How to Make a WordPress Website in 2023
If you have been involved with marketing or promoting your business online, you will most likely have heard of WordPress. WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) on the market, with over 42.9% of the internet being powered by WordPress (as of 2022).
However, WordPress is not the only CMS platform available. So why is WordPress so popular? WordPress is the most used CMS option because it is easy to use and perfect for businesses that want to build a professional website without needing a web developer to make changes.
This blog post will show you how to make a WordPress website in 2023, even without prior experience. We will cover everything from choosing a domain name and hosting provider to installing WordPress and customising your site. By the end of this post, you will have all the knowledge you need to start creating your website.
Why Use WordPress To Create A Website?
Many website CMS builders are out there, but why choose WordPress as the best route for your business?
WordPress is an exceptional tool for quickly and easily creating a website. It boasts many user-friendly features, including robust content management, seamless integration with hosted platforms, and intuitive design tools.
Every WordPress site is fully customisable and grants pro and budding webmasters the power to build an aesthetically pleasing, resource-rich site without any prior coding knowledge. Whether you want to launch a blog, portfolio site, or even an e-commerce store, WordPress makes building a website easier than ever before.
Seamless updates and access to new plugin releases are just some of the reasons it makes building and maintaining a website simple, accessible, and rewarding.
What Do I Need to Build A Website?
Building a website can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be if you have the right tools and resources. We will help you with everything that you need to get started on having a website.
Domain Name
Domain name registration is a process through which you can secure the rights to use a domain name for your website, blog, or email address. When registering a domain name, there are several steps you must go through.
First, you need to choose the right domain name. Ideally, your domain name should be easy to remember and reflect your site’s content (if applicable).
It’s also essential to ensure that someone else isn’t already using the same domain name as yours. To do this, it’s best to search online using a tool like WHOIS to tell you if the name has already been registered and by whom.
Once you’ve chosen a unique domain name, it’s time to register it with an accredited registrar. The registration process involves paying a small yearly fee.
During registration, you’ll be asked to provide your contact information (name and address) and billing information (credit card number).
Finally, once your domain name has been registered, you can start using it for your website or blog. If you want to use the domain name for email purposes, you may need to configure additional settings on your web hosting account.
Everyone who wants to have a presence on the internet must first register a domain name. By taking the time to register a unique domain name and following through with all of the steps in the process, you can ensure that your website or blog gets off to a good start.
WordPress Hosting
Website hosting is also important to consider when setting up a website. If you don’t have hosting, your website will not be accessible online. Many web hosting providers offer different plans and packages to suit the needs of any website.
Shared hosting, VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting, Dedicated server hosting and Cloud hosting are popular website hosting options. Each type of hosting provides different features and benefits, depending on the size and requirements of your website.
When choosing a web host, selecting one that is reliable, offers high uptime percentages, and has good customer support is important. Additionally, it would be best if you looked at the types of databases they offer as well as their storage space allowance to make sure your website will be able to handle any increase in traffic.
For security, you must choose a web hosting provider with SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protection for sensitive data. This is especially important if you plan to take payments online or collect visitors’ personal information.
Finally, it would be best to consider the hosting cost when deciding. Make sure to compare prices and features between different web hosting providers before deciding which is correct. With a reliable web host, your website will run quickly.
How Much Does A WordPress Website Cost?
The cost can vary significantly depending on the site type and features you need. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from around £1000 for a basic website from a professional designer.
Also, the final cost can vary depending on whether you’re comfortable making specific changes or employing an experienced WordPress web designer or developer to work on your behalf. Of course, many free themes and plugins are also available, which can help keep costs down while still providing a great-looking, fully functional website.
Eventually, it depends on what kind of site you’re looking for and how much customisation is needed to make it work. If you’re uncertain where to start, many WordPress hosting companies can help guide you through the process and provide pricing for different packages.
Remember that a website is an investment in your business, so it’s worth ensuring you get the best value for your money.
Seven Easy Steps In Building a WordPress Website
It’s now easier than ever to set up a basic WordPress website. So, what do you need to begin? Following seven simple steps, you could have web page layouts, online branding, and other features.
1. Buy a Domain Name
As discussed above, the initial step in creating a website is purchasing a domain name. A domain name is an address visitors type into their web browser to access your website.
It’s crucial to pick a domain name that’s easy to recall and mirrors what your website is all about. Numerous companies will let you register a domain name, so exploring your options is ideal before making a purchase.
2. Purchase WordPress Hosting
The next step in creating a website is to purchase web hosting, and many options are available. You can choose from shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated server hosting, and cloud hosting.
Each type of hosting offers different features and benefits that may be more suitable for your website’s needs. When selecting a web host, consider the cost, storage space, security protocols, speed of service, number of websites allowed on the account, and customer support.
Before purchasing, it is important to read reviews and compare hosting providers. Many companies offer discounts on web hosting, so shop around to find the best deal. Once you have chosen a host, you will be ready to start building your website.
3. Install WordPress
Once you have your domain and hosting all set up, it’s time to install WordPress. Fortunately, this is a straightforward process.
Most web hosting services offer a one-click installation of WordPress, simplifying the process. All you need to do is find the “one-click install” section in your hosting control panel (typically cPanel), select WordPress from the list of available applications, and click the “Install Now” button.
You will then be asked to enter basic information about your new site, including its name, description, and admin user credentials for logging into the dashboard. Once you fill out this information and hit the ‘Finish Installation’ button, the installation should be complete.
