For those not familiar with the terminology of the web, starting a blog or website may be overwhelming. Or you may have the impression it will require zero effort. The truth is it all depends on your expectations and your desired end product. This post is intended to clarify any confusion you may have regarding the setup of your website. More specifically, what are WordPress and the Genesis framework?
WordPress is a content management system, or CMS. That, very basically, means it is a system for organizing your information. Genesis is a framework that maximizes, and adds to, the many benefits of using WordPress for your website or blog. I refuse to build a website without Genesis, why? It’s the best. I could literally write a book with the many reasons I love the Genesis Framework. For the sake of time, read this: Hereβs Why Genesis is the Foundation of any Smart WordPress Design.
Mashable calls Genesis the “best of the best” among premium frameworks. It’s no wonder over 65,000 online publishers trust Genesis to provide a solid foundation for their sites.
WordPress can be used as a blog, but you do not have to use that feature of WordPress. You can build a website using WordPress or a blog, or combine the two. Either way, it’s still called a website.
Domain and Hosting
That said, in order to use WordPress on your website you need to have what is called a self hosted install. This means you own a domain (www.yourdomain.com) and you have also purchased hosting.
From Wikipedia: A web hΠΎsting service is a type of Internet hosting service that allows individuals and organizations to make their own website accessible via the World Wide Web.
Very simply put – Hosting is space on a server. Somewhere to store your information so people can access it. You can purchase your domain and hosting from whatever provider you choose. If you would like to skip the headache, go with WebSynthesis.com. Synthesis is the ultimate in hosting speed and security. It’s what I use and recommend all of my clients use.
Once you have your domain and hosting, your next step is to install WordPress. WordPress.org is where you will find the WordPress CMS download. Although, most hosting providers will install WordPress onto your server for you, or have a “one click” install option.
Blogger.com and WordPress.com are completely different than WordPress.org. These services are hosted with blogger and wordpress.com whereas a self hosted install gives you the option to change whatever the heck you want whenever you want. You’re buying the house instead of renting.
Once you have WordPress installed you can install the Genesis Framework. This is a fairly simple task as you upload it as you would any other WordPress theme. From your WordPress dashboard you click: Appearance > Themes > Install Themes and then upload “install now” and activate.
After you have installed the Genesis Framework you can then install what is called a “child theme.” It is important you install the Genesis Framework prior to installing a Child Theme. Any theme built on the Genesis Framework is referred to as a Child Theme. This is because it relies on the Genesis Framework to function. You install the Child Theme the same way you installed the Genesis Framework.
From this point you may begin adjusting your Genesis theme settings, add your content and get going. When it comes to customizing your site it can take as little or as long a time as you like. Because every site is different and every brand (hopefully) unique, no one child theme will be perfect right out of the box. You will want to add your branding, change the title etc. If you decide to purchase my premade theme, Modern Blogger, you will gain access to the StudioPress forum dedicated to Modern Blogger. This forum is full of tutorials and incredible support so you are never on your own when getting your theme all set up. There is a bit of a learning curve if this is your first rodeo, but you have numerous moderators, including myself, to ask whatever questions you may have. Child Themes are intended to save you time and money in getting your website up and running.
The Modern Blogger + Genesis Framework package is $79.95. If you already own Genesis, Modern Blogger is only $24.95.
You also have the luxury of setting your site up as soon as you checkout. These themes can be as custom as you like. You can use them to just get started and make sure this blogging thing, or your new business venture are something you want to continue to pursue. Or you can deck ’em out and use your child theme forever. StudioPress has crazy high standards so you can be sure you are getting the best of the best with your purchase. Custom web design starts at $2200.00 and can take anywhere from 3-5 weeks. It is ideal if you are willing to put forth the time, funds and effort involved in creating a completely custom website, however, it is not mandatory. Child Themes are a fabulous alternative. And I have to say Modern Blogger is one fabulous Child Theme π
Copyright Β© 2017 Pretty Darn Cute Design
est. 2005
Great article and superb explanation. Thanks so much!
