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Step By Step Getting Started With WordPress

step-by-step-getting-started-with-WordPress
A few years back I wrote a post detailing what is necessary to get your website started with WordPress titled, “WordPress, Genesis and Hosting Explained“. While that information is all still relevant, things have changed a little bit so I wanted to build upon and simplify the process for you. I’ve also added 20+ FREE WordPress video tutorials to every single PDCD account, if you’ve purchased any of our feminine WordPress themes, login and check your account area for that link. It’s a wealth of knowledge and will walk you through every little detail from installing your theme on. Here is a list for, Step By Step Getting Started With WordPress, using the Genesis Framework.

1. Purchase a domain

While I do not recommend GoDaddy for hosting (see more below) I do recommend them for purchasing domains. Your domain is your website address. (www.yourwebsiteurl.com)

2. Purchase Hosting

I use and recommend Web Synthesis, which actually comes with the Genesis Framework and WordPress installed. If you are new to owning a website, Synthesis and other VPS hosting providers may seem expensive in comparison to some of the “deal hosting” sites, this is because your site is more secure, and monitored 24/7 by professionals (literally 24 hours a day, I’ve emailed and called and they’re always there.) who love this hosting stuff. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had to refer someone for cleaning up their hacked sites on GoDaddy and the like. That said, GoDaddy is absolutely who I would, and do, use for domains. Without getting into the techy details, you’re good to go purchasing domains from them. I’ve heard they recently upped their game with hosting, but have yet to see that for myself and continue to see hacked sites hosted on their servers regularly. A chance I’m never willing to take with my business.

3. Install WordPress

https://wordpress.org/download/ (click the link, download, follow the 5 minute install instructions on their website)
You can skip this and the next step entirely if you go with Synthesis for hosting, they install WordPress for you and the Genesis Framework.

4. Install Genesis Framework

Purchase, download, and then install the Genesis Framework and activate. This is all done via your WordPress dashboard which can be found at www.yourwebsite.com/wp-login.php. Next you’ll click on the Appearance menu, then themes, install, activate.

5. Install your choice of Pretty Darn Cute Design Feminine WordPress Themes 😉

Activate.
Once activated, navigate to your account area here at PrettyDarnCute.com and click on the setup link next to the theme you purchased for detailed instructions on how to setup your theme to resemble the demo site, and don’t forget about the free WordPress tutorial videos in your account area.

6. Continued Learning

If you want to continue to add things to your site, learn to make tweaks and customize things here and there, our TADA! Online Workshop is for you. Learn more about that here.

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Comments

  1. 1

    I also purchase all of my domains through GoDaddy.

    For hosting, I use WPEngine, which is about the same price as Synthesis. I just couldn’t give up having access to my stylesheet in my dashboard.

    Being more confident with FTP is one of the things I need to work on ?

    Reply
      • 4

        Hi – I have WordPress.com
        Apugsworld.com

        My question is if I purchase the Web Synthesis with Genesis & WordPress ( which I assume is WordPress.org) and I purchase Fun Genesis will it automatically pull in my site (domain purchase through WordPress) ? I’m still learning how it all works and looking for program that I don’t have to purchase separately. I want a look similar to a client of yours (theseblondewalls.com) I am an upcoming writer hope to be published soon so I want a clean look but something that garners attention. Please help.

        Reply
        • 5

          Hi Sherrie! It will not pull anything automatically. You’ll want to purchase hosting, and a domain. Then install WordPress on that domain (most hosts will do this for you nowadays). You’ll then log into your current WordPress.com site and go to Tools > Export. Export everything. Log into your new site at http://www.yourdomain.com/wp-admin and click on Tools > Import (Install the WordPress importer) then upload your exported file. This will transfer everything over to your new site and you’ll be ready to go. I hope that helps! xo Lindsey

          Reply
  4. 12

    If we already have a wordpress/Genesis site and want to move to a new theme have you done a tutorial to help. While under themes there are others and beneath them you have the option to activate your choice but is this best practice and what transfers? Do plugins still influence the new theme or do you have to reinstall them …thank you for any advice

    Reply
    • 13

      Hi Chris! You will find a video tutorial for just this (and 20+ more free video tutorials) in your dashboard upon purchase of any of our themes. Plugins do influence the theme, as well as widget areas.

