Lesson 1: Introduction to the WordPress Dashboard

Goal

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to navigate the WordPress dashboard and identify where to perform common tasks safely.

Step 1: Accessing the dashboard

To access the WordPress admin area, add /wp-admin to your website URL and log in with your credentials.
Once logged in, you will see the main dashboard screen.

Step 2: Understanding the left menu

The left sidebar is the primary navigation area. Each section has a specific purpose:

• Posts: Used for blog content.
• Pages: Used for static website pages.
• Media: Stores images and uploaded files.
• Appearance: Controls themes, menus, and basic layout options.
• Plugins: Adds or removes site functionality.
• Users: Manages who can access the site and what they can do.
• Settings: Contains global site configuration.

Knowing where each action belongs helps avoid accidental changes.

Step 3: Performing a safe action

As a first practice:

1. Go to Pages
2. Open an existing page
3. Make a small text change
4. Use Preview before saving

This allows you to verify changes without affecting the live site.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Editing settings without understanding their impact
• Installing plugins unnecessarily
• Making multiple changes without previewing

Lesson takeaway

The WordPress dashboard is organized by function. Understanding where actions belong helps you manage your site confidently and reduce risks.