Step By Step Guideline on How to Build a WordPress Website
You have finally reached a decision that you want to build a WordPress website. However, there is one stumbling block that is preventing you from going ahead with your plans. You don’t know how to code, and you have never stepped into a programming class.
Thanks to WordPress, you can still go ahead to design and develop your website from scratch into a fully functional system. In fact, it will only take you less than an hour to complete this task. In this article, we are going to give you a step by step guide on how you can build a website using WordPress.
1. Get a web hosting plan
Before you start thinking about WordPress, the first thing that you need to think about is registering your website. In this step, there are two activities that you need to do. First, you should register your domain name. Secondly, choose a web hosting plan.
A domain name is a unique address that will identify your website. It can be something like “www.yourname.com”. Web hosting plan, on the other hand, entails the services that you will get from your hosting company. These include memory space, speed, and even security features. Wondering about where to get hosting companies? Some of the most common WordPress web hosting partners include:
· Bluehost (https://www.dreamhost.com/WordPress-hosting/)
· Dreamhost (https://www.dreamhost.com/WordPress-hosting/)
· SiteGround (https://www.siteground.com/WordPress-hosting.htm)
All you need is to compare their rates and choose one that suits your budget.
When it comes to choosing a domain, select something that is short and memorable. Your customers should be able to remember it without hesitation. The easiest way of achieving this is by choosing a catchy domain. Try to buy one that is directly related to what your website is offering. This move will go a long way in boosting your SEO performance.
2. Set up the site
Now that the domain and web hosting plans are up, you can proceed to the next step which is all about setting up and tweaking your website. The first thing that you need to do is to install WordPress on your web domain.
I. Installing WordPress
There are two methods of WordPress installation; One-click installation and Manual Installation. Most reputable web hosting companies use the one-click plan and here is how to go about it.
• Log in to your web hosting account
• Go to the control panel option
• Look for the WordPress icon
• Choose the domain where you want to install the WordPress
• Click on the “Install Now” option and complete the installation
II. Choose a Template or Theme
After a successful installation, it is now time to choose how your website will appear. Of course, you would like to have a unique and attractive theme. To access the themes menu, first, log in to your WordPress dashboard. You will be able to see several navigation options including the one for customizing your themes. There are thousands of free WordPress themes that you can choose. You only need to click on the “Appearance” option.
Try out as many templates as possible till you find one that meets the needs of your website. There are different themes for different industries. A template that works well for an entertainment website may not fit a medical service site. You can also conduct a quick search using keywords.
III. Install your template/theme
After settling on a particular theme, click the “Install” then “Activate”. Note that WordPress gives you the freedom to change your theme at a later stage, even after you have already posted content on your website. All your posts and pages will remain intact.
3. Creating and Editing Pages
A complete site is made up of several web pages. Here are the steps that you should follow.
I. Check the sidebar of the WordPress dashboard. Click “Pages” option, then “Add New”.
II. An edit enabled segment will appear. You can add any content that you want to it, and remember to save what you have just added to that page.
4. How to add pages to the website’s menu
If you want a page to be linked from the navigation bar, follow the following steps.
I. Click the “Update” option on the page that you have just created.
II. Click “Appearance, then “Menu” options which are just on the sidebar of the dashboard.
III. Find the targeted page, and click on the “Add to Menu” checkbox.
5. Creating and editing content
You can divide posts into different categories using WordPress. To create a new category, just go to the “Posts” option, and select “Categories”. Alternatively, you can go to the “Posts” menu and select “Add New”. Once you are done with writing the blog, add it to the correct category. You can then add your categories to the main menu.
6. Changing Website Title and its Tagline
Page titles give visitors a quick explanation of the details of your website. It also helps the search engines rank the website depending on the keywords used. You should have a simple and unique title such as “How to Drive Safely”. On the other hand, taglines are usually added next to the titles. Your tagline can be something like, “Quick Guide”.
To change the title and tagline of your website, click the “Setting” option that is on the sidebar. It will load a page that will allow you to make the necessary changes.
7. Creating a Fixed Homepage
Probably you would want your home page to have specific static features that differentiate it from other web pages. Here are the steps on how to achieve this:
I. Go to “Settings” then select “Reading” option
II. Select your intended static page by clicking on the “Front Page”. You can then proceed to select “Posts Page” where you can choose the posts that appear on the front page.
8. Editing Sidebar
WordPress websites always have sidebars. You can edit the contents that are in this section or even get rid of the whole sidebar. Here are the steps to take:
I. Go to “Appearance” then select “Widgets” option
II. Drag and drop to add or remove some items
9. Installing Plugins
Plugins are just extensions that help you to improve the capacity and capabilities of WordPress. Some of the common WordPress plugins include Yoast SEO, Google Analytics, and Contact Form. To install them, just go to the “Plugins” option, then click “Add New”. Search for the plugin that you want, then proceed to install it.
Conclusion and Updates
By following all these steps, you will be able to have a fully functional WordPress website in 2018. WordPress keeps coming up with new updates. Always strive to use the latest versions as they have improved functionality and security features.
If you really want to add a valued understanding of what the based foundation needs to be so you don’t waste money….Take it from a person who has experienced, I have been there for over 2 years.
