[New] Introducing Duplicator’s Sleek Redesign: New Look, Same Great Features
We simplified backups and migrations with Duplicator's fresh new look. Dive into our redesigned interface, backup presets, helpful tooltips, and…
[New] Introducing Duplicator’s Sleek Redesign: New Look, Same Great Features
Joella Dunn
Joella Dunn
John Turner
John Turner
Ever wondered how to create a WordPress site?
If you’re interested in establishing your online presence, you’ll need to create your own website. WordPress is cost-effective, user-friendly, and highly customizable, making it an ideal solution for people of all technical skill levels. However, setting up a site from scratch can seem complicated at first.
In this tutorial, we’ll explain how to create a WordPress site!
WordPress is a free and open-source Content Management System (CMS). Originally launched in 2003 as a simple blogging platform, it is now the most popular CMS globally.
WordPress enables you to create any type of website, from personal blogs to large online stores. It’s incredibly user-friendly and versatile, suiting beginners and professionals alike.
And the best part? You don’t need any coding or technical knowledge to create a beautiful, functional website with WordPress. There are plenty of no-code tools to help you set up your site.
WordPress.org, also known as “self-hosted WordPress,” is a free, open-source platform. To use it, you’ll need to have a domain name and a web hosting service, which you’ll have to pay for.
The upside is that WordPress.org gives you full control over your website. You can customize your site, install any theme or plugins you want, and even monetize it if you wish.
On the other hand, WordPress.com is a “hosted” platform. This means that the company takes care of the hosting for you.
While this might sound convenient, you get less freedom. You’re limited in the themes and plugins you can use, and you can’t profit off ads unless you upgrade to a premium plan.
If you crave complete control, want to monetize your site, and are ready to manage your own hosting, WordPress.org is your go-to option. However, if you’re seeking ease of use as a hobbyist blogger, WordPress.com may be a suitable choice.
Have you ever wondered why you should create a site on WordPress.org instead of opting for other tools or platforms?
Here’s why you might want to use WordPress.org:
Ready to create your WordPress site? Let’s get started!
As we mentioned earlier, WordPress requires you to choose your own web hosting provider. This will give you server space and resources for your website. So, you’ll want to make sure it’s reliable, has the necessary features, and fits your budget.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind while choosing a web host:
Take your time and select a web host that fits your needs. Your choice can be the difference between a site that’s a pleasure to manage, or one that causes endless headaches.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’d recommend Bluehost. This is an affordable hosting service that will help you get online in no time. With our referral link, you’ll get discounted hosting, a free SSL certificate, and a free domain!
Alright, you’ve found the perfect web host. Now, let’s get you a great domain name.
Your domain name is the digital address where visitors will find you online. Here’s how to find the right domain name:
Remember, your domain name is a key part of your online identity, so take the time to choose one that matches your business or brand effectively. Avoid overly long or complex names, and try to stick to common domain extensions like .com, .net, or .org for maximum credibility.
After choosing a reliable web host and securing a domain name, it’s time to install WordPress itself. If you chose a WordPress hosting provider, you’ll usually be able to install WordPress in one click.
Let’s show you how to do this with Bluehost. After you create an account, add a new site:
Then, give the site a title and tagline:
At this point, you can choose a domain. If you just purchased one, select it with the dropdown menu:
Now Bluehost will automatically install WordPress for you! Once it’s finished, you’ll get your login information:
You can also log into your dashboard by finding My Sites » Manage Site » Log into WordPress:
Are you not sure how to install WordPress using your web host? This guide shows you WordPress installation instructions for some popular hosting providers.
It’s now time to make your site look incredible, and that’s where themes come in. Themes define the general look and feel of your WordPress site including things like color schemes, font styles, and page layouts.
WordPress has a catalog of thousands of free themes. To start using one, open your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance » Themes » Add New Theme. Here, you can use the search bar to find a specific type of theme.
