How to Use WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Key highlights

• WordPress is a highly versatile content management system, powering almost half of all websites on the internet.
• It offers a user-friendly interface and a vast array of customization options through themes and plugins.
• You can choose between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, depending on your need for flexibility and control.
• The platform has a large support community, making it easy to find help and resources.
• Regularly updating your site and using essential plugins can enhance performance and security.

Introduction

So, you’re thinking about building a website, but there’s one big question— is WordPress easy to use?

WordPress, today, is the go-to solution for building a professional-looking website. But does that mean it’s beginner-friendly, or is it one of those tools that sounds simple until you actually use it?

If you’re worried about spending hours just figuring out how to set up a personal blog or build an online store, don’t stress.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore WordPress user-friendliness, showing you exactly how easy or challenging it really is for beginners. So, you’ll know whether WordPress is the right choice for you and how to make the most of it.

Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Getting started with WordPress

As of 2024, WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet, making it a trusted platform. But can you use it for different purposes? Thanks to its user-friendliness, it has been adopted by millions for various purposes.

What is WordPress?

WordPress, in simple terms, is an open source content management system (CMS) that helps build and manage websites quickly on the internet. 

It’s available in two forms: WordPress.com and WordPress.org, each catering to different levels of control and customization. 

Is WordPress easy to use regardless of the version? Yes. With WordPress, you can easily install plugins and customize your website’s design with a wide selection of themes. 

Learn more: What is WordPress and What is it Used for? 

Choosing the right WordPress CMS for your website 

Before you learn how to use WordPress, it’s essential to understand the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. 

WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org 

Feature	WordPress.com	WordPress.org
Hosting	Managed by WordPress.com	Requires self-hosting with a provider
Software updates	Automatically handled	User manages updates
Plans	Free and paid plans available	Free software, but hosting and domain cost extra
Customization	Limited on free plan, expanded on paid plans	Full customization with themes and plugins
Domain name	Free plan uses a WordPress.com subdomain	Requires purchasing a custom domain
Storage	Limited on free plan, more on paid plans	Based on hosting provider’s plan
Best for	Users wanting a simple, managed solution	Users needing flexibility and scalability

Both versions offer robust features, but WordPress.org provides far more customization options for those wanting to fully control their website. 

Setting up your WordPress site 

Is WordPress easy to use when setting up a website? Whether you choose WordPress.com or WordPress.org, the setup process is straightforward, even for beginners. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting up the WordPress.org site: 

1. Get a domain name and hosting 

To create a WordPress site, you’ll need two key components: a domain name and a web hosting provider. 

Your domain name is where visitors can find your website (e.g., www.bluehost.com). Hosting providers store your site’s files and make them available online. 

While choosing a hosting provider, ensure they offer accessible WordPress hosting with one-click installations. This simplifies the process of getting your site live. 

Bluehost is a top choice for WordPress hosting, simplifying your process with one-click installations. Our packages include a free domain for the first year, SSL certificates and 24/7 support. 

Moreover, we offer a free domain name generator tool. It provides creative and relevant suggestions based on your desired keywords or business name.

Being a recommended host by WordPress.org, Bluehost provides reliable and easy-to-use hosting solutions for building and managing sites. 

Step 2: Install WordPress

After securing your domain name and hosting service, let’s work on installing WordPress. 

General steps to install WordPress

Here’s how to install WordPress in general: 

1. Log in to your hosting provider’s control panel.
2. Find the WordPress installer option. 
3. Follow the setup instructions, including setting your site title and creating your admin account. 
4. Once your WordPress is installed, you can access your admin dashboard and customize your site.

Steps to install WordPress via Bluehost 

Now, let’s go through the step-by-step WordPress installation process via Bluehost: 

1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager. 
2. Navigate to the ‘Hosting’ tab from the left menu.

3. Click on ‘Add Site’ to begin the WordPress installation. 

4. Now, select ‘Install WordPress’ and press ‘Continue’. 

5. Enter your website’s name in the ‘Site Title’ field. If unsure, you can choose ‘Skip for Now’.

6. Provide your domain name or choose a temporary domain. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.

7. Wait for installation to complete, which may take a few minutes. 

8. Access your WordPress dashboard by clicking ‘Log into WordPress.’

By following these steps, you can smoothly install WordPress on Bluehost without any technical hassle. 

Steps to access WordPress dashboard 

Let’s look at the steps to access WordPress dashboard from Bluehost Account Manager.

