How to Make a WordPress Website/Blog? An Ultimate Guide

If you want to establish your online business then you may need a website or blog. There are many platforms to make a website or blog, but WordPress is the most popular platform to make a website or blog due to its flexibility and customization features. In this article, you’ll learn how to make a WordPress website or blog for a business in just a few steps.

WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that allows users to make a WordPress website or blog easily. If you want to create a WordPress website/blog, you will need a domain name and hosting. After purchasing a domain name and hosting for your website/blog, then you can install WordPress on your hosting account.

Once you installed WordPress on your hosting, then you can choose a theme for your website to customize according to your choice. You can also install plugins to add more functionalities to your website/blog. So finally, you can start to create content and publish it on your website/blog.

How to Make a WordPress Website/Blog?

If you want to make a WordPress website or blog, here is a complete step-by-step instruction to build your WordPress Website or blog:

Choosing Reliable Web Hosting for Your Website:

Are you ready to create a WordPress website or blog, one of the most important decisions is to select a reliable web hosting company for your website. A reliable web hosting company will help you have a successful online presence and a frustrating experience for you and your visitors.

A reliable web hosting provider helps you in succeeding in your website. A good web hosting company ensures that your website is available and accessible to your audience at all times, without any interruptions or downtime. Before selecting a web hosting registrar, consider factors such as uptime guarantees, server location, customer support, security features, and pricing detail.

Before choosing a web hosting company, see some reviews of bloggers to get an idea about the hosting’s reliability and customer support. Remember that the cheapest option is not always the best option. So, my recommendation is to invest in a reputable web hosting company for the long-term success of your website.

If you have high traffic on your website, then you should purchase the most popular plan which has more resources and better performance capabilities. Or if you’re just in starting phase, you can opt for an affordable shared hosting plan. Be sure to also consider the scalability of your chosen hosting plan, as your website may grow in the future and require more resources. Ultimately this selection can take your valuable time to choose a reliable web hosting company. So, I have some recommendations for our subscribers/visitors to choose one of the blow web hosting providers.

  • For small businesses (Hostinger, Bluehost, and Namecheap)
  • For large businesses (Kinsta, Cloudways)
  • Best WooCommerece Hosting

Understanding Web Hosting Basics:

Before starting your website or blog you should understand the basic factors of web hosting. If you want to create a website or blog, you need a place to place and store your website files, like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, content, and images. Web hosting providers offer space servers to store and serve these files to visitors who access your website via the Internet.

There are several types of web hosting, including shared hosting, dedicated hosting, VPS hosting, and cloud hosting.

  • Shared hosting is the most common and affordable hosting, where you can share a server with other websites.
  • Dedicated hosting provides a dedicated server for your website, offering more control and resources but having a higher cost than shared hosting.
  • VPS hosting is a middle ground between shared and dedicated hosting, where you can share a server but has dedicated resources.
  • Cloud hosting utilizes multiple servers to provide scalable and reliable hosting.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Web Hosting:

1. Reliability and Uptime Guarantee

The reliability and uptime of your web hosting provider are critical to the success of your website. Downtime can result in lost visitors, revenue, and reputation. Look for a hosting provider that offers an uptime guarantee of at least 99.9%.

2. Security Features

Website security is crucial, and your web hosting provider should offer robust security features to protect your website from threats such as malware, hacking, and DDoS attacks. Look for hosting providers that offer SSL certificates, firewalls, and regular backups.

3. Speed and Performance

The speed and performance of your website are crucial to providing a positive user experience. A slow website can lead to a high bounce rate and reduced conversions. Choose a web hosting provider with fast servers and performance optimization features such as caching and content delivery networks (CDNs).

4. Scalability and Flexibility

Your website’s hosting needs may change over time as your website grows or experiences traffic spikes. Choose a hosting provider that can accommodate your website’s future needs, such as offering scalable plans and flexible resources.

5. Customer Support

Reliable customer support is crucial when you encounter issues with your website or hosting account. Look for a hosting provider that offers 24/7 support via multiple channels such as phone, email, and live chat.

