How Long Does It Take To Learn WordPress?

Starting with WordPress can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time building a website or if you’re coming from a different platform. It might seem tricky at first, but don’t worry—learning WordPress is worth it.

Think of it like learning to ride a bike. At first, it might seem challenging, but with a bit of practice, it will become second nature. The good news? Once you get the hang of it, WordPress is much easier than you might expect.

In this guide, we’ll explore why WordPress is such a popular choice and how you can master it step by step. Let’s dive in and make this learning process as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

Table of Contents

Is WordPress as Simple as It Looks?

When you first look at WordPress, it seems straightforward. It’s known for its user-friendly interface. But is it as simple as it appears?

The truth is WordPress is a mix. For primary use, like setting up a blog or a simple website, it’s pretty simple. You can choose a theme, add some pages, and be ready. This part takes little time to learn.

But WordPress can also be complex. If you want a custom-designed site or need special features, there’s more to learn. You need to understand themes, plugins, and a bit of coding.

So, WordPress is straightforward for basic stuff, but it can get complicated if you dive deeper. It’s like a pool where the water gets deeper as you go further. The good part? You can start in the shallow end and move deeper as you learn.

How Long Will It Take to Learn WordPress?

The time it takes to learn WordPress varies significantly based on individual goals, prior experience, and desired expertise. Here’s a general guideline:

Basic Level: For absolute beginners, learning the fundamentals of WordPress, such as setting up a website, adding posts, and using basic themes and plugins, can take from a few hours to a few days. This stage involves getting comfortable with the WordPress interface and understanding how to publish content.

Intermediate Level: Gaining intermediate skills, including understanding SEO, utilizing more complex themes and plugins, and customizing your site’s design and layout, can take several weeks to a few months. This stage involves more hands-on practice and learning through tutorials or courses.

Advanced Level: Becoming proficient in advanced WordPress features, such as custom post types, advanced plugins, e-commerce integration, and multilingual site setup, could take several months to a year. This level often involves deeper technical understanding and the ability to troubleshoot more complex issues.

Expert Level (Power User/Developer): Achieving expertise as a WordPress power user or developer, where one can create highly customized and complex websites, typically requires one to several years. This involves deep knowledge of WordPress’s core, coding skills in PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and the ability to develop custom themes and plugins.

To expedite learning, taking structured courses, engaging in WordPress communities, practicing regularly, and staying updated with the latest WordPress developments are beneficial. WordPress is an ever-evolving platform, and continuous learning is key to staying proficient.

What Sort of Resources Can I Use to Learn WordPress?

To learn WordPress, a variety of comprehensive resources are available, each catering to different learning styles and expertise levels.

Starting with official resources, the WordPress Codex is an invaluable asset, serving as an online manual with many guides and resources. WordPress.tv offers a video-based library for those who prefer visual learning, and Learn WordPress Workshops provide live events on specific topics, with video recordings available for later viewing.

Online courses offer structured learning paths. SkillJet Academy, in partnership with Astra, covers WordPress and other technical skills suitable for beginners and advanced users. Udemy presents a range of affordable WordPress courses, such as “WordPress for Beginners” and “Elementor Page Builder,” often available at discounted rates. SkillShare takes a project-based approach, ideal for hands-on learners.

YouTube channels are a goldmine for free visual learning. Channels like James Stafford, LearnWoo, and Yoast provide comprehensive video tutorials on various WordPress topics. For more specific needs, channels like Darrel Wilson and WPCrafter offer in-depth tutorials and insights.
For those who prefer reading or listening, blogs like WPBeginner and TorqueMag provide articles and guides suitable for beginners. At the same time, the Your Website Engineer podcast offers audio content covering various WordPress-related topics.

Paid platforms are also available for those seeking more structured and in-depth learning experiences. WP101 is an excellent choice for beginners, offering video-based tutorials on WordPress basics and popular plugins. WP Sessions caters to intermediate learners with a blend of WordPress learning and online business strategies. At the same time, WP Apprentice offers free content for beginners, with additional, more advanced courses available for members.

Additionally, following specific guides tailored to the type of website being created, such as eCommerce sites or blogs, can greatly enhance learning efficiency. Effective use of Google searches for specific WordPress queries is also a valuable skill for self-directed learners.

Conclusion

Learning WordPress is like learning any new skill; it takes time and practice. You have many ways to learn, from online courses and videos to blogs and community help. Start with the easy stuff, then try more as you get better.

Learning WordPress is worth it. It’s useful for many things, like making websites or blogs. You don’t have to know everything at once. Just start with what you need and go from there.

Remember, everyone learns at their own pace. Some might learn WordPress fast; others might take more time. That’s okay. The more you use WordPress, the better you’ll get. So, take the first step. Use the resources we discussed, try things out, and don’t worry if you don’t get it right away. With time, you’ll get the hang of it and be able to do great things with WordPress.