1. To manage a site, go to the ‘Websites’ tab on the left navigation menu.

2. Hover over the site you want to manage and click ‘Edit Site’.

3. Click on ‘Settings’ to access the WordPress settings.

With WordPress installed, you can start building your new website.

Familiarizing yourself with the WordPress dashboard 

WordPress user friendliness makes it a top choice for beginners. Familiarizing yourself with this user-friendly interface is crucial for effective website management. So, let’s look at some important elements of the WordPress dashboard. 

1. Left navigation panel: It has options such as Posts, Pages and Media. Each section allows you to create and manage different content types seamlessly.

2. Dashboard: This provides an overview of your site’s activity, including recent comments, incoming links and WordPress news. This information can help you stay updated on your website’s performance and community engagement.

3. Appearance tab: Take note of the customization options available under this tab. Here, you can change themes, manage menus and adjust widgets.

Customizing your WordPress website

WordPress.org offers a wide range of themes, plugins and customization options. So, you can easily transform the look and feel of your website. 

3. Select, install and customize your WordPress theme

Choosing a suitable WordPress theme is one of the most critical steps in building your website. A theme controls the appearance and layout of your site. And with thousands of free and premium themes available, the options are endless.

To install a WordPress theme:

1. Go to ‘Appearance’ > ‘Themes’ in the admin dashboard.

2. Click ‘Add New Theme’ to browse through available themes.

3. Choose the theme that fits your brand, click ‘Install’, then ‘Activate’.

4. Using Widgets to enhance your homepage

Widgets are small content blocks that you can add to various areas of your website. For example, the sidebar, footer or even the homepage, depending on the theme. 

They’re a simple yet effective way to showcase important elements like: 

• Recent posts: Display your latest blog articles to keep visitors updated. 
• Categories: Help users navigate through your blog by showing different content categories. 
• Social media icons: Add icons that link directly to your social media profiles, boosting engagement. 
• Search bar: Provide an easy way for users to search for content on your site. 
• Contact forms: Allow visitors to quickly reach out to you via email.

How to add and manage Widgets

Here’s how you can add and customize widgets on your homepage:

1. Navigate to ‘Appearance’ > ‘Widgets’ in your dashboard.

2. You’ll see a list of available widgets on the left and the widget areas (sidebar, footer, etc.) supported by your theme on the right.

3. Drag and drop a widget from the list into your preferred widget area.

4. Customize the widget settings (like title, content to display, etc.) based on your needs.

5. Save your changes and preview them to see how they appear on your homepage.

Some themes also allow you to use widgets directly within the homepage layout. So, you have even more flexibility in placing your content.

Widgets are an easy way to add interactive elements to your homepage without needing any coding knowledge. They help enrich the user experience and provide essential information in a visually accessible way.

Advanced customization with CSS

If the built-in customization options aren’t enough, WordPress also allows you to add custom CSS to personalize your site’s design further.

You can access this option by going to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS.

Here, you can tweak colors, fonts, margins or any other design element to create a truly unique look for your website. No need to modify the theme files directly.

Optimize your WordPress site settings

Once your theme is installed, optimizing your site settings ensures smooth performance.

5. Configure your reading settings.

By default, WordPress shows your most recent blog posts on the homepage, but you can opt to display a static page instead.

Here’s how:

1. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Reading’ in the admin dashboard.

2. Select between displaying your latest blog posts or a static page.

3. If you select a static page, create a new page for your homepage.

Delete any unused themes.

Unused themes can slow down your website and pose security risks. To remove them:

1. Go to ‘Appearance’ > ‘Themes’.

2. Open the theme you are not using and click ‘Delete’. 

Removing unused themes can help keep your site secure and efficient.

Building your WordPress site

WordPress provides the flexibility and tools needed to design a professional-looking site. Here are essential steps to add more life to your site. 

6. Build your basic pages

Every WordPress website requires essential pages to function correctly. 

These include: 

• Home Page – The first page visitors see when they arrive at your site.
• About Page – Introduce yourself or your business to visitors.
• Contact Page – Provide ways for visitors to contact you, such as a form or email address.
• Privacy Policy – Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations by outlining how user data is collected. 
• Product Page – Showcase your products or services with detailed descriptions and images, ensuring a seamless user experience. 
• Thank You Page – A page that acknowledges visitors after they complete an action, like a purchase or form submission, providing a seamless user experience. 
• FAQ Page – Address common questions to assist visitors and reduce support inquiries. 
• Terms and Conditions Page – Outline the rules and legal agreements between your website and its users. 

