In this quick tutorial you’ll learn how to launch your WordPress website. We’ll look at everything you’ll need and talk about the options you have. Together we’ll have your WordPress site launched in 10, 9, 8..
Launching a WordPress Website
Here’s a complete video version of the tutorial. Follow along with us over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel:
Why Use WordPress?
WordPress is by far the most popular CMS (Content Management Systems) available. Its ease of use, and simplicity to setup and maintain, make it the perfect choice for professionals and hobbyists alike.
It can be used to create anything from a simple 4-page website, or a blog, or even a complex eCommerce website.
We’re going to walk through the steps needed to launch your own WordPress site.
1. Write Down Your Goals
Before you even start installing WordPress you need to work out what your website will be. Will it be a blog? Or a presentation website? Are you intending to sell something? Pick up a piece of paper and write down the following questions:
- What kind of information will you display on your website?
- What is your goal for this website?
- Who’s your target audience?
Having answered these questions you’ll be ready to move onto the next step. And, since you’re here, come up with a name for your website!
2. Get a Domain
The next thing you’ll need is a domain. This is the address of your website, for example: envato.com
Here are some companies who offer domain registry (or you can probably use the same company you choose as a host, which we’ll talk about in a moment):
3. Get Hosting
The next step is to get hosting. Your host is the place where your website files will reside. Choosing a good host from the beginning will dictate how fast, secure, and reliable your WordPress site will be.
There are tons of options available, and a huge range of hosts you might choose from. I personally recommend SiteGround (get up to 70% off their managed WordPress hosting through Themeforest), and their WordPress Hosting packages include an automated installer, and “WordPress Starter” to get you up and running with no fuss.
With your hosting selected and plan purchased you’ll be able to install WordPress. This is usually a service offered by hosting platforms, so enquire with yours to see how it works.
4. Create Your Site’s Content
Now you’re ready to create the actual content of your WordPress site, which means articles, blog posts, images, other media, anything that you want to display on your website. In WordPress you can create as many post and page drafts as you like. These won’t be published until you say so.
5. Install a WordPress Theme
Once you’ve started adding content you’ll want to think about the theme. Your WordPress theme will dictate the look and feel of the whole site. WordPress has a few default themes of its own, which you’ll find in the admin under Appearance > Themes.
There are also tens of thousands of WordPress themes to choose from; in the WordPress Theme Repository, and on Premium marketplaces like Themeforest and Envato Elements.
6. Install Necessary Plugins
At this stage you might also want to install any plugins your site needs. Plugins are add-ons and allow you to add extra functionality to the pages of your site. Contact forms, maps, community features, design tools, social widgets—the list is literally endless. Check out the WordPress Plugin Repository for plenty of free plugin options.
Premium WordPress Themes and Plugins
Explore the thousands of WordPress themes on ThemeForest and WordPress plugins on CodeCanyon. Purchase these high-quality WordPress themes and plugins and improve the website experience for you and your visitors.
7. Customize Your Theme
The final step is to customize the theme you installed, to make sure it fits your content. This could mean changing images, colors, typography—all kinds of things.
You’ve Just Launched Your WordPress Site!
Congratulations, you’ve launched a WordPress site—that wasn’t too complicated was it?! Obviously there are all kinds of additional thoughts and considerations you’ll need to take into account, but this quick tip will have you up and running all the same.
Dive into our other WordPress quick tips to add to your knowledge and make your site launch as successful as possible:
WordPressHow to Secure Your WordPress Site
WordPressHow to Change the Site Title in WordPress
WordPressWhat Are Tags in WordPress?
WordPressHow to Add Blog Posts to Pages in WordPress
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