This article will highlight some useful information for those considering starting a blog with WordPress.
The reasons for doing so, and why so many choose WordPress for their blogging platform is that this free software is easy to use, offers a variety of templates, and comes with a gargantuan of support.
WordPress Support - Outstanding!
At some point in every WordPress bloggers life, WordPress Support Services becomes extremely important. Once past establishing a basic blog, additional questions about advanced features, customization, plugin use and plugin options, for example, is most likely to occur. At WordPress.com, a blogger will find a wealth of support, a forum to join, templates available, suggested reading, and a host of lessons for the beginner to the advanced all who want to design their site, understanding the template files, features, functions, and web-development. One cool part of WordPress support is the ability to contact support staff as well as other members of the forum. Support staff is generally very responsive, but keep in mind, the forum is 24/7, you may enjoy meeting other forum members, and as I have discovered all too many times, that burning question about my theme, has already been asked and answered.
Easy to use
WordPress is famous for its "Five Minute Install." Admittedly, if you have never, never installed WordPress, it may take you a little longer. For most beginners, the stumbling block is setting up a database. It's easy! Support through your hoster is usually available, and I had no hesitation using Live Chat to walk me through seemingly rough spots. The next requirement for starting a blog is a valid email address and a username. The blogger enters this information into the signup page and receives a password almost instantly. The blogger simply has to check their email, follow the activation link provided and use the password provided and the process is complete. The blogger can start blogging from the Dashboard.
Once on the inside, you have available the ability to categorize and tag posts easily, edit options such as spell check, previews and autosave, the ability to post text, and upload audio and video files. All bloggers will further discover a variety of privacy options and be able to track statistical data related to the blog.
Note that some of the features may be more important to you than others so deciding whether or not WordPress is right for you might be a matter of personal preference. For example bloggers with little or no programming experience may enjoy the myriad of templates while others who are concerned about privacy issues may be more interested in the privacy options.
Variety of templates - and for free!
The variety of free templates online is simply overwhelming. There are plenty of talented web design people all too willing to share their creativity. A blogger can start with a simple theme, and with a little practice, be ready for a more advanced theme. There are any number of combinations of columns, fixed and adjusted widths, colors, designs, and theme-types. Just Google 'free WordPress themes', and you will be busy for hours!
Rahul