Once you find a new theme that catches your eye, click Install. After installation, click Activate to apply the new website design.
Free themes are decent, but sometimes, you might want a bit more pizzazz. That’s where premium themes come in. With a more unique web design, better functionality, and dedicated support, they can make your site stand out.
For example, Thrive Themes has a theme builder that can help you easily build your entire website. Known for its engaging, conversion-focused designs, it’s a fantastic option for those wanting to take their WordPress site to another level.
If you decide to purchase a premium theme, you’ll receive a .zip file. You need to go back to the Themes page in your dashboard, click on Add New Theme, and then Upload Theme.
Remember, the theme you choose doesn’t have to be set in stone. You can change it anytime you want. So, go ahead and experiment until you find the perfect look for your site.
In WordPress, there are two types of content: posts and pages.
Pages are static, timeless parts of your website like a ‘Contact Us’ or ‘About Us’ page. These usually provide information that doesn’t change frequently.
On the other hand, posts are dated, dynamic pieces of content such as blog updates, news, or articles. They’re designed to encourage conversation and can be organized using categories and tags.
To create your first page, click on Pages » Add New Page. This will open the Block Editor, which allows you to add different types of content like text, images, and videos in blocks. You won’t have to worry about knowing HTML or CSS.
When you’re finished, save it as a draft or hit Publish.
Some people prefer using a page builder plugin for more sophisticated website building options. For example, SeedProd gives you a drag-and-drop page editor and many more pre-made page templates than the Block Editor.
SeedProd Pro also comes with a theme builder and full website kits, allowing you to build your entire site with SeedProd. This offers more flexibility than the default WordPress customization options.
WordPress will automatically display your blog posts on your site’s home page. However, you can easily set up a static front page. This provides a consistent, welcoming look every time your visitors land on your site.
To do this, find Settings » Reading. Next to Front page displays, select A static page. Then, choose the pages you created as your home and blog pages.
Now, your home page will be displayed as the front page. Your blog posts will be shown on the blog page.
When you first installed WordPress, you chose a site title and tagline. If you need to change this, go to Settings » General.
The site title is most often your website name. The tagline conveys, in a few words, what your site does.
Anyone can leave comments on your blog posts. Although this can be great engagement, it can lead to comment spam.
In your Discussion settings, you can choose to manually approve each comment.
Whenever someone comments, you can approve it or send it to spam.
This keeps discussions around your content meaningful and relevant. By removing comment spam, you’ll enhance your site’s credibility and security. So don’t forget to check those comments!
A navigation menu is an important part of your website that guides visitors through your content. It acts as a roadmap, directing users to key sections such as your blog, services, contact page, and more.
How you create a navigation menu depends on the theme you’ve chosen. For a classic WordPress theme, you can go to Appearance » Menus.
Name the menu and hit Create Menu. Then, you can select specific web pages you want to add to your navigation menu.
Lastly, choose where you want your menu displayed.
If you’re using a block-based theme, open Appearance » Editor. Select a page template (usually the header). Then, add a navigation block.
Simply click on the + icon to add a new page link. Continue this process until the navigation menu has all the links you want to feature.
And voila! You just created your first menu. Now, your visitors will be able to easily navigate your site.
Think of plugins as apps for your WordPress website. They extend functionality and add new features that aren’t included by default.
WordPress has thousands of free plugins for you to use. You can also purchase premium plugins from third-party developers.
But what can you do with plugins? Virtually anything.
As a new website owner, you need to find a reliable backup plugin. Duplicator is the best option because it supports automatic backups, cloud storage, and easy backup restoration.
To start growing your website, we’d recommend using MonsterInsights. It connects your WordPress site with Google Analytics, simplifying website visitor tracking.
No matter what kind of website you’re running, you’ll need a contact form. WPForms is the best contact form plugin. It allows you to build surveys, collect user feedback, manage event registration, and much more.