Thank you, Gwen!
I am just getting started on bringing my blog/website together after YEARS of waiting until the kids were a bit older. Thank you for this wonderful and helpful explanation! I’ll be sure to check back on facebook for this pretty darn cool giveaway you mentioned! I need all the help I can get π
I’m so glad you found it helpful, Kristy! Best of luck with your new venture! π
Thank you so much for this breakdown. I bought Modern Blogger before I knew quite what I was doing (impulse buy!) and am grateful for your tutorial. Thanks!
Wonderful, I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for your purchase!
Hi!
I was the part of the post the post that says that “if you already have genesis framework…” then your theme is cheaper. I was wondering how much genesis framework costs? I checked in the website but I didn’t seem to be able to find out.
F.Y.I. this post was amazing! Very important information, and it has helped understand a lot!
Thanks!
Laiana
Hi Laiana,
The price for the framework plus theme will show up when you click to purchase π Thank you for the kind words!
AMAZING ARTICLE!!!! Thank you so much for the detailed post. Someone like me who is just a “beginner blogger” appreciates it! π
Thank you, I’m so glad you found it helpful!
Nicely laid out and I love your themes. Will definitely be sharing this link as recommended reading to our Blog Schoolers! <3
Wonderful, thank you!
Hi Lindsey,
I’m getting ready to take the blog plunge and will be purchasing your “Adorable” child theme (w/Genesis, of course.) I already have my domain name. I understand I need first to set up hosting and download WordPress(org). Since I’m fairly new to this, I want to make sure I get everything necessary. I’ll be hosting through Bluehost to start with. Do you know offhand if I need to purchase the extra “Sitelock Domain Security” and their “Site Backup Pro?” I don’t want to purchase extra stuff that may interfere with Genesis and/or the child theme. Thank you for your help! I can’t wait to get started π
Hi Lani! Those things are not required, it’s just a personal preference π You can install WordPress with a few clicks through your BlueHost dashboard as well.
I’ve never built a site on my own. I design jewelry and have been doing so for many years and selling at craft shows. I currently have a site you can visit on Etsy…JewelryJeanne.etsy.com. I feel restricted to only have a site there. I blew way too much money at Stores On line and PROSPERING.com I wan to have an independent web site where I can actually make money. on! Can you help me???
JewelryJeanne
Hi Jeanne,
Just send me an email and we can chat π
Thanks for all the helpful info! I just started WordPress and looking into buying a theme. This was such a helpful post π
http://www.lesley-kim.com
Hi Lesley! I’m so glad you found it helpful, thank you for the comment π
Hi Lindsey,
You had mentioned a forum for the Modern Blogger theme but when I click on it, it says Page not found. Is there another link?
Thanks,
Sandi
Hi Sandi! I need to go back through older posts and update the links, our support is now handled through the link at the top of the page. Thank you so much for your purchase!
I am not sure if this is the right spot for this, but I can’t seem to find a place where multiple images are shown in one blog post using the modern theme. For instance, every demo I’ve seen shows one main picture. Is there an example of what the modern theme looks like with multiple images in one blog post? I’m trying to see how they would appear.
Thanks.
Hi Amy! Thank you for your purchase! You can find all setup instructions in your account area. Please let us know if you have any trouble by submitting a support ticket (linked above) so we can get you taken care of right away.
Hi Lindsey – I haven’t purchased yet. I’m still waiting to see how multiple images look in a post before purchasing this theme; that’s what is holding me back. Every single demo I’ve seen of this theme shows only one image per post and I would like to see how the page (and images) looks if there are multiple images per blog post (i.e. showing a cake on a plate, showing the inside color of the cake, and showing the texture of the cake). Is there an example of this somewhere? Or, even a live site using this theme?
I look forward to your response.
Hi Amy! There are several in the Showcase (link above) as well as my personal site with multiple images: http://momandwife.com/2013/02/diy-coffee-table-turned-into-an-ottoman/ Please let me know if I can answer any questions for you!
Sold!
Thank you so much. I’m sure it was right in my face, I just couldn’t seem to find it.
I truly love how you explained so much to a novice such as myself. π I do have a question. I purchased my domain and hosting through wordpress. What does this mean? Can I use your Modern theme + Genisis and upload your theme through the dasboard and get cracking or do I need to transfer my domain/hosting to a different host in order to use it? Thank you π
Hi Iris! If you purchased it through WordPress.com you will want to transfer your domain to the hosting company of your choosing (GoDaddy is good for domains, WebSynthesis.com is best for hosting) Once the transfer is complete you’ll be all set π Thank you so much for the kind words!
Hi Lyndsey
Is there a Genesis framework and package for the Adorable theme please
I’d rather download it all from you. I’ve already got my WP download, and hosting
with 123.reg. That should all work out OK ?
Can you leave me link if there is a package for the above please.
Thanks so much.
Jane xx
Hi Jane! Adorable is no longer for sale on StudioPress.com so there is not currently a package available as StudioPress is the only place you can purchase the Genesis Framework. Please let me know if you have any trouble, I’m happy to help!
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Thanks for the help, I can’t wait to get started! I have a question though. I don’t already have the Genesis framework and so I wanted to purchase the Modern Blogger Theme and Framework bundle on Studiopress instead of purchasing each individually. Does that bundle come with the old Modern Blogger Theme or the Modern Blogger Pro theme? Also, will purchasing through Studiopress give me access to an account here on your site?
And one last question while I’m at it, how much color customization can you do on the theme? I’ve heard of some that include a color wheel picker. Do you have any features like that or is just the colors in the demo?
Thanks! Love your work!
I love your site … I’m loving the information !!! I have a idea for a blog and it was my desire to have it up and running at the beginning of the year but things fell to the way side, then I said I want it up by February 1st and now we are 6 days in and my site still isn’t up. What am I to do !!! My ideas and a few posts have been created. I just can’t seem to get things rolling. Any suggestions !!!
Hi Jessica! We just launched a new mini customization package, we do the work for you π https://prettydarncute.com/mini-customization-package/
Hello Lindsay,
I just purchased your awesome mompreneur theme and the genesis framework. I have a domain name through godaddy. I was wondering if you offered installation for a charge. I don’t know where to begin and I am too afraid I’ll do something and make it difficult to fix. Thank you.
Hi Yaitza! We sure do, just shoot me an email [email protected] π
Hi Lindsey,
Your theme looks amazing! Just curious how much colour customization we can do on the theme ourselves? I know you offer a mini customization package, but if we wanted to DIY is the theme preset for us to specify our own colour scheme and fonts? Also, are we able to add custom headers? Specifically I am looking to add an opt-in box somewhere at the top of my homepage. Thanks!
Hi Cherrie! Thank you! All of my themes are different, so I would just need to know which one in particular you are looking at in order to answer π
Hey Lindsey, I’m looking at the Modern Blogger Pro theme. Thx!
wow this is making it so easy – spent about 4 hours a few weeks ago where I purchased Genesis and ModernBlogger from Studio Press….quickly realised I couldn’t get support from PDC this way so requested a refund for ModernBlogger and here I am reinstalling it all again and actually understanding it!
Hi Robyn, You get 100% support from PDCD if you purchase at StudioPress π The link is in your dashboard at StudioPress, it takes you to our setup tutorials and gives you access to our support ticket form. I’m so glad to hear you’re understanding it, please let us know if you have any questions along the way by submitting a support ticket so we can assist you. If you requested a refund, and are reinstalling the theme we will just need your new proof of purchase from StudioPress, or here, in order to provide support, the theme fee covers payment of support services. Thank you!
Hi there!
Love your Swank theme. OMG – sooooo awesome. π
Can you please answer these questions…
1. MUST we keep the slider, or can that be removed or deactivated?
2. Can the sections on the home page be reordered? For instance, the squares first and then the circles?
3. I am new to WordPress. Does the commenting section automatically come with the theme? Or is that a plugin I must add?
4. Is there a template for a landing page?
THANKS! π
Patty
Hi Patty!
