The document discusses transitioning a website to WordPress, highlighting its benefits as a free and open-source content management system (CMS) that empowers users to create custom websites without storage constraints. It outlines technical considerations, including prerequisites for hosting and support for permalinks, as well as the importance of themes, search engine optimization (SEO), and useful plugins to enhance functionality. Additionally, it provides resources for support and emphasizes the need for SEO expertise alongside available plugins.

1. Take the Bull by the HornsTransitioning your website to WordPress@rossimichael

2. AgendaSome Background InformationTechnical ConsiderationsThemesSEOUseful PluginsGetting HelpQ/A

3. DISCLAIMER(S)

4. About WordPress.ORG“WordPress is web software you can use to create a beautiful website or blog. We like to say that WordPress is both free and priceless at the same time.”source:wordpress.orgOpen source, community-driven CMS platformCreated in 2003 but still relevant @ #pcto2011. Even better now!Latest stable release 3.1 (Feb. 2011)Standalone software installation – not to be confused with WordPress.COM blogging service

5. WordPress EMPOWERS Business Owners and Personal BrandsSky’s the limit! A WordPress installation is more than just a blogging platformCreate full-fledged websitesNo Ads! (WordPress.COM requires premium acct)No 3gb storage constraints (beyond your hosting limit) – you’re NOT limited to amount of pictures and contentBranded with your own domain nameSame easy to use authoring tool

6. WordPress EMPOWERS Business Owners

7. AgendaSome Background InformationTechnical ConsiderationsThemesSEOUseful PluginsGetting HelpQ/A

8. PrerequisitesFind the right hosting company – the right hosting company will handle the restUnix/Linux preferred over Windows for flexibilityMinimum PHP 4.3 - PHP 5 preferred with GD2 Graphics Library supportMinimum MySQL database 4.1.2

9. PrerequisitesSupport for URL rewriting - Permalinks Unix (Apache web server) - mod_rewrite moduleWindows (IIS web server) - URL rewrite moduleDifference between this…not very descriptivehttp://www.blogname.com/?p=123And this…very searchable!

10. AgendaSome Background InformationTechnical ConsiderationsThemesSEOUseful PluginsGetting HelpQ/A

11. ThemesCustom website templates for your blog or website1300+ different themes available for downloadMany free open-source themes (http://wordpress.org/extend/themes/about/)Commercial themesPagelinesGenesisCustom designed theme

12. AgendaSome Background InformationTechnical ConsiderationsThemesSEOUseful PluginsGetting HelpQ/A

13. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)Process of improving the visibility of your website or blog onlineNatural or organic means – not paid search (ppc)Done through building reputation/brand awarenessOptimizing your blog or website:Good, descriptive blog or page titles - very importantMake use of categories and tags with rich keywordsThe SEO plugin is not a substitute for an SEO pro

14. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)“pretty permalinks” vs. WordPress default

15. AgendaSome Background InformationTechnical ConsiderationsThemesSEOUseful PluginsGetting HelpQ/A

16. Useful PluginsPlugins extend WordPress from contact forms to Twitter integration13,276 available (http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/)Installed through WordPress administration consoleI Always (almost)WordPress ImporterBreadcrumb NAVXTExcludes Page from MenuWordPress SEO – not a substitute for an SEO proNextGEN Gallery (requires GD2 PHP library)WP Super Cache

17. AgendaSome Background InformationTechnical ConsiderationsThemesSEOUseful PluginsGetting HelpQ/A

18. Where to get HelpWordPress Forum – http://wordpress.org/support/Google

19. Q/AMichael Rossi@rossimichaelFindability Solutions, Inc.http://www.findabilitysolutions.com