WordPress Web Design - FAQ's

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions that our clients ask us about WordPress web design

How does WordPress work?

WordPress is open source blogging application as well as a commonly used CMS (Content Management System). This means a couple different things:
- It can be used as a simple blog by anyone. The admin panel that users can log into will allow them to posts various blogs and articles with ease. WordPress offers many different themes that are available for free through their website but for a custom design you'll have to know WordPress web design in order to create the look and feel that you are hoping for.
- An entire website can be built on the WordPress platform because the application has the ability for the user to create new pages within their WordPress website. Although, this also requires the knowledge of HTML, PHP, and other coding languages. A custom WordPress design can be created by a professional designer/programmer and implemented throughout the website (this is DreamCo Design's specialty). Creating a website on WordPress still allows the client to add, edit, and remove the content that is within their pages.

What is content? And what is the content collection process?

Content is all the text and images on your website. For WordPress websites the content collection process is still needed for static items (like the header, or any text that you won't be changing). The content collection process begins when you've purchased a website with us. Your project is sent over to your project manager who then goes through and finds all the areas of your website that are going to need pictures and text from you. He/she then takes this and sends it over to you through an email that details everything you need to submit. In order for development of your website to begin all content must be received before we can start.

What is a ballpark figure that I'm looking at to create a WordPress website?

That is completely dependent on how large your website is and the functionality that is included. DreamCo Design doesn't charge for our customized WordPress web design so you don't have to worry about pricing when it comes down to how your website is going to look. For a quote on pricing specifically for your website all you need to do is call one of our web development experts and discuss your website plans with them. Depending on if there are any questions left unanswered our web development expert should be able to get you quote by the end of the call.

I've heard that all WordPress websites has the same basic look, is this true? Because I am looking for a custom design.

WordPress has many pre-established themes that are available to anyone who uses WordPress. They are completely free and easy to download and install. Sometimes when WordPress websites are installed they already come with a plethora of themes that you can just choose from the admin panel. With this in mind, a lot of small time blogs and WordPress websites can end up looking plain or the same as others. If you are having DreamCo Design design your website we will create a custom WordPress web design for you.

How long will it take for my custom WordPress web design to be complete?

This question is almost answered the same way as the question above about pricing. It is once again completely dependent on the size and functionality features of your website. In order to get a ballpark turnaround time for your project your web development expert should be able to give you an estimated time based on content collection.

Will I be shown how to add, edit, and remove content from my website using the admin panel?

Of course. Once your WordPress website has been completed and the development link sent out to you your project manager will call you to go over a full demo of how to use your administration tools. This means that you will learn how to add text, edit that text, and remove it as well as adding pictures, links, etc to all of your posts. They will also go through the other features that are included with your site if you have added functionality or other add-ons that you may have implemented on your website.

If I don't want to use the admin panel to type up my articles or content is there another way that I can get around this?

There are some people that don't really like the layout of WordPress' tool for writing their articles. Some people are more comfortable with Microsoft Word and others just don't have internet access at all times in order to write out their articles. With that being said, there are solutions for people who, for some reason, don't want to use the WordPress interface. A user can use Microsoft Word in order to type their content and then copy and paste it into the text area for posting articles in the WordPress administration interface. The problem with doing this is that Microsoft Word tends to have a lot of "invisible" coding that is around the text that you write. When you copy and paste this into WordPress you won't see this coding until you publish the page/article. To correct this, after you post your page/article you can go back to edit it and then remove all the extra coding (which will now be visible to you). These little quirks may sway you from using this method, but it is possible to accomplish in this way. If you have any problems you can always call us here at DreamCo Design and ask for help. The second option is for those who mainly post blogs and articles (for Windows users) is to use Windows Live Writer. This is an application that was created by Microsoft in order to make blog writing easier for you while offline. After you set up the Writer to connect with your blog/website it will help you in that you will get a visual representation of your blog page (as it is seen to visitors) and allow you to keep drafts and work offline while writing. If you need help with this as well you can always call for help.

What about hosting of the site? Does DreamCo Design offer hosting and do I have to host with DreamCo Design?

DreamCo Design does offer WordPress web design hosting. We have several different packages that allow you to make monthly updates to your site through us (meaning text and picture changes). You are not, however, required to host with us. Although we have many benefits to our hosting we understand that some of our clients just prefer to go through someone else. If you do choose to host through DreamCo Design there is no contract stating that you need to be with us for a certain period of time; our hosting is on a month to month basis.

What happens after my WordPress website is completed?

After your WordPress website design is completed you will be set free into the world but you are always more than welcome to come back to us. We will be forever standing behind our work and your business in case you ever need to call upon us again. *Dramatic Exit* Please give us a call today in order to speak with one of our web development experts about your WordPress web design project.

1-866-572-3434