1- The slider, and all widget areas, are totally optional. You can choose to include them, not include them, or use any other widget/plugin of your choosing π
2- Those sections can be reordered if you are comfortable altering the functions file of your theme, otherwise you can use the other widget areas to drop the featured post widget in and get a similar look.
3- Comments are a standard WordPress feature, the styling is specific to the theme you have activated π
4- The home page is what we’ve considered the landing page for Swank, but you can always create a new page and set it to be your landing page under Reading>Settings in your dashboard.
I hope that helps! Thank you for choosing PDCD, I appreciate your business!
Lindsey
Hi,
I’m new to digital design and want to start a small, local business helping bloggers/business owners update their webistes. I want to do custom design with Genesis framework. Will I have to purchase the framework multiple times and apply it to each WordPress site I build? Or is it a one-time purchase that can just be used multiple times?
Thanks! (Also, sorry for stalking your posts all the way back to 2012 but I love your blog!!)
Hi Katie! Genesis is a one time purchase that can be used multiple times. I highly recommend having your customers purchase their own Genesis license, however, because the support they provide is priceless. I’m so glad you like the blog, thank you for your kind words! π
Hi Lindsey! π First of all just wanted to say thank you for such an amazing thoughtful post.
I want to start a blog, but since I’m Portuguese I wanted it to be both Portuguese and English. I was considering having to different domains for each language. ie: example.com and example.pt Do I have to purchase two child themes or can I just purchase one and aplly it to both domains?
Thank you so much,
Filipa.
Hi Filipa! You only need purchase the child theme once and you can use it on as many domains as you like π Thank you for your comment, and your business. I appreciate it!
If I have a website domain through Bluehost, is the one-click download going to be the wordpress.org? I’m nervous that I’ve got the wordpress.com and want to know if there’s a way to make sure before I proceed any further. Hellooooooo! Can you tell I’m a total newbie???
Thanks!
You’ll also need hosting from somewhere (Blue Host provides it, but I highly recommend Synthesis – link in sidebar). I’ve switched so many people to them from Blue Host, including one just last week. A dedicated WordPress hosting company is the best way to go. If you do choose Blue Host then you’ll just do that one click install. If you go with Synthesis, or another WordPress host, it will come installed π Synthesis also has Genesis installed for you. I hope that helps!
Whoa…thanks for all he crystal clear explanation!
Oops, *the
Hi, I already have Genesis and one WP blog but would like to create a second blog/site on the same framework. I can’t find out how to do this and it’s driving me crazy! Could you let me know where to start? Thank you.
Hi Mo! You can use the Genesis Framework on as many sites as you like. If you are looking to add a secondary blog to the same site, I recommend a subdomain yournewblog.yourcurrentblog.com. Additionally, you can use categories to keep subject matters separate in lieu of 2 separate WordPress installs. I hope this helps.
Hello, does the pretty happy theme come with the genesis framework included in the price listed or is the framework a separate purchase?
Also if the free theme, Elise is used would it be compatible with recipe plug ins, and ecommerce? Thank you! I am a newbie spending hours trying to learn…feeling like I’m stumbling through the dark.
Hi Melessa! All themes need Genesis, and that is a separate purchase over at StudioPress. Elise is now $24.95 at onehappystudio.com, the free price point was a limited time offer. Check out the “start here” link I recently added up top and it should answer any questions you might have about beginning. Any additional questions are always happy to answer for you at: [email protected] π Thank you so much for stopping by! xo Lindsey
Thanks for this simple explanation. One quick question, though. I’ve been on blogger for over 10 years and already own a domain. Can I use that domain that I already own, and will I be able to import content from blogger to wordpress easily? Thanks!
Hi Brandi! Yes you sure can retain your domain name. Here is a little tutorial: https://prettydarncute.com/2014/04/how-to-switch-from-blogger-to-wordpress-2/ or you can hire David at ClickWp to do it all for you, he’s awesome: https://clickwp.com/migrations/prettydarncute/ π Welcome to the WordPress fam! xo