WordPress For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Bloggers love WordPress! If you’re ready to start using this free blogging software, WordPress For Dummies, 2nd Edition is just what you and your blog need to make a splash.

Professional blog designer Lisa Sabin-Wilson shows you how to use all the latest upgrades to WordPress and helps you decide whether to use the WordPress.com hosted service or self-host your blog with WordPress.org. Whether you’re just venturing into the blogosphere or you want to shift an existing blog to WordPress, WordPress For Dummies, 2nd Edition will help.

Explore theme development and learn where to find free WordPress themes Extend WordPress through plug-ins, CSS, custom fields, and more Find out about archiving, interacting with readers through comments, tracking back, and handling spam Get the scoop on domain registration, Web hosting providers, basic tools like FTP, and more Create a unique blog theme and presentation by using template tags with CSS Sign up for WordPress.com, log in, set options, and create a profile Install WordPress.org, set up a MySQL database, explore RSS feeds, and organize a blogroll Discover the secrets of creating a blog that draws readers Get tips on wonderful widgets, upgrades, and plugins you can add to make your blog extra cool Learn how to use the Dashboard, manage comments, and make permalinks work with your Web server With WordPress For Dummies, 2nd Edition on hand, it’s easy to make the most of the free software and build a blog that stands out in a crowd.

Table of Contents

Part I: Introducing WordPress
Chapter 1: What WordPress Can Do for You
Chapter 2: WordPress Blogging Basics

Part II: Using the WordPress Hosted Service
Chapter 3: Getting Started with WordPress
Chapter 4: Writing and Managing Your Blog
Chapter 5: Enhancing Your Blog with Themes, Widgets, and Upgrades

Part III: Self-Hosting with WordPress
Chapter 6: Setting Up Blogging Base Camp
Chapter 7: Understanding the WordPress
Chapter 8: Establishing Your Blog Routine

Part IV: Flexing and Extending WordPress
Chapter 9: Media Management: Images, Audio, and Video
Chapter 10: Making the Most of WordPress Plugins
Chapter 11: Finding and Installing WordPress Themes

Part V: Customizing WordPress
Chapter 12: Understanding Themes and Templates
Chapter 13: Tweaking WordPress Themes
Chapter 14: Beyond Blogging: WordPress As a Content Management System
Chapter 15: Deciding to Bring in the Pros

Part VI: The Part of Tens
Chapter 16: Ten WordPress Web Sites Used As a CMS
Chapter 17: Ten Popular WordPress Plugins
Chapter 18: Ten Free WordPress Themes

Appendix: Migrating Your Existing Blog to WordPress