What do you need to publish a help article?

Install WordPress with a compatible host, then give the writer access to the site. Create a post for the article and preview it before publishing. Themes control how the site presents the content. A plugin adds behavior beyond the core publishing software.

This profile covers the software available from WordPress.org. WordPress.com is a separate hosted service. For WordPress software, decide who sets up hosting, applies updates and keeps working backups.

Can someone write a draft while another person publishes it?

Yes. With the built-in roles, a Contributor can write and manage their own posts but cannot publish them. An Author can publish their own posts. An Editor can manage and publish other people’s posts. If every new post needs review, give the writer a Contributor account and choose who will do the publishing.

A built-in Contributor cannot upload a new image. Ask the Editor to add it during review. Check the roles on the actual site if you use plugins or custom access rules.

What can you move with the content export?

Tools → Export creates a WordPress content file called WXR. It can hold posts, pages, categories and other content. The WordPress importer can fetch media attachments during import. Check that images and files exist on the destination after the move.

For a complete site restore, keep both a database backup and a copy of the site files, including uploads, themes and plugins. A content export alone does not recreate the site’s design, extensions or settings.

How can you check the publishing handoff without touching a site?

Sketch a help article titled “Change your pickup time” with one image and one link. Use fictional content and accounts, and keep all sites and hosting services closed.

Assign the draft
Give the writer the built-in Contributor role. On paper, mark that they can prepare the post and cannot make it public.
Decide what the Editor checks
The Editor adds the sample image and checks the article and link before publishing. Write down which page a reader should be able to open after release.
List what a move would need
Put the article in the content export column. List the files, theme, plugins and database in the complete restore column. Mark the image and link as items to check after a move.

What do you pay for when the software is free?

WordPress software has no license charge. Your site still needs a host, and domains and paid extensions can add costs. Ask who handles updates, storage and restores before choosing how to run the site.