Whether you're a budding blogger or seasoned web designer, WordPress is a brilliant tool for creating websites--once you know how to tap into its impressive features. The latest edition of this jargon-free Missing Manual shows you how to use WordPress's themes, widgets, and plug-ins to build just about any kind of site.

The important stuff you need to know:

• Set up WordPress. Configure WordPress on your web host or get it running on your home computer.


• Create your site. Get hands-on instructions for building all types of websites, from blogs to business sites with ecommerce features.


• Jazz it up. Add picture galleries, slideshows, video clips, music players, and podcasts.


• Add features. Select from thousands of plug-ins to enhance your site's capabilities, from contact forms to a basic shopping cart.


• Build a truly unique site. Customize a WordPress theme to create a site that looks exactly the way you want.


• Attract an audience. Use SEO, site statistics, and social sharing to reach more people.


• Stay safe. Use backup and staging tools to protect your content and avoid catastrophe.