6. Pricing and Value:

While cost should not be the only factor when choosing web hosting, it is essential to consider the pricing and value of hosting plans. Look for a hosting provider that offers affordable plans with the features you need, and be wary of providers offering overly cheap plans with limited features and support.

Domain Name for Your Website:

After selecting a web hosting company and planning to create a website for your business or personal use? The next step is to choose and buy a domain name for your website or blog. So, I will guide you through the easy process of choosing and buying a domain name for your website or blog. So, before we buy a domain name for our website, let’s first explain what is a domain name.

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is an address that people type into their web browser to access your website. For example, “www.khyberacademy.com” is a domain name for Khyber Academy. You can access this website by typing this address into your web browser. You can use letters, numbers, and hyphens in a domain name with different extensions such as .com, .org, .net, etc.

Why Do You Need a Domain Name?

A domain name is essential for several reasons:

  • It gives a unique identity to your website or blog and makes it easier for people to access your website on the internet.
  • It allows you to create a professional email address for your business, such as “[email protected],” which looks more professional than a Gmail or Yahoo email address.
  • It gives a unique identity and online door to your business.

Choose a Domain Name:

Choosing the right domain name is very important for your business because it can affect the success of your website. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when you choose a domain name for your blog:

  • Keep it short and easy to remember.
  • Use the main keyword in a domain name to describe your business or niche.
  • Make it brandable and don’t use numbers and hyphens because they can create confusion.
  • Choose an extension related to your business. For example, .com, .net, .org, .edu, etc.

Buy a Domain Name:

Hopefully, you now understand what is a domain name and why it is important for your business or personal use. As well as you have also learned the above important tips about how to choose a domain name. If you have identified your business and chosen a keyword for it, let us now teach you how to buy a domain name for a website from a registrar.

There are many domain registrars, such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, Hostinger, Bluehost, etc. Once you have chosen a domain registrar, the next step is to check whether your desired domain name is available or not. You can do this by typing the domain name into the registrar’s search bar. Be careful and confirm the correct spelling of your domain name.

You can also use a domain name generator website like Domain Wheel. Type your domain name it will show you different types of names. So, you can select any domain name. Once you select a domain name then go to the domain registrar where you want to purchase a domain name.

If the domain name is available, just go to the next step like Add to Cart or view detail. If it’s not available, you may need to choose a different domain name or try a different extension.

  • Purchase a domain name from Godaddy or Namecheap.

Choose a Web Hosting and Get a Free Domain for Your Blog:

A reliable web hosting provider is very necessary for your website. There are many companies that provide web hosting services. I am suggesting some popular and reliable web hosting providers which will give you a free domain upon purchasing their hosting plans like Hostinger, Bluehost, and Namecheap.

  • Get a free domain name from Hostinger, Bluehost, or Namecheap.

Set Up Your Domain Name with Hosting:

After purchasing your domain name, you need to set it up your domain with your hosting provider. This process varies depending on the hosting provider, If your hosting and domain registrar is the same that there is no issue just install WordPress software. If they are different then you need some setup to connect your domain with hosting through some basic process.

Install WordPress Software in Web Hosting cPanel:

Once you purchased web hosting and domain, the next step is to install WordPress in hosting cPanel. WordPress is the most popular software and user-friendly content management system (CMS) that allows you to create and manage websites without advanced coding skills. It is a simple process that can be completed in a few easy steps.

Step 1: Log in to Your cPanel:

For WordPress installation, log in to your hosting cPanel account. You can usually see the cPanel login link on your web hosting provider’s website.

  • Log in to your web hosting registrar website.
  • You will see a cPanel in your dashboard.
  • Click on “Go to cPanel”.

Step 2: Find the Softaculous App Installer:

Once you logged in to your cPanel. There are many tools available in hosting cPanel. Find the Softaculous App Installer. It is a tool that allows you to install various applications like WordPress, Joomla, etc. Click on WordPress and then “Install Now” to start the installation process.

