Add & Edit Images in WordPress Posts and Pages
This tutorial will teach you how to add & edit images in WordPress posts and pages. This is a basic tutorial and does not go into any advanced options, just the basics of inserting, resizing, moving, and deleting.
Will learning Blogspot help me with WordPress?
If I learn how to do things on blogspot, would that help me to make changes to a WordPress site?
What a great question!
Asking questions is part of how we learn. Thank you very much for asking. 
Blogspot has some similarities to WordPress. WordPress.com also offers a free blog service (similar to blogspot’s) and it is almost exactly like the WordPress that is installed on your own server (this is referred to as a self-hosted WordPress site).
I started out with a blogspot blog several years ago and that is what got me started on my web design journey.
Join in the Reverse Blogging Fun and… Submit Your Question Today!
Have a web design, graphic image, WordPress, cPanel, or other technology question to ask?
You can get your’s answered TODAY!
I am trying to build up our NEW Q&A REVERSE BLOG! I would love to have you submit a question for me to answer… and join in the fun of reverse blogging! Instead of me posting the posts and others commenting on them… YOU get to post the posts (as questions) and I answer in the comments. It can be fun because there is a way to give feedback on my answers – to let me know if they were helpful. If anyone has anything to add, that can be done too! It is a ton of fun!
Plus, by submitting and posting on the Q&A Website, you will be notified by email when I answer your question or anyone else comments on it. Plus, when you register to submit a question, you will get a link back to your own website. This will help build your website following as well! (It is only fair… if you help me, I should definitely help you, too!).
Thank you to everyone who has already submitted questions. I really appreciate it!
I can answer questions related to:
- Web hosting
- Domain name purchases
- Web design
- Images
- WordPress
- cPanel
- Technology lesson planning (and curriculum/lesson planning in general)
- Backing up your website
- Backing up your Window’s computer
- Restoring previous back-ups on your computer
- Website maintenance
- Search Engine Optimization
- Skype
- … and more!
So don’t be shy! And hope you enjoy it as much as I am!
Click here to submit a question!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Alicia
Current Public School Trend: Less Focus on Handwriting Instruction
I have noticed a trend emerging in the local school district in which I live. The district as a whole is placing less emphasis on cursive handwriting instruction. I asked a couple of my children’s elementary school teachers when cursive was to be taught and they couldn’t answer that question. This concerned me a bit because some of the teachers at the Intermediate and Middle Schools require their students to write in cursive, under the assumption that it had been taught in the Elementary School. From what I have read, this is not just isolated to my area.
With the computer technologies we have today, it seems that the focus on legible penmanship is not what it was ten years ago. I remember teachers commenting then that handwriting lessons might become obsolete. It was one of those, “only time will tell” situations.
With so many things becoming electronic – email, bill paying, job applications, unemployment, even the department of motor vehicles – it seems that cursive writing might not be as vital as it once was. However, as an educator, it is difficult for me to agree that cursive writing instruction should no longer exist in out schools.
There are times and certain situations, even today, where legible cursive writing is needed.
The first that comes to mind involves standardized testing. There are written portions, essays, which are required to be hand-written. In some states, this handwriting must be in cursive or it will receive a deduction. Students who have not been taught cursive in depth will not have the skills needed to score well on essay tests.
Neat writing is not just for school...
You might say, “Well that is school-related. Where do I need legible handwriting in the real world?”
Good question!
There are a variety of places where legible handwriting are very important. There are a number of places that still do some things the old-fashioned way.
One of these places is my doctor’s office. Most offices are transitioning to digital records, but there are a number which still require you to fill out your new patient paperwork with a pen. If the office staff cannot read it, you could run into a problem later on.
Registering your children for school (and homeschool co-op groups). Many of those still do it with the old pencil and paper method.
This just names a couple, but there are more out there, depending upon where you live. Just think….
If you need to exchange or return an item at Wal-Mart. Gotta fill out a form.
Some job applications are not electronic either.
Some of your monthly bills cannot be paid online. You want to be sure you can write legibly so the wrong amount isn’t deducted from your account.
