Easy to operate and powerful when used optimally, WordPress, a service that allows you to build and host websites, dominates a huge fraction of the entire web.
WordPress is like that one loyal friend who always helps you, but you keep forgetting about them amidst fancier options. A trustworthy and authentic platform, it has a dedicated user base and an applaudable reputation.
Constructing a website might be an appalling experience for some, especially for beginners, but trust us when we say that times have changed. Hosting and building a website nowadays is as easy as pie. It has also become quick and economical, more than ever.
Follow this simple guide to learn how to build a site on WordPress, in less than an hour!
Step 1: Select your Domain Name
The name of your domain is going to be your identity, and it has to be something that sets you apart from others on the internet. Your domain name is how people are going to find you and recognize your brand. And that is why it should be something that stands true to your identity.
Don’t make it too complicated, people tend to remember names that are easy and simple.
You are free to choose a name of your choice. The only thing is to see if it is available and not already used by some other organization.
Following are some tips for selecting the perfect domain name for your site:
- Make it short and simple.
- It should be easy to remember.
- The name should be easy to pronounce, spell, and type.
- Let it set you apart from other fishes in the sea.
- Your brand name should connect with your purpose. For example, if you are a cab/taxi service, adding the term in your domain name would make sense.
There are several free name-generating websites on the internet, for instance, DomainWheel, which can help you find the ideal name for your domain. Just type in some keywords related to your area of work, and it will suggest to you enough names to choose or to take inspiration from.
It is free of cost to register a domain when you subscribe to web hosting services.
The next task after selecting a name for your domain is to check if it is available or not. There are about 2 billion websites on the internet, and there is a great possibility that somebody is already operating on the name you have chosen.
Being original can be quite a task sometimes, but it will always be worthwhile.
Step 2: Selecting a Web Hosting Service and Registering a Domain Name for Free
There are ample options online that let you register a new domain name and a lot more options that provide you with web hosting services. But why waste time when you can find a company that offers you both services at the same place?
Hostinger is one such web hosting service provider, which offers you a domain name for free. And the best part about Hostinger is that it is beginner-friendly, reliable, and affordable! Save more using hostinger coupon code
Simply click this link to open the Hostinger website, select ‘Start Now’ and select the WordPress Starter package. This plan serves the best value while including a free domain.
Once you are directed to the checkout window, don’t forget to select the four-year time period to get the best deal on monthly rates.
Create your account on Hostinger and complete the payment formalities. After this, Hostinger’s setup wizard will come over to guide you.
It will ask some quick simple questions about your purpose and to know how familiar you are with the process of building a website.
Next, it will ask you to select a platform. Click on WordPress and Hostinger will install it for you. At this point, you can select a theme of your choice, or you can skip this step.
The last step is successfully procuring your free domain.
The screen that pops up next will give you an option of buying a new domain or using an existing one. Select the former option and enter your domain name in the box that appears. Since we already checked the availability of the domain name in the first step, all we need to do now is to add it, finish the checkout and it’s done!
It will take a few minutes for Hostinger to install WordPress and establish your website. After the set-up is complete, you will be able to view your dashboard.
Click on Manage WordPress to go to the WordPress dashboard. Here, you will be able to view what version of WordPress is installed, and can also do a new installation.
Now that the domain is secured and hosting is procured, your WordPress site is all set to rock, let’s add some finishing touches. You could also check our list for WordPress hosting where WordPress is auto-installed and highly optimized for building a successful WordPress site.
Step 3: Apply a Theme/ Design to your Website
A distinguishing feature of WordPress is that it allows you to set up themes for your website. There are more than a hundred themes available to choose from, free of cost!
There are various marketplaces and stores for themes, like ThemeForest. These third-party websites offer standard themes for free, to help enhance your website’s appearance and presentation. You can also look for themes on the official directory of WordPress ( WordPress.org).
Installing theme
If you are selecting a theme from WordPress.org, which is the official directory, it’s very simple to install it.
Click on Appearance > Themes > Add New. Select a theme of your choice and click on the Install button beneath it.
Activate the theme after installation to let it appear on your website.
However, if you are wanting to apply a theme from a third-party website, the process will differ a bit.
Steps to install a theme from a third-party website:
- Download the theme in the form of a .zip file.
- Sign in with your account on the WordPress dashboard, click on Appearance, and then click on Themes.
- Click on ‘Add New’.
- You will see a blue button labeled ‘Upload Theme’. Click on it and browse the .zip file from your device and upload it.
You will see a message of completion with an activation link and you are done!
You can also buy premium themes which are available at various prices, some for every pocket.
Step 4: Installation of Plugins ( can be skipped)
One can install plugins to enhance the service quality of their website. They will serve as cherries on top of a cake.
Be it analysis of website traffic, optimization, or security, you can find a variety of options in any category to choose from.
However, as the saying goes, too much of anything is good for nothing. Do not get over-excited and install every other appealing plugin that you come across. Choose wisely.
Too many plugins will slow down your site, which might result in reduced traffic.
Step 5: Composing Key Website settings
Configuring and setting up permanent links is an important step that should not be ignored. And it is best to do this immediately after starting a website.
Your organization will determine the cast of your website links. It is as important as your website itself.
A proper setup will help your audience to know where exactly they are on your website. This is also a very important characteristic that determines your SEO ranking.
One can easily be misguided and commit mistakes while setting up a structure, which is why it is important to follow these steps, to get the right hold on it:
- Go to Settings from the sidebar on your WordPress dashboard and open PermaLinks.
- Select Custom Structure from the Common Settings.
- Enter a tag string.
- Save the changes.
Step 6: Final setup and promotions
Now that everything is finally done, it’s time to brew some quality content for the website to attract traffic and not only that but to give them a reason to stay.
You can begin by creating some basic and vital web pages like Home, About, Privacy Policy, Contact Form, etc.
There are a lot of aspects that need to be taken care of when handling a website. Keep researching and updating to stay in position.
Stay true to your purpose, and you are sure to establish a strong community of lifelong customers!