      Reply
  5. 14

    Hey! I have my domain and hosting through media temple- no clue about Genesis ☺️ Can I still use your WP themes and woo plug ins? Thanks so much!

    Reply
  6. 16

    I currently have Bluehost – what are your thoughts? If I decided to transfer to Synthesis – is this a difficult task? Also – is Synthesis your email host? I considered Google Apps for email but they max at 2K emails/day which is limited when sending out newsletters. Thank you for your advice! xoxo

    Reply
    • 17

      Hi Portia! I use Synthesis for hosting, and google apps for email. When you’re sending out newsletters that shouldn’t matter if you’re using a service like MailChimp (What I use to send 14k+ out). I recommend Synthesis or Flywheel for hosting, definitely google apps for email and a third party service for newsletters. I hope that helps! xo Lindsey

      Reply
  7. 18

    I’ve been trying to get things going with godaddy for a month now and their wordpress .. Can’t up load anything.
    Got the domain name no problem, but getting it up and actually started has been nothing but a nightmare.
    Glad I found you , through another site and Pintrest

    Reply
    • 19

      Hi Rob! I’m happy to hear you found this info useful! Please let us know if we can answer any specific questions for you to help you along the way.

      Reply
  8. 20

    Hi Lindsey,
    I’ve been using a StudioPress/Genesis site for my blog, but it’s not woocommerce ready and I’ve been going crazy trying to fix things. Is Pretty Creative absolutely woocommerce-ready?

    Reply
    • 21

      Hi Janie, yes it is. The theme was designed to appear exactly how it does in the demo and works with WooCommerce exactly as seen. I hope that helps!

      Reply
  9. 22

    Hi Lindsey, I’m pretty sure I’m going to buy your FUN theme to switch my WP.org site over to. I’m currently using HostGator. Do you recommend I switch? Also, are all of your themes Woo commerce compatible or only FUN? Thanks.

    Reply
    • 23

      Hi Cat,
      Modern Blogger Pro, Pretty Chic, Fun, Pretty Creative, Pretty Happy, and Pretty are all WooCommerce ready. As far as hosting goes, I only recommend WebSynthesis.com because it’s the host I use and have never had issue with. Susan recommends WpEngine. I hope that helps! 🙂

      Reply
  10. 24

    Okay Lindsey…I’ve broken your first rule and I purchased my domain from Go Daddy and then broke down and signed on for my domain…so I have obviously read your recommendations too late. Still can’t seem to accomplish even the simplest tasks. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. Was interested in purchasing a theme, but now I’m not sure what to do.
    Thanks in advance,
    Wendy

    Reply
  11. 26

    Hi Lindsey, I’m entirely new to all of this. My ultimate goal is to purchase your Swank theme for my website that is currently all in my head. I have lists upon lists of steps in which things need to happen to get the website up and running. Quick question… I have purchased my domain through GoDaddy. I am interested in developing my website, designing it, without having it ‘live’ anywhere over the next couple of months. Is it possible to have it hosted after I have it designed or is this entirely impossible? I’m not sure if you need a host before you can even play with the layout and design or if this can happen after. Please help! Thanks. I really appreciate all of your helpful information 🙂

    Reply
    • 31

      I didn’t have any until this past week when I heard several of their servers were attacked and lots of sites were down. I’d go with Synthesis (link in sidebar), or Flywheel.

      Reply
  14. 32

    My head hurts. I have a domain (Go Daddy) and hosting (Bluehost) and was going to get WordPress/Genesis theme as many on InternetLand have recommended. Everyone says Genesis is bland, and you need more, that’s how I stumbled upon your site. Then I got stuck. It seems there are different kinds of WordPress? And you prefer .org as opposed to .com? And I should buy it through Bluehost, along with a “child theme?” I’d like your HAPPY theme (ecommerce/blog) but am confused by the levels/layers. Any advice would be appreciated very much.