Step 3: Fill in the WordPress Installation Details:

Fill in the installation details below,

  • Choose protocols HTTP or HTTPs with www or without www. (I personally recommended without www).
  • If you have purchased many domains, then select a domain you want to install.
  • Leave blank the directory if you want to install it in the root directory of your website.
    In case you want to install it in a specific directory then write the name of that directory.
  • Write your site name.
  • Write a short description for your site.
  • Choose a username. Try it may not be your website or author name.
  • Choose a strong password. Make sure it includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • You can also select some plugins you want to install.
  • I recommended you do not make changes to advanced options. Leave it as it is.

Step 4: Click on Install:

Once you have filled in all the details, click on the Install button to start the installation process. Softaculous will install WordPress on your web hosting account in a few minutes. Congratulations! You have successfully installed WordPress in web hosting cPanel.

Step 5: Log in to WordPress

Once you installed WordPress, you can access to log in your WordPress dashboard. A login link will be appeared normally used as (yourdomain.com/wp-admin). Use the admin username and password you have created for your website or blog.

After installing the WordPress site you can start customizing your website and creating content.

Do Basic Settings of Your Website/Blog:

Setting up a website can be an exciting but challenging task. One of the most important aspects of setting up a website is configuring its settings, including language, timezone, search engine visibility, discussion, and permalink settings.

In this article, I will explore the basic settings and how they can be configured to enhance the functionality and user experience of your website.

Language Settings:
It is a language in which your website will be displayed to visitors. It is important to choose a language that is relevant to your target audience. For example, if your website caters to a primarily English-speaking audience, it is better to set the language to English. The language setting can also affect your website’s search engine optimization (SEO). Because search engines prioritize websites with content in the user’s primary and preferred language.

  • Click on settings > General > Select site language. Choose the language you wish to display your website in and save the changes.

Timezone Settings:
It determines the timezone to ensure that your content is displayed at the appropriate time in the user’s local timezone. Incorrect timezone settings can lead to confusion and frustration for your users.

  • Click on Settings> General > Choose the local timezone from the list and click on save changes.

Search Engine Visibility:
It determines whether or not your website will be indexed by search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo. If you are in the initial stage and want to edit and update your website or blog, it should be checked. And after updating and doing all the basic settings to improve your website’s search engine ranking, it is advisable to leave this setting unchecked, allowing search engines to index your website.

  • Click on settings > Reading > Search engine visibility checked or unchecked and save the changes.

Discussion Settings:
This refers to the ability for users to leave comments on your website’s content. It is important to configure this setting to ensure that your website’s comments section is easy to navigate and free of spam.

  • Click on settings > Click on Discussion. Choose the language you wish to display your website in and save the changes.
  • Choose whether or not you wish to allow users to leave comments on your website’s content and save the changes.

Permalinks Settings:
This is the most important setting of your WordPress site or blog. Permalinks determine the URL structure of your website’s pages and posts. It is important to choose a permalink structure that is easy to read and understand. This setting can also affect your website’s SEO as search engines tend to prioritize websites with easy-to-read URL structures.

To configure your website’s permalinks settings,

  • Click on settings > Click on Permalinks > Choose the permalinks setting as “Post name”

Choose a WordPress Theme:

After creating a WordPress website or blog, one of the most important things you need to choose a theme. It determines the overall appearance and layout of your website. A theme can also impact your website’s functionality and performance. There are thousands of WordPress themes available, but choosing the right one can be great.

There are two types of WordPress themes, free and premium. Free themes are available in the theme directory, while premium themes will be purchased from third-party vendors. Both types of themes can be installed in the same way, but premium themes often come with additional features and functionality.

Here are some of the best WordPress themes recommended that will be perfect for your website. They are available in both types i.e. free and premium.

  • Kadense
  • Astra
  • GenratePress

Install a WordPress Theme:

There is a small difference between the installation of a free and premium theme. Free themes can search directly from the WordPress directory, while premium themes need to be downloaded from a third-party website and then activated by uploading them to the WordPress dashboard. Here I am explaining both methods in detail.

