How to Build a Website from Scratch with WordPress in 11 Simple Steps

Are you feeling jittery just thinking about building your own website?  We all get a bit nervous when embarking on new endeavors. But Guess What?

Today is perfect timing, it’s never been a better time than now to build your own website using WordPress, especially since no coding skills or technical knowledge is needed.

 If you’ve built your dream business but worry about how to compete online, keep reading…

…Because

…In this article, we’re not just scratching the surface – we’re diving deep into the simplicity of “How to build a website from scratch with WordPress” even if you’re a beginner.

No fluff, no complications – just straightforward insights to guide you from domain to publish in just a few clicks.

Let’s Get Started:

 11 Steps to Building a Business Website:

1.  Choose your Website Type
2. Research Market and Competition
3. Choose Custom Domain Name
4. Select Web Hosting Services
5. Pick your Website Builder
6. Customize a Website Template for your Brand
7. Web Design   
8.   SEO Optimized
9.  Confirm Mobile-friendly
10.  Publish, Monitor, and Update

How to Build a Website from Scratch with WordPress

Decide What Type of Website You Will Need

Personal or Business Website:

Board the exciting journey of learning “how to build a website from scratch with WordPress”, to reach your unique business goals.

Whether it’s a personal blog sharing your experiences or a business platform showcasing your services, the choice is yours. Select a website template or layout, and design that aligns with your personal or business brand.

Consider your ideal customer and optimize your site for search engines, ensuring your website presence reflects your identity.

Blog

If your goal is to share insights, stories, or expertise, creating a blog website is the way to go. Choose a layout that enhances readability and engagement.

Incorporate features like comment sections and social media share buttons to build a community around your content.

Implementing effective SEO strategies will maximize your blog’s visibility on search engine result pages.

E-commerce:

Embark into the world of online sales with an e-commerce website. Feature product pages, and seamless payment processes, and consider integrations with print-on-demand services and others to monetize your platform effectively.

Optimize your e-commerce site for search engines, ensuring potential customers find your products organically. Use visually appealing design elements and product images to create a memorable shopping experience.

Portfolio:

For showcasing your creative work, a portfolio website is the ideal choice. Craft pages that highlight your projects, achievements, and skills.

Include a prominent “Contact Me” form to facilitate potential collaborations or job opportunities. Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, leaving a lasting impression on website visitors.

Sales:

If your primary goal is to drive sales, design a website focused on conversion. Optimize product pages, implement persuasive copywriting, and streamline the payment process.

Tailor your website creation to guide visitors seamlessly from product discovery to checkout. Utilize the power of SEO to attract potential customers and enhance your site’s visibility.

No matter the type of website, clarity on your goals and target audience is key. Identify your niche, purpose, and intended impact, paving the way for a website that not only looks appealing but also performs optimally.

Now it is time to build your website with a clear vision and initial knowledge.

Research your Target Audience and Competition

When it all boils down…

… thoroughly researching your target audience cannot be overstated. Neglecting this crucial step can be the difference in leading a stampede of website visitors to the buy button or being completely obsolete.

Not only does thorough research prevent you from shooting in the dark, but it also allows you to outsmart your competition.

By analyzing your competitors’ websites and strategies, you gain valuable insights into industry trends, successful practices, and potential gaps they may have missed that you can capitalize on.

Harnessing this knowledge gives you a unique opportunity, to create a competitive edge in the crowded online marketplace.

In contrast, neglecting competitive analysis can lead to missed opportunities, ineffective strategies, and a website that fails to resonate with your target audience.

With the surplus of tools available, from search engine optimization tools to website tracking, you have the means to gather actionable data for making smart decisions.

 Incorporating data intelligence not only builds a website that stands out amongst the crowd but also establishes a strong online visibility, that attracts and retains your target audience.

Research is like the roadmap guiding you through your website-building journey. It steers you away from pitfalls and toward a crafted website.

Imagine launching a website for a trendy clothing store without understanding the preferences of your target audience.

Without research, you might invest in website design and product offerings that don’t align with the fashion trends your audience follows.

As a result, your website might not resonate with your intended audience, leading to high bounce rates and low conversion rates.

According to a study by Small Biz Trends, 58% of small businesses fail to perform audience research for their online marketing initiatives, contributing to their struggle to reach and engage their target market effectively.

Without this business intelligence, companies risk spending resources on web development that may not produce the anticipated results.

