How To Get Started With WordPress in 2025: The Beginner’s Guide

Key takeaways:

• WordPress is a versatile platform for individuals or entities that need to build different types of websites. Its open-source nature and user-friendly design make it a top pick for beginners.
• When you’re setting up a WordPress site, you’ll need to choose between WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress.org. The former is a simpler hosting option while the latter offers greater control and customization.
• Launching a successful WordPress website involves several steps like choosing and customizing a theme, creating main pages, and adding plugins. Following these steps will help you establish a solid foundation for your online presence.

WordPress is a go-to website platform known for its adaptability. It can support numerous website types, including personal blogs, small business sites, and large eCommerce stores.

WordPress is generally user-friendly for basic website setup, making it the ideal choice for beginners. In this article, we’ll cover a step-by-step guide for getting started with WordPress and include valuable tips and strategies.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is a content management system (CMS) typically used to build websites and blogs. WordPress works as an open-source platform, which means anyone can use, change, add to, and improve upon the code.

This makes this website builder flexible around design and functionality for a low cost. Here are reasons why WordPress is a great choice for beginners:

WordPress is user-friendly

Getting started with WordPress is easy, and anyone wishing to create a website can do so. The skills required to build a website are within reach for many small business owners. WordPress’ intuitive dashboard allows users to update content, add pages, and customize their site effortlessly.

WordPress has a reliable community

WordPress has an active community of web designers, website developers, and users who contribute to its ongoing improvement. This support network provides access to valuable forums, tutorials, and resources.

WordPress has extensive customization options

WordPress offers exceptional customization capabilities with thousands of themes and plugins available. You can select from a wide range of pre-designed themes or create a unique design tailored to your brand. It can also integrate with plugins that let you add extra features, such as:

• Contact forms
• eCommerce functionality
• Search engine optimization (SEO)

WordPress is a mobile-friendly tool

WordPress enables you to create a mobile-friendly website. Having a mobile-ready site is important for businesses that want to be found online.

As more people use mobile devices to search for products and services, Google has started prioritizing mobile-responsive webpages. This is called the Mobile-First Indexing initiative.

What to choose: WordPress.com or WordPress.org?

WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress.org are two distinct platforms with differences in terms of hosting, customization, and control. Here’s a breakdown of the important differences between the two:

WordPress.com is a simpler, hosted platform with limited customization options and restricted plugin use.

Meanwhile, self-hosted WordPress.org provides more control, customization freedom, and opportunities for monetization. However, it requires more technical knowledge and responsibility for maintenance and security.

It’s important to base your choice on your resources, specific needs, objectives, and the level of control you desire over your website.

Step-by-step guide for getting started with WordPress

Building a website can be overwhelming for beginners, even with a user-friendly platform like WordPress. Follow the steps below to help you get started with WordPress:

Step 1. Establish your website goals

Your website goals are the foundation for your online presence. They ensure every decision you make during website building aligns with your objective.

Without this initial clarity, you risk creating a website that doesn’t effectively serve your needs or connect with your target audience.

Website goals guide important decisions about various aspects of a site, such as the following:

• Structure
• Content
• Features

Here are a few examples of website goals and the elements and tools you’ll need for each one:

To increase brand awareness, you’ll need:

• Logo and branding elements (e.g., color palette, typography, taglines, and tone and vocabulary)
• An “About Us” page
• Social media sharing buttons

To generate leads, you’ll need:

• Contact forms
• Calls-to-action (CTAs)
• Downloadable resources in exchange for contact information

To sell products or services, you’ll need:

• A product catalog
• A shopping cart
• A secure payment gateway
• Customer account management
• An FAQ section
• A contact form for inquiries
• A live chat feature

To showcase your portfolio, you’ll need:

• A visually appealing gallery to display work
• A client testimonials section

To educate your audience, you’ll need:

• Blogging capabilities
• Resource library
• Dedicated information pages

Establishing website goals saves you time, money, and effort. When you clearly understand what you want your website to do, you can focus your resources effectively and avoid unnecessary features or content.

Step 2. Select and register a domain name

A domain name is your website’s internet address that helps visitors find your site online and helps you reach new users. Consider the following tips to know how to pick and register your domain name.

How to choose a domain name?

When you pick a domain name, you’ll want something that sticks in people’s minds. You’ll need a domain that gives visitors a hint about what you do and is easy for them to type and remember.

Follow these guidelines as you start constructing a domain name:

• Keep it short, memorable, and easy to spell.
• Include relevant keywords or your brand name to improve search engine visibility.
• Avoid numbers, hyphens, or special characters that can confuse users.

