Whether you’re trying to build an ecommerce store or want to showcase your portfolio, building a website is essential.
One of the CMS on the market is WordPress. But how do you create a WordPress site? Do you need to know how to code in HTML or is anyone able to do this?
Keep reading for our complete checklist and learn how to launch a WordPress site to get started with your website today!
1. Choose a Hosting Provider
Once you have a domain name for your website, you’ll need a hosting provider. A web host, or web server, is where your website lives while it’s waiting to be accessed by visitors. You’re essentially renting server space from a web hosting company.
Ideally, you want to choose a hosting provider with WordPress core already installed, like Pressable. You can pick a package that works best for you and it will include WordPress infrastructure and free migrations!
You should then spend time getting familiar with the WordPress interface before choosing your theme.
2. Choose a WordPress Theme
Your WordPress theme should reflect the style you want for your site, and help you to achieve your website’s goal. WordPress themes can be installed quickly and changed in the future if needed.
In general, there are two types of themes you’re able to choose. You can have a multipurpose theme, which is flexible and able to adapt to most types of sites. Another option is a niche theme, which will be built with a specific type of site in mind. You can then create a layout for each page on your website and add specific elements, like a photo gallery.
In an ideal state, you would be choosing one theme for the long run. So it’s important to take your time at this stage setting up your pages and testing them.
When choosing a theme, think about your budget. There are tons of free themes available, but buying a theme would likely give you a higher quality code. The ability to customize your code might be important to you. Also, make sure the theme you’re choosing has support and updates available.
3. Install Plugins and Customize Your Site
Plugins are basically add-ons that will up-level your website’s functionality. You should choose the plugins that will add features you want to have on your website. Some popular plugins are for things like forms that will make your website interactive.
There are thousands of free plugins directly on the WordPress site you can use, so spend some time browsing them. Take a look at the ratings of plugins and if they have any bugs or other issues.
Customizing your site is another important step after you’ve chosen the theme. Try out different fonts, sizes, and colors to make sure the entire site has the look you’re going for.
4. Add Content and Publish
Most websites will launch without getting a lot of traffic, so one way to improve your site’s chance of being seen is by adding content. Use SEO to create blogs that will gain attention by using keywords that will rank well.
Before writing these blogs, come up with potential topic ideas and do some SEO research. The goal will be to add your website to a search engine results page for a particular keyword.
After you’ve started the work of adding content, you should have a strategy set up for the future. Create a posting schedule that you’re able to stick to. Regular content will help your site get crawled by Google. Blogging at least once a week is a good strategy for building an audience.
Link to your other profiles, like social media sites, so that you can share your blogs elsewhere. You should also create an email list since this will also help you gain traffic to your website.
5. Schedule BackUps and Security
The job of launching your WordPress site isn’t over once you’ve published it. Scheduling backups and security are important to the health of your website.
Pay attention to any updates and maintenance required for WordPress, along with your theme and any plugins you choose to install. This will improve the performance of your website. It will also fix any bugs, add new features and enhance your security.
One of the most important things you can do for your website’s security is to have a backup solution. Choosing a WordPress backup solution can save you if anything breaks on your site.
All Pressable Personal plans and up come with free JetPack Security With Jetpack, you’ll have your website backed up to ensure you are protecting your content. Having this type of security is highly important. If you get hacked, or your site breaks after an update, JetPack will protect your hard work.
Using JetPack will prevent you from getting in a situation where your website’s data is breached and you have to spend money on costly repairs!
Learning How to Launch a WordPress Site is Important
By following all the steps above, you can learn how to launch a WordPress site and get started with achieving your website goals. It’s important to spend time choosing your theme, customizing your site, and publishing content.
Also, by choosing a web host like Pressable, you’ll have WordPress infrastructure and can easily configure WordPress!
For more information about WordPress and to learn how we can help you achieve your website goals, request a demo!
Jessica Frick
Jessica is a driving force behind the company’s mission to deliver the best managed WordPress hosting experience. Her dedication is rooted in her extensive experience with WordPress hosting, spanning over a decade. Since 2008, she has immersed herself in the WordPress ecosystem, holding various WordPress-centric roles since 2010. Her expertise extends beyond technical proficiency to encompass a deep understanding of the WordPress community and its needs. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, serving her community, watching hilarious dog videos online, and drinking a lot of iced tea.