    Reply
    • 33

      Hi Sunny! Genesis is a framework so not intended to add much “flair” to your site, frameworks are mainly functional. The child theme is what you install on top of the framework so you can add some style to your site. WordPress.org is where you download the software so you can install it on your own server. WordPress.com is a site like Blogger.com where you basically use a free space provided by that service, and because it’s free you have very little no zero control over your site. Our themes do not work with WordPress.com blogs. I do not recommend BlueHost at all. Too many reasons to list, but save yourself some time and frustration by going with either Flywheel or Synthesis (link in sidebar). To sum up, you need the Genesis Framework, a child theme such as Happy, and hosting. Synthesis and Flywheel both install WordPress for you so that’s a step you can skip 🙂 I hope that helps! xo

      Reply
  15. 34

    Hi Lindsey-
    I was going to see if you could help me. I am very new to all of this. I believe I purchased your Pretty Chic theme. I made it through Step 4 above. However, at Step 5 (concerning the tutorials), I am unable to log in to my account area to see them. Could you help me?

    Thanks in advance-

    Reply
  17. 39

    Hi Lindsey!
    Genesis just came out with an update. Should we go ahead and install this update or will it change the look of our site?

    Thanks!
    Christina

    Reply
    • 40

      I’m going to update the demo sites over the weekend and make 100% sure, but I don’t foresee any issues. I’ll post on facebook with the go ahead afterwards 🙂

      Reply
  18. 41

    Hi everyone!
    First time commenting here 🙂
    Lindsay, I love your designs! Just purchased Swank for a renovation of my graphic design website.
    For hosting, I wanted to chime in and say I host many of my WP clients on Pressidium. Phenomenal support and service… one-click staging pull/push technology…. one-click restore… I could go on and on….
    Also, I brushed up on WordPress security by taking a Lynda.com class “Locking Down WordPress.” It was invaluable.

    Reply
  19. 42

    Hi I bought the pretty sweet wordpress theme and I don’t know how to show the pinterest type page (have I deleted it perhaps?) If so how do I get it back as that is the reason I chose your theme. Thanks for your help. The rest of it looks lovely!

    Reply
    • 43

      Hi Sophie! Thank you for your purchase! We have a support forum dedicated to ensuring you’re able to get exactly the answers you need. Go ahead and create a post in the Pretty Sweet forum over on our support site: https://support.prettydarncute.com/ – We look forward to getting you taken care of, and truly appreciate your business! xo Lindsey

      Reply
  20. 45

    I really love this website. Very simple…. I have been trying to help my girlfriend build a website and it has been frustrating.

    This is the perfect step by step process for her to follow…

    Thank you very much.

    CR

    Reply
    • 46

      Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate it! Best of luck, and please let us know if we can help along the way.

      Reply
  21. 47

    Hi I currently run a blog which I’m keen to move for all sorts of reasons. Do you guys offer a service where you can do some of the techy and design stuff for me, and I deal with content? Over time I could use your tutorials to learn what I need to do but making sure my head doesn’t explode during the move is pretty vital! Also – I’m based in the UK…do you support many sites here?

    Cheers

    Ali

    Reply
  22. 49

    Hi,
    Im very new to wordpress and I would like to open my webshop, I have just purchased a domain and host through hostgator.
    I like your themes, is it possible to purchase only your ‘theme’ without purchase’genisis’?

    Reply
    • 50

      Hi Josie, Genesis is required for our themes to function. We choose to require it, as it’s a solid foundation that will continue to keep your website consistent with the latest web standards, as well as simplify many complex tasks. It’s a one time purchase, and one that you’ll never regret. If you have any additional questions, or concerns, please do not hesitate to email our support staff, we’re happy to help!

      Reply
    • 52

      I believe you’re able to upload your own themes to Rainmaker now, so should work like a charm 🙂 xo

      Reply
  24. 53

    Hi, love your templates and have one in my cart. However, I see that you need to also purchase a Genesis framework? Can you use your template without that in WordPress? Thanks in advance. I am still new to all of this.

    Reply
    • 54

      Hi Kim!
      All of our themes require Genesis be installed and activated. Genesis is the framework upon which our themes are built. For a visual, imagine Genesis as the foundation, and plumbing and Pretty Darn Cute Themes as the walls, and decor. Genesis is a one time purchase, you’ll receive updates free for life, and it keeps your website consistent with evolving web standards. I hope that helps. xo Lindsey

      Reply
  25. 55

    Hi Lindsey,
    I’ve been running Modern Blogger Pro for about two years and love it. However, I seem to be having a problem updating to WordPress 4.7. I keep getting the screen of death. I never had this problem before when updating versions. Is Modern Blogger Pro compatible with 4.7? Thanks, Michelle

    Reply
    • 58

      Genesis is the framework we use to build our themes upon. Imagine you’re building a home, and Genesis is your concrete foundation, some framing and a bit of plumbing. We do the rest, and remodel it for you from time to time 🙂 I hope that helps! xo Lindsey

      Reply
  27. 59

    I luv your themes. I recently bought a domain thru wordpress.com started my website there which they also host. Can I simply buy your theme and upload it to wordpress? Do I still use wordpress to upload my content etc like I do now?

