I often meet people who would like to create their own website, choosing WordPress. But how do you actually get started on this? In this article, you will get an answer to the question “How to create website with WordPress?” Below you will get a step-by-step plan that you can get started with right away!
WordPress I think is a great content management system (CMS), which is software that you can use without knowledge of code language (e.g. HTML, CSS or JavaScript) to build a website. Once upon a time I also used Wix but I definitely prefer WordPress.
WordPress is not only a great CMS to work with, it also represents about 40% of the websites you can find on the worldwide web. In addition, it is also open source, that means that the source code is available to everyone. This makes this CMS accessible for software developers to create new applications. WordPress never stands still, but continues to improve itself over time.
Step-by-step WordPress website creation process
Before we fly in, a small, yet important note: if you google WordPress, you’ll get results from WordPress.org and WordPress.com. This roadmap is about WordPress.org, which is the open source CMS. WordPress.com is an online website builder, not a CMS, where you have to pay for all kinds of features, which are free at WordPress.org. WordPress.com is a product of the company Automattic which closed source uses; it is also the company behind Web shopping application WooCommerce and microblog Tumblr.
Before you can effectively get started with a WordPress website, there are a number of steps you need to take. Below I explain to you the steps from the very beginning to launch:
1. Register domain name
This is the very first step you must take. Your domain name is actually the address of your website. Some people choose the name of their company, others choose their own name. I myself chose my first name and last name, which is how my domain name became
jochemoomen.com
.
Domain names can be registered and purchased on numerous websites. TransIP is a well-known Dutch company, for example, but you could just as easily do this at another online company, such as Siteground which is based in Sofia but operates worldwide.
2. Hosting provider search
With just a domain name you are not there yet, you need a place where you can host your website and then publish it online. Such a party is called a hosting provider.
Also, Combell is a sustainable host, their servers run entirely on renewable energy. Sustainable hosting is the basis of sustainable web design. Do you want to know more about sustainable websites? Then read here how to make your website more sustainable.
3. Install WordPress on domain
After you have purchased your domain name and your hosting, you can install WordPress at your host. Most hosts have this option. I do recommend checking this out beforehand. Some hosts are official partners of WordPress, which they say can make the installation process easier.
In addition, WordPress may already be automatically present with your host, but often you have to manually install it yourself. This sounds more complicated than it is. And if you have difficulties with this, you can always call, email or also chat with your host. Lately, I’ve noticed that a lot of hosts are becoming more accessible.
Building your own website involves quite a bit. Find out what materials web designers use here.
4. Choose WordPress theme
Once the above steps are realized, then you can start looking at which WordPress theme you would like to use. A theme is a collection of data that provides the proper online graphics for your website. Some WordPress themes are free, others are affordable. From my own experience, I can tell you that there are very nice free can themes, but the features are rather limited. Therefore, I recommend people to opt for a paid theme anyway, because it increases the possibilities.
Are you hesitating between Astra and Divi? Find out which theme suits you best here : Astra or Divi!
Looking for more information about Divi? Then discover 10 reasons why you should choose Divi.
5. WordPress builder search
A theme alone won’t get you there, because you have several WordPress builders. By default you get Gutenberg with your WordPress installation. This is a standard builder that works on the block principle: here you stack blocks containing different content on top and below each other. You don’t see the end result immediately. Interestingly, though, Gutenberg is free.
Elementor is one of my favorite tools. Curious about more? Discover my favorite tools for both web design and photography.
6. Create child theme WordPress
Now that you have this all taken care of, I recommend that you use a child theme theme. This is actually a copy of the original or parent theme. It allows you to make modifications without touching the parent theme. So this is a safety option. Sometimes something can go wrong, changing your complete layout or even making your entire website disappear! With a child theme, you can prevent that from happening.
For clients, I always create a child theme. One easy way you can do that is the simple and free WordPress plugin Child Theme Configurator install on your dashboard. After you put this plugin to work, you make your child theme your active theme. By the way, a plugin is an extra piece of software that you add to your CMS.
7. Creating website pages
Once that too is behind you, then you can get started. In your WordPress dashboard, under pages, you can create all the pages you need. Anyway, of course, your homepage and an about me, offer and contact page.
Depending on what you want, you can create many other pages and also a blog!
8. Create header with menu and footer
At the very top of a website, you always see a header. It usually consists of a logo and a menu. Depending on your theme, you can go either way with it. For example, read here how to create a header in Divi.
Below the body, or page-dependent content, you’ll find the footer. Here you can include important information, such as contact details, as well as the copyrights and credits of your own company. Of course, you don’t want someone else to take your unique idea!
9. WordPress page design
Your pages that now exist in theory, now you are going to have to design them further in your WordPress theme using your WordPress builder. Are you stuck? YouTube and Google can be your best friends when it comes to text-based or video tutorials.
This is a process you can take a lot of time to do. I always say: keep experimenting until you are satisfied with everything!
10. Website testing
Once everything is designed and you are satisfied, then go test your website. Do that not only on PC, but also on your cell phone and if possible also on a tablet. After all, 50% of websites are viewed on a mobile device.
It may also be a good idea to have your website tested by another person. A second opinion is never wrong. You can also always change things about your Web site at this stage.
Also, check to see if you already have a favicon. Read here what a favicon is, why it’s important and how to create one.
11. Making website faster in WordPress
Something that is often forgotten is working on the speed of a WordPress website. People have become so used to fast sites that a fast web address is a must. Try to make sure your digital address loads within three seconds, otherwise potential visitors will drop out!
12. Website publishing
If you are really completely satisfied, then the time has come. Then you can finally start sharing your website with the rest of the world. Feel free to post it on your social media, send the news around by email and app your colleagues, friends and acquaintances about your new creation.
Finally, a website is something to be proud of! This is not just a digital business card, this is the online presence of your business or idea!
Article updated January 4, 2025.
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