If you are wondering how to build a WordPress website, read on for our complete guide to help you get started!
But firstly, why should you master the art of creating a WordPress website?
Now imagine you are a business owner, and you bump into an old friend in your neighbourhood. In your conversation, you talk about how you've recently launched your business and it's picking up pace.
"That's fantastic!", exclaimed your friend. "I must look it up... Can you share your website URL?"
Panic sets in. Apprehension. Cold sweats.
You realize you've not yet addressed the seemingly daunting task of crafting a website. You've decided that WordPress is your preferred platform, but the process of building a WordPress website is still a mystery to you. Where to even begin?!
However, learning to create a WordPress website for the first time isn't as challenging as you might assume. Considering that WordPress powers 43.5% of all websites worldwide and is used by more than 700,000 CMS-based websites in India, it's definitely a skill worth acquiring. Plus, many successful websites like Tech Crunch and The New York Times were built using WordPress, proving its effectiveness and versatility.
Mastering the art of building a WordPress website for beginners may not be as difficult as you perceive.
How to build a WordPress website — A tutorial for first-timers
Whether you're building out your new page or want to install plugins, learn how to make a website with WordPress from our guide. From WordPress installation to picking out fonts and templates, we've got you covered.
What is WordPress?
As one of the most popular content management systems available, WordPress powers 43.5% of all websites globally. Even if it sounds complex, it's actually straightforward.
Content management systems serve a specific purpose — managing and displaying your content in an organized manner.
All you need is to supply the material you want to present on your site, and the website builder takes up the task of showcasing it. This makes a content management system an excellent tool for anyone looking to create or maintain an aesthetically pleasing, professional website without prior knowledge of programming and coding.
While there's an array of content management systems out there, our focus is on WordPress. Celebrated for its widespread support, ability to customize, and best of all, its cost-free usage (excluding hosting fees — we'll touch on that later), WordPress stands out as a stellar choice for crafting a versatile, sleek website without the need to learn coding.
Who should use WordPress?
Mastering how to build a WordPress website is a smart move for anyone seeking an easily maintained yet highly adaptable web solution. Despite the common notion that WordPress is primarily a platform for bloggers, this versatile system is equally effective for a wide array of web pages.
Whether it's a small business aiming to promote their products through ecommerce, a family eager to share their latest photos and news with relatives, or a professional keen to offer their services to a wider audience, WordPress is the tool of choice.
And let's not forget, for bloggers, WordPress is an excellent option, offering superior functionality and ease for all blogging needs.
How does WordPress work?
Let's imagine that building a website is like building a house, using WordPress as your framework.
Consider WordPress as the backbone of your website, providing the structure and support for your site's main functions, much like the frame of a house.
When learning how to build a WordPress website, the first step is adding content, such as text, images, and videos to communicate your message to visitors. This content aligns with the furniture and decor within a house analogy.
The overall appearance of your site, including colors and page layouts, is controlled by your WordPress theme, analogous to the paint and carpet in a house.
However, WordPress's advantage lies in its flexibility. Say you decide to switch your color schemes or reshuffle your layout, you won't require a new website. You can simply alter your design without having to reconstruct your pages.
The charm of WordPress is its ease of editing content, adding features, or entirely redesigning your site without starting from scratch.
You can expand, remove or edit content without any change in functionality. Furthermore, you can change your WordPress theme to give your site a new look without losing any content or having to rebuild your page structure.
WordPress's functionality extends beyond its standard offerings, thanks to plugins. Plugins are like apps that you can install onto your WordPress site to add more functionality. They serve as integrations, enhancing your site's capabilities beyond what WordPress provides by default. Just like adding apps to your mobile device, you can enrich your website's functionality with plugins.
What you need to build a WordPress
Every website needs two primary elements: a custom domain name (also referred to as your URL or web address) and a web hosting service.
The domain name is the pathway people will use to reach your site, while the web hosting service pertains to the physical computers that hold and distribute the website's files.
TIP: opt for a reliable hosting company. Choosing so-called "discount" or "free" hosting could end up costing significantly more over time. Begin by securing your web hosting service and domain name.
Starting with a GoDaddy WordPress Hosting account could be a smart move. With these plans, WordPress is automatically installed and set up. In the case of managed hosting, routine tasks like core software updates, website backups, and malware scanning are done for you.
