Want to learn how to start a WordPress website? This step-by-step guide walks you through everything from registering your domain to publishing your first page – no technical experience required.
Why Start a WordPress Website?
WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet, from personal blogs to Fortune 500 companies. Here’s why it’s the top choice when you start a WordPress website:
- Free and open source – No licensing fees
- Beginner-friendly – No coding required
- Flexible – Build any type of website
- Thousands of themes – Professional designs ready to use
- Plugin ecosystem – Add any feature you need
- SEO-friendly – Built for search engine visibility
- Active community – Help is always available
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org – Which to Choose?
Before you start a WordPress website, understand the difference between these two options:
| WordPress.org (Recommended) | WordPress.com |
|---|---|
| Self-hosted – you control everything | Hosted by Automattic |
| Full customization freedom | Limited customization on free/cheap plans |
| Install any theme or plugin | Restricted themes and plugins |
| You own your content | Content on their servers |
| Requires separate hosting | Hosting included |
For a detailed comparison, read: WordPress.com vs WordPress.org – Which is Better?
Step 1: Choose Your Domain Name
Your domain name is your website’s address (like yoursite.com). Tips for choosing a great domain when you start a WordPress website:
- Keep it short – Easier to remember and type
- Make it memorable – Avoid complex spellings
- Use keywords – If relevant to your niche
- Choose the right extension – .com for business, .org for nonprofits
- Avoid hyphens and numbers – They’re confusing verbally
- Check availability – On social media too
Learn more: 7 Tips To Find The Perfect Domain Name
Where to buy: Where’s the Best Place to Buy a Domain Name?
Step 2: Get Web Hosting for Your WordPress Website
Web hosting is where your website files live. Think of it as renting space on the internet. When choosing a host, consider:
- Speed – Fast loading times improve user experience and SEO
- Uptime – Your site should be available 99.9%+ of the time
- Support – 24/7 help when you need it
- WordPress optimization – One-click installs and updates
- SSL certificate – For security (HTTPS)
- Scalability – Room to grow
Compare options: 7 Best WordPress Web Hosting Providers
Detailed guide: How To Choose The Best WordPress Hosting
Step 3: Install WordPress
Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation. Here’s how to start a WordPress website with the installation:
- Log into your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.)
- Find the “WordPress” or “Website” installer
- Click “Install” and follow the prompts
- Set your site title and admin credentials
- Complete installation (usually under 5 minutes)
After installation, access your dashboard at yoursite.com/wp-admin
Lost your login? See: How To Find Your WordPress Admin Login
Step 4: Choose and Install a Theme
Your theme determines how your website looks. WordPress comes with a default theme, but you’ll likely want something more specific to your needs.
Browse themes by purpose:
- Complete WordPress Themes Guide
- Best Free WordPress Themes
- Nonprofit Themes
- Business & Agency Themes
Step 5: Configure Essential Settings
Set Up Google Analytics
Track your visitors and understand how people use your site. This data is invaluable for improving your website over time.
Follow our guide: How To Set-up Google Analytics in WordPress
Add Google Tag Manager
For advanced tracking and marketing tags, Google Tag Manager provides a central place to manage all your scripts.
See: How to add Google Tag Manager to WordPress Without Plugins
Configure Permalinks
Go to Settings → Permalinks and select “Post name” for clean, SEO-friendly URLs like yoursite.com/about-us instead of yoursite.com/?p=123.
Set Your Profile Picture
A professional avatar builds trust with your visitors.
Learn how: How to Add WordPress Avatar
Step 6: Install Essential Plugins
Plugins add functionality to your WordPress site. Start with these essentials:
- Security plugin – Protect against hackers
- Backup plugin – Never lose your content
- SEO plugin – Optimize for search engines
- Caching plugin – Speed up your site
- Contact form – Let visitors reach you
See our complete guide: Essential WordPress Plugins Guide
Step 7: Create Essential Pages
Every website needs these core pages:
- Home – Your main landing page
- About – Who you are and what you do
- Contact – How to reach you
- Privacy Policy – Required for legal compliance
- Blog – If you’ll publish articles
Step 8: Launch Your WordPress Website
Before going live, complete this checklist:
- Test all links and forms
- Check mobile responsiveness
- Verify SSL is working (HTTPS)
- Set up Google Search Console
- Submit your sitemap
- Test site speed
Get indexed faster: How to Get Google to Index Your Website
WordPress vs Other Platforms
Wondering how WordPress compares to alternatives? We’ve analyzed the options:
Common Issues When Starting a WordPress Website
Running into problems? These guides can help:
Next Steps After You Start a WordPress Website
Congratulations on learning how to start a WordPress website! Here’s what to focus on next:
- Add content – Start creating pages and posts
- Secure your site – See our Security Guide
- Start blogging – Check our Blogging Guide
- Get plugins – Browse essential plugins
Need a complete walkthrough? Read our detailed guide: How To Make a Website