To create a new page: 

1. Go to ‘Pages’ > ‘Add New Page’ in the admin dashboard.

2. On the new page, enter your page title and content.

3. With Bluehost web hosting plans, you get an additional ‘WonderBlocks’ feature. It comes with pre-built templates and patterns that make it easy to start creating a new page.

4. To use any template, click on the plus (+) button. Now, you can customize every aspect of this layout to give it a personalized touch.

5. Once you are done editing, click ‘Publish’ to make the page live.

7. Install essential plugins

Plugins are essential for adding extra features to your WordPress site. Whether you want to improve SEO, manage forms or secure your website, there’s a plugin for everything.

To install plugins:

1. Navigate to ‘Plugins’ > ‘Add New Plugin’.

2. Search for the plugin you want, click ‘Install Now’, then ‘Activate’.

3. Some essential plugins for beginners include SiteLock for security and Yoast SEO for optimizing for search engines.

Remember, only install the WordPress plugins you need to avoid slowing down your site.

8. Start creating content

Creating content is one of the most critical parts of maintaining a website.

WordPress makes content creation straightforward, whether you create blog posts, build product pages or design custom layouts.

To write your first blog post:

1. Go to ‘Posts’ > ‘Add New Post’ in your WordPress dashboard.

2. Enter your blog title and content.

3. Add images or videos and format your post using the editor.

4. Once satisfied, click ‘Publish’ to make your post live.

Regularly updating your blog page with fresh content helps improve SEO and engage your audience.

Also read: How to Write and Publish Your First Blog Post in 10 Steps

Managing your WordPress website

Managing your WordPress site involves regular updates, monitoring performance and implementing security measures.

9. Monitor your website for technical issues

Keeping your WordPress website running smoothly requires regular maintenance.

Here’s how to monitor your site for issues:

1. A good rule of thumb is to regularly update your WordPress plugins, software and themes to ensure optimal performance and security.
2. Use Google Analytics to track site visitors and monitor website performance.
3. Troubleshoot slow load times by turning off unnecessary plugins or contacting your hosting provider for support.

10. Back up and update your WordPress site regularly

Backing up your WordPress site is crucial for preventing data loss. Many hosting providers offer automatic backups. But it’s also a good idea to install backup plugins like CodeGuard.

• Always back up your site before installing new plugins or performing significant updates.
• Store backups in secure locations like cloud storage to ensure easy access.

Mastering WordPress: Advanced tips and techniques

As you become more comfortable with WordPress, you may want to explore advanced features. Optimizing your website for search engines and leveraging powerful plugins can help you create a highly functional and professional website. 

Understanding SEO for your WordPress website

Optimizing your WordPress website for search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial to improving your visibility and driving organic traffic. WordPress offers a range of plugins that simplify the SEO process.

Popular plugins like Yoast SEO offers Local, WooCommerce and News SEO features.  These are valuable for WordPress users focused on enhancing their site’s rankings. 

To successfully implement SEO strategies for your site, consider the following:

Keyword research and content optimization

• Start with tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify high-traffic keywords for your web pages and blog posts. Incorporate these keywords across your site’s content to increase search engine rankings.
• Use internal linking to connect related web pages within your site, which helps search engines crawl your site more effectively and encourages visitors to explore further.

Site speed and performance

• A fast-loading website is critical for both SEO and user experience, especially for improving visibility in search engines. Compress your images, reduce file sizes and select a reliable web host. Many web hosts offer WordPress-specific hosting plans optimized for speed and performance. 
• Installing the best WordPress caching plugins can improve your site’s speed, making it more responsive and SEO-friendly. 

Secure your WordPress site with SSL

• Security is another important factor for SEO. Google gives preference to websites that use SSL certificates (https://). Installing an SSL certificate on your website helps protect user data and secure it against hackers. It also helps boost your credibility in the eyes of search engines.  
• Bluehost offers a free SSL certificate powered by Let’s Encrypt as part of all their WordPress hosting plans. This SSL certificate secures your website by encrypting sensitive data, such as passwords and payment information. It also helps build trust with visitors and improve your site’s SEO ranking. 

Creating a custom homepage for your WordPress site

A custom homepage helps differentiate your website and creates a solid first impression for visitors. Whether your goal is promoting a blog or showcasing products, a tailored homepage can make your content stand out.

WordPress provides extensive customization options through themes and page builders.