If you prefer an unmanaged hosting plan, looking to have a self-hosted website and want to install WordPress on your own, you can download the latest version from WordPress.org. Any hosting plan is viable as long as you have access to a database for storing values and a space for uploading files. We'll delve into self-installation later.
Once you've secured a hosting service and registered a custom domain name, there are a few more things you need to assemble to get your website operational:
- Content — What message are you conveying?
- Images and/or videos — To avoid the monotony of a solely text-based website.
- Theme — WordPress comes pre-installed with several free themes, and there are numerous additional free themes available if you want more choices. If you have a particular aesthetic in mind, online resources like ThemeForest offer premium themes for purchase.
What you DON'T need:
- Pricey editing or web-design software — All content in WordPress can be created, added, and edited through your web browser.
- Large amounts of cash — WordPress is cost-free and hosting plans are quite affordable.
- An advanced degree in computer programming, mathematics, or physics — Once you grasp the basics, navigating WordPress is straightforward!
The easiest way to build a WordPress website
The single easiest way to set up WordPress is to start with a hosting account specifically designed for WordPress websites. If you choose a plan like the GoDaddy Managed WordPress Hosting account, for example, WordPress is already installed for you. Furthermore, if you purchase any annual WordPress Hosting plan from GoDaddy, you can also get a free domain.
GoDaddy’s WordPress Hosting makes building your first WordPress website easier with a Quick Start Wizard, pre-built themes, core software updates, daily backups and 24/7 support.
Many hosts will offer a one-click option or simple directions to install WordPress directly from their control panel. If WordPress is already installed, you can skip the next section.
Step 1: Choose a domain name for your WordPress website
A domain name represents your website's identity, essentially forming the core of your online presence. Comparable to a physical address or telephone number, a domain name is unique, implying that no two domain names can be identical.
GoDaddy provides an efficient platform for selecting domain names, offering an instant search tool to help find the perfect domain swiftly. Hence, a domain name is not just an address, but a critical component of your online existence.
Step 2: Choose a web hosting provider for your website
Choosing the right web hosting provider for your WordPress website is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your site's performance and success.
When scouting for the best options, consider factors such as uptime reliability, server speed, customer service, and scalability. Uptime reliability ensures your site remains accessible to users around the clock, while server speed contributes to user experience and SEO performance. Excellent customer service is vital, as it can help troubleshoot issues quickly and effectively. Scalability is another important consideration, as your hosting provider should be able to accommodate your site's growth and increased traffic over time. Additionally, look for a hosting provider that offers easy WordPress installation and specific WordPress optimization.
Remember, the right web hosting can make a significant difference in your website's performance, so choose wisely.
Step 3: Installing WordPress manually
If you are looking to install WordPress independently, we're here to support you. Some preparation work is required before you can set up WordPress. Let's dive into the process to manually install WordPress.
1. Create a database
We begin the process by creating a database for your WordPress website. Unlike conventional websites from the early days of the internet, which were merely a collection of files stored on a computer, a WordPress website operates on a more advanced level.
In the case of a WordPress website, the site is generated using a blend of files stored on a server and information preserved and retrieved from a database. This necessitates the creation of a database for WordPress to utilize.
Upon receiving your login credentials, you can access your hosting control panel or cPanel. Once logged in, you'll find a multitude of options on your administrative dashboard. Our first step is to locate the Databases section, where we will create a database using the MySQL Database Wizard.
By following the wizard's prompts, you can easily create your database. This involves specifying a database name and creating a database user with a password. Ensure that the user is granted "All Privileges" to the database when prompted.
Keep a record of the database name and the username and password you set up - these will be required shortly. This process underscores the unique way in which we create a WordPress website.
2. Upload the WordPress files
Next, we will guide you on how to create the necessary files for your WordPress website.
First, download the most recent version of WordPress from WordPress.org.
Subsequently, navigate back to your cPanel dashboard and locate your File Manager.
Once you're in, identify the public_html folder. It's the location where you'll set up your files. Click on Upload and transfer the zip file you've just obtained from WordPress.org.
After the file finishes uploading, revert to the main File Manager window. Right-click on the file and choose “Extract”. This action will decompress all the WordPress-required files into your working directory (keep in mind, this process might take a bit of time to complete).
