Unraveling the Mysteries of the WordPress Backend

WordPress, a content management system used by millions of websites, is a formidable online presence. But for novices, it can be a bit overwhelming.

Step 1: Enter the Wild World of WordPress Backend

Before you can start making changes to your website, you need access to WordPress backend. To log in, you need to know the login URL for your WordPress site. Then, simply enter your username or email address and password.

Step 2: Understanding the Heart of WordPress – the Dashboard

The WordPress dashboard is essential as it showcases your website’s content, design, and functionality. The dashboard is divided into several sections. The top of the page is the toolbar, followed by the primary dashboard area, showcasing widgets and accessible WordPress features. The left-hand side of the dashboard is the home to the primary menu, where you can access all available backend areas.

Step 3: Navigating the Waters of the WordPress Backend

The WordPress backend is divided into several sections:

Posts

The posts section is where you manage, add, or delete blog posts, set categories and tags for your posts and schedule posts.

Pages

In the pages section, you can add and manage all the static pages that make up your website, such as “About Us,” “Contact,” or “Services.”

Media

In the media section, you upload, manage, and edit images, videos, and other media files used on your website.

Appearance

In the appearance section, you can manage your WordPress theme, customize your site’s appearance and control its layout, among other features.

Plugins

In the plugins section, you can manage, add or activate WordPress plugins to extend WordPress functions.

Users

The Users section allows users to manage those who have access to the backend of your WordPress site – add new users, edit data, and assign user roles.

Settings

The settings section is where you can manage your WordPress site’s basic settings.

Step 4: Customizing the WordPress Backend

The WordPress backend is highly customizable. You can modify elements like the color scheme, add custom CSS and create your admin menu.

Custom CSS

You can add custom CSS styles to the backend of your WordPress site via the WordPress customizer under Appearance > Customize and click on “Additional CSS.”

Color Scheme

To change the color scheme of your WordPress backend, you can use the WordPress Admin Color Scheme plugin, which allows you to choose from several different color schemes or create your own custom scheme.

Admin Menu

To create your own custom admin menu, you can use a plugin like Admin Menu Editor. This plugin enables you to create a custom admin menu with your links and shortcuts to your commonly used WordPress features.

Conclusion

Getting to grips with the WordPress backend is vital to manage your WordPress website fully. Once you’ve logged in, you’ll have access to all the features and tools necessary to create and manage your website’s content, design and functionality. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your journey to becoming proficient in using WordPress.