Selecting a WordPress theme

• Choose a WordPress theme that supports full customization of the homepage. Many of these include built-in homepage templates, but you can use page builders. 
• Bluehost offers an in-built page builder – WonderBlocks. It simplifies page creation with fully customizable templates and patterns. This feature offers flexibility and ease, making professional site creation quick and hassle-free.

Customizing the homepage layout

• Head to the WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance > Customize. You can modify the layout, add widgets and personalize the web design elements here. 
• You can feature blog posts, display testimonials or highlight products to create a more engaging homepage experience for your visitors. 

Setting a static homepage

• After customizing your homepage, go to Settings > Reading in the WordPress dashboard and set a static page as your homepage (As shown above). This lets you replace the default blog post listing with a custom design.

A customized homepage ensures visitors to your WordPress website are greeted with relevant and visually appealing content. It further enhances their overall experience.

Tips for designing a mobile-friendly WordPress website

With more than half of global web traffic coming from mobile devices, it’s important to make your WordPress website mobile-ready. While various themes are designed to be responsive, checking how your site performs across different devices is still crucial. 

Use a responsive WordPress theme

• Select a responsive WordPress theme when building your site. This ensures your site adjusts seamlessly to various screen sizes without compromising the user experience. 

Improve page load times

• Compress images and minimize unnecessary files to reduce load times. Plugins like Smush help optimize images without sacrificing quality. Additionally, using performance-enhancing tools from your hosting provider can speed up your site’s loading times on mobile devices. 
• Many web hosts provide caching and performance optimization solutions, which can further improve site speed for mobile visitors. 

Test mobile performance

• Use Mobile Friendly Testing tool to check how well your WordPress site functions on mobile devices. This tool helps identify issues like slow load times or navigation problems. Also, allows you to make necessary adjustments. 
• Ensure that clickable elements like buttons, menus and links are easy to use on small screens to provide a seamless user experience. 

By prioritizing mobile optimization, you ensure your website performs well for users on all devices.

Leveraging WordPress plugins for advanced functionality

WordPress plugins allow you to add advanced functionality to your website without needing technical expertise. Whether you’re looking to improve SEO, enhance security or boost performance, there’s a plugin for virtually every need. 

SEO plugins

Yoast SEO is among the best plugins for optimizing your WordPress website for search engines. 

They guide you through optimizing your content, meta tags and keywords, helping improve your site’s visibility in Google search.

Learn more: How to use Yoast WordPress SEO Plugin 

Security plugins

Keeping your site secure is critical. SiteLock and CodeGuard are excellent WordPress security plugins for safeguarding your site from malware and other threats. 

These plugins offer firewalls, malware scanning and login protection features. 

Performance plugins

Consider using cache plugins to improve site speed and overall performance. These tools store static versions of your site, reducing server load and improving visitor load times. 

By integrating the right plugins, you can extend the capabilities of your site. This ensures it runs efficiently and meets the needs of your audience.

Where to find WordPress tutorials and courses 

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your WordPress skills, numerous resources are available to guide you. Using these educational resources will empower you to master WordPress and fully leverage its capabilities for your website. 

Bluehost WordPress Academy 

The Bluehost WordPress Academy is an excellent resource for beginners looking to learn how to navigate and use the platform effectively. 

It offers a variety of tutorials, webinars and hands-on training sessions that cover everything from the basics to advanced customization techniques. 

By participating in our educational resources, you can build a solid foundation and gain confidence in using WordPress to achieve your website goals. 

WordPress.org Codex 

The WordPress.org Codex is the official documentation for WordPress. It includes detailed articles on installation, theme customization, plugin management and troubleshooting common issues. 

Codex also provides insights and best practices to enhance your website’s functionality and performance. 

Udemy 

Udemy is a well-known online learning platform offering various WordPress courses. These courses are created by independent instructors rather than WordPress.org or Bluehost. So, the quality may vary. Look for highly rated courses with positive reviews to ensure the best learning experience. 

Many Udemy courses include video content, quizzes and assignments. So, you can learn at your own pace. 

Final thoughts

Still wondering, is WordPress easy to use? With its intuitive dashboard, vast theme library and extensive plugin support, WordPress proves its user friendliness. 

Bluehost offers a seamless experience tailored for WordPress users. With one-click WordPress installation, robust customer support and top-notch security, we ensure your site runs efficiently. 

Our scalable hosting plans are designed to handle everything from small blogs to high-traffic eCommerce websites. 

If you’re looking for a reliable web host to support your website, get started with Bluehost WordPress hosting today. 

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