10 Tutorials to Create a WordPress Website: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (2019)
WordPress is a powerful content management system with a myriad of powerful free and premium features. Most people in South Africa interested in creating a site, use this platform. However, upon starting a WordPress website design, users tend to get overwhelmed by the high levels of customisation. Below is a step-by-step guide which will show you how to get started on this platform:
Step 1: Select the right domain name
The domain name is what people have to type to enter your WordPress website. Picking the right one is essential and determines how easy it is for users to find your entrepreneurship page. Make sure it is short, simple for everyone to remember, and matches your business’s name.
Click for an in-depth guide for domain name selection
Step 2: Invest in web hosting
If you don’t have a lot of knowledge about server technology, the next best thing is to invest in web hosting. A third-party company encompasses web design packages that will help manage this aspect of your site so that you can focus on creating an eye-catchy website design. As you are starting, the best option is to choose the basic plan and upgrade since you will receive more visitors.
Click to learn more about web hosting
Step 3: Install WordPress on your device
The advantage of investing in web design packages that include web hosting is that it becomes easy to install WordPress on your laptop or computer. Most third-party service providers will only require a couple of clicks to get the job done. Once it is on your device, you need to create the login information for your WordPress website.
Click for a complete guide for installing WordPress
Step 4: Search for a theme
You need to pay attention to the website design so that it looks unique and attractive. The beauty of WordPress website is that you can choose from a myriad of themes, which saves you a lot of effort of creating one from scratch.
Click for how to search for WordPress themes
Step 5: Install the theme
The process of installing the theme differs, depending on whether you choose the free or premium version. For the former, head to “Appearances,” select “Themes,” choose “Add New,” and you can install it.
If you went for a premium theme from a third-party, you need to download their file in WordPress file format. The process is the same as the one for free, with an additional step where you upload it from your device.
Click for a guide to install WordPress themes
Step 6: Customize the theme
Every WordPress website designer will ask you to customise the WordPress theme so that it looks unique. Remember that there are thousands of companies which purchase the same WordPress theme, due to which it is essential to stand out. Head to “Customise” and select “Appearance” to start tweaking the appearance of the WordPress website.
Click to learn how to customise your theme
Step 7: Search and install plugins
Plugins are a godsend for your WordPress website and enhance functionality. You can perform specific tasks, such as add a payment gateway, optimise content for faster load times, and improve security to prevent hackers from gaining access. Go to Plugins, and select “Add New,” which takes you to the repository.
Click for WordPress Plugin Guide 101
Step 8: Add a page
Having multiple pages is essential for your WordPress website, which you can use to divide the content. You can use it for specific purposes, such as telling users more about your business or a place to take a look at your products and services. Go to pages, select “Add New,” to create a new page.
Click for a Comprehensive new page guide for WordPress
Step 9: Create a menu
Your WordPress website must have a navigational menu that helps with navigation. Select “Appearance” and choose “Menus” to create one for your site. There are a lot of options which you need to tinker with, to make the best one which is helpful to the visitors.
Click for Menu creation guide for beginners
Step 10: Publish it
Once you finish the above steps, you can publish your site, and it will go online. Don’t worry if it looks basic – you have the option of improving its appearance as you learn about website design.
Click for Know more about publishing your content
Once you complete this guide, you will be able to create beautiful WordPress websites even though you are a beginner!