Step 1: Install from the WordPress Directory:

There are thousands of themes available for free in the WordPress directory, so take your time and find one that suits your needs. Be careful while choosing a free theme:

  • Go to Appearance
  • Click on Themes
  • Search for the name of the theme you want to install.
  • Click on install and activate.

Step 2: Upload the Theme:

If you have downloaded your theme files and want to upload them to your WordPress site. To do this,

  • log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance.
  • Click on Themes, here, you’ll see all themes currently installed on your site.
  • Click on the “Add New” button at the top of the screen.
  • Click on the “Upload Theme” button.
  • Choose the theme files in the zip format you have already downloaded to your computer.
  • Click the “Install Now” button to install the theme.

Step 3: Activate the Theme

Once the theme is installed on your website or blog, you’ll need to activate it and make it your site’s default theme. To do this,

  • Go to Appearance > Theme
  • All installed themes will be shown to you.
  • Now click on the specific theme “Activate” button you want to be activated.
  • If you’ve purchased a premium theme, you may need to activate it by entering a license key or activating it through the vendor’s website.

Step 4: Customize Your Theme

After that your theme is installed and activated, it’s time to customize it according to your needs. Depending on the theme you’ve chosen, you may be able to customize your theme header, footer, style, and layout of your pages. To customize your theme,

  • Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
  • Goto Appearance > Click on Customize.

Here, you can use the customization tools of your theme and bring changes to your site’s design and layout. To do customization in your theme you should watch the basic customization tutorial for your theme.

Create an Essential Page for your Website/blog:

After doing all basic customization, it is necessary to create some essential pages for your website or blog. It provides valuable information to your visitors about better understanding your brand and offering services. Here, we will discuss some essential pages for your website or blog.

Sometimes these pages have been created by importing a demo template to your site. Otherwise, you may create these by yourself.

  1. Home page:
    This is the first page that visitors will see when they land on your website’s home page. It should be provided clear information about your business or organization. The home page of your website or blog should consist of easy navigation buttons and links to explore further.
  2. About page:
    The About page tells the visitor about your business or organization and can share detailed information. On this page, you can tell about yourself, explain your mission, and share success stories you’ve achieved. You can also share photos and bios of your team members and build trust and credibility with your audience.
  3. Contact page:
    The contact page should include all the information that visitors need to get in touch with you. This includes your address, phone number, email address, and any social media accounts you have. You should include a simple contact form that visitors can fill out to send you a text message directly from your website.
  4. Product or services page:
    If you have an e-commerce website and sell physical or digital products or tools, you should have a dedicated page that provides detailed information about what you offer (products or tools). This page should include high-quality images or videos, pricing information, and a detailed description of the benefits of your product or tool.
  5. Blog page:
    A blog page can be a valuable addition to your website. It provides a platform for you to share informational content, company news, or helpful tips with your audience. A well-written blog post will help you to establish your authority in your field and drive more traffic to your website.
  6. Privacy policy:
    If you collect any personal data or information from your visitors, you must have a privacy policy for your website or blog which describe what you collect and how to use and protect that data. This page should be easy to find and clearly written in plain language that visitors can understand.
  7. Terms and conditions:
    Similarly, if you offer products, tools, or services through your website, you should have a terms and conditions page. It describes to governs the use of your site and any transactions that take place through it. It should be linked to your home page and clearly written so that visitors can understand.

By publishing these essential pages on your website or blog, you ensure a positive user experience and provide important information to your visitors. Whether you’re building a website for a business, organization, or personal brand, these pages are the foundation for your online success. A well reputable advertising company like Google AdSense, Media.net, etc has restrictions that don’t give approval without publishing these pages on the site.

Install Some Necessary Plugins for WordPress Website:

Plugins are essential tools for any WordPress website or blog because they help you to enhance the functionality and security of your website and blog. In this article, we will discuss some necessary plugins that every WordPress site or blog should have.

