Configure a FTP Client – If you are already using an ftp client that works, it is not necessary to download FileZilla. Use the one you are comfortable with, but make sure if you’re using another ftp client to set it to ASCII for the WordPress installation
7. Installing WordPress –
8. Setting up WordPress – Did you read to the bottom of the page? Do not try and install a new theme yet. Work with the default one until you have finished setting up.
   Options Permalinks – If your url looks like http://your-domain.com/hello-world.php rather than http://your-domain.com/?p123 you followed the instructions. Ready for the next step?
9. Configure WordPress Categories – Did you follow all of the instructions to the bottom of the page? Don’t worry; you can add more categories later.
10. Setting WordPress Preferences – Read it all!
11. Installing WordPress Themes – Now you are finally here. Read it all to the very bottom. It will take you longer to decide on choosing a theme than anything else. Once you have installed the theme, take the time to check how it looks in the various browsers, does it have a horizontal scroll? Does it validate? Do you know enough to tweak it until it works like it is supposed to or would you be better off choosing another one?
12. Creating SEO Titles in WordPress – Did you follow all of the steps? Did you read to the BOTTOM of the page? Does your page title look like it is supposed to?
13. Disable NoFollow Attribute in WordPress – If you don’t read to the very bottom, you will miss the bit about writing posts. After all, that is what your blog is for.

1. WordPress Essentials
   1. WordPress Plugins
      1. Akismet Plugin – If you don’t want to be plagued by spam, read and configure this plugin.
      2. Sitemap Plugin – Read all the way to the bottom or you will end up with the word category beside all of your categories.
      3. WordPress Database Backup – An easy way to backup your database.
      4. WordPress Ready Contact Form – Do you want your readers to be able to contact you? Then you need a form for them to use. Don’t skip this part.
      5. How Trackback and Pingback works in WordPress Learn how they work, how to use them and when to use them.
      6. Moving a WordPress Blog – More advanced but someday you may want to move from a sub-domain to a domain all its own.
      7. Moving Servers with WordPress – This tutorial is written for those of you who have already upgraded your installation of WordPress to Version 2.7. 1
      8. Upgrading WordPress Program – Read and implement carefully, WordPress regularly updates and improves the program, so be ready with the instructions at hand.
      9. WordPress API – You will need this for configuring your Akismet Spam Plugin.
      10. WordPress Tips
2. Desktop Blogging Clients – These are more advanced topics for you to explore, if you find you don’t like the WordPress interface to post your blogs, these desktop blogging clients are a safe alternative.
3. Windows Live Writer
   1. Setting Up Windows Live Writer
   2. Creating Posts
   3. Inserting Images
   4. Options
   5. Publishing
4. BlogDesk
   1. Installing BlogDesk
   2. BlogDesk Configuration
   3. Creating Posts in BlogDesk
   4. Inserting Images in Posts
   5. Publishing with BlogDesk
   6. BlogDesk Options
   7. BlogDesk Extras

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 at 1:56 am and is filed under Web Design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.