Bluestone Digital | Boutique Digital Marketing Agency

How to Build a WordPress Website

A Complete Guide by Bluestone Digital

Table of Contents

At Bluestone Digital, we know the importance of creating a powerful online presence, and WordPress is one of the best tools available to make that happen. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced developer, WordPress offers the perfect balance of simplicity and advanced customisation. Here’s why WordPress should be your go-to platform for building your website, along with the steps to get started.

Why Choose WordPress for Your Website?

WordPress powers over 40% of websites on the internet today—and for good reason. It’s more than just a content management system (CMS); it’s a platform that offers endless possibilities for design, functionality, and scalability. Let’s dive into why WordPress stands out:

  1. Ease of Use: WordPress is user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers. You don’t need to know how to code to create a functional, attractive site.
  2. Flexibility: Whether you’re building a personal blog, an e-commerce store, or a portfolio, WordPress has themes and plugins that cater to all types of websites.
  3. Customisation: With a wide selection of free and premium themes, you can tailor your website to reflect your brand’s identity. Additionally, WordPress’s vast plugin library allows you to enhance your site with features, from SEO optimization to full e-commerce functionality.
  4. SEO-Friendly: Because WordPress is naturally search engine optimised, it’s simple to increase the visibility of your website and your organic presence on search engines like Google and Bing. Because WordPress is naturally search engine optimised, it’s simple to increase the visibility of your website and your organic presence on search engines like Google and Bing.
  5. Security: Thanks to frequent updates and a proactive community of developers, WordPress continues to be one of the most secure platforms on the web.
  6. Scalability: WordPress grows with your business. Whether you’re running a small blog or a large online store, it can handle websites of any size.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a WordPress Website

1. How to select a Domain name and Hosting Company

To get started with WordPress, you’ll need two key things: web hosting and a domain name.

  • Web Hosting: Where your  website files are kept here. Choose a host that provides WordPress-specific functionality, security, and quick load times. Our well-liked options are:
    • WP Engine: Perfect for global clients with managed hosting and top-tier security.
    • Xneelo: A great option for South African users with expert support and affordable plans.
  • Domain Name: Your domain name, such as www.yoursite.com, is the address of your website on the internet. Make it memorable, straightforward, and consistent with your brand.

2. Install WordPress

After securing your domain name and hosting, WordPress installation is simple. The majority of hosting companies allow WordPress to be installed with only one click. Just locate the WordPress installation in your hosting account, log in, and follow the instructions.

3. Select and Install a WordPress Theme

The appearance and functionality of your website are determined by your theme. Numerous free and commercial themes designed for certain purposes, such as blogs, online stores, and portfolios, are available on WordPress.

Here’s how to install a theme:

  • Go to your WordPress dashboard.
  • Navigate to Appearance > Themes.
  • Click Add New, browse for themes, and click Install once you find one you like.
  • Activate the theme to make it live on your site.

Bluestone Digital recommends premium themes from WP Astra, Elementor, and Envato for a sleek, professional look.

4. Customise Your Website with Plugins

Plugins add functionality to your WordPress site. Whether you want to add a contact form, optimise for SEO, or create an online store, there’s a plugin for everything. Some essential plugins include:

SEO Press: Optimise your content for search engines.
WooCommerce: Perfect for building an online store.
WP Rocket: Improve site speed and performance.
Wordfence: Ensure your site is secure with top-tier security features.

To install a plugin:

Go to Plugins > Add New in your dashboard.
Look for the required plugin, select Install, and then turn it on.

5. Create Your Pages and Posts

WordPress offers two main content types: Posts and Pages. Posts are used for blog entries and news updates, while Pages are for static content like your “About” or “Contact” sections.

To create a page:

  • Go to Pages > Add New.
    Use the block editor to add content, images, and more.
    When you’re ready, click Publish.

To create a post:

  • Go to Posts > Add New.
  • Similar to Pages, add your content, then hit Publish.

6. Optimise for Mobile and SEO

With more users browsing on mobile, your site must be responsive. Choose themes that adapt to any screen size or use plugins to ensure mobile optimisation.

To optimise every post and page for search engines, use an SEO plugin such as Yoast SEO or SEO Press. You’ll get immediate comments on the readability, keyword usage, and meta descriptions of your work.

7. Regular Maintenance and Security

Ensure your website remains secure and functional by:

  • Frequently updating WordPress, themes, and plugins.
  • Making a backup of your website to prevent data loss.
  • Wordfence and Malcare are two examples of security plugins that can be used to defend against possible threats. Updating WordPress, themes, and plugins regularly.
  • Backing up your site to avoid data loss.
  • Security plugins like Wordfence  and Malcare can be used to protect against potential threats.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose Bluestone Digital for Your WordPress Website?

At Bluestone Digital, we specialise in creating stunning, robust WordPress websites that meet the needs of your business. Our expertise, which spans from simple blogs to fully customised e-commerce systems, ensures that your website is distinctive and functional.

Whether you need help designing, upgrading, or maintaining your website, our staff is here to support you at every step. Contact Bluestone Digital right now for an engaging and conversion-focused WordPress website.

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