If you get stuck, consider using an AI domain name generator tool. This helps you come up with creative and available options based on the keywords you input.

Additionally, think about your target audience and the overall image you want to establish. For instance, if you have a more formal business, opt for a straightforward, professional-sounding domain. Meanwhile, if you want to build a creative blog, choose one that’s more playful and unique.

How to register a domain name?

Once you’ve selected the perfect domain name, the next step is to register it. This means you’re reserving that name for your exclusive use for a specific period.

You’ll typically do this through domain name registrars, which are companies accredited to manage the domain registration process. The process usually involves a few simple steps:

1. Use the registrar’s website to check if your chosen domain name is available. They have a domain name search tool where you can type in your desired name and see if it’s taken or not.
2. If it’s available, add it to your cart and proceed to checkout. You’ll need to provide the contact information associated with your domain registration.
3. Then, you’ll need to choose the registration period, which is typically one to ten years. You’ll need to pay a registration fee, which can vary depending on the registrar’s rates and the domain extension you choose.
4. Once you’ve completed the payment, you’ll officially own the domain name for the period you’ve selected. Keep track of your registration expiry date so you can renew it and maintain ownership of your domain name.

Step 3. Choose a WordPress hosting provider

A good WordPress hosting provider supports your webpage’s growth and stability. As your site expands and attracts more traffic, a strong hosting infrastructure can handle the increased demand without compromising performance.

Here are important factors to consider when choosing a WordPress hosting provider:

• Uptime reliability. Ensure the hosting provider offers high uptime to minimize website outages.
• Speed and performance. Look for hosting services with fast server response times.
• Ease of use. Make sure the hosting provider has a user-friendly control panel and a straightforward WordPress installation process.
• Customer support. Go for providers with responsive and knowledgeable support teams.
• Scalability options. Pick a hosting provider that offers different plans to accommodate your website’s growth.
• Pricing tiers. Consider the features a provider offers in different plans and look at their renewal rates.
• Experience. Find a provider that has a successful, proven track record of helping customers with their online businesses.
• Security. Select a hosting provider that offers reliable website security to protect your site from online threats.

Step 4. Install WordPress

WordPress hosting providers make the installation process simple, often with only a few clicks. It generally works like this:

Step 1. Navigate to your hosting account

Log in to the account you created with your WordPress hosting provider. This is usually done through their website. Once you’re in, you’ll likely see a control panel where you can manage your hosting services.

Step 2. Look for the WordPress installer button

Most WordPress hosting companies offer a tool to automatically install WordPress for you. It’s usually located under a section for Websites or Apps.

It might be labeled WordPress Installer, One-Click Install, WordPress Auto-Install, or even just have the WordPress logo.

Step 3. Provide details about your site

Once you find the installer, click on it. The tool will then guide you through a few additional steps. You’ll probably need to provide the following information:

• Your WordPress site’s domain. If you only have one domain name with your hosting, it will likely be selected automatically. If you have more than one, you’ll need to choose where you want your new WordPress site to live.
• Your site title. This is the title of your webpage, which people will often see in their browser tabs. You can always change this later.
• Your login details. Choose a username and a strong password that you’ll use to log in to your WordPress website later. You’ll also need to provide an email address for administrative purposes, like password recovery.

Step 4. Click the Install button

After you’ve filled in all the necessary information, you’ll typically see an Install Now or a Finish Setup button. Click it, and the hosting provider will set up the WordPress software and the necessary database. This usually takes a few minutes.

Step 5. Log in to your WordPress dashboard

Once the installation is complete, your hosting provider will give you a confirmation message. They might also send you an email with your login information and a link to your new WordPress site.

The standard way to access your WordPress admin area is by going to your website’s address followed by “/wp-admin” (e.g., yourwebsite.com/wp-admin). Then, use the username and password you created during the installation to log in.

You’ve now successfully installed WordPress. You can explore the WordPress dashboard, which is the control center for your website. From here, you can pick a theme, add plugins, and start creating content.

Step 5. Pick a website theme

Choosing the right WordPress theme is important as it sets the overall look and feel of your site. It creates a positive user experience (UX) and reflects your brand identity.

A well-designed theme enhances the visual appeal, functionality, and professionalism of your website, which attracts and engages your audience.

What to choose: Free or premium themes?

When selecting a theme, you can choose between free and premium ones.

Free themes are a cost-effective choice and can still provide a solid foundation for your webpage. Premium themes, on the other hand, offer more advanced features and extensive customization and support options.

