WordPress is a free Content Management System (CMS) that comes in 2 main flavors: "WordPress.com" and "WordPress.org". On both setups you can customise the look of your blog using templates (more correctly called "themes" in the WordPress world). Using these themes you can change the look, logo and layout in which your carefully crafted content is presented.

WordPress.com: The "managed" solution.
On the ".com" site all platform management is taken care of for you. Wordpress.com controls the servers and upgrades the software automatically while giving you access to their huge blogging community. This is ideal for bloggers starting out as it removes the hurdle of technical knowledge - and cost - needed set up a self-run site. As with most things this ease of use comes at the cost of flexibility in terms of plugin and themes. But don't let that put you off: If you're starting out this is probably your best option.

Using ".com" you are initially restricted to the default templates provided online. These are accessible through "My Dashboard" by clicking on "Presentation" and then "Themes". There are 64 currently listed which can be further configured to change the logo or other elements of the page. An additional option is using Widgets to add information - although this will not change the overall look of your site it adds to individuality.

Unfortunately even with 64 themes available your site will still look "standard" - there is a good chance someone has already used your theme somewhere else. For finer control you can purchase upgrades from WordPress.com to allow you to edit the CSS for the current theme: this gives you almost limitless control over the appearance of the site but you will need technical knowledge.

WordPress.org: The "self hosted" solution.
Using ".org" WordPress you get complete control of your installation: but you have to download the software and install it on your own server and set everything up yourself. This has a steep learning curve but the end result is that you can control and manage your site to within an inch of it's life. This has a downside in that it can become slightly compulsive to the point that no longer spend any time writing. Remember: Content is king.

Once you have your software installed on your own host you can download starter themes from the WordPress.org site. These are available under the Extend / Themes section from the main page and also elsewhere on the internet.

As a general rule do not buy templates from online sellers: these themes tend to be stuffed full of advertisements. If you're going to have adverts on your site it makes more sense for you to receive the income from it. If you want a professionally designed site you will need to pay a designer: but make sure you check out the company first & see samples of previous work.

Finally, whichever solution you decide to use don't be afraid to play around the design and tweak things to your liking. Both WordPress.org and WordPress.com have comprehensive help forums where people are happy to answer polite requests for help. Anything you break can be undone and you might just learn something in the process!

Learn more about this author, Martin Fitzpatrick.
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