🛠️ How to Build a WordPress Website from Scratch (Step-by-Step Guide)
Creating a WordPress website from scratch might sound intimidating, but with the right guidance, it’s easier than you think! Whether you’re a small business owner, blogger, freelancer, or someone who just wants a personal site—this step-by-step guide will help you launch your WordPress site like a pro.
🧩 Step 1: Choose the Right Platform (WordPress.org vs WordPress.com)
There are two versions of WordPress:
WordPress.com – hosted for you, limited customization unless you pay.
WordPress.org – self-hosted, fully customizable (recommended for most users).
👉 In this guide, we’re using WordPress.org, the more powerful and flexible option.
🌐 Step 2: Choose a Domain Name & Hosting
✅ Pick a Domain Name
Think of a domain name as your website’s address. (e.g., yourbrand.com). Use sites like:
✅ Choose a Hosting Provider
Hosting is where your website lives. Popular options:
Bluehost (officially recommended by WordPress)
SiteGround
Hostinger
A2 Hosting
Tip: Most hosting providers offer a free domain when you sign up.
⚙️ Step 3: Install WordPress
Most modern hosting providers offer 1-click WordPress installation. After purchasing your hosting:
Log into your hosting dashboard.
Find the “Install WordPress” option.
Follow the prompts (choose domain, admin username, password, etc.)
Done! You now have WordPress installed.
🎨 Step 4: Choose and Install a WordPress Theme
Your theme determines how your site looks.
To Install a Theme:
Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New
Browse free themes or upload a premium theme.
Click Install and then Activate
Popular Free Themes: Astra, OceanWP, Neve
Premium Options: Kadence, Divi, GeneratePress
🔌 Step 5: Install Essential Plugins
Plugins extend your site’s functionality. Some must-have plugins:
Elementor – Drag-and-drop page builder
Yoast SEO – For SEO optimization
WPForms – Create contact forms
UpdraftPlus – For backups
LiteSpeed Cache or W3 Total Cache – Speed optimization
Wordfence – Security
To install:
Go to Plugins > Add New
Search the plugin name, click Install, then Activate
🧱 Step 6: Create Key Pages
Start by building these pages:
Home
About
Services / Products
Blog (optional)
Contact
Go to Pages > Add New, design with the Block Editor or use Elementor to customize.
🧭 Step 7: Customize Your Website Settings
Navigate to Settings in your WordPress dashboard:
General: Set your site title and tagline
Permalinks: Change to “Post Name” for better SEO
Reading: Choose if your homepage is static or displays blog posts
Also, set your primary menu under Appearance > Menus
🔐 Step 8: Secure and Optimize
Use a SSL certificate (usually free via hosting)
Set up automated backups
Install a security plugin
Use a caching plugin for faster load times
🚀 Step 9: Launch Your Website
Before going live:
Test your website on mobile and desktop
Check contact forms
Optimize images
Add your site to Google Search Console and Google Analytics
Once you’re ready, share it with the world!
🎉 Final Thoughts
Building a WordPress website from scratch is absolutely doable—even if you’re not tech-savvy. With the steps above, you can have a functional, beautiful website live within a day or two.