The first step is to get in there and start writing posts!

Whenever you feel lost, go directly to your Dashboard. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Click the link up the in the top left hand corner.

Here’s a screenshot of what it looks like under the bonnet. (This is what’s under the bonnet of V.P.A).

Screenshot

Under the Heading, Posts, you have

• Edit
• Add New
• Tags
• Categories

Step One

Go to your dashboard Under Posts – choose Add New

When the little editor opens for you to write in

• Write the Title of the Post (don’t forget this one)
• Upload an image (optional) using the first icon next to Upload/Insert
• Write your post

Screenshot

Now we get to the tags and categories.

Tags

A tag is a non-hierarchical keyword or term assigned to a piece of information (such as an internet bookmark, digital image, or computer file). This kind of metadata helps describe an item and allows it to be found again by browsing or searching. Tags are chosen informally and personally by the item’s creator or by its viewer, depending on the system. (wikipedia)

• Tags are used to index your posts in search engines.
• Tags are bits plucked from search terms people type into search engines
• Tags are used by visitors to find what they’re looking for in your site

For each post you write, you are given the opportunity to add some tags. There’s no “right” number of tags to use, one is fine. Remember when you’re using tags not to overload and not to repeat the same word, i.e having the tags ‘dance’ ‘Dance’ ‘dancing’ ‘Dances’ etc. One tag will suffice for all of those I’ve just listed.

Screenshot

Add a tag or two.

Categories

Now we come to categories which file your posts neatly into a .. can you guess? Yes, your post is filed into a category. These will give the navigation links for your visitors. You can have as few, or as many of these categories, these navigation links, as you like.

Screenshot

Place your post into a category.

Making Categories in Advance

You already know the categories, the sections, the navigation links you will have in your site. You can make categories in advance and save a little time plus, most importantly, keep your mind clear on the direction your site is heading.