Five Simple Steps to Create a WordPress Website Online
There’s a very good reason that business owners and individuals alike have made WordPress the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world today. With a full 27% of the entire count of online websites in existence, there is no doubt that WordPress is worth a look when it comes to creating your own internet presence.
What makes this CMS so popular? Imagine a stylish, professionally polished, easy-to-use, ultimately customizable, and affordable website in half an hour or less. You do not need to know anything about programming, design, or the types of technical details web developers get paid big money for. Of course, you can hire one to set up your WP site with a unique style and tons of rich features, but it also presents a really accessible do-it-yourself opportunity.
All you need to get online, share your content, and build yourself a platform worthy of any activity is five simple steps.
Step #1 – Register a Domain Name
Creating a WordPress website is a lot like building your dream home. The neighborhood is the online world. Your domain name is the house address. It is what tells people where your website lives and helps them get there through search engines or when typed directly into their browser bar.
How do you choose a website address or domain name that will work well for your site? It all depends on what type of WordPress website you wish to build. Is it personal or is it for a company you plan to start?
To make your domain name more memorable and recognizable, follow these tips:
Keep it short
- Choose words that pertain to the topic of your site
- Always use a .com domain extension where possible
- Use words that indicate what the site is about
MarysHouseofStuffedAnimals.info would be a not-so-great domain name. PlushPetsbyMary.com would be much better. Avoid using the free version of WordPress that comes with a somethingsomething.wordpress.com domain version. It looks unprofessional, and your site will not have as many capabilities as a self-hosted website.
In order to get a self-hosted website, move on to step two.
Step #2 – Get a Hosting Package and Set It Up
If your neighborhood is the internet, and the domain name is your address, the hosting package is the plot of land your website gets built on. Many hosting companies exist, though there are some standout favorites like BlueHost and HostGator. For a very low monthly charge, you can host your WordPress website with ease.
Sign up for an account, enter your payment information, choose your package (a small one will do to start), and determine any extras you want to invest in. These can include extra security, domain-specific email addresses, and more. Read the contract and terms, digitally sign and process the payment, and you now rent a piece of digital property to build a website on. Remember to choose a random, secure password no one will guess or figure out.
Most website hosts have one-click WordPress installation in the administrative section of your control panel. If you cannot find it, read the host’s FAQ or engage the services of a web developer. After installation is complete, familiarize yourself with the basic navigation of your wp-admin screen. This is the admin section of your website where you will do everything from change the site name to post on your blog.
Before you start creating content, however, make your WP site look its best.
Step #3 – Pick a Stylish WP Theme
In the wp-admin page, click on Appearance and then select a new theme. There are over 125 million different free themes to choose from, and you can find premium options if you would like to pay for something a bit fancier or with more features. Your WordPress installation comes with three or four generic themes. Do not stick with any of these if you want a polished, modern-looking site. The last thing you want your website to be is ordinary.
Some themes allow you to change colors, fonts, layout, header graphics, and navigation style. For the most part, you can change things back and forth all you want and never really mess things up. It makes sense to have some idea of what colors and styles you want to use on your WordPress website from the start, though.
After installing a new theme or template, it is time to get acquainted with all the other possibilities.
Step #4 – WordPress Dashboard Exploration
The dashboard, aka the wp-admin page, has a huge selection of options down the left hand side. Click on them all, and see what they do. Ask your web developer for guidance if you hired one to help you set up the WordPress website. Read a tutorial or information provided by the hosting company. None of the selections are especially complex, and everything is quite user-friendly and intuitive.
One of the top reasons why WordPress is so incredibly popular comes from its ease of use. No one has to garner technical, insider knowledge to make their website look great. Pay special attention to the Plug-Ins menu selection. WP has capabilities you haven’t even dreamed of yet.
Step #5 – Build Your Pages and Add Content
Your WordPress website exists, and it looks great, but no one will take any notice if you don’t add content. First, tackle all the style issues like colors and fonts to coincide with your business or personal interests. Check in “Pages” and edit the home page to introduce the site to anyone who stops by for a look. Consider launching your blog with a new “Post.”
Although many choices exist, most WordPress website owners do not use every menu item very frequently. You may change themes sometime in the future, but not very often. You can add plug-ins when you need additional functionality, but this won’t occur every week or even month. The bulk of your attention will focus on the Media library, Blog posts, and Page content.
The pages and elements you choose for your WordPress website depend on the type of platform you want to create. A personal blog looks and feels a lot different than a corporate presence or an e-commerce site. WordPress CMS can handle them all, but they all start out with these five basic steps.