Consider your budget, desired features, and level of customization needed when deciding between free and premium themes.

How to select a WordPress theme?

To choose a theme that aligns with your brand and objectives, consider the following tips:

• Ensure it’s responsive and mobile-friendly.
• Look for a theme that matches your brand and niche.
• Consider the customization options available.
• Check for regular updates and good customer reviews.

How do you install and activate a WordPress theme?

To install and activate a WordPress theme, navigate to the Appearance > Themes section in your WordPress Dashboard.

Click Add New Theme to search for themes from the WordPress theme directory. Once you find your preferred theme, click Activate to make it live on your site.

Step 6. Customize your website

WordPress offers users numerous ways to make their websites truly theirs. These customization options include a block editor, a theme customizer, and more.

WordPress block and site editor

The WordPress block editor lets you create and arrange content on individual pages and posts. It allows you to see the changes you make in real time, too. Choose the blocks you need, whether it’s an image or a text block, and move them around until you’re satisfied with the layout.

If you want to modify your website’s design, you can use the WordPress site editor. You can change elements like:

• The header at the top of every page
• The footer at the bottom
• The overall structure of your site

You can access the site editor through the WordPress dashboard under Appearance > Editor.

Block themes

Use a block theme instead of starting from scratch. Block themes are built to work perfectly with the site editor. This means you get a basic design and set of features to start with, and then you can use the site editor to personalize all parts of the theme.

You can change colors, fonts, and your entire website’s layout using the visual tools in the site editor.

Widgets

You can use widgets if you want to add specific elements to certain areas of your website. Widgets are like mini-applications you can drag and drop into designated areas. Common widgets include the following:

• Search bars
• Recent posts list
• Calendars
• Social media feeds

You can usually find and manage widgets under the Appearance > Widgets section in the dashboard.

Custom menus

A well-organized menu is important to help your visitors find their way around your webpage. WordPress lets you create custom menus where you can choose which pages, posts, or external links you want to include and in what order.

You can also create drop-down menus to organize things further. You can manage your website’s menus by going to Appearance > Menus in the dashboard.

Step 7. Create main pages

The main pages of a website are important for positive UX. It provides clear navigation, making it easy for visitors to find the information they need.

This can encourage them to spend more time on your page, explore your offerings, and become loyal customers. Beyond user experience, these pages are also important for how search engines see your website.

Search engines prefer well-organized sites that provide comprehensive information. Having these main pages shows search engines that your webpage is a valuable resource.

This, in turn, can help you rank in search results. Additionally, more people can find you organically when they look for relevant keywords, driving more traffic to your website.

Homepage

Your homepage is often the first part visitors see when they land on your site. You’ll want to make a great first impression and communicate what your website is all about immediately.

A well-designed homepage grabs attention quickly and tells a compelling story about your brand or business. Here are a few tips to make an engaging homepage:

• Focus on clarity and engagement to make your homepage effective.
• Start with a strong headline and a brief explanation of what you offer.
• Make sure to include clear links to the most important sections of your site, like your products, services, or blog.
• Don’t forget to include a CTA. This will tell people what you want them to do next, whether it’s browsing your products, contacting you, or signing up for your newsletter.

When setting up your WordPress website, you’ll have a choice between a static or dynamic homepage. A static homepage is like a fixed welcome page that always shows the same content. This choice is great for businesses that want to highlight specific products or services.

On the other hand, a dynamic homepage automatically displays your latest blog posts, making it ideal for blogs or news websites that regularly publish new content.

Whichever you choose, make sure your homepage is clean and easy to understand. Also, ensure that it works well on different screen sizes, especially on mobile devices.

About Us page

Your About Us page lets you connect with your audience on a more personal level. It’s where you go beyond listing what you do and instead, share the story behind your brand or business.

People are naturally curious, and they want to know who they’re interacting with. This page helps build trust and allows potential customers to see the human side of your organization.

It’s an opportunity to share why you started your venture and what drives you to continue.

On your About Us page, share how your business came to be, what inspired you, and the journey you’ve taken. Be authentic and let your personality shine through. Use the questions below as your guide:

• Who is your target audience?
• What problems do you solve for your customers?
• What sets you apart from the competition?

Add to that, include photos of yourself or your team. This makes your business feel more approachable and real.

Also, don’t forget to include your mission and values on this page. Sharing this information helps people understand what you stand for and can attract customers who share your values.

Contact Us page

Your Contact Us page is where users can message you about questions, inquiries, or feedback. Making it easy for people to get in touch with you is important for building relationships and providing good customer service.