Leaving a note for your spouse or child. Although this could be done via a text message, sometimes a special card or note in a lunchbox are appreciated as well.
I could go on, but I think you get my point. Legible handwriting isn’t an antiquated art form. It is, after all, one of the three R’s. Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic. I don’t think it is time to retire it just yet. In ten more years, well maybe, but not today.
Moving Your WordPress Blog? Tips to Avoid Disaster!
If you have moved your WordPress site or blog and have lost everything – your posts, pages, theme customizations, links, and more – then you can use these tips to help avoid that happening again. If you have never moved your WordPress site and have never lost your data, or are planning on moving your WordPress blog soon, these tips can help you keep all your information safe!
It seems that with every website hosting move, there is some work to be done afterwards. Sometimes when moving your WordPress blog, the move just does not go as planned. If you have one of those bad moves, it is stressful and annoying to lose everything you have worked so hard to create. Take these precautions when moving your WordPress blog or site, to help ensure your losses are minimized and your data is protected.
The first thing to do is export your information in WordPress. To accomplish this, login to your WordPress Dashboard (www.yoururl.com/wp-admin), then go to “Export” on the “Tools” tab. If this is your first export, you want to click the circle beside “All Content”, then click “Download Export File.”
Select "All Content," Then Click "Download Export File"
This will download a special file (usually an XML file) to your computer. If you happen to lose any posts, pages, or comments, then this file can be imported to the blog’s new location to help restore your information.
In addition to this Export, there are some other precautions that you want to take, so frustration can be avoided.
"You have got to be kidding me!?!"
The next thing to do is to backup all your website or blog files that are on your web hosting server. I use cPanel, so to do this I log into my cPanel using the Login and Password provided by HostGator; then I right-click my public_html file and compress it. Once compressed, then I can more easily download it through cPanel or through FileZilla (or the FTP software of your choice). Once all of these files are saved to your computer, then you are ready for the next step before moving your WordPress blog……
Backing up your SQL file.
Your SQL file contains all the information that helps your WordPress site function properly. It is very important to backup regularly (especially when you update your WordPress software… but that is for another post 
).
To back up your SQL database before moving your WordPress blog or site, you need to go to your web hosting server (cPanel in my case) and go to your PHP Admin feature. For HostGator, it is called “phpMyAdmin.” To back up a database, I click on phpMyAdmin, then click on the database I wish to backup (on the left-hand column). After that, I click on the EXPORT tab at the top of the screen. I do not change any of the settings that are pre-selected. When ready to export, I click “GO” in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. Once the .sql file downloads to my computer, then it is saved.
Backing up these things cannot prevent all disaster when moving your WordPress blog or site, but if something goes wrong, you will have all your files in your possession to get your site back up and running as quickly as possible. Keep these files in a safe place, just in case you need them. (I was glad I had them last time I moved this site. Lol. After losing everything, I had it back up and running within 2-3 days).
Domain Name and Web Hosting – Helping to Clear Some Confusions
If you have thought about creating a website and found yourself asking: “What is the difference between getting a domain name and web hosting? Aren’t they one in the same?,” then this post is for you.
There are several things that must be done before you even can start designing your new website. This post will help explain some of the “pre-
design” steps to make this process a little easier for you.
Domain Name: The first thing you must do when you want to create a website is purchase your domain name. For example, this website’s domain name is hdsforyou.com. Domains can be purchased in a variety of names, with different extensions (.com, .net, .org, .co, .us, and more).
Your domain name is the location that visitors will type into their browser in order to visit your site. So that it will be easier to remember, some opt for a shorter domain name, rather than their long counterparts. I opted for hdsforyou.com rather than homepagedesignandsupport.com because of this reason. I wanted something shorter and easier to remember.
Your domain name must be renewed before it expires. When you purchase a domain, you can usually opt to pay one, three, or five years at a time. Before the end of your time (whichever one you chose), you must renew this domain name in order to keep it. Depending on the type of extension you want, the price of the domain varies. You can purchase a domain name for about $10.00 or less per year.
