WordPress is a popular, free, open-source content management system originally built for blogging and now used to create websites of all shapes and sizes.
University IT recommends using Stanford Domains as your hosting platform to install WordPress for personal use. WordPress on Stanford Domains is good for small, low-traffic personal websites, portfolios, and more.
Features
WordPress on Stanford Domains offers:
- Easy installation by a single ready-to-go chronological blog structure and navigation
- Option to install a free or low-cost (non-Stanford) theme
- Easy editing of posts or pages
- Easy sharing/linking of content via feeds and social media
Examples of WordPress websites created by members of the Stanford Community:
Designed for
- Individual faculty, staff, and students
- Labs, groups, student or staff organizations
While WordPress is an option for individual faculty, staff, and students, there may be better options depending on your needs. For example:
- Stanford Sites is Stanford’s primary CMS and provides quicker, easier ways to create and manage an official department or group website — especially if the site will have a complex structure or multi-layered navigation.
- The Google Sites component of G Suite (formerly Google Apps at Stanford) is a good choice if your users and editors want real-time collaboration on pages or uploaded files and easy integration with other Google services, like Sheets and Docs.
Review the options for hosting and publishing a website at Stanford.
Requirements
- An active full-service SUNet ID
- Ability to abide by Stanford Domains Terms of Use
- Ability to apply periodic maintenance updates to the WordPress application (Note: custom themes and plugins need to be upgraded manually.)
Data security
May not be used to store HIPAA/PHI information, Medium and High Risk data as defined by the Information Security Office.
Rates
Free of charge
Get started
Before you can install WordPress on Stanford Domains, you must have:
- a full-service SUNet ID
- a location for your website on Stanford Domains
Get help
Guide to WordPress on Stanford Domains
- How to get started on Stanford Domains
- Migrating a WordPress site to Stanford Domains
- Installing WordPress on Stanford Domains
- WordPress Themes & Plugins on Stanford Domains
- How to login to WordPress on Stanford Domains
- How to clone a website in WordPress on Stanford Domains
- How to transfer a WordPress site to another Stanford user
Tips on How to Use WordPress
WordPress maintains excellent documentation, including information on how to create posts and pages and how to use plugins, themes, and permalinks.
Training
Technology Training offers group and one-on-one customized training if you need more in-depth answers to your questions.
Join the WordPress Community of Practice on Slack
Join fellow Stanford WordPress site owners on the Stanford WordPress Community of Practice on the Slack channel #WordPress.
If you need help setting up your site, request assistance from Stanford Web Services. This support is available at below-market rates.
Other options:
- Search Knowledge Base
- Submit a Help request
See also
- How to retire your WordPress on AFS site
- How to migrate a WordPress site from AFS to Stanford Domains
- Information and guide for users of WordPress on AFS.
*Please note that UIT is modernizing content management systems and moving to the cloud. As a result, WordPress on AFS will not be available for new sites as of May 1, 2021.
