How to Make a Website with WordPress: A Beginner’s Guide

Creating a website might seem like a daunting task, but WordPress makes it accessible for everyone. Whether you want to start a blog, showcase your business, or sell products online, WordPress is a powerful and flexible platform that enables you to do it all without needing advanced technical skills.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to building your own WordPress website with estimated costs included:

Step 1: Choose a Domain Name and Hosting Provider

Your domain name is your website’s address (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com). Choose a name that reflects your purpose and is easy to remember.

Next, select a hosting provider. Hosting is where your website files will be stored. Some popular hosting providers include:

• Hostinger: Starts at $2.99/month (billed annually, around $35.88/year for the first year, but renews at $99/year).
• Bluehost: Starts at $2.95/month (billed annually, around $35.40/year for the first year, but renews at $119.88/year).
• SiteGround: Starts at $14.99/month (billed annually, around $179.88/year).

Domain names typically cost around $10-$15/year, but many hosting providers include a free domain for the first year.

Step 2: Install WordPress

Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Look for a “WordPress” or “Website” section.
3. Click on the “Install WordPress” option and follow the prompts.
4. Set up your admin username and password (keep this secure!).

After installation, you can log in to your WordPress dashboard by visiting www.yourwebsite.com/wp-admin.

Step 3: Choose a Theme

Themes control how your website looks. WordPress offers thousands of free and premium themes to choose from. While free themes are a good start, creating your own custom theme can be challenging and time-consuming. For a more professional and polished look, we recommend investing in a premium theme.

To install a theme:

1. Go to Appearance > Themes in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click “Add New” and browse through the themes.
3. Once you find one you like, click “Install” and then “Activate.”

Premium themes from marketplaces like ThemeForest cost between $29-$79, depending on the features and design. They also often come with customer support and regular updates.

Step 4: Customize Your Website

After activating a theme, you can customize it to match your vision:

1. Go to Appearance > Customize to access the WordPress Customizer.
2. Adjust the site title, logo, colors, fonts, and other settings.

For more advanced designs, consider using a drag-and-drop page builder like:

• Elementor Pro: $59/year for advanced features.
• Beaver Builder: Starts at $99/year.

Step 5: Add Essential Plugins

Plugins add functionality to your website. For example, you can add contact forms, improve SEO to be easier to find on Search Engines, or boost security.

Here are some must-have plugins for beginners:

• Yoast SEO: Free, with premium plans starting at $99/year.
• Elementor: Free, with Pro plans at $59/year.
• WPForms: Free, with Pro plans starting at $49.50/year.
• Wordfence: Free, with premium options starting at $99/year.

Do note the free versions are extremely limited, we would suggest to get the Pro plans.

To install a plugin:

1. Go to Plugins > Add New in your dashboard.
2. Search for the plugin you need.
3. Click “Install” and then “Activate.”

Step 6: Create Key Pages

Every website should have a few essential pages:

• Home Page: The first impression of your site.
• About Page: Share your story or information about your business.
• Services/Products Page: Detail what you offer.
• Contact Page: Include a form or contact information for visitors.

To create a page:

1. Go to Pages > Add New in your dashboard.
2. Add your content and format it using the editor.
3. Click “Publish” when you’re ready.

Step 7: Maintain Your Website

Launching your website is just the beginning. Websites require regular maintenance to stay secure and perform well. Tasks include:

• Updating themes and plugins to their latest versions.
• Backing up your website regularly.
• Monitoring website speed and performance.

While it’s possible to do this on your own, it can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you encounter technical issues. Consider hiring a professional to handle maintenance, so you can focus on growing your business.

Estimated Costs Summary

Final Thoughts

Creating a WordPress website is an empowering experience. However, it requires time, effort, and ongoing maintenance. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or want to ensure your website is professionally designed and managed, we can help.

At Guramo.com, we specialize in creating functional, stress-free WordPress websites tailored to your needs. We’ve partnered with many of these service providers to secure cheaper rates, enabling us to deliver more affordable solutions for your business. Let us handle the technical details so you can focus on your business. Ready to get started? Contact us today!