To check to see if a domain name is available, you can go to: www.EnomCentral.com
Web Hosting: Web hosting is another thing which must be secured before your website can be created. Web hosting refers to space on a server where the files for your website will live. You will need to have purchased your domain name before you can get web hosting. Hosting packages vary in cost, depending on the amount of space and features desired. Some people choose to purchase web hosting at the same place where the domain name was purchased. This is one option and to keep things simple for your first site, it is not a bad option at all. I know GoDaddy and EnomCentral both offer these services.
Personally, I prefer to use web hosting that has the cPanel online interface. It is like the back office of your website and I like the features and simplicity that the cPanel offers. The web hosting company that I choose to use is HostGator. They often run specials where you can purchase web hosting at a very affordable rate.
Hosting is purchased in a package, usually payable monthly or annually, depending on the company you choose. The cost is usually around $10.00 or less per month.
Once you have your domain name and your web hosting purchased, you are ready to start designing your site. Some hosting companies have pre-made templates you can use, but for a more customized website, you may opt for hiring a designer instead.
Increase Your Site’s Real Estate with a Rotating Image Slider
Should my site have a rotating image slider?
This is a good question to ask yourself when building or updating your website. A rotating image slider is an area on your site where you have a number of slides rotating information, often with images, in a readily seen area of your website. They are able to be set to many different sizes and shapes. Most have some sort of navigation built-in, so that visitors can see the slide or slides that they want.
Sliders are also useful on blogs. Bloggers sometimes use sliders to display their most recent posts, linking the slides to the most recent posts. In this way, they can help visitors to more easily navigate to the most recent and pertinent posts.
Some WordPress themes (like the one on this site) have rotating sliders built-in. There are also some plug-ins that can be installed for free on your WordPress site. One of these that I have used on several sites is called vSlider. This plugin has recently undergone a major update and is more user-friendly and viewer-friendly as well. Installation in fairly easy, with just a small coding change.
Most sites that you visit nowadays has an image slider running somewhere. Viewers like them because they can access more information in a shorter amount of time. Website owners like them because they can offer more content in a briefer amount of time, while not consuming all of their homepage space.
If you have been wanting an image slider on your site, but aren’t sure how to install it and set it up, HDS can help you with that. We can install it for you, create slides for it, meet with you online to walk you through, or email you a tutorial to help. Whatever level of support you need, we offer to you.
In the market for web design services? Hire the right designer for you!
If you are looking for web design services for your existing site or new site, having a set of criteria to help you choose a company can be a great help to you.
You want to make sure you make the correct choice so that your product is delivered as specified.
You want to be sure that the web designer you opt for is familiar with the coding that contained on the site. If there are a number of coding errors, it will be difficult to take care of your site in the future. If you want special items and features on your site that are not included in your package or theme (in WordPress, Joomla, etc.), be prepared that it may cost you extra for the designer having to “go into the code” to make those changes for you.
Another pitfall to look out for is if the company is trying to get you to design your site with heavy graphics and overuse of video, for flashiness. Although these sites look great when they load up on your screen, sometimes the site can take a significant amount of time to load. When this occurs, many site visitors will close the window or click the back button on their browser. People today don’t like to wait. If it takes too long to load and people don’t see it, it does not matter how cool it looks. You want an easy-to-read site, that navigates easily so people don’t have to search for the information that they want, and has solid features that consistently load and operate properly.
Another important facet of your web design is making sure you are getting your money’s worth for your web design is to get a proposal for services before they begin. That way you can review and see what is included, what costs extra, how many revisions are included, and what you should expect. If you accept the proposal, this can become your contract. With a contract in hand, surprises and unexpected costs to you are minimized.
Websites today need to be SEO ready. SEO refers to Search Engine Optimization. If your site is not search-engine friendly, your site will be difficult for people to find when performing a search. Again, if your site does not get seen, then it is not being used to its full potential to help you grow your business. Many companies charge extra for SEO services as optimization is time-consuming, but vitally important to your site.