  1. RankMath SEO:
    This plugin is the most popular SEO plugin for WordPress websites or blogs. It helps to optimize your website/blog for search engines and makes it easier for your site to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). RankMath SEO plugin provides very important features such as keyword, title, and description optimization, keyword ranking, internal linking suggestions, sitemap generation, and schema markup to make your website more SEO-friendly.
    This plugin is available in both versions i.e, free & pro. The free version is available with some limitations. However, it has less price than Yoast SEO and is affordable for users.
  2. Yoast SEO:
    Yoast SEO is another popular WordPress SEO plugin used to optimize your website for search engines like Google, Yahoo, etc. It offers many of the same features as RankMath SEO, including content analysis, keyword analysis, and social media integration. However, it also includes a readability analysis that provides suggestions on how to improve the readability of your content.
    It is available in both versions free & premium. A free version is available with some limitations but enough for a website or blog starter. However, it is more expensive as compared to RankMath SEO.
  3. Akismet Anti-Spam:
    Unnecessary or spam comments can be a major problem for any WordPress website or blog. Akismet Antispam is a free plugin that automatically filters spam comments from your website, helping you maintain the quality of your content and prevent spam from affecting your website’s performance.
  4. Jetpack:
    Jetpack is an all-in-one plugin for WordPress websites or blogs that provides many important features, like security, performance, and marketing tools. It includes more features such as brute force attack protection, real-time downtime, and site backups, making it a valuable tool for any website owner.
  5. Really Simple SSL:
    SSL certificate is very important for securing your website and blog. It ensures that your visitor’s data is safe. Really Simple SSL is a plugin that helps to divert your website from HTTP to HTTPS, making your site more secure which will help in boosting your search engine rankings.
  6. LiteSpeed Cache:
    Lite speed is an important factor in user experience that will directly impact your website’s search engine rankings. LiteSpeed Cache is a plugin that helps to optimize your website’s speed, which will improve your page load times and user experience. It has important features like browser caching, image optimization, and minification to make your website faster.
  7. Other Important Plugins:
    Some additional plugins are essential for your WordPress theme, they should also be installed to enhance your website/blog functionality.

Attract Visitors and Drive Traffic to Your Website:

Creating a website or blog is the first step in establishing an online business or career. To get the most benefits from your website and attract your visitors, you need to increase your website traffic. Fortunately, there are many strategies you can use to promote your site and increase your online visibility. I have some important ideas to attract visitors and drive more traffic to your website or blog.

  1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO):
    SEO is a technique used to optimize your website or blog for search engines, such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo. This involves optimizing your site’s content, structure, and metadata to make your website or blog more visible and relevant to users searching for relevant keywords. Some of the key elements of a website’s SEO that are more necessary like keyword research, on-page and off-page optimization, and link building. This is the more important way to increase the organic SERP results of your website.
  1. Content Marketing:
    Content marketing is the way to create valuable content and publish it on a website or blog that attracts and engages your target audience. This can include blog posts, articles, images, videos, infographics, and more. By creating high-quality unique content that meets your audience’s query and interests, you will establish your authority and expertise in your online business or career that attract more visitors to your site.
  1. Social Media Marketing:
    Social media is an incredibly powerful platform used for promoting your site and generating traffic for your website or blog. By sharing your content on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, you can reach a larger audience and encourage users to visit your site. You can also use social media to engage with your audience and build relationships with your followers.
  1. Email Marketing:
    Email marketing is also one of the important ways to drive traffic to your website or blog. It is used to send messages to your clients or subscribers to promote your products or services. By building an email list of subscribers who have opted in to receive your emails, you can provide your audience with personalized and relevant content that in turn can drive traffic to your site. You can also use email marketing to build relationships with your subscribers and promote your products or services.
  1. Paid Advertising:
    Paid advertising involves paying for Ad placement on search engines, social media platforms, and other websites. This will consist of pay-per-click (PPC) ads, display ads, and social media ads. Create your ads to target specific audiences and countries, you can attract visitors and drive more traffic to your site to increase your online visibility.