Now you can log into your dashboard with the username and password you provided during installation. From there, you can customise your site’s design and content, add plugins and widgets, create new posts and pages, and set up a contact form—in short, do all sorts of things to make your website your own.
The installation is relatively simple, but if you encounter any issues or find yourself stuck during the setup, you can always seek help from your web hosting provider. They will happily assist you with installing and ensuring everything works properly.
4. Choose A WordPress Theme
When choosing a theme, it’s important to assess the overall look and feel you want for your website. Do you want a modern layout or a classic WordPress web design? Something minimalistic or more detailed? Consider how the theme will integrate with other components, such as plugins and widgets.
Themes come in many different formats, so make sure to check out demos before completing a purchase. This will give you an idea of how the theme looks on different devices and browsers. Further, some themes offer premium support services if needed.
Finally, select a theme that is easy to use and customise, as this will make your job much easier when building a great website. Once you have made your decision, WordPress will provide step-by-step instructions on how to install the theme and get started. You can create a beautiful website that reflects your vision with suitable themes and plugins.
5. Customise Your Website
You can quickly customise your site to have a unique and visually appealing look. Start by determining a colour scheme that works well with the theme of your website, or try out a bolder colour palette if you’re feeling adventurous. Adding images or graphics to your content is also an outstanding way to make it more eye-catching and grab a reader’s attention.
For best results with your pictures, it’s essential to have high resolution and use proper formatting for different devices. After you’ve chosen all the design elements for your site, it’s critical your navigation structure is logical to use so users can find content quickly. Additionally, you should add search functionality or other interactive features, such as forums or shopping carts, if they make sense for your website. With all these components in place, you will have a fantastic website that works perfectly.
6. Create Pages And Posts
Building a successful website requires much more than just throwing a few pages together and calling it “done”; the number of things you need to create a website is surprisingly high.
After selecting the right domain name, hosting, and theme for your WordPress website, you can create pages and posts consistent with your brand’s goals, look great on any device, and, most importantly, have content people want to link to. With all these components, creating an impressive presence online is within reach.
7. Enhance Your Site With WordPress Plugins
If you have a WordPress website, then there has never been an easier way to take your site to the next level than by using plugins.
With many different plugins available, from contact forms and photo galleries to automated backup and SEO tools, you can give your visitors an immersive experience tailored to their needs.
Not only will they benefit from the convenience of having access to these features, but it will also make managing your website much easier and more efficient. With so much power at your fingertips, don’t pass up the opportunity to improve your website with WordPress plugins.
Common Errors You Can Face While Creating a Website With WordPress
While creating a website with WordPress can be an easy and enjoyable experience, it is essential to know that you may face some common errors along the way. Some of the most common errors include:
White Screen of Death
The White Screen of Death, also known as WSOD, is a common occurrence for users of the WordPress platform. This error generally occurs when an update or server-side issue causes compatibility problems.
It can be incredibly frustrating to troubleshoot and resolve, but fortunately, there are some steps you can take to find out what is causing the problem and start finding a solution.
First, check if your theme is compatible with the version of WordPress you’re running. If not, switch to a theme that is compatible. You should also ensure any plugins you’re using are up-to-date, as outdated plugins can cause compatibility issues leading to the WSOD.
Lastly, if all else fails, contact your hosting technical support for assistance in analysing the error and resolving the problem promptly and efficiently.
Stuck in Maintenance Mode
If your website is stuck in maintenance mode, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many websites experience this issue at some point. Fortunately, a few simple steps can help you get out of maintenance mode and back online quickly.
1. Check Your Site’s Error Log
If your site has gone into an unexpected maintenance mode, this is usually caused by a recent error. Your site’s error log will have more information on what went wrong and why.
2. Access The Maintenance Mode File
If you can still access your site, you may be able to disable the maintenance mode by deleting or renaming the active maintenance file. This is usually found in the website’s root directory.
3. Check Site Settings
If you’ve recently changed your site’s settings, it could be causing the maintenance mode issue. Make sure all of your settings are correct and up-to-date before trying any other solutions.
4. Contact Your Hosting Provider
If you’re unsure what’s causing the maintenance mode on your website, it may be best to contact your hosting provider. They can help provide more information and troubleshoot any issues that may be causing the problem.
By following these simple steps, you should be able to get out of maintenance mode and your website back online with minimal downtime and stress.
5. Error Establishing A Database Connection
The “Error Establishing a Database Connection” message is one of the most common WordPress errors. It can arise for multiple reasons, such as incorrect information entered in the wp-config.php file, an issue with the database server, or even due to corrupted files.
To analyse and resolve this error, you should check your wp-config.php file to ensure the information entered is correct. If the input appears correct, you can try resetting your database password. Once done, you can reaccess your website without any further issues.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, then it may be necessary to contact your web hosting provider for assistance in resolving the issue.
Final Words
Choosing WordPress to create your website is an excellent option for anyone looking to start a business or blog. With a wide range of themes, plugins, and customisation options, it is easy to create the perfect website to meet your needs.
Following the step-by-step guidelines on making a WordPress website will help you build your business website.
You can take advantage of Sanders Design services. Let us remove all possible roadblocks to getting your business online with a WordPress website that looks stunning and is easy to manage.
So what are you waiting for? Contact us now, and let’s start building your website.