Most important to choosing a design company is the review of their portfolio. Look carefully and see if they have created websites with the features that you are looking for. That way you can better ensure that you will get what you want in your design. If you don’t see what you are looking for in the portfolio, contact the business and see if they are willing to give references or links to websites they have completed. The testimonials of former and current clients can give you a good impression of what you can expect if you hire that firm.
Brand Your Business with Graphic Designs
A picture is worth a million words.
Ever hear that before? LOL. It may be an old saying, but it is very true.
My family and I recently visited Atlanta, GA and toured World of Coca-Cola. It was neat to see all the old advertisements and devices that really helped Coca-Cola to flourish as a company into what we know it as today. This advertising, and the marketing ideas of John Pemberton, are both held accountable for the success of the corporation.
As a graphic designer, I understand the importance of graphics and images in marketing. Imagine what advertisements would be like without graphics. Boring! Attention is not grabbed by words alone; it is the image that draws the eye, then the eyes move to the words. Great graphics are a must!
In your advertising and promotional products, as well as your website, having the images that precisely convey your business is vital. That is where designers come in. With vivid artwork, the eyes of the viewers or readers is immediately drawn to your advertisement or blog post or more.
Another important part of using graphic images in marketing is the concept of “branding.” When you use one visual logo on everything you market, on your website, on all your handouts and literature… you are branding yourself. With branding, people start to recognize the products and sites that belong to you by the brand (logo).
Logos help to distinguish you from the sea of others out there, helping you to build your business to where you want it to be. Social Media helps with this too since each time you post, your image pops up. If you set your logo as your profile picture, voila! Instant branding!
Image Property of World of Coca-Cola
Graphic Design for You
So many programs out there make personal graphic design accessible to everyone. However, it takes years of practice and experience to develop the ability to create high-quality digital and printable images.
Designers need not work for large companies in order to have the aptitude it takes to create quality designs. Smaller businesses can meet your needs, with the personal touch and customer service that you are looking for. However, not every designer is going to match the needs and wants of every client.
Your first step in choosing a designer is to visit their website and check out their portfolio. If you like what you see, then you can contact the business for more information or even some references. If you don’t like what you see, that is okay too. You have to find a designer that gives your design the attention it needs, while listening to you, and working within your budget. You might not find all of that with the first designer you contact and that is okay.
The graphic images you use on the web, as well as those you use for your stationary, pamphlets, and other printed items are vitally important to your business. The images you use are your first impression to many prospective clients. AND… you know how the old saying goes about first impressions. In many instances, the first contact, interaction, or business card that is seen leaves a lasting and unchangeable impression in the mind of the person.
To help the designer formulate the exact design you are looking for, it is important that you try to tell them EXACTLY what you are looking for. Most designers will ask you a series of questions before they start creating. If you are not really sure what you want but know you need something, let the designer know, so the two of you can brainstorm some ideas together.
Designers cannot read your mind or visualize what you see in your mind unless you tell them. Then, they can make the best representation of what you described. Sometimes it is right on; sometimes it is not. Be sure to give the designer feedback after each design. Let them know what you liked and what suggestions you have for changes. Designers that are client-oriented will often allow two or three rounds of creation, suggestions, and changes, before the final result is achieved.
If you are in the market for graphic designs, HDS can help you meet your needs. Homepage Design & Support has experience needed to create a variety of quality digital and print-friendly designs. They have a number of clients in many locations in the United States. If you want to see some of the work that HDS has done in the past, check out the Portfolio.
HDS Recommends
Hi! I am Alicia Tucker, the owner, designer & trainer at HDS. Prior to doing this, I was a public school teacher for 10 years. I have earned my BA in Elementary Education and Sociology, as well as an MAED with a Specialization in Curriculum and Technology.
When I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2005, and no longer able to work outside of the home, I devoted much of my spare time to learning quality web and graphic design, with a special focus on WordPress customization. In all that I do, the teacher shines through. I love sharing my passion for technology and helping others. 
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