Finding help with WordPress can seem like an impossible task. Have you ever spent hours digging through results, only to be left frustrated and empty-handed? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Plenty of others have been in that same position.
And that’s why I wanted to write today’s article. A lot of people don’t know how to properly navigate support forums and find the answers they need. Knowing how frustrating it can be to need answers, I decided to create this simple navigation guide. I hope it can help you find exactly what you’re looking for!
Basic Tips for Forum Communication
While it may seem like the popular route, posting a question to a forum should actually be your last resort. Before you do that, conduct a thorough search of the theme or plugin support forum using their search feature. With a bit of patience, you can typically find the answer to your question. Chances are, someone else has ran into the problem before you.
On the off chance that you’re the first person to encounter the issue (or you simply couldn’t find the answer), feel free to make a post. But when you do, keep the following tips in mind:
- Make it as easy as possible for others to help. Use correct terminology and include specific URLs where applicable.
- Keep up with your thread and answer any additional questions. Don’t just ask your question and hope for the best. Get involved with the community helping you.
- If your issue is resolved, let the forum know. Keep everyone updated on the solution, even if you found the answer elsewhere.
These tips will ensure that you find your answer and keep the forum community happy too.
How to Find Answers on Google
When searching online, one of the most comprehensive places for finding help with WordPress is a simple Google search. With the right query, you’ll be able to mine a huge wealth of websites, blogs and forums for your answers.
Make your initial search and analyze the results. Make sure to skip any WordPress.org results. Although these tend to rank high, the answers are usually outdated or just plain wrong.
Instead, find blogs dedicated to helping people like you with WordPress. Bloggers make it their business to provide thorough answers in their articles and the comments that follow. These results often contain the best source of information.
Bonus Tip: Make Friends in the Community
Perhaps one of the most beneficial things you can do is make friends in the WordPress community. No one can answer your question on a Sunday evening better than someone you’ve built a relationship with.
Getting active in online communities is great, but don’t overlook “real life” friends. I’ve found that Meetup.com is the best source for this.
Chances are, there’s a free meetup already happening in your neighborhood for those needing help with WordPress – especially if you live in a populated suburban town or city. For those that aren’t close to a meetup, consider attending a tech conference. These usually cost money, but the connection you can make are priceless!
Get Help With WordPress from a Trainer
These three avenue can provide you with an immense amount of value. However, you’ll most likely spend countless hours trying to acquire and implement all the information.
For those more interested in saving time, consider an investment in a WordPress trainer. Through that route, you’ll have access to an experienced professional who can help you learn the platform in a fraction of the time.
If you’re interested in WordPress Training, I’d love to discuss how I can help you with your WordPress goals.