Choose Custom Domain Name

Undoubtedly, choosing a custom domain is the first critical element in building your business website.

Your domain name should be unique to differentiate your business from your competitors. If you are branding yourself or a company name, then your process is easy.

Conversely, choosing the wrong domain can make or break your business. Importantly, your URL (domain name) is the first impression of your business. It should be SEO-optimized and ideally have a “.com” extension.

Here are a few other advantages:

Keep it short and memorable.

Steer clear of numbers and hyphens.

Make it simple and easy to pronounce.

Make sure it’s easy to type.

Opt for “niche” keywords that reflect your website.

Free Domain

While a free domain offers an enticing break for individuals and businesses to build their websites while minimizing upfront costs, free isn’t always good.

Consider the Potential Downsides of a Free Domain

• Free domains often come with limitations, such as:
• Lack of customization options
• Potentially restricted features
• Subpar customer support (based on personal experience)
• Hidden fees for services that should be free
• Use of a subdomain rather than a fully personalized web address
• Weigh the Trade-offs and Consider Your Long-Term Goals

It’s essential to carefully weigh these trade-offs against the cost savings and assess whether the constraints align with your long-term goals.

For some, the convenience and accessibility of a free domain may outweigh the limitations. However, in my experience, there may be better places to save.

Select Web Hosting Services

Choosing the Right Hosting Services:

Selecting the right web hosting services is a crucial decision that significantly impacts the performance and reliability of your website.

When it comes to choosing a hosting provider, you often encounter a choice between deluxe and cheap web hosting options. Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed decision:

Premium Hosting:

Premium hosting services come with a high price tag. However, the cost is justified by a range of benefits. These services typically offer faster loading times, top-notch security features, and dedicated customer support.

With premium hosting, you enjoy advanced technical capabilities, scalability for growing websites, and reliable server uptime.

Advantages:

•   Enhanced performance and faster loading times.
•   Robust security features and regular backups.
•   Dedicated customer support for prompt issue resolution.
•   Greater scalability to accommodate website growth.

Disadvantages:

Higher cost compared to budget-friendly options.

Cheap Hosting:

Opting for budget-friendly hosting may seem appealing, especially for those on a tight budget. However, it’s essential to understand the trade-offs involved.

Cheap hosting services often come with limitations, such as slower loading speeds, shared resources, and less comprehensive support.

Advantages:

–  Cost-effective for those with limited budgets.

Disadvantages:

Slower loading times and potential performance issues.

Shared resources with other websites on the same server.

Limited customer support and technical features.

Imagine web hosting as renting space on the internet to store your website’s files. Premium hosting is like leasing a spacious, secure apartment with all the amenities, ensuring your website runs smoothly and stays safe.

On the other hand, cheap hosting is akin to a budget-friendly rental with fewer perks, making it suitable for those with simpler needs but potentially compromising on speed and support.

Consider your website’s requirements, and choose a hosting service that aligns with your goals and budget constraints.

Web Developer

In the revolution of web development, the role of a web developer has evolved alongside the emergence of user-friendly website builders.

Gone are the days of coding skills and technical knowledge as the right website builder provides an easier way for individuals to build their own website from scratch without web development skills.

These platforms empower users to design and launch a website from scratch effortlessly, minimizing the need for a dedicated web developer.

With intuitive drag-and-drop editors and customizable templates, the website creation process has transformed the way businesses approach web development.

What Is a Website Builder?

A website builder is a system that allows you to design, develop, and add content to your website without coding skills or prior web designer skills.

It’s a preset platform that enables you to quickly establish your online presence by adding your branding and voice.

Advantages of Using a Website Builder

• Accessibility: Website builders make it easy for small businesses to create a professional-looking website without significant cost.
• Ease of Use: They often feature a drag-and-drop editor, eliminating the need for technical knowledge.
• Quick Setup: You can create and launch a business website in minutes, rather than weeks or months.
• Affordability: Introductory prices are often very affordable, making them accessible to businesses on a budget.

Disadvantages of Using a Website Builder

• Design Limitations: Pre-built website templates can restrict creative freedom and make it challenging to achieve a truly unique professional-looking website.
• SEO Challenges: A website builder may not provide the same level of SEO optimization as custom-built websites, potentially hindering search rankings.
• Functionality Restrictions: Typically a website builder can lack advanced features that businesses might need as they grow.
• Ownership: You often don’t own the website’s code, which can limit control and make it difficult to transfer to another platform.
• Performance Issues: Website builders can sometimes result in slower website speeds.
• Single-Page Development: Many website builders only offer single-page development, which can restrict content organization.

