How to Create a Website on WordPress in 2026 

Key highlights 

• Learn how to install WordPress automatically through Bluehost’s one-click setup, eliminating technical complications and manual configurations. 
• Understand how to choose domain names and hosting plans that include free SSL certificates and daily backups for complete security. 
• Explore how Bluehost’s AI tools streamline website design so you can create a professional site in minutes. 
• Discover essential WordPress plugins that transform your blogging platform into a powerful business tool with ecommerce and SEO capabilities. 
• Explore staging environments that let you test changes safely before launching your live website to visitors and customers. 

 Oh, nice website!” “Thanks, I built it with WordPress. It was easy.” 

You have heard this conversation a thousand times. You keep hearing the name “WordPress” and now, you are finally ready to do the same. 

You are in the right place. Yes, building a website with WordPress is truly that easy – and in 2026, it can be done in minutes. 

Still surprised? No worries. Just read this step-by-step guide on how to create a website on WordPress. By the end, you won’t just believe it is possible; you will have a live website to prove it. 

Here we go.      

Getting started with WordPress website creation 

Before diving into the technical steps, let’s understand what WordPress is and why it’s the platform of choice for millions of website owners. 

What is WordPress?  

WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) that lets you build and manage websites without writing code. Think of it as the foundation that powers your website, handling everything from displaying content to managing users. 

There are two versions of WordPress, but for a professional site, you usually want self-hosted WordPress. This version gives you total ownership of your files and data. 

Why should you use WordPress?  

WordPress dominates the website platform market for good reasons: 

1. Complete ownership and control 

You retain full control of your website and data, avoiding the restrictions on proprietary platforms. 

2. Cost-effective for any budget 

The core software is free, so you typically only pay for hosting and a domain name. 

3. Massive ecosystem of themes and plugins 

Access over 59,000 free plugins and thousands of themes to add any functionality you can imagine. 

4. SEO-friendly architecture 

It is built with clean code that search engines love, helping your site rank higher on Google. 

5. Scales with your business 

You can seamlessly grow from a small personal blog to a massive enterprise online store. 

6. Active community support 

A global community of millions ensures that answers, forums and tutorials are always easy to find. 

7. Mobile-responsive by default 

Modern themes automatically adapt to smartphones and tablets to ensure a perfect user experience. 

Also read: Getting Started with WordPress 

How to build a WordPress website: Step-by-step guide

Follow these nine steps to create your own website on WordPress, from initial setup through launch. 

Step 1: Define your website goal and choose a WordPress plan  

Before purchasing hosting or choosing themes, define what you want your website to accomplish. Common goals include generating leads for your business, selling products online, building an audience through content marketing, showcasing portfolio work or establishing online credibility. 

WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org vs Bluehost: Which should you choose?  

Understanding the differences between these options helps you make the best hosting and setup decisions. 

Feature	WordPress.com	WordPress.org (Self-hosted)	Bluehost (Recommended)
Setup difficulty	Easy (Limited customization)	Moderate to Hard (Requires technical knowledge)	Easiest (One-click install)
Cost	Free (Limited) to High	Low (Hosting cost only)	Affordable + Free Domain for the first year
Customization	Very limited. Cannot install custom themes or plugins on free/basic plans.	Complete control. Install any theme or plugin.	Complete control + AI design tools included.
Plugins	Restricted to approved plugins.	Install any of 60,000+ free plugins from WordPress.org.	Install any plugin + Essential plugins like Yoast SEO included on select plans.
Themes	Limited theme selection. Custom themes only on Business plan or higher.	Install any free or premium theme. Full customization.	Install any theme + Access to Bluehost Marketplace with curated themes.
Support	Email support on paid plans. Community forums on free plan.	No official support. Community forums and documentation only.	24/7 live chat, phone & email support with WordPress experts.
Monetization	Restricted. Ads are allowed only on premium plans.	Unrestricted. Run any ads, affiliate links or sell products freely.	Unrestricted. Full eCommerce capabilities with WooCommerce support.
Ideal user	Hobby bloggers who want hands-off hosting.	Developers and tech-savvy users are comfortable with server management.	Entrepreneurs, small businesses & beginners who want full control with easy setup.

Step 2: Choose your domain name and WordPress hosting plan  

Every website needs two things to exist: an address and a home. 

• Domain Name: This is your address on the internet (like [yourbusiness].[com]). 
• Web Hosting: This is the digital “house” where your website files live. 

Buying a domain and hosting separately can be a headache to link together. We simplify the process. With Bluehost, you get a free domain name for the first year and we automatically handle the connection, so you can start building it immediately. 

Also read: Domain vs Website: Key Differences Explained & Why Both Matter  

How to choose the perfect domain name for building your WordPress website? 

Your domain is your brand’s first impression. When picking a domain name, keep these tips in mind:    

• Your domain name must be short and memorable; avoid long or complex names.    
• The domain name should be easy to spell and pronounce as it helps users remember and find your site easily.    
• The foremost important thing is that the domain name must be relevant to your brand and must reflect your business or purpose. 

Bluehost offers a domain name search tool that allows clients to quickly check the availability of their desired domain. In addition, Bluehost includes a free domain name for the first year with their hosting plans. Furthermore, you can use an AI Domain Generator that provides a suitable domain name that aligns with your business.     

Select the right hosting plan 

Once you have a name, you need a plan. For most entrepreneurs learning how to build a WordPress website from scratch, we recommend the Bluehost Managed WordPress Business Plan. 

It offers the perfect balance of power and security to grow your new website. 

Why the Business Plan? This plan is designed for sites that mean business. You get robust features without the high cost. 

• Storage: You get 50 GB NVMe storage for fast load times. 
• Capacity: Host up to 50 websites on a single account. 
• Security: We include daily website backups to keep your data safe and a free SSL certificate.
• Protection: You get domain privacy for the first year to hide your personal info. 
• Free domain: You get a free domain name for one year to kickstart your brand without extra cost. 

Always go with what WordPress suggests – Bluehost is an officially recommended hosting provider by WordPress. 

However, if you are interested in setting up an eCommerce store, you can choose Bluehost WooCommerce hosting which is specifically optimized for online selling. 

Step 3: Install WordPress  

If you want to understand how to create a WordPress website manually, the process involves handling databases and server files directly. Here are the essential steps required for a manual installation: 

1. Download the latest WordPress package as a zip file from WordPress.org and unzip it. 

2. Use an FTP client or File Manager to upload the contents of the WordPress folder to your hosting account’s root directory (public_html). 

3. Go to your hosting control panel, create a MySQL database and user, and assign the user to the database. 

4. Rename the wp-config-sample.php file to wp-config.php, then edit it to enter your database name, username and password.

5. