Exploring WordPress: From Website Creation to E-Commerce Management
WordPress is a versatile and widely used CMS (Content Management System) that originated as a platform for blog creation and has since evolved into a powerful tool for managing various types of websites.
WordPress is a versatile and widely used CMS (Content Management System) that originated as a platform for blog creation and has since evolved into a powerful tool for managing various types of websites.
Potential of WordPress:
- Plugins and Themes: One of the strengths of WordPress is its vast library of plugins and themes. Plugins allow you to extend the site’s functionality, adding elements such as contact forms, SEO optimization, photo galleries, and much more. Themes offer the possibility to customize the site’s graphical appearance.
- Google Site Kit, WpMail and Other Extensions: WordPress offers various useful extensions like Google Site Kit, which enables easy integration of Google services such as Analytics, AdSense, Search Console, etc., directly into the WordPress dashboard. WpMail simplifies email sending from the site.
- E-commerce: With the addition of plugins like WooCommerce, WordPress becomes a complete solution for managing online stores, allowing you to sell products or services directly from your site.
- Blogging and Content Management: Originally developed for blog management, WordPress offers tools for content publication, category management, tagging, and commenting.
Hosting via Providers:
Hosted solutions provide a service that includes an annual fee for putting a server online with WordPress already installed. The provider handles the server management, resources, updates, and security. This solution is highly scalable and offers a more accessible experience for those without advanced technical knowledge.
While sitepaoloronco.it was developed using web languages like HTML, CSS, and JAVA, prportfolio.paoloronco.it, being a blog with frequently updated articles, was built with WordPress. This platform, originally focused on blog creation, has evolved to include e-commerce features and more.
Advantages of Hosting via Providers:
- Scalability and Ease of Use: It is an ideal solution for those who want quick and simple website management without worrying about server technical management.
- Minimal Management Costs: The provider takes care of all maintenance and infrastructure costs, allowing you to focus mainly on site content management.
Self-Hosting:
Self-hosting requires more in-depth knowledge in server management. Using tools like Proxmox, a virtual environment that allows the creation of containers and virtual machines, and basic Docker and Linux knowledge, you can create and manage a personal server. Installing WordPress in this context requires familiarity with Linux commands and installation procedures.
Required Skills for Self-Hosting:
- Proxmox Knowledge: Managing container and virtual machine environments to create hosting.
- Docker and Linux Knowledge: Familiarity with these tools is essential for installing and managing WordPress in a self-hosted environment.
- My choice was to opt for self-hosting via a home server or a Cloud Provider. I created a subdomain on my main site “paoloronco.it” (prportfolio.paoloronco.it) where I installed WordPress, completely separating it from the main site.
- I used Proxmox, a Linux-based software, to create a Linux virtual machine on a personal server. Subsequently, I exposed this virtual machine to the Internet via CloudFlare, protecting the connection through a VPN Tunnel to mitigate online threats.