There are three ways to build your business website:

Drag and Drop (Wix, Weebly, Squarespace)

– A Drag-and-Drop editor platform is all-inclusive, with a single package price on a monthly or annual basis. Many small businesses choose this option for its simplicity and ease of use. However, keep in mind the drawbacks discussed earlier.

Pricing for drag-and-drop editors can be confusing and often ranges from $20-$150/month, with costs increasing with add-ons.

Content Management System (CMS) – WordPress (DIY)

– A CMS PLATFORM like a WordPress platform which is one of the most popular choices, powering 40% of all content management system websites. WordPress sites are excellent for DIYers, offering:

• Quick website setup (often within an hour)
• Affordable starting costs (under $50)
• Design freedom and customization
• Easy integration with plugins (over 55,000 available)
• Beginner-friendly interface

Custom-Built (Pro Website Designer

Professional web designers offer unique designs and tailored features, but they come with the highest price tag. Expect costs starting from $2,000 and potentially reaching $100,000 or more, depending on the project’s scope and complexity. Benefits of custom-built websites include:

• Unique vision and specific built-ins
• Scalability for future expansion
• Clean code (less HTML and JavaScript clutter)
• Collaboration with marketers, developers, and SEO experts for maximum benefits

Web Design

Web design is a complex process involving the creation and maintenance of websites. Whether you’re a web developer or a business owner seeking to organically grow your business, understanding how to build a website from scratch is crucial.

Website builders have revolutionized the landscape, offering innate drag-and-drop editors and web templates for both personal and business websites.

Choosing the right hosting provider is essential for optimal performance, and free domains often come bundled with some hosting services.

Search engine optimization plays a vital role in boosting your website’s visibility on search engine result pages. It involves optimizing page titles, and content, and using relevant keywords.

The process includes creating a web page structure that search engines can crawl efficiently. WordPress, a popular content management system, simplifies website building, offering a surplus of website templates and plugins.

Analyzing website traffic through tools like Google Analytics aids in understanding website visitors and converting content to the target audience.

Building websites has become accessible to individuals with varying technical know-how. Exclusive WordPress themes enhance the visual appeal of websites, ensuring a professional look with just a few clicks.

Crafting a website color theme, adjusting font size and color, creating a natural navigation system, and customizing website templates contribute to a unique and engaging web presence.

Premium WordPress Themes:

Selecting high-quality WordPress themes is a pivotal aspect of web design, allowing users to transcend basic website aesthetics. These themes offer stunning designs suitable for various purposes, be it a personal blog, business website, or online store.

With a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, even those without extensive web design skills can create a professional-looking website.

Adjustment options extend to crafting a website color theme, adjusting font size and color, and creating an organized navigation system.

Top-notch WordPress themes streamline the website creation process, making it easy to tailor your site to the intended audience.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced web designer, these themes offer the flexibility to create a distinctive and functional online presence.

Craft a Website Color Theme:

Crafting a compelling website color theme is a crucial step in web design, influencing the overall user experience. The right color palette can evoke specific emotions and convey the intended message to site visitors.

Paid WordPress themes provide a wide array of customizable options, allowing users to select from pre-designed color schemes or create their own.

Considerations for font size and color play a role in enhancing readability and maintaining a cohesive visual identity.

Striking a balance between aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly design is key to keeping visitors engaged. With only a few clicks, web designers can transform a basic website template into a visually stunning platform that resonates with the visitors.

Font Size and Color:

Font size and color contribute significantly to the readability and visual appeal of a website. Deluxe WordPress themes offer personalization options that allow web designers to fine-tune these elements.

 Choosing an appropriate font size ensures that content is easily digestible across various devices, including mobile devices.

Consistent use of font color enhances brand identity and creates a cohesive design. Accessibility considerations, such as contrast between text and background, are vital to accommodate users with different needs.

In the website-building process, adjusting font size and color is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the overall aesthetics and usability of the site.

Create Website Navigation:

Creating an intuitive website navigation system is paramount for a positive user experience. Exclusive WordPress themes provide tools for designing user-friendly menus that guide visitors through the site seamlessly.

The site menu, often located at the top or side of the page, organizes content logically, making it easy for users to find what they’re looking for.