    Reply
  28. 61

    Hi Lindsey,
    I have had the Swank theme for a few years now and ready for an update. Can I send you a link via email that shows you what I am looking for? I am wondering if I need to upgrade to a more custom look. Thanks!

    Reply
  29. 63

    Hi Lindsey,

    I have a blog but it’s 6 years old and I’m wanting to change my name and kinda start over. Kinda. I do want to move my posts to my new ‘home’. I’ve been looking for a new template and I’m getting a little lost in all of the options. There are so many bits and pieces to this building a blog thing. So my big wish list items: pin it buttons, options to change colors on the premade templates, space for advertising and growth. This blog will be my full time job so I want to make the right choices in my set up. So help, SOS, mayday! I’d appreciate some guidence. I also see that you offer a 24 hour set up or the Ta Da option. Which would be the most beneficial for future questions? I fear I’m overthinking this (story of my life). Thanks in advance for your help.

    Reply
  30. 64

    I have the Modern Blogger Pro on the Genesis framework and I have been trying to figure out how to set up some menus, but everytime I go in and work on it, it just says that my theme only supports 2 menus. Gaaahhh! What am I doing wrong?

    Reply
    • 65

      Hi Deborah! Have you watched the WordPress Menu Video Tutorial in your account area? I’m going to create a support ticket for your question, that way we can gather a bit more information and help you troubleshoot more efficiently, but check that video out real quick and see if that helps you along. We look forward to chatting with you shortly, and getting your site all fixed up. xo Lindsey

      Reply
  31. 66

    Hi Lindsey!

    I have a blog that I’m looking for a theme for, and yours are so cute! “Get in Style” is my favorite because I can customize all of the colors. But are the fonts customizable as well?

    Reply
    • 67

      Hi There! You can customize the fonts with a plugin if you like, or you can use google fonts to add your own 🙂 I’m so glad you like our themes! xo Lindsey

      Reply
  32. 68

    Do you have a theme comparison list? I’m having a hard time picking one, since all your themes are so beautiful! My current favorites are Pretty Happy, Pretty, Fun, & Pretty Chic. Is there a way to easily see significant differences between themes? Thank you!

    Reply
    • 69

      To be honest, I create them all with so much flexibility, on purpose, which really narrows your decision down to which look and feel you prefer. What are you looking to use this for, maybe I can help you! Thank you so much for the kind words!

      Reply
      • 70

        I’m planning on a lifestyle/teaching blog. With the possibility of selling ebooks in the future. I’m wanting elegant and pretty, mixing gold and pink, aimed for young women. Name is “A Pure Radiance”. Focusing on the blog articles, with different categories and related articles being easy to find.

        I love the flexibility, that helps to know that I can probably do anything I need with any of the themes! So awesome!

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
  33. 72

    Hi Lindsey
    I am a new blogger, and decided to use flywheel as my hosting site for my blog.
    I signed up but have not chosen a plan yet. Im a little confused because I dont have any contributors or web designer working on my site for me.
    Is flywheel something i can use as a beginner without a designer?

    Thank you much

    Reply
    • 73

      Hi J lynn! Absolutely, Flywheel is a fantastic host. You don’t need to be working with a contributor, they just make it super easy to if you were to in the future.

      Reply
  34. 74

    Hi Lindsey
    If flywheel is not a hosting service for a beginner. Do you know of a vps hosting service that is beginner friendly and allows monthly payments?

    Reply
  35. 78

    Hi Lindsey,
    I really like the theme Modern Blogger Pro. Is this theme good for affiliate marketing? I don’t have a product of my own yet. Can I post my affiliates ad in place of where I would place mine. I also want to do blogging at the same time. Thank you for your help.
    Best regards,
    Kathy

    Reply

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