Upon completion, a “wordpress” directory will appear under your “public_html” folder. Click on this directory and select everything within.
At the top of your screen, hit Move and shift all the files into your pubic_html directory. The now-empty “wordpress” folder and the original WordPress zip file can be deleted. If you've executed all steps correctly, you should now see a file structure that resembles the following:
3. Install WordPress
As a last step, fire up your web browser and enter your chosen domain name to visit your website. Once you're there, the installation process will begin automatically. It starts by asking you to select a language.
4. Enter your database credentials
Do you recall the login details we saved previously? You'll need them at this point. Please input the database name, username, and user password into the corresponding fields. Most host servers will utilize 'localhost' as the hostname.
Should you have any doubts, your web host is available to supply this information.
We also recommend modifying the standard table prefix from 'wp_' to something more unique. Your choice doesn't have to be specific, just ensure it deviates from the default. Once you've done this, click on 'Submit' to proceed with the installation.
5. Set your login username and password
Now you will set the username and password that you will use to log into your new WordPress website.
It is a good idea to use a username other than “admin.”
This is the default username, and therefore increases the chances of your site being hacked later on.
Select a secure password, or let WordPress generate one for you. Give your website a title if you wish, and continue the installation.
Step 4: Familiarising yourself with the WordPress dashboard
Getting to know the WordPress dashboard is crucial as you understand how to build a WordPress website. The dashboard is the control hub for all aspects of your project. You can access it by typing “yourdomainname/wp-admin” on your browser and logging in with the credentials set during the install process.
The WordPress dashboard is the command center for all WordPress-related tasks. So where to begin?
Start with a brief overview of the various sections that you can leverage to add content to your site and configure WordPress.
The primary content of your website will be created using posts and pages. Posts are typically used for content that gets updated frequently, like blog articles. Pages are more suitable for content that doesn’t change often, like About Us or Contact Us links.
By default, most themes will showcase your most recent posts on the home page (akin to blogs). However, you can modify this setting to always display a static page, if you prefer. You can find this option and other settings - like timezone setup or administrator email modification - under the Settings tab on the left menu.
The Appearance menu is where you control your theme and all things related to your website's visual display. Here, you can select and upload themes, create menus, and determine sidebar content using widgets.
The Plugins menu lets you observe installed plugins and add new ones to your WordPress website.
All plugins installed on your website will appear on this page. However, only activated plugins can be utilized on your site.
Sometimes, upon installing a plugin, a new menu item may appear on the left-hand menu (themes can also add these menus). More often though, new options will be assimilated into the existing menu items.
The Media Library is where you can view, edit, or delete images added to your website. All images, no matter where they're added, will appear in the media library. For instance, you can add an image directly from the post or page edit screen, and it will still show up in the gallery. If an image is added directly to the media gallery, it can be accessed from the Content section of your pages.
Now that you're acquainted with the various areas, let's proceed with some basic setup work. Begin by setting your URL structure.
Step 5: Setting your URLs by configuring permalinks
By default, WordPress uses a URL structure that is not beneficial to SEO (search engine optimisation). To improve the ranking of your website pages on search engine results, we must modify this setup.
It is essential to make this change swiftly, even before you commence the publishing of pages or blog posts. There are numerous other SEO strategies you'll be able to apply later, but for now, let's concentrate on configuring your permalinks.
To do this, navigate to the Settings category from your Dashboard, found on the left rail navigation. Choose Settings, followed by Permalinks. By default, the Plain URL writing rule will be activated. This needs to be altered, so pick the Post Name and click Save Changes.
So, what exactly does this achieve?
Originally, WordPress employs "messy" URLs that denote the post ID. We've transformed them into a more user-friendly and readable format. This will not only assist our visitors in locating the pages they desire, but it's also significantly better for SEO.
Now, when we add content, WordPress will generate "pretty" links, allowing us to focus on the website's appearance.
Step 6: Pick a theme for your WordPress website
Building a WordPress website involves several significant elements, with content being the most crucial. However, the WordPress theme you choose also plays a pivotal role as it impacts the website's presentation and the impression it leaves on your visitors.