Thoughtful categorization and labeling of menu items contribute to efficient navigation. Drag-and-drop editors simplify the process, enabling even those without extensive web design skills to create a well-structured and easy-to-navigate website.

A well-crafted navigation system not only enhances user satisfaction but also influences how search engines crawl and index the site, affecting its overall visibility on the web.

Customize Website Template:

Modifying website templates is a key aspect of web design, allowing users to tailor their site to specific needs and preferences.

Premium WordPress themes offer a range of customization options, making it possible to create a unique and personalized online presence.

With just a few clicks, users can modify the layout, colors, and overall design elements of their chosen template.

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals and businesses seeking a distinctive web presence without delving into complex coding skills.

Modification extends beyond aesthetics, incorporating features like contact forms, social media platform integrations, and the inclusion of relevant content.

The ability to alter website templates empowers users to shape their digital identity and effectively reach their target audience.

Site Navigation Tips

Navigation is vital. If your site looks like a maze, visitors will “next” you (swipe away). Remember, confused people do nothing.

In this case, “nothing with you.” In our restaurant scenario, potential customers could be traveling, on their lunch break, or otherwise.

They don’t have time to search for information that should be easily accessible.

Keys to a good navigation setup:

• Set your navigation in a typical location.
• Use simple, succinct, and descriptive titles.
• Include drop-down menus if needed.
• Use a button for your main call to action.
• Make hypertext obvious.

Add Essential Content Pages

Homepage

Your homepage is the most important page on your website. It’s the hub and should be structured so that visitors can:

• Easily get back to it
• Easily navigate to all other pages
• See attention-grabbing headlines and sub-headlines
• View your NAP (name, address, and phone number)
• Read about your accolades or accomplishments
• Get a brief description of what you do

Keep in mind that your chosen template is a guideline; you’ll paint within the lines.

Google search your keyword to find a similar business website to use as inspiration, but don’t copy! Google will penalize you.

The goal of optimization is to rank in the top 3 positions. If you copy an existing site, Google won’t rank you above the original.

About Me Page

• Tell your story. How and why did you get started in your profession? People love stories, and stories sell.
• Also include:
  • Photos of you (the business owner)
  • Images of the front of your establishment
  • A Google map of the business
  • Links to your social media pages

Services Page

This is where you’ll discuss and break down your services. Using our restaurant example, you’ll display your delectable dishes with professional photography (if affordable). Beauty sells, and perception is reality.

Remember, 100-1000 people are searching for soul food in Norfolk. You don’t want customers visiting your competitor’s restaurant just because their food looked better online!

Contact Page

Make this simple by adding a contact form plugin and your NAP. We cover contact forms in our plugin post, so be sure to read that. It will save you time and headaches!

Reviews and Testimonials

• Always ask for reviews and testimonials. Many small business owners don’t for several reasons:
  • They don’t know how to ask.
  • They have non-professional management.
  • They’re afraid of what they’ll hear.
  • They don’t understand the role reviews play in SEO.
  • They don’t understand how reviews affect sales.

Disclaimer and Legal

Check with your accountant or attorney for the verbiage here. You want to protect your business from liabilities as much as possible.

SEO Search Engine Optimization – Website Content

Considering your content will serve double duty. Your website-optimized content should follow the same route as indicated in your business plan. What you want to do is to stay as congruent as possible with your brand.

Keep in mind that you’re writing to add value to your visitors, display products, or services, or provide helpful resources, enhancing your website’s search engine optimization (SEO).

Moreover, don’t forget your website is the perfect place to promote events, announce menu changes, and offer promotions and discounts, driving more web traffic with effective online store strategies.

Addedly, you should include your researched relevant keywords and phrases, seamlessly integrating them for enhanced website visibility. But don’t let that frighten you; just remain authentic and be yourself.

As an example: if you own a soul food restaurant, you naturally talk about your food, the ingredients, menu changes, and more.

Additionally, you make note of your business atmosphere, store hours, accessibility, etc., ensuring a comprehensive approach to website content creation.

Stay congruent with your business plan and unique selling proposition.

*Pro Tip: Google search your online competitors. Look at their website. Analyze it. Does it make sense?

Does it answer the questions you’d ask if you were looking to dine out? What if you were traveling?

Leverage these insights to optimize your site for search engines and create an engaging experience for your website visitors.

  Optimizing with Mobile Devices

Optimizing your website for mobile devices is not just a checkbox; it’s a critical move to capture the ever-growing audience on smartphones and tablets. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites, so consider these key principles:

Prioritize content and speed for quick loading.

Embrace a finger-friendly design with large buttons and clear navigation.

Ensure readable text with adjusted font size and spacing.

Optimize visual assets with efficient image formats and sizes.

Make it easy for Google to access and translate your content.

 Keep the content consistent across versions,

Use high-quality images and preferred image format.

 Place videos higher on your page

 Avoid ads at the top for a seamless experience.

 Remember, creating a mobile-friendly site aligns with effective search engine optimization, ensuring your website reaches a broader audience on various devices.

Add WordPress Plugins

Like phone apps, websites have apps and plugins. While WordPress popularized plugins, they’re now widely used across platforms to enhance websites with various features. Plugins can help update, modernize, assist, or protect your website.

I often choose WordPress because of its extensive plugin library. You can easily update plugins from the admin section and receive email notifications when new versions are available.

One of the most popular plugins is Yoast SEO. It’s designed to help you optimize your website for search engines, even if you’re new to SEO.

While most plugins are free, some offer premium versions with additional features. These can be worth the investment, especially if you’re a beginner or have specific needs.

Yoast, for example, has both free and paid versions. I use the free version and find it very helpful.

Here are a few of the most common plugins and apps:

Yoast SEO (free and paid versions)

WP Optimizer (free)

AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) (free)

Redirection (free)

WPX Hosting (paid-to host with built-in features)

Social Shares (free)

UpdraftPlus (free backup plugin)

Really Simple SSL (free)

Google Analytics (free sign-up)

While choosing plugins, remember to check compatibility with your website theme and other plugins to avoid conflicts and ensure smooth website performance.

Outdated or poorly coded plugins can slow down your website or even introduce security vulnerabilities, so be sure to keep them updated and choose reputable sources.

Promote Your Site

Promoting your site is a vital aspect of web development, ensuring optimal visibility and engagement. Whether you’re building an individual blog or a business website, understanding how to promote your site successfully is crucial.

Employing organic optimization strategies enhances your site’s presence on search engines, attracting more site visitors.

Influence social media platforms to expand your reach and connect with your target audience. Premium WordPress themes play a role in creating visually appealing sites that captivate audiences.

Crafting engaging content, including blog posts and relevant information, is key to attracting and retaining site visitors.

Apply Google Analytics to gain insights into your audience and modify your content to their preferences. Promoting your site goes beyond the initial build…

 – regularly updating content, adjusting for mobile responsiveness, and utilizing the right website builder and hosting services contribute to sustained success.

 With the right promotion strategies, you can grow a strong web existence and essentially connect with your targeted audience.

Monitor and Measure

Google Analytics: Your Secret Weapon for Understanding Users

Analytics is your spyglass into your website’s inner workings. It allows you to peek behind the curtains and observe user behavior in detail.

Track page visit durations, and bounce rates, and identify your top-performing pages. Analytics essentially paints a vivid footprint of how visitors interact with your site.

Additionally, it provides valuable insights into transactions, revenue, and other e-commerce-related data, empowering you to make data-driven decisions.

Unleashing the Power of Metrics

If you’re still wondering how to best utilize these metrics. Imagine owning a restaurant and having the ability to ask every customer their likes and dislikes.

How would you use that information to enhance their experience and drive growth? That’s precisely the power of Google Analytics.

It equips you with the insights needed to tailor your website to your audience’s preferences and achieve your business goals.

Optimizing for Success

Google generously offers optimization tools designed to help online marketers and webmasters boost visitor conversion rates.

This is achieved through tactics like A/B testing and other metrics-driven approaches. Essentially,

Google empowers you to experiment and refine your website for increased traffic and sales.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve completed this guide Titled “How to Build a Website from Scratch with WordPress”, and you should be proud of your newly found web developer skills.

In today’s business landscape, having a website is non-negotiable. As Bill Gates famously said, “If you’re not ONLINE, you’re not in Business”!

Now that you’ve learned how to create your own website, it’s crucial to focus on promoting it. Utilize social media, regularly update your content, and implement SEO strategies to drive web traffic to your new site.

Choosing the right website builder and hosting services is key to your success. Explore our blog for valuable insights on WordPress and web development.

Link, share, and inspire others to discover the endless possibilities of building a website that reflects your vision.

Remember, a strong digital presence is essential in today’s competitive environment. #WordPressWebsite #WebDevelopment #BuildYourSite #DigitalPresence #pytalkbiz