And let’s not forget about SEO. All in One SEO (AIOSEO) is a WordPress SEO plugin that optimizes your WordPress site for search engines like Google. That’s a big deal when you want your website to rank higher in search results.
Alternative: Yoast SEO is another popular plugin for SEO.
Here are some extra WordPress plugins you might need:
There’s countless WordPress plugins that tailored to every need. Be sure to check out our post on the best WordPress plugins to explore more possibilities.
Site speed has a significant impact on your user experience and even your site’s ranking in search engines. So, how can you make sure your WordPress site isn’t unnecessarily slow?
1. Choose a Performance-Oriented Theme
Not all themes are created equal. Some are far more efficient than others, so always be sure to opt for a theme known for its performance.
Here are the best WordPress themes you can find!
2. Optimize Your Images
Large, uncompressed images can slow your site down dramatically. It’s best to use plugins that automatically optimize your images, such as EWWW Image Optimizer.
3. Clean Up Your Website Regularly
Over time, things like unused plugins, stored drafts, and dated backups can begin to weigh your site down. To clean up your website, you can use a plugin like WP-Optimize.
4. Use a Caching Plugin
Caching plugins like W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache can dramatically speed up your website by caching a static version of your site.
5. Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN)
If you have a global audience, a CDN like Cloudflare can boost your page speed. It stores a cached version of your website in different geographical locations, making your content closer to international visitors.
Sometimes, you’ll need to go beyond the basics. When you fully understand the ins and outs of WordPress, you can use the platform more effectively. Plus, it opens up the possibility for you to customize your site according to your specific needs.
An excellent resource is the WPBeginner blog, where you can find countless free resources. It’s a treasure trove of information that will help you deeply understand how to manage and grow your WordPress site effectively.
With these in-depth tutorials, you’ll tackle technical issues, improve SEO, boost security, and perform other essential tasks. By the end, you’ll have much more control over your site’s function and performance.
Every website is different. So, you might have to customize your site a little more to reach your unique goals.
If you want to dive into e-commerce, you can set up a small business. With a plugin like Easy Digital Downloads, you’ll be able to quickly list digital products for sale and monetize your site.
Or maybe you’re interested in creating a membership site? MemberPress can help with that. You can create courses, add paywalls to blog posts, and set up drip content.
To grow your store’s revenue and expand your reach, consider setting up an affiliate program. A plugin like AffiliateWP makes it easy to manage affiliates, track referrals, create coupons, and increase your revenue.
Remember, your WordPress site can become whatever you want it to be! If we didn’t cover your specific goal, check out this guide on the different types of websites you can make with WordPress.
To create a WordPress site, you’ll need to find a web host, purchase a domain name, and install WordPress. Then, you can customize your site by choosing a theme, creating content, and installing plugins.
You can create a completely free website on WordPress.com. However, this comes with limited customization and monetization opportunities. A better option is to find an affordable web host and domain name for WordPress.org. Then, you can install free WordPress plugins and a free theme.
The cost to start a WordPress site can range from as little as $50 to $3,000 per year, depending on your needs. Some basic costs include web hosting and a domain name. Plus, there might be added expenses for premium plugins and themes, web developer fees, or extra security.
Yes, you can create a WordPress website without hosting. To do this, you’ll need to build a local staging site with free software like LocalWP. After you’ve finished designing your website, you can move it to a live host.
Some common WordPress mistakes to avoid are using a poor-quality host, ignoring updates, installing too many plugins, overlooking SEO, and not backing up your website. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’re setting a solid foundation for your WordPress site.
Yes, you can move from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. You’ll have to export your data and import it into your new WordPress.org site. Then, use redirects to make sure your permalinks transfer to the new site.
That’s it! Now you know how to create a WordPress site.
To make your website look and perform its best, check out these tutorials:
If you want to avoid losing any data, you’ll need a reliable backup plugin. Download Duplicator Pro to start setting up automatic backups!
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