If you browse websites on the internet, chances are that website is hosted on WordPress. By some estimates: Approximately 500 million websites Use WordPress. WordPress is popular because it’s easy to use, in large part because of that. Learn how to set up a WordPress site, choose between self-hosted and managed versions, choose a domain, customize it with themes and plugins, and create and publish content for different types of websites.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is free and open source Content Management System (CMS) A tool that allows you to create and manage your own website or WordPress blog. Without advanced technical knowledge you can build a fully functional WordPress site from scratch, customize it with themes and plugins, and easily publish your content.
As of 2024, WordPress is The most popular CMS for creating any websiteFrom simple blogs to large portfolios. Start a blogIf you want to launch a business website or create your own online presence, WordPress gives you the tools and flexibility to help you build.
WordPress.com vs WordPress.org
WordPress has two different services: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Both offer a platform for creating and managing websites, but Hostingcustomization options, and associated costs:
WordPress
WordPress is a hosting platform that allows you to create a WordPress site without needing a web hosting account. As part of managed WordPress hosting, hosting, security, and core updates are all handled for you, simplifying building and managing your WordPress website.
WordPress.com Free Plan It offers limited features and WordPress.com branding. Paid plans start at $4/month (billed annually) for the Starter plan, which includes a custom domain and access to premium themes. Higher plans, such as the Creator plan at $25/month and the Entrepreneur plan at $45/month, offer more advanced features.
WordPress
in contrast, WordPress We provide a downloadable, open source software version of WordPress that you can install on your web hosting account. With self-hosted WordPress.org, you have full ownership and control over your website and are free to install plugins and themes.
However, you are responsible for managing hosting, security, performance, and WordPress software updates, which requires more technical knowledge than managed hosting from WordPress.com. While WordPress.org is free to download and use, web hosting can cost anywhere from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars per month.
What is a WordPress Theme?
A WordPress theme is a template that determines the look and layout of a WordPress website. Themes allow WordPress users to quickly change the look and feel of their website, making it easy to create a professional business website, blog, portfolio, or online store without advanced coding knowledge.
WordPress has a variety of options, from the default theme that appears when you first install WordPress, to thousands of free and premium themes created by the WordPress community. You can customize the WordPress theme of your choice to suit your needs, Free WordPress tutorials Learn how to create a theme from scratch.
What are WordPress Plugins?
A WordPress plugin is a software add-on that extends the functionality of your WordPress site. Plugins allow you to add new features to your WordPress site without writing any code. There are over 59,000 free WordPress plugins available, covering a wide range of functionality.
Search the WordPress Plugin Directory from your WordPress admin dashboard. When evaluating plugins to install, look for ones that are popular, regularly updated, compatible with your version of WordPress, and highly rated by other users. Be careful, though, as installing too many plugins can slow down your site.
Common plugin types include:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Increase your site’s visibility in search engines by using plugins like: Yost SEO or All-in-one SEO.
What types of websites can you build with WordPress?
Whether you’re starting a forum or launching a site for a small business, WordPress has the tools and flexibility to meet the needs of many types of websites, including:
- Personal blog: Write blog posts that showcase your personality, interests, and creative pursuits.
- Member Website: Build and serve your community to generate recurring revenue Online Courses You can also access content that is exclusive to paid members.
- Small business websites: Promote your business and attract new customers by highlighting the services and expertise you offer.
- E-commerce store: Start your online business and sell your products and services worldwide by creating a website with e-commerce features like: Payment Gateway and E-commerce checkout.
- Portfolio Website: Showcase your creative work, projects, and accomplishments in a portfolio that highlights your skills and expertise.
- Event website: Promote and manage your events, conferences, and festivals through event details, schedules, speaker profiles, ticket sales, and more.
- Forum website: Create an online forum where users can ask questions, share ideas, and start conversations on a specific subject area.
How to get started with WordPress
- Choose your hosting option
- Choose a domain name
- Install WordPress
- Choose a theme
- Configure required plugins
- Publish your content
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, getting started with WordPress is easy. To get started, follow these simple steps:
1. Choose your hosting option
When deciding on a framework for your website, you have two main choices: use the self-hosted WordPress platform from WordPress.org or choose a hosted service from WordPress.com.
- WordPress.org: If you choose self-hosted WordPress, you download and install the open-source WordPress software on your web server, giving you full control over the backend and the ability to modify the code.
- WordPress.com: This option requires little to no technical maintenance and is ideal if you want to focus more on content creation and less on the technical aspects.
2. Choose a domain name
Choose your domain name It will be memorable and your brand or content.
When choosing a hosting plan for your self-hosted WordPress site, consider factors like bandwidth, storage, security features, whether the host has dedicated WordPress support, etc. Make sure your host meets the minimum requirements for WordPress to run the software efficiently.
3. Install WordPress
To use WordPress self-hosted, you install the open-source WordPress software on a web server of your choice. Most hosting providers make this easy with a one-click installation process, allowing you to quickly set up WordPress and access the WordPress dashboard to manage your website content.
If you choose a hosted solution, sign up for an account at WordPress.com. Choose the right planThe platform manages all the technical aspects so you can focus on creating content through an intuitive website builder.
4. Choose a theme
Once you’ve set up WordPress, choose a theme that matches the style and functionality of your site. Both WordPress.org and WordPress.com offer many customizable themes.
Choose a theme from your WordPress dashboard and customize it to your liking. Brand IdentityUse the Customizer to change colors, layouts, and fonts and see your changes in real time.
5. Configure required plugins
Find, install, and configure your plugins from your WordPress dashboard. Consider installing plugins for SEO, security, and backups first. Each plugin has different configuration, so take the time to configure them as needed. This will help keep your site running efficiently and securely. User Experience and back-end operations.
6. Publish your content
Finally, create and publish content for your website. This can be a blog post or Landing Pageor a contact form. From your WordPress dashboard, click “Posts” to add a new WordPress post or “Pages” to create a new web page. Use the block editor to add text, images, and other media to your content.
Once you’re happy, click “Publish” to make your content available for the world to see.
What is WordPress? FAQ
Can I use Shopify with WordPress?
Is WordPress Good for Beginners?
Yes, in the same way Shopify vs SquarespaceWordPress is perfect for beginners as it has a user-friendly interface and extensive community support.
Is WordPress free to use?
Yes, WordPress is free to use as it is open-source software, but you may have to pay for hosting, domain registration, premium themes and plugins.
