Building This Site: My WordPress Learning Journey
I built this website specifically to prepare for Customer Relationship Manager roles requiring WordPress proficiency. As someone transitioning from medical interpretation to web agency CRM work, I wanted to understand the platform from both a technical and client perspective.
Timeline: Built over one weekend (January 2026)
Platform: WordPress on SiteGround hosting
Theme: Astra (free version)
Purpose: Demonstrate technical aptitude and proactive learning
What I Learned
Step 1: WordPress Installation & Hosting Setup
Setting up WordPress through SiteGround’s one-click installer. I chose SiteGround specifically because I noticed from Webtec’s case studies that they recommend this hosting platform to clients.
Key Takeaway: Understanding hosting vs. the WordPress platform itself. WordPress is the content management system; hosting is where the files live.
Step 2: WordPress Dashboard Orientation
First look at the WordPress admin dashboard. The left sidebar navigation became my main control panel for managing pages, plugins, appearance, and settings.
Key Takeaway: WordPress organizes everything logically: Pages for content, Appearance for design, Plugins for functionality. As a CRM, I’d be working in this dashboard daily to handle client requests.
Step 3: Installing and Activating a Theme
Installing Astra theme. I learned that themes control the visual appearance and layout, while content remains separate.
Key Takeaway: Understanding the separation between design (theme) and content (pages/posts) is crucial. When clients say “change the layout,” that’s different from “update the text.”
Step 4: Creating Pages and Content Structure
Creating pages using the WordPress block editor (Gutenberg). Each page serves a specific purpose in the site structure.
Key Takeaway: Content organization matters. The Home page is the entry point, but internal pages need clear hierarchy and navigation.
Step 5: Setting Up Site Navigation
Caption: Configuring the main menu so visitors can navigate between pages. This required understanding menu locations (header, footer, etc.) and how themes handle navigation.
Key Takeaway: Menus are separate from pages. Pages are created first, then add them to menus. Clients often get confused about this distinction.
Step 6: Installing Plugins for Functionality
Caption: Installing Contact Form 7 plugin. Plugins extend WordPress functionality without coding.
Key Takeaway: WordPress’s plugin ecosystem is powerful. Common client requests (contact forms, SEO optimization, backups) are solved by plugins, not custom code. Understanding which plugin solves which problem is key CRM knowledge.
Step 7: Building a Contact Form
Caption: Creating and embedding a contact form using shortcode. This involved configuring form fields, email settings, and testing functionality.
Key Takeaway: Shortcodes are how you insert plugin functionality into pages. This is a common client request: “Can you add a contact form to this page?”
Step 8: Mobile Responsiveness Testing
Caption: Testing site appearance on mobile devices. The Astra theme automatically adjusts layout for different screen sizes.
Key Takeaway: 60% of web traffic is mobile, thus, responsive design is crucial. Clients will often report issues like “it looks fine on my computer but broken on my phone.” Understanding how to test across devices is essential.
Challenges I Encountered
Challenge 1: Understanding File Upload Limits
Issue: Initially tried uploading large screenshots directly.
Solution: Learned to compress images using a plugin (Smush) before uploading.
CRM Application: Clients often upload huge images that slow down their sites. I now understand why compressing images matters.
Challenge 2: Form Emails Going to Spam
Issue: Test emails from contact form weren’t arriving.
Solution: Checked spam folder and learned about SMTP configuration.
CRM Application: “Contact form isn’t working” is a top 3 client complaint. Often it’s not broken—emails are in spam or wrong email address configured.
Challenge 3: Changes Not Showing Immediately
Issue: Updated content but didn’t see changes on live site.
Solution: Learned about browser caching and hard refresh (Ctrl+F5).
CRM Application: This is THE most common client complaint. Understanding caching helps me diagnose and solve issues quickly.
Key Skills Developed
Content Management:
- Creating and editing pages using block editor
- Formatting text, adding images, creating links
- Understanding page hierarchy and organization
Plugin Management:
- Installing, activating, and configuring plugins
- Understanding what plugins do and when to use them
- Recognizing plugin conflicts (when one plugin breaks another)
Troubleshooting:
- Systematic problem-solving approach
- Knowing where to look when something doesn’t work (settings, plugin conflicts, cache)
- Understanding when to Google vs. when to ask for expert help
Client Perspective:
- Experiencing what clients experience when managing their sites
- Understanding common frustrations and pain points
- Recognizing how clear documentation and support matters
How This Prepares Me for CRM Roles
Technical Confidence:
I can now handle common client requests such as: updating content, adding images, troubleshooting forms, thus avoiding escalating to developers unnecessarily.
Empathy for Clients:
Having been the “non-technical user” myself, I understand client frustrations and can explain solutions patiently.
Proactive Learning:
I didn’t wait for training. I identified the skill gap and filled it independently. This demonstrates the self-directed learning essential for fast-paced agency environments.
Documentation Skills:
This page itself demonstrates how I’d document processes for clients: screenshot + explanation + key takeaway.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
1. Plan content structure before building
I jumped into creating pages before outlining the full site structure. Next time: wireframe first.
2. Take more screenshots during the process
Some steps I completed without capturing them. Next time: screenshot everything as I work.
3. Test across more devices earlier
I tested mobile at the end. Next time: test responsive design throughout the build process.
Conclusion
This hands-on experience transformed my understanding of WordPress from theoretical to practical. I now understand:
✓ What clients see when they log into their WordPress dashboard
✓ How to perform common content updates and basic troubleshooting
✓ When issues are simple fixes vs. when to escalate to developers
✓ Why clear communication and expectation-setting matters
Most importantly, I’ve proven to myself (and potential employers) that I can learn technical systems quickly and apply that knowledge practically.
Ready to bring this proactive, client-focused approach to your CRM team.
Built with: WordPress, SiteGround hosting, Astra theme, Contact Form 7 plugin
Total build time: ~3 hours over one weekend
Documented: January 2026