Hey there, non-techies! WordPress is the perfect platform for you whether you’re a blogger, small business owner, or just someone looking to build a personal website. But if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the technical jargon and options, don’t worry; that is the purpose of this blueprint.
In this beginner’s blueprint, we’ll explain the essentials of WordPress in a simple and easy-to-understand way. From setting up your first website to customizing themes and adding plugins, we’ll guide you through every step of the process. Let’s dive in!
In This GuideWhat is WordPress?
WordPress is a powerful and user-friendly content management system (CMS) that powers over 40% of websites on the internet. Initially started as a blogging platform, WordPress has evolved into a versatile tool for creating various websites, from simple blogs to complex e-commerce sites
Key Features:
- Ease of Use: No coding skills are required, and it has many plug-and-play-friendly plugins and themes, making it easy to customize.
- Customization: It uses a block editor format to edit posts and pages more accessible to navigate
- Community Support: WordPress has extensive documentation and support forums, so you can easily find a solution. There are also several video tutorials to help you navigate your site.
Why Choose WordPress for Your Website
There are several options when considering a platform for your website, but which one is the best?
There isn’t a correct and definite answer as everyone’s needs are different, but it comes down to some factors, including:
User Interface – How easy it is to navigate
If the platform you build your website on isn’t easy to navigate, then the likelihood of you using it effectively for your business goes down considerably. WordPress has a user-friendly interface that even those with minimal technical skills can use to create and manage a website effectively.
Features – What can I do with it?
The basic features aren’t the only ones you have to use for your website; there is an extensive library of themes and plugins for customizing your website to be exactly what you need. This allows you to expand the features of your site based on what you need, including:
- eCommerce Management
- Video Hosting
- Glossary
- Blogging
- Community features
It is a platform that grows with you and allows you to take away and add to it without needing a developer to make the changes for you.
Who WordPress is good for
WordPress is a versatile website platform that caters to diverse users, making it an excellent choice for various individuals and organizations.
Bloggers
WordPress is primarily a content management system ideal for bloggers who want an easy-to-use platform to share posts with the world. Its intuitive interface allows anyone to create blog posts and pages without extensive technical tools.
Small Business Owners
Entrepreneurs and small business owners can benefit from using the WordPress platform to build a professional online presence with their products or services and the ability to utilize blogging to educate on their business. WordPress is also an excellent platform for creating and executing an effective organic marketing plan for ranking in search engines.
Educational Entrepeneurs
In addition to using the blog for free content you can provide, you can create paid posts through a membership or pay-per-post format. You can also host educational courses for sale on your own platform.
Non-Profits
Organizations can use the WordPress platforms to educate through the blog and collect donations for fundraising with extended functionality.
WordPress is great for anyone looking to build a website, from individuals with personal blogs to content creators and large enterprises, as it combines user-friendliness with powerful features and integrations.
Differences between Com and Org
When you look at starting a WordPress website, you end up with two options – WordPress.com and WordPress.org.
WordPress.COM
WordPress.com is the hosted platform where all that is needed is to create an account. Choose a plan and get started. This option has limited customizations and requires a monthly or yearly plan that depends on the website type you are looking to start and how much storage you will need to run your site. The main difference between the two is the need to host your site. WordPress.com does that for you, but limits feature to themes and plugins that they provide. This is ideal for new beginners who want to establish an online presence quickly.
They also update and secure your site, which helps you maintain its integrity. By leveraging this platform, you can focus on creating quality content while relying on WordPress to handle the technical aspects of website management.
It does, however, come with some downsides:
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- Extra transaction fees for payments received through your site
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- Storage fees
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- feature restrictions based on the plan
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- Monthly/Yearly cost is for one website
Here is WordPress.com’s pricing as of 7/2024:
WordPress.ORG
WordPress.org is a powerful platform that is the foundation of millions of websites worldwide, unlike WordPress.com, which offers a hosted solution. WordPress.org gives users complete control over their website, allowing extensive customization and flexibility. To utilize WordPress.org, you must provide a hosting platform such as Siteground and add a copy of the WordPress software to your new website, which Siteground handles seamlessly with a click of a button. This flexibility makes WordPress.org an ideal choice for businesses, educators, and individuals seeking to establish a robust online presence.