The most basic element of a Contact Us page is clear and readily available contact information. This includes the following:

• Phone number
• Email address
• Physical address
• Social media profile links

In addition to direct contact details, a contact form is a valuable element for your Contact Us page. Keep the form simple and only ask for important information like their name, email address, and their message.

You might also consider including a drop-down menu for common inquiry types to help you categorize and respond to messages more efficiently. Lastly, add an FAQs section to address common queries and reduce the number of direct inquiries.

Services or Products page

A Services or Products page is an effective tool for guiding your customers towards a purchase or inquiry. When you clearly outline your services or showcase your products well, you demonstrate professionalism and expertise.

Creating a Services or Products page involves focusing on your audience and speaking directly to their needs. To make an effective services or products page, remember to:

• Use clear, plain language and avoid technical jargon that might confuse potential customers.
• Explain the benefits of your products and services instead of only listing features. How will your service make their life easier, or how will your product solve their problem?
• Use high-quality visuals to showcase products with clear, attractive images from multiple angles, and consider adding videos to demonstrate their use. For services, use compelling images that represent the value or results you deliver.
• Include prominent CTA buttons that tell people what you want them to do next, such as “Contact Us for a Quote,” “Learn More,” or “Add to Cart”. Place these CTAs strategically throughout the page so they’re efficiently visible.
• Add testimonials from satisfied clients or customers. You can use these to build trust with potential consumers and establish your credibility in the market.

Step 8. Add and manage WordPress plugins

Plugins extend your WordPress website’s functionality. They enable you to do the following, among other capabilities:

• Add features
• Optimize website performance
• Customize your site
• Improve security
• Enhance UX

Consider installing the following plugins into your WordPress site:

• SEO optimization. Install an SEO plugin like Yoast to improve your website’s visibility in search engines and optimize your content for better rankings.
• Security and backup. Protect your website from threats by using a security plugin or service that offers features like malware scanning, firewall protection, and regular backups.
• Contact forms. Make it convenient for visitors to reach out to you by using a contact form plugin.
• Social media integration. Use a social media plugin that enables sharing buttons and displays social media feeds.

Step-by-step guide for installing plugins

1. Access your WordPress Dashboard and navigate to Plugins > Add New.
2. Search for the desired plugin by name or functionality.
3. Click Install Now beside the plugin you want to install.
4. Once installed, hit Activate to enable the plugin on your website.
5. Modify the plugin’s settings according to your preferences.
6. Regularly update and manage your plugins by visiting the Plugins section in your WordPress Dashboard.

Step 9. Do a pre-launch check

It’s best to thoroughly test your WordPress website’s functionality and design to ensure a smooth UX. Conduct the following pre-launch checks to help you with this step:

• Ensure navigation menus, forms, and interactive elements work as intended.
• Review your website’s responsiveness across different devices and screen sizes.
• Check for broken links or missing images.
• Verify that your website loads quickly and optimize its performance if necessary.

Once you’ve ticked all items on your pre-launch checklist, it’s time to announce your WordPress site’s launch. Consider the following strategies to help you inform your audience:

• Send an email newsletter to your subscribers, informing them about your new site and inviting them to explore it.
• Post an update on your social channels, using engaging posts and visuals to generate excitement.
• Write a blog post introducing your website and its key features and promote it on your social media platforms.
• Collaborate with influencers to boost your reach.

Step 10. Use free WordPress resources

Your learning journey doesn’t end once you publish your WordPress website. You’ll encounter situations where you’ll need all the extra help you can get.

Go through this list of free resources to help you further with your WordPress site:

• The Ultimate Guide to Fixing 15 Common WordPress Issues
• WordPress.org vs WordPress.com: Which is Best for Your Site?
• 9 Benefits of WordPress | Is WordPress The Right Choice for Your Website
• 50+ SEO Checklist for WordPress – The Complete Guide
• How to Speed up WordPress Site: 15 Tips (Updated in 2025)
• 11 must-have WordPress plugins for business websites in 2025

Create a thriving WordPress site with Network Solutions

Having a website can bring valuable opportunities to your small business. However, creating one can be intimidating when you’re a beginner. WordPress can help you with building your own website by providing user-friendly tools and features.

It also offers advanced customization options as you start learning and gaining confidence in using the platform.

To start your website-building journey, get Network Solution’s WordPress hosting services. We offer easier website creation and faster hosting with skilled support to help you along the way. Take advantage of our scalable plans and help your business grow.

Choose Network Solutions for your WordPress website today!

Frequently asked questions