Selecting a good theme involves various factors, but even without being a web designer, you can learn to design a webpage effectively. The ideal theme should be stable, uncluttered, and user-friendly. It's essential that your chosen theme is responsive, meaning it should seamlessly adapt to different screen sizes such as desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
The market offers a variety of themes, from free themes for those on a budget or starting out, to premium themes that guarantee a unique and polished web design. Many of these themes, particularly WordPress themes, come with high customizability features, enabling you to modify colors and backgrounds effortlessly. This flexibility helps you attain a distinctive appearance that aligns with your website design concept.
Step 7: Building pages and adding content to your WordPress website
Content is typically uploaded to a WordPress website through either a post or a page. The process of adding content to both is identical. When WordPress 5.0 was released, the procedure for inserting content onto a page underwent a significant transformation.
There are a few important things to remember while managing your content. On the right-hand side, you'll find few additional options. For example, setting a featured image automatically generates a thumbnail image that accompanies posts in many themes. If your content is incomplete, you can save it as a draft. This preserves your edits without publishing them live on your website.
Only the published posts and pages will be visible to the readers.
Basic pages of a website often include the Home, About Us, Services, and Contact Us pages. A Page Builder plugin can simplify the process of creating these pages, providing a drag-and-drop interface with various add-ons to customize and enhance the user experience.
A basic WordPress website comprises several standard pages, such as a blog page where all your posts are displayed, and a contact page with contact form for readers to get in touch.
Your site title and tagline should be clear and compelling, as they appear in the header of your website and can significantly impact your SEO. You should also integrate Google Analytics with your website to monitor traffic and conversions, providing valuable insights into your site's performance.
Step 8: Use plugins and tools to enhance your website
Leverage plugins and tools to augment your WordPress website both aesthetically and functionally. Below is a concise list of WordPress plugins that can simplify your web design process:
- HubSpot's complimentary WordPress Plugin is an excellent tool to consolidate your marketing efforts on your WordPress website. It offers functionalities like free forms, live chat, email marketing, analytics, and more, enhancing your site's user experience.
- Sucuri Security - Auditing, Malware Scanner and Security Hardening plugin serves as an excellent add-on to your existing security measures. It provides additional auditing, monitoring, and scanning functionalities, along with valuable recommendations and notifications.
- Globally recognized Yoast SEO plugin aids millions of WordPress websites in enhancing their search results. It optimizes your site's SEO and readability analysis, along with bulk editor features.
- W3 Total Cache plugin, using CSS optimization, reduces page load time and boosts user experience by saving nearly 80% of bandwidth through minifying and HTTP compression of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and feeds.
- Smush Image Compression and Optimization plugin, an essential tool for any web designer, optimizes your site's performance in terms of speed and quality. It achieves this by compressing media uploads and stored images.
- With the WooCommerce plugin, your WordPress website can easily transform into an efficient online store. This plugin allows you to manage your products, add pictures and descriptions, and track your inventory. It also provides a simplified checkout process for your customers, enabling easy payment acceptance for your offerings.
When initiating a new WordPress site using GoDaddy WordPress Hosting, numerous popular WordPress plugins and capabilities are installed automatically. Web designers and developers will find GoDaddy Pro particularly useful, as it provides access to every client and their website from a single dashboard. It includes features like bulk WordPress updates, client shopping carts, and uptime monitoring. Other benefits include site management and account delegation.
FAQs on building a WordPress website
How much does it cost to build a WordPress website?
WordPress itself is free, but the cost to build a WordPress website can vary a lot depending on the scope of the project.
How hard is it to build a WordPress website?
Building a website can be a challenge, but building a website on a content management system, like WordPress site can make it smoother. With WordPress as a platform, adding pages, updating a website, or changing images can be done easily once you get the hang of it.
How do I build a simple WordPress site?
To build a simple WordPress site you need to follow these steps: choose a domain name, install WordPress, learn how to use the dashboard, set up your URLs, choose a theme and plugins, and start to add content to your website.
How long does it take to build a website in WordPress?
The amount of time it takes to build a WordPress site varies a lot depending on some factors, such as the type and complexity of a website and the experience a web developer has with WordPress. You can build a simple WordPress site in a couple of hours or a couple of months.
Editor's Note: This article was first published on Aug 17, 2023. It was localized and updated on Sep 9, 2024.