WordPress is constantly being updated and improved with its open-source nature. It encourages a community-driven approach, where developers and users collaborate to enhance the platform continually. This rich ecosystem offers extensive resources, including forums, documentation, and tutorials, to support users at all levels of expertise. By leveraging the capabilities of WordPress.org, individuals can enhance their digital literacy while creating visually appealing and functional websites that reflect their unique brand identity.
The remainder of this blog will discuss the WordPress.org version, which we highly recommend.
Setting Up Your First WordPress Site
Now that you know the differences, let’s review the steps to setting up your first WordPress website.
Choosing the Right Hosting and Domain
Who you decide to host your website with is extremely important to its health and security. For example, you need to ensure your website is up and readily available for visitors. If the platform has high downtime, then it means your site isn’t available, and if visitors can’t visit, what is the point of the website?
We have used and tested on many website hosts; our recommendation overall is Siteground.
Siteground has a 99.9% uptime for websites hosted on their platform; in our experience, that’s spot on. Most websites are unavailable for updating the latest core software or plugins/theme updates, which generally take 1-3 minutes.
It is incredibly user-friendly and allows you to easily manage your domains on the platform, which can be purchased on Siteground or used with a third party such as Name.com.
Domain Registration
When choosing a domain for your website, think of it as the address to your house. Visitors will put in this address to visit your content, so it should match your business/brand name and be easily identifiable. If you want to manage your domains separately from your hosting, we recommend Name.com.
Name.com is a cost-effective domain register that protects your personal details with each registration. They also make it easy to start with a branded email address through Google Workspace and their email provider, Titan.
Ready to get started with WordPress hosting? Jumpstart with Siteground Installing WordPress – A Step-by-Step Guide
Purchase a domain with Name.com
You will need to search for the name you would like to use for your website. This search will let you know if the name you want is available or if you need to change it.
You will use your purchased domain in the following steps
Chose and purchase your Siteground hosting
Now that you have your domain name, you will choose your Siteground hosting plan. If you want to add multiple websites to one hosting account, select “GrowBig” or “GoGeek.”
Setup your first website
Once you have your plan, you will be prompted to create your first website:
Here, you will choose “Existing Website,” where you will enter your purchased domain or if you have an existing domain on another provider. If you want to buy a domain with Siteground, you can select “New Domain.”
Next, you will determine whether you want to start a new site or migrate a website. Migrating a website means you already have one and would like to “move” it to this account. Click “Start new Website,” which will create a brand new site on your selected domain.
For a limited time Siteground is giving new users a FREE website migration.
Next, select the “WordPress” application. If you want to add eCommerce functionality to your site, select “Woocommerce.” This will add both to your website.
After selecting your application, Siteground will recommend some of their additional services, including email marketing and Premium backups. You can add anything or click “Finish.”
Once you click finish, they will tell you they are building your website.
Welcome to your new website! Now, you can get started customizing your site.
Need Additional Support with your WordPress Launch? Join our Launch Challenge! Navigating Through WordPress Basics
Understanding the WordPress Dashboard
The Dashboard is your control center for your entire blog.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Navigate to Pages > Add New
- Enter a title and content.
- Customize with images and layout options.
- Publish your page.
Customizing Your WordPress Experience
Once you have your website created and ready to go, you will move on to the look and functions of your site. This is where adding your selected theme and plugins will come into play.
Selecting Themes to Define Your Site’s Look
There are thousands, if not millions, of themes available publicly and privately for the WordPress platform. We recommend using a theme like Astra that has multiple built-in functions and gives you more than one theme to use.
Astra theme is a freemium (free to use with an option for a paid plan) product that allows you to use the theme and some of its starter themes for free on your site, and when you are ready to pay for the premium features, you have access to multiple features, different site layouts, integrations, and premium themes. Astra works with Elementor, Gutenburg, and Spectra block editors, integrating extensively with Woocommerce, which contains custom blocks for showcasing your products easily across your site.
Get Started with AstraEnhancing Functionality with Plugins
WordPress plugins are essential tools that extend the functionality and features of WordPress websites, enabling users to customize their online presence without extensive coding knowledge. With a vast repository of free and premium plugins, users can easily add functionalities such as SEO optimization, e-commerce capabilities, social media integration, and enhanced security measures. These plugins are designed to work seamlessly with the WordPress framework, ensuring compatibility and performance. Regular updates and a supportive community further enhance their reliability. By leveraging the power of plugins, website owners can optimize user experience, improve site performance, and achieve business objectives efficiently.
