You want a website. WordPress is the fastest way to get one. 43% of all websites run on it. I will show you the first steps — from installation to a finished site.
Key Takeaways
- WordPress requires no programming skills.
- The right hosting provider makes the difference.
- Start with just a few plugins. More is not better.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a content management system. With it you manage texts, images and pages. All through the browser. No software installation needed. With themes and plugins you adapt your (The basics of WooCommerce for beginners) website to your needs. Flexible and without code.
Choosing the right hosting provider
Your hosting is the foundation. A slow server means a slow website. And slow websites lose visitors. Look out for three things: speed, support and WordPress compatibility. Providers such as All-Inkl or Raidboxes offer dedicated WordPress packages. They cost between 5 and 30 euros a month.
Installing WordPress
Most hosting providers offer one-click installation. You click, wait 30 seconds, done. WordPress is running. Set a username and (Step-by-step guide to setting up a WooCommerce shop) password, log in, get started.
Themes and plugins: customising your website
Themes determine the design. Plugins the features. Both come free and paid. My advice: start with a lightweight theme such as Astra or GeneratePress. Install only the plugins you need now. Not the ones you might need later. Every plugin is additional code. And additional code slows things down. The best WooCommerce plugins for your business
Security and maintenance
Updates are a must. WordPress, themes, plugins — keep everything up to date. That closes security gaps. Set up a backup plugin. Daily or weekly backups. Automatically. If something goes wrong, you restore your site in minutes.
The first steps with WordPress are not hard. You need hosting, a theme and two or three plugins. The rest you learn along the way. In my training sessions I go through every step with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn WordPress?
You learn the basics in a day. For confident use, reckon on two to three weeks of regular practice.
Do I need programming skills for WordPress?
No. WordPress works completely without code. For special customisations, a grasp of HTML and CSS basics helps.
What is the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org?
WordPress.com hosts your site. WordPress.org is the software for self-hosting. Self-hosting gives you more control and no restrictions on plugins.