Welcome to the world of WordPress, where creating a website is no longer just for techies or web developers. Whether you're launching a personal blog, a business website, or an online store, WordPress offers powerful tools, a supportive community, and flexibility for users at every skill level. This guide will walk you through how to get started with WordPress in a simple, friendly, and practical way.

What Is WordPress?

WordPress is a free, open-source content management system (CMS) that allows you to build and manage a website without needing to write code. As of today, over 40% of all websites on the internet use WordPress. There are two main versions:

  • WordPress.org - Self-hosted version, ideal for full control and customization.
  • WordPress.com - Hosted version with built-in infrastructure, great for beginners.

This guide is about WordPress.org, the more powerful and flexible option.

Step 1: Choose a Domain Name andd Web Hosting

Before installing WordPress, you need two things.

A Domain Name

Domain name is your website's address (e.g., www.yourname.com). You can buy it from registrars like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or through your chosen hosting provider

A Web Hosting Provider

Hosting is where your website lives on the internet. Popular hosting services for WordPress include

Most of these offer one-click WordPress installation.

Step 2: Install WordPress

If you're using a WordPress-recommended host like Bluehost or SiteGround, WordPress is either pre-installed or easily set up in one click.

Manual Installation:

  1. Download WordPress from wordpress.org/download.
  2. Upload the files to your hosting server using an FTP tool like FileZilla
  3. Create a MySQL database (via your hosting control panel).
  4. Visit your domain and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Most users won't need to install WordPress manually, but it's helpful to understand the process.

Step 3: Log In to Your WordPress Dashboard

Once installed, visit:

https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin

Log in using your username and password. This is your WordPress Dashboard—where all the magic happens.

Step 4: Choose a Theme

WordPress themes

Your theme controls how your site looks and feels.

  1. Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New.
  2. Browse free themes or search by keyword.
  3. Click Install and then Activate

Popular Free Themes:

You can also explore premium themes on sites like:

Step 5: Install Essential Plugins

Plugins extend WordPress functionality - like adding contact forms, SEO tools, and more

Must-Have Plugins:

To install:

  1. Go to Plugins > Add New.
  2. Search for the plugin.
  3. Click Install Now, then Activate.

Step 6: Create Your First Pages and Posts

WordPress pages in dashboard

Pages:

For static content like Home, About, Contact.

  1. Go to Pages > Add New
  2. Use the block editor to add text, images, etc.
  3. Click Publish

Posts

For blog content or updates

  1. Go to Posts > Add New
  2. Add your content, set categories and tags
  3. Click Publish

Explore the Gutenberg block editor to create rich content easily using blocks for headings, images, videos, buttons, andd more.

Step 7: Customize Your Site

Go to Appearance > Customize to:

  • Upload a logo or site icon (favicon)
  • Change fonts, colors, layout
  • Set homepage display (latest posts or static page)
  • Add widgets
  • Manage menus

All changes are previewed live before saving.

Step 8: Configure Basic Settings
WordPress settings

Head to Settings and update:

  • General: Site title, tagline, email
  • Reading: Choose homepage settins
  • Permalinks: Select "Post name" for SEO-friendly URLs
  • Discussion: Control comments and notifications

Example:

To make your homepage a static page:

  • Go to Settings > Reading
  • Set "Homepage Displays" to "A static page"
  • Select your homepage and blog page

Step 9: Launch Your Website

Before going live:

  • Test your site on desktop and mobile
  • Check all links and forms
  • Proofread your content
  • Install Google Site Kit to connect Analytics and Search Console
You're ready to share your site with the world - congratulations!

Bonus Advice: Grow and Manage Your Site

Once your site is live, here's what to focus on next:

Learn More WordPress Skills

Optimize for SEO

Add eCommerce