How to Start a WordPress Website – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners


WordPress is the world’s most popular platform for creating websites — and the best part? You don’t need to be a coding expert to use it. Whether you want to start a personal blog, business site, or online store, WordPress makes it simple.

This guide will walk you through how to start a WordPress website from scratch — perfect for beginners.


✅ Step 1: Choose Your Website Type

Before you begin, decide what kind of website you want:

  • Blog
  • Business/portfolio site
  • Online store (eCommerce)
  • News or magazine site

Knowing your purpose will help you pick the right design and tools later.


🌐 Step 2: Choose Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org

There are two types of WordPress:

  1. WordPress.com – Hosted by WordPress. Easier to start, but limited control.
  2. WordPress.org – Self-hosted. You have full control but need a domain and hosting.

For full freedom and monetization, go with WordPress.org.


💻 Step 3: Buy Domain & Hosting

To launch a WordPress.org website, you need two things:

  • Domain Name (e.g., yourwebsite.com)
  • Web Hosting (space to store your website files)

You can buy both from providers like:

Most hosting services offer one-click WordPress installation.


⚙️ Step 4: Install WordPress

Once you’ve purchased hosting:

  1. Log into your hosting dashboard (cPanel).
  2. Look for the “WordPress” installer.
  3. Click “Install,” choose your domain, and follow the steps.
  4. Set a username and password to log into your WordPress admin panel.

Your WordPress website is now live at:
www.yourdomain.com/wp-admin


🎨 Step 5: Choose a Theme

A theme controls your site’s design.

  1. Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New.
  2. Browse free or paid themes.
  3. Click Install, then Activate.

For beginners, try:

  • Astra
  • OceanWP
  • Neve
  • Hello Elementor (great with Elementor builder)

🧱 Step 6: Install Essential Plugins

Plugins add functionality to your site. Recommended plugins:

  • Elementor (drag-and-drop page builder)
  • Yoast SEO (for search engine optimization)
  • WPForms (create contact forms)
  • UpdraftPlus (for backups)
  • WooCommerce (for online stores)

Install plugins from Plugins > Add New.


🖋️ Step 7: Create Your Website Pages

Go to Pages > Add New and create:

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog (optional)
  • Shop (for eCommerce)

Add content using the Block Editor or Elementor.


🚀 Step 8: Launch Your Website!

Once everything is set:

  • Preview your site
  • Check all links and pages
  • Go live and start promoting it!

📝 Final Tips

  • Use clean and mobile-friendly themes
  • Optimize images for faster load time
  • Add an SSL certificate for security (most hosts provide it free)
  • Keep WordPress and plugins updated

🧩 FAQs

Q: Can I build a WordPress site without coding?
Yes! WordPress is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require coding knowledge.

Q: How much does it cost to start a WordPress site?
A basic self-hosted WordPress site can cost around ₹2000–₹4000/year (domain + hosting).

Q: Can I earn money from my WordPress blog?
Absolutely! You can earn through ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or even by selling products.


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