How to Create a Website App on WordPress

You can create a fully functioning WordPress app within a couple of hours. It doesn’t have to be perfect, since you will be editing it directly on the server. This way, you can make changes and updates without having to re-upload everything. All you need is a little creativity, dedication and some programming knowledge.

Step one: Install WordPress

The first step is to install WordPress. You can install it on a hosting package such as Bluehost (which is where I would recommend you start), or you can download the WordPress.org Installer from the WordPress website. Just follow the onscreen instructions, and your WordPress app will be installed in no time.

You will need to activate the plugin “Akismet” and set up your site to use SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol. While you’re at it, you can also choose to use a free LetsEncrypt SSL certificate with a reusable token. (LetsEncrypt is a free, automated SSL certificate installer created by Google.)

Step two: Install WordPress plugins

Once you have installed WordPress, it’s time to install the necessary plugins. There are a number of handy plugins that will make your life easier while creating your website, and keeping it functional once you have launched it. I would recommend the following:

• Simple Coupon Plugin – Allows you to create coupons and discounts for your customers. (This is one of the most popular WordPress plugins, and it’s free.)
• WP GDPR – Enables you to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation, as well as the Irish Privacy Act.
• VIP Membership Plugin – Allows you to create a VIP membership area for your website. (This is another popular plugin, and it’s free.)
• Ultimate Tachyon – Creates a search bar that appears at the top of every page on your site.
• Search Auto-Complete – Completely overhauls the way your site’s search bar works. (This is a must-have plugin for any site that wants to have a decent search function. It’s free, and it’s very handy.)
• Google Maps – Integrates Google Maps into your site. (This plugin is also free, and it’s very handy for anyone who wants to include a map on their site.)
• Location Pro – Enables you to add location details to your posts. (This plugin is also free, and it’s very handy for anyone who wants to include a location on their site.)
• Shopping Plugin – Lets you create a shop area on your website where your customers can purchase products.
• Product Review Plugin – For those who want to create a blog that reviews products. (This plugin is also free, and it’s very handy.)
• Basket – Adds a shopping cart to your site. (This plugin is also free, and it’s very handy for those who want to include a shopping cart on their site.)
• Ajax Loader – Improves the load time of your site.
• Timer – Automatically timers posts, pages, or events on your WordPress site. (This plugin is also free, and it’s very handy for anyone who wants to include a countdown to a future event on their site.)
• RSS Feeds – Lets you create RSS feeds for your site. (This plugin is also free, and it’s very handy for those who want to include a RSS feed on their site.)
• Shopping List – Manages your weekly shop, tracking your purchases and creating a shopping list for next week. (This plugin is also free, and it’s very handy for those who want to create a weekly shop list.)
• One-click Custom Post – Provides you with a tool to quickly create a custom post type for your site. (This plugin is also free, and it’s very handy for anyone who wants to create a unique section of their site.)
• Shortcuts – Adds custom shortcuts to your WordPress site’s dashboard.
• Jetpack – Enhances the functionality of WordPress.com.

Step three: Create the layout of your website

Once you have all the basic plugins installed, it’s time to start styling your website. In my opinion, the most important thing to do is to give your site a unique and engaging look. The layout of your site will make a lasting first impression on your visitors, and it’s vital that you create something that draws them in and keeps their attention. Remember: you’re designing this for your customers, so make sure that the design is easy to understand and easy to navigate.

You can start by changing the background of your site’s homepage. I would recommend selecting a solid color or pattern, and ensuring that it matches the overall design of your site. You should also consider using a darker background to better match the overall tone of your website.

For the rest of your site’s pages, you can start by changing the header, the footer and the menus.

The header is the area at the top of the page, and it’s usually used to display a title or logotype for the site. You can choose from a variety of header images, and you can also use CSS to alter the appearance of the header.

A footer is the area at the bottom of a page. It usually contains copyright information and the name of the website. You can choose from a variety of footers, and you can also use CSS to alter the appearance of the footer.

Menus are the lines of choices at the top of a page. You can add more items to the menu, as well as remove unwanted items. To create a menu, click on “Appearance” in the dashboard, then click on “Menus” near the top of the page. From here, you can select what type of menu you want, and you can then add items to the menu as you see fit. In order to remove an item from the menu, either click on it and then press “Delete” or hover over it with your mouse and then click on “X” (the bin symbol) in the top right corner of the item.

Step four: Add content

Now that you have the basic layout of your site down, it’s time to start adding content. The only real limitation is your imagination. You can use this blank canvas to create anything you can think of. The most important thing to do is to keep things interesting for your readers. If you follow the steps outlined above, you will end up with a functioning WordPress app that you can use to publish content to your blog. The only thing left to do is to start sharing your work.