Some popular plugins to use on your new website are:
Elementor
Elementor is a page builder plugin for WordPress that allows you to create no-code layouts with a drag-and-drop builder and an extensive library of pre-built templates and widgets. Using Elementor enables you to build web pages quickly and recycle designs by saving templates for your pages and posts. Since it isn’t dependent on a particular theme, it is wide-rangingly compatible with many WordPress themes.
Get Started with ElementorJetpack
Jetpack is a powerful WordPress plugin developed by Automattic that enhances website functionality and performance. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, including site security, performance optimization, and traffic growth tools. With Jetpack, users can benefit from real-time backups, automated social media sharing, and detailed analytics, enabling them to monitor site performance effectively. Its intuitive interface ensures that users can easily navigate and utilize its features, making Jetpack an essential tool for any WordPress website seeking to enhance its capabilities. It is a freemium product that allows you to use it for free and upgrade to different tools based on your needs.
Get Started with JetpackAkismet
Akismet is a widely recognized WordPress plugin designed to combat spam in comments and contact form submissions. Developed by Automattic, the plugin employs advanced algorithms and a robust database to effectively filter out unwanted content, ensuring that only legitimate interactions reach your website. By analyzing millions of comments daily, Akismet not only protects websites from spam but also enhances user experience and engagement. Its seamless integration with WordPress allows easy installation and configuration, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. Regular updates and a comprehensive reporting system further bolster its reliability, making Akismet an essential tool for maintaining website integrity. It is a freemium product when using Akismet on your website; if you run an eCommerce website or sell products on your site, you must upgrade to a paid plan based on their user agreement.
Get Started with AkismetSqurilly SEO
Squrilly SEO is a powerful WordPress plugin designed to enhance website visibility and improve search engine rankings. Tailored for users of all levels, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including keyword analysis, on-page optimization suggestions, and performance tracking. The user-friendly interface ensures seamless integration with existing WordPress sites, facilitating effortless content management and optimization. With its advanced analytics, Squrilly SEO empowers users to make data-driven decisions, ultimately driving organic traffic and increasing user engagement. This plugin represents an invaluable asset for businesses aiming to boost their online presence and achieve sustainable growth in a competitive digital landscape by streamlining the SEO process.
Get Started with Squrilly SEOTips for Maintaining and Securing Your WordPress Site
Maintaining and securing your WordPress site is crucial for its performance and longevity; there are several ways to ensure your site stays secure:
-
- Keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated
-
- Create strong passwords and utilize two-factor authentication
-
- Restrict access to your site for users by using the correct permissions account
-
- Create regular backup files
- Utilize security plugins
Non-Techie Resources for WP Users
Done with You
WordPress Launch in 5
Unlock the power of WordPress with our live challenge, “WordPress Launch in 5.” Designed specifically for non-techies, this challenge provides step-by-step guidance to help you effortlessly launch your website. Whether starting a blog, a business site, or an online portfolio, you work with Jess to launch your new site in 5 days. In just five days, you’ll learn to get started with hosting, how to navigate the WordPress dashboard, install the perfect theme, customize your site, and publish your first blog/page with confidence. No prior technical knowledge is required—this challenge breaks down complex concepts into simple, actionable lessons anyone can understand. We will meet daily on life (no face required), where if you get stuck with the steps, you can share your screen, and we will work through it together. Our challenges include live and recorded lessons so you can make the steps you need to launch concise and not overwhelming. Ready to finally launch? Join us for the next challenge on August 29th Join the Challenge DIY Help
WordPress DIY Mastery for Non-Techies
Unlock the power of WordPress with our WordPress DIY Mastery Course for Non-Techies! This comprehensive course is designed specifically for beginners who want to take charge of their websites without a technical background. Whether you’re looking to launch a personal blog, a business website, or an online store, our course provides step-by-step guidance to help you navigate the world of WordPress confidently. This course will give you hands-on WordPress help that demystifies the platform. We cover everything from selecting the right hosting provider to customizing your theme, creating engaging content, and optimizing your site for search engines. With easy-to-follow video tutorials and practical exercises, you’ll learn how to launch on WordPress and make your website visible to search engines. Join thousands of satisfied students and gain the skills to succeed with your DIY website. Our non-techies teaching approach ensures that anyone can learn, regardless of prior experience or lack of understanding. By the end of the course, you’ll have a fully functional WordPress site and the knowledge to manage it independently. Until October 1st, 2024, get lifetime access to the course for $47! Get Access for $47WordPress FAQ’s
Is WordPress Suitable for Non-Techies?
