When setting up a website from scratch often the first step is to turn to WordPress.
It is simple to set up, offers a wide variety of flexible options for customisation and hosting, and an extensive list of plugins to enhance your site as your business matures over time.
Sounds simple right?
Unfortunately, all this functionality requires a level of knowledge to navigate the content management solution. Don't worry, that's why you're here.
So where do I start?
This tutorial will walk you through the necessary steps in setting up your first WordPress site, and areas for you to focus on as you mature and grow more confident within the console.
View our blog for a detailed guide with relevant screenshots:
https://digif9.co.uk/how-to-build-your-new-wordpress-website/
Step 1: Choose A Domain
We're at base camp!
Maybe you have an existing website you aren't happy with. Maybe you have a business and want to grow your digital presence. Or maybe you have a concept in mind for a start-up business and want to get your foot in the door.
Either way the first step is defining the domain address for your website - essentially what you want users to search for to view your content.
Whilst you have pure creative freedom with your website there are three key points to ensure you select the most effective option;
!Tip: Short snappy domains are often the most effective and easy to remember.
Whilst there are several options for digital marketing and advertising, often the most effective way to grow your digital presence is through word of mouth, so make sure that domain name sticks in the brain!
Step 2: Choose Your Hosting Option
Fire up those engines!
WordPress is an excellent choice when setting up a website due to the flexible hosting options it provides. Some of the most common examples include;
As a beginner the thought of setting up a website is enough to juggle, without the added burden of thinking about setting up your own servers and managing the infrastructure there.
That is why the most common option for beginners is to use Managed WordPress Hosting, where you can pay a subscription fee to a service provider to manage the technical infrastructure, leaving you to focus on the website content!
The main benefits of Managed WordPress Hosting include;
Step 3: Perform Initial Site Setup
Time for those final safety checks!
Most web hosting providers will offer you an easy to use, one-click installation option that simplifies the whole process. As WordPress is primarily coded in PHP, this one click option helps you to get through the initial configuration stages without needing to be a programming expert or writing a line of code. Just like magic!
During the configuration you specify an email address to use as your username, and a password to secure your account with.
Step 4: Access The Admin Interface
Fasten those seatbelts we're almost ready!
Once you have completed the installation and created your login information, it is time to step inside the management interface. By default, the admin login section is located at;
www.yourdomainname.com/wp-login.php
Step 5: Find A WordPress Theme
Fetch me the keys!
We're now set up with our website and have logged into the admin section. Before creating content for your site, you first want to define a theme. This allows all subsequent pages that you add to automatically match this defined theme, with features such as font library, size and colour examples of factors to define.
Within the themes section there are a number of pre-built themes for WordPress. This will save significant time designing and coding a website from scratch.
Step 6: Configure Your WordPress Theme
Lets do those final tweaks!
Once you have selected your theme, you should select 'Add New' at the top of the page, to take you to the WordPress repository of themes. Here you can select the theme of your choice, preview, install and activate it for your site.
Once activated you can then customise further by selecting the 'Customise' option.
Options in here include;
Step 7: Configure & Publish Your First Page
Calling all stations, it's go time!
Now we have our website and our theme, lets get our first page setup. The most common place to start is the homepage - the first page that users will land on when they visit your website.
What makes a good homepage you ask?
Whilst there is no secret sauce to making a good homepage, a few herbs and spices will set yours apart from a bland option!
Step 8: Add Further Pages
Not all websites were created equal.
There are a number of different reasons why you might set up a website, maybe you want to publish a blog, or offer an ecommerce platform, and the purpose of the site will largely dictate what content will be on it. But for all websites you will likely have the following sections;
Using WordPress, you can create a website akin to your desires, whether that be multiple pages on a domain, or an infinite scrolling page with content all contained within it.
Whichever option you select you should define exactly what content needs to go on each page, which will make this process go as smoothly as possible.
Step 9: Create A Menu Bar
Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads.
Great, you've created a series of pages and your website looks great in WordPress! However, we also need to make sure it looks good to visiting users who ultimately land on the homepage by default.
On the homepage, you will need to add a menu bar that can be used to navigate to the different sub-pages & sections that you have created. A great menu bar is;
Step 10: Configure Your WordPress Settings
The beauty (and challenge) of WordPress is that it offers a wide range of configurable settings for users. These can be left to the defaults for first time users, or carefully selected by users looking to enhance the website. For further details on these configuration settings, use the link at the bottom of this article to read the full blog.
Step 11: Install WordPress Plugins
Plug and play.
A WordPress plugin can be thought of as a piece of software that has been designed to achieve a function within WordPress. This is where you can take your simple start up website and transform into an enterprise grade powerful digital platform.
Some of the most common features that these plugins target include;
The WordPress repository currently contains over 50,000 free plugins, where you can get lost sifting through the endless possibilities. But be wary - with great power comes great responsibility (and resource).
WordPress plugins add an additional layer to your site, so this additional weight can impact loading times and user experience. So, you should carefully select plugins that help achieve your goals, without adding in extra for the sake of it.
Step 12: Professional Services
Final comments!
The task of building a website can be daunting and almost overwhelming for a new user, especially someone with no technical experience. Your website may be the first thing a potential client visits and sees in relation to your business, so amongst other things, it should grab the visitor’s attention.
If you would like a professional to take care of creating and securing your new website to grab the user’s attention, look no further. DigiF9 have a team of designers and developers who will be happy to create a brand new, bespoke website that you love. Email [email protected] to get the ball rolling.
Stay tuned for next week’s article, Securing your WordPress site.
To read this week’s full article, visit:
https://digif9.co.uk/how-to-build-your-new-wordpress-website/
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