Maggie,
You're computer savvy but do you need to know PHP etc or just obey simply "the rules" as in formatting or adding links in this forum?
Asher
Well, obviously the more you know the easier it is to shape the website to your own taste. Knowledge of php and CSS is very useful. But, and it's a big but, you can make a very nice website without that.
There are many website themes available that are already constructed to make it very easy. There are free ones and others that are premium can be bought at places such as themeforest.net. A premium one can easily be bought between 30-70 dollars and it's a one time thing that you pay and keep as long as you wish, without any other costs. These themes will set up things like social media links automatically, the ability to change fonts, the ability to choose either their backgrounds or to add your own. They mostly come with sliders, and perhaps a few pre-made galleries that you can choose from. One of my websites is a free theme, but I went into the javascript folders and exchanged all the graphics with my own. (yes, I'm a little sneaky! :-D )
Wordpress also has many, many plugins that you can add to keep spam out of your comments etc., etc.,
What is important is to understand the wordpress works in a hierarchy fashion, so that you need to to place things in order of parents etc., If you have a good theme, (I think using a theme is smart and there are even good free ones out there) as there will often be explanations on how to do things. I know when I did mine the first time, I hadn't a clue what I was doing, and was frustrated at first, but once you understand how things work, it is relatively easy. Wordpress also has forums that are easy to search and most often premium paid themes come with forums where you can ask questions. Free themes may or may not.
If you have no experience at all, then perhaps something like squarespace.com would be a good place as it is very much drag and drop, no comp experience needed, although php and css etc., will allow you to really make it yours. I know someone that has used squarespace and they like it a lot, but it is more expensive than making it with wordpress. Also, squarespace will allow you to try out making your own website for a whole month, with only an email subscription and no credit card information needed.