Step By Step Guideline on How to Build a WordPress Website
You have finally reached a decision that you want to build a WordPress website. However, there is one stumbling block that is preventing you from going ahead with your plans. You don’t know how to code, and you have never stepped into a programming class.
Thanks to WordPress, you can still go ahead to design and develop your website from scratch into a fully functional system. In fact, it will only take you less than an hour to complete this task. In this article, we are going to give you a step by step guide on how you can build a website using WordPress.
1. Get a web hosting plan
Before you start thinking about WordPress, the first thing that you need to think about is registering your website. In this step, there are two activities that you need to do. First, you should register your domain name. Secondly, choose a web hosting plan.
A domain name is a unique address that will identify your website. It can be something like “www.yourname.com”. Web hosting plan, on the other hand, entails the services that you will get from your hosting company. These include memory space, speed, and even security features. Wondering about where to get hosting companies? Some of the most common WordPress web hosting partners include:
· Bluehost (https://www.dreamhost.com/WordPress-hosting/)
· Dreamhost (https://www.dreamhost.com/WordPress-hosting/)
· SiteGround (https://www.siteground.com/WordPress-hosting.htm)
All you need is to compare their rates and choose one that suits your budget.
When it comes to choosing a domain, select something that is short and memorable. Your customers should be able to remember it without hesitation. The easiest way of achieving this is by choosing a catchy domain. Try to buy one that is directly related to what your website is offering. This move will go a long way in boosting your SEO performance.
2. Set up the site
Now that the domain and web hosting plans are up, you can proceed to the next step which is all about setting up and tweaking your website. The first thing that you need to do is to install WordPress on your web domain.
I. Installing WordPress
There are two methods of WordPress installation; One-click installation and Manual Installation. Most reputable web hosting companies use the one-click plan and here is how to go about it.
• Log in to your web hosting account
• Go to the control panel option
• Look for the WordPress icon
• Choose the domain where you want to install the WordPress
• Click on the “Install Now” option and complete the installation
II. Choose a Template or Theme
After a successful installation, it is now time to choose how your website will appear. Of course, you would like to have a unique and attractive theme. To access the themes menu, first, log in to your WordPress dashboard. You will be able to see several navigation options including the one for customizing your themes. There are thousands of free WordPress themes that you can choose. You only need to click on the “Appearance” option.
Try out as many templates as possible till you find one that meets the needs of your website. There are different themes for different industries. A template that works well for an entertainment website may not fit a medical service site. You can also conduct a quick search using keywords.
III. Install your template/theme
After settling on a particular theme, click the “Install” then “Activate”. Note that WordPress gives you the freedom to change your theme at a later stage, even after you have already posted content on your website. All your posts and pages will remain intact.
3. Creating and Editing Pages
A complete site is made up of several web pages. Here are the steps that you should follow.
I. Check the sidebar of the WordPress dashboard. Click “Pages” option, then “Add New”.
II. An edit enabled segment will appear. You can add any content that you want to it, and remember to save what you have just added to that page.
4. How to add pages to the website’s menu
If you want a page to be linked from the navigation bar, follow the following steps.
I. Click the “Update” option on the page that you have just created.
II. Click “Appearance, then “Menu” options which are just on the sidebar of the dashboard.
III. Find the targeted page, and click on the “Add to Menu” checkbox.
5. Creating and editing content
You can divide posts into different categories using WordPress. To create a new category, just go to the “Posts” option, and select “Categories”. Alternatively, you can go to the “Posts” menu and select “Add New”. Once you are done with writing the blog, add it to the correct category. You can then add your categories to the main menu.
6. Changing Website Title and its Tagline
Page titles give visitors a quick explanation of the details of your website. It also helps the search engines rank the website depending on the keywords used. You should have a simple and unique title such as “How to Drive Safely”. On the other hand, taglines are usually added next to the titles. Your tagline can be something like, “Quick Guide”.
To change the title and tagline of your website, click the “Setting” option that is on the sidebar. It will load a page that will allow you to make the necessary changes.
7. Creating a Fixed Homepage
Probably you would want your home page to have specific static features that differentiate it from other web pages. Here are the steps on how to achieve this:
I. Go to “Settings” then select “Reading” option
II. Select your intended static page by clicking on the “Front Page”. You can then proceed to select “Posts Page” where you can choose the posts that appear on the front page.
8. Editing Sidebar
WordPress websites always have sidebars. You can edit the contents that are in this section or even get rid of the whole sidebar. Here are the steps to take:
I. Go to “Appearance” then select “Widgets” option
II. Drag and drop to add or remove some items
9. Installing Plugins
Plugins are just extensions that help you to improve the capacity and capabilities of WordPress. Some of the common WordPress plugins include Yoast SEO, Google Analytics, and Contact Form. To install them, just go to the “Plugins” option, then click “Add New”. Search for the plugin that you want, then proceed to install it.
Conclusion and Updates
By following all these steps, you will be able to have a fully functional WordPress website in 2018. WordPress keeps coming up with new updates. Always strive to use the latest versions as they have improved functionality and security features.
If you really want to add a valued understanding of what the based foundation needs to be so you don’t waste money….Take it from a person who has experienced, I have been there for over 2 years.
