Blogging Academy | WordPress Blog - الوحدة 5 : تصميم المدونة الالكترونية

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through the process of designing a professional WordPress blog, based on the insights from the Blogging Academy video. You will learn how to navigate the WordPress dashboard, configure settings, install themes and plugins, create pages and menus, and optimize your blog's design for both desktop and mobile.

Step 1: Navigate the WordPress Dashboard

• Log into your WordPress account.
• Familiarize yourself with the dashboard layout.
• Explore key sections such as Posts, Pages, Media, and Settings.

Step 2: Configure WordPress Settings

• Go to the Settings menu.

Adjust the following settings

• General: Set your site title and tagline.
• Writing: Configure default post settings.
• Reading: Set your homepage display (latest posts or a static page).
• Permalinks: Choose a URL structure for SEO-friendly links.

Step 3: Install a Free Theme

• Access the Appearance menu.
• Click on Themes and then Add New.
• Search for a theme that suits your blog's style.
• Click Install, then Activate to apply the theme.

Step 4: Install Free Plugins

• Navigate to the Plugins menu.
• Click on Add New.

Search for essential plugins like

• Yoast SEO for search engine optimization.
• Akismet for spam protection.
• Elementor for page building.
• Click Install Now on your chosen plugins, then Activate.

Step 5: Create Pages

• Go to the Pages section and click Add New.

Create essential pages such as

• Home
• About
• Contact
• Use the block editor to format and add content.
• Publish each page once you are satisfied with the design.

Step 6: Create a Menu

• Navigate to Appearance and click on Menus.
• Create a new menu and give it a name.
• Add your created pages to the menu.
• Assign the menu to a display location (e.g., Primary Menu).
• Save the menu.

Step 7: Design the Header

• Go to Appearance and select Customize.
• Click on Header settings to modify your header layout.
• Add a logo and adjust the header colors and fonts for branding consistency.

Step 8: Design the Footer

• In the Customizer, find Footer settings.

Add widgets such as

• Recent Posts
• Social Media Links
• Contact Information
• Adjust the footer layout to match your blog’s style.

Step 9: Add Blog Posts

• Navigate to the Posts section and click Add New.
• Write engaging blog posts using the block editor.
• Use categories and tags for better organization.
• Preview the post and then publish it.

Step 10: Design the Home Page

• Use the Customizer to set your homepage layout.
• Arrange your featured posts and widgets.
• Ensure your homepage is visually appealing and aligned with your blog's theme.

Step 11: Optimize for Mobile

• Test the mobile responsiveness of your blog using the Customizer’s mobile view.
• Adjust font sizes, image placements, and layout elements for a better mobile experience.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you will have a well-designed WordPress blog ready for content. Remember to regularly update your blog with new posts and maintain your plugins and themes for optimal performance. For further enhancements, consider exploring additional plugins and customization options as your blog grows. Happy blogging!