Absolutely! WordPress is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive.
We have launch challenges and courses to help you navigate the WordPress with ease.
How Much Does it Cost to Start a WordPress Site?
Costs can vary, but here’s a basic breakdown:
Domain: $10-$15 per year.
Hosting: $3-$10 per month.
Themes and Plugins: Free to $100+, depending on your needs.
Can I create a professional website using WordPress myself?
Yes, many professional websites are built using WordPress. With the right themes and plugins, you can create a stunning and functional site without hiring a developer.
If you are looking for support with building your WordPress site, join our launch challenge!
How do I keep my WordPress site secure?
Follow best practices like using strong passwords, keeping everything updated, and installing security plugins. Regular backups are also essential.
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- Dashboard:This brings you home and allows you to see updates needed
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- Posts: Create and manage blog posts.
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- Pages: Create and manage pages.
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- Media: Upload and manage images, videos, and other media.
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- Comments: Moderate comments from your readers.
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- Appearance: Customize your site’s design.
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- Plugins: Add new functionalities.
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- Users:Who has access to your site, and what levels of access
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- Tools:WordPress tools such as import and export
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- Settings: Configure site-wide settings.
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- Speed and security optimizer:Siteground’s optimization plugins for your site
Navigating WordPress Posts and Pages
When creating posts and pages for your new website, knowing the usage difference helps. “Posts” are typically blog-style with a time stamp and other relevant blog data. With pages, you can post Contact Us, About Us, and your basic website pages like a homepage. Pages have more functionality than posts, enabling you to create different pages, such as landing, product, and information pages.
WP Basics tutorials
Creating a Post:
This is the basic workflow of creating a post without any optimization:
- Navigate to Posts > click Add New.
- Enter a title and content.
- Add images, categories, and tags.
- Publish your post.
Creating a Page:
This is the basic workflow of creating a post without any optimization:
- Navigate to Pages > Add New
- Enter a title and content.
- Customize with images and layout options.
- Publish your page.
Customizing Your WordPress Experience
Once you have your website created and ready to go, you will move on to the look and functions of your site. This is where adding your selected theme and plugins will come into play.
Selecting Themes to Define Your Site’s Look
There are thousands, if not millions, of themes available publicly and privately for the WordPress platform. We recommend using a theme like Astra that has multiple built-in functions and gives you more than one theme to use.
Astra theme is a freemium (free to use with an option for a paid plan) product that allows you to use the theme and some of its starter themes for free on your site, and when you are ready to pay for the premium features, you have access to multiple features, different site layouts, integrations, and premium themes. Astra works with Elementor, Gutenburg, and Spectra block editors, integrating extensively with Woocommerce, which contains custom blocks for showcasing your products easily across your site.
Get Started with AstraEnhancing Functionality with Plugins
WordPress plugins are essential tools that extend the functionality and features of WordPress websites, enabling users to customize their online presence without extensive coding knowledge. With a vast repository of free and premium plugins, users can easily add functionalities such as SEO optimization, e-commerce capabilities, social media integration, and enhanced security measures. These plugins are designed to work seamlessly with the WordPress framework, ensuring compatibility and performance. Regular updates and a supportive community further enhance their reliability. By leveraging the power of plugins, website owners can optimize user experience, improve site performance, and achieve business objectives efficiently.
Some popular plugins to use on your new website are:
Elementor
Elementor is a page builder plugin for WordPress that allows you to create no-code layouts with a drag-and-drop builder and an extensive library of pre-built templates and widgets. Using Elementor enables you to build web pages quickly and recycle designs by saving templates for your pages and posts. Since it isn’t dependent on a particular theme, it is wide-rangingly compatible with many WordPress themes.
Get Started with ElementorJetpack
Jetpack is a powerful WordPress plugin developed by Automattic that enhances website functionality and performance. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, including site security, performance optimization, and traffic growth tools. With Jetpack, users can benefit from real-time backups, automated social media sharing, and detailed analytics, enabling them to monitor site performance effectively. Its intuitive interface ensures that users can easily navigate and utilize its features, making Jetpack an essential tool for any WordPress website seeking to enhance its capabilities. It is a freemium product that allows you to use it for free and upgrade to different tools based on your needs.
Get Started with JetpackAkismet
Akismet is a widely recognized WordPress plugin designed to combat spam in comments and contact form submissions. Developed by Automattic, the plugin employs advanced algorithms and a robust database to effectively filter out unwanted content, ensuring that only legitimate interactions reach your website. By analyzing millions of comments daily, Akismet not only protects websites from spam but also enhances user experience and engagement. Its seamless integration with WordPress allows easy installation and configuration, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. Regular updates and a comprehensive reporting system further bolster its reliability, making Akismet an essential tool for maintaining website integrity. It is a freemium product when using Akismet on your website; if you run an eCommerce website or sell products on your site, you must upgrade to a paid plan based on their user agreement.
Get Started with AkismetSqurilly SEO
Squrilly SEO is a powerful WordPress plugin designed to enhance website visibility and improve search engine rankings. Tailored for users of all levels, it offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including keyword analysis, on-page optimization suggestions, and performance tracking. The user-friendly interface ensures seamless integration with existing WordPress sites, facilitating effortless content management and optimization. With its advanced analytics, Squrilly SEO empowers users to make data-driven decisions, ultimately driving organic traffic and increasing user engagement. This plugin represents an invaluable asset for businesses aiming to boost their online presence and achieve sustainable growth in a competitive digital landscape by streamlining the SEO process.
Get Started with Squrilly SEOTips for Maintaining and Securing Your WordPress Site
Maintaining and securing your WordPress site is crucial for its performance and longevity; there are several ways to ensure your site stays secure:
-
- Keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated
-
- Create strong passwords and utilize two-factor authentication
-
- Restrict access to your site for users by using the correct permissions account
-
- Create regular backup files
- Utilize security plugins
Non-Techie Resources for WP Users
Done with You
WordPress Launch in 5
Unlock the power of WordPress with our live challenge, “WordPress Launch in 5.” Designed specifically for non-techies, this challenge provides step-by-step guidance to help you effortlessly launch your website. Whether starting a blog, a business site, or an online portfolio, you work with Jess to launch your new site in 5 days. In just five days, you’ll learn to get started with hosting, how to navigate the WordPress dashboard, install the perfect theme, customize your site, and publish your first blog/page with confidence. No prior technical knowledge is required—this challenge breaks down complex concepts into simple, actionable lessons anyone can understand. We will meet daily on life (no face required), where if you get stuck with the steps, you can share your screen, and we will work through it together. Our challenges include live and recorded lessons so you can make the steps you need to launch concise and not overwhelming. Ready to finally launch? Join us for the next challenge on August 29th Join the Challenge DIY Help
WordPress DIY Mastery for Non-Techies
Unlock the power of WordPress with our WordPress DIY Mastery Course for Non-Techies! This comprehensive course is designed specifically for beginners who want to take charge of their websites without a technical background. Whether you’re looking to launch a personal blog, a business website, or an online store, our course provides step-by-step guidance to help you navigate the world of WordPress confidently. This course will give you hands-on WordPress help that demystifies the platform. We cover everything from selecting the right hosting provider to customizing your theme, creating engaging content, and optimizing your site for search engines. With easy-to-follow video tutorials and practical exercises, you’ll learn how to launch on WordPress and make your website visible to search engines. Join thousands of satisfied students and gain the skills to succeed with your DIY website. Our non-techies teaching approach ensures that anyone can learn, regardless of prior experience or lack of understanding. By the end of the course, you’ll have a fully functional WordPress site and the knowledge to manage it independently. Until October 1st, 2024, get lifetime access to the course for $47! Get Access for $47WordPress FAQ’s
Is WordPress Suitable for Non-Techies?
Absolutely! WordPress is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive.
We have launch challenges and courses to help you navigate the WordPress with ease.
How Much Does it Cost to Start a WordPress Site?
Costs can vary, but here’s a basic breakdown:
Domain: $10-$15 per year.
Hosting: $3-$10 per month.
Themes and Plugins: Free to $100+, depending on your needs.
Can I create a professional website using WordPress myself?
Yes, many professional websites are built using WordPress. With the right themes and plugins, you can create a stunning and functional site without hiring a developer.
If you are looking for support with building your WordPress site, join our launch challenge!
How do I keep my WordPress site secure?
Follow best practices like using strong passwords, keeping everything updated, and installing security plugins. Regular backups are also essential.