How to Create a New Website in WordPress
Many businesses, especially online retailers, experience a significant boost in conversions and sales after creating a website.
But setting up and maintaining a website can be quite challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the process. When it comes to growing your business, you should consider looking into other channels, including social media, where you can have a presence but don’t necessarily need a website.
WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) used globally, and the number-one website creation tool. Launched in 2007, WordPress now has over 60 million active users across the globe, with a majority of these users living in the USA. (Statista)
If you’re considering creating a website with WordPress, or have already started the process but want to find out more about the platform, this article will introduce you to the basics of creating a new website using WordPress.
The Basics Of WordPress Website Creation
If you’re just getting started, it’s a good idea to take a look at the WordPress documentation, which is quite comprehensive and provides lots of helpful information. One of the best things about this documentation is how it is extremely organized, making it easy for anyone to follow along and learn.
The Name Of Your Website
Give your site a meaningful name that will be easy to recall. Although you don’t need to limit yourself to just one word, choosing a name that is all one word will make it easier to find when you’re searching for tutorials on WordPress website creation. Keep in mind that you’ll be using your website name (also known as your online brand) throughout your site, so make sure that it is consistent and easy to understand.
The Description
Give your site a short, sweet and to-the-point description that will inspire your visitors. A good website description should be around 250 words, although it can vary depending on the style of writing you plan on using. Keep in mind that your visitors will read this description, so try and keep it as compelling as possible.
The About Page
The about page is a great place to introduce your visitors to your business and potential customers. This is where you’ll put in writing the reason your website exists, as well as an overview of the services you offer and the people you serve. Keep in mind that you’re writing for humans, so make sure that the language you use is easy to understand.
The Home Page
The home page is, in most cases, the most visited page of your website. This is where you’ll put the following:
- Products you offer (e.g., furniture, apparel, etc.)
- Services you provide (e.g., marketing, design, etc.)
- Contact information
Keep in mind that your products and services should be showcased in an engaging manner, supported by relevant content. Try and include multimedia content, such as infographics, videos, or other rich media, which will undoubtedly attract and engage your visitors.
Style And Layout
Decide on the overall theme and style of your site, as well as the layout you’ll use for each page. You have full control over both of these elements, so experiment to find a combination that works well for your business.
Images
Images are a vital part of any website design, so don’t forget about them! Make sure to use high-quality photos that are relevant to your business. Remember: your visitors won’t always have the best internet connection, so make sure that the images you use are download-friendly.
Navigation
Decide on the navigation type you’ll use for your website (e.g., a category-based menu, a ribbon navigation, an expanding nav bar, etc.). Keep in mind that your visitors will be navigating your site using a keyboard, so make sure to choose an accessible and user-friendly option.
Content
Just like with the name of your site, you’ll be using your website’s content to drive business. Decide on the type of content you’ll use, whether it’s written text, graphic images, or a combination of both. Keep in mind that your visitors are looking for products and services, so make sure that you have these available through the content you create.
With these basics out of the way, it’s time to move on to the more advanced sections of the documentation, which will no doubt be of great use to you as you build your WordPress site. When you’re ready to publish your site, you can utilize the Yoast SEO plugin, which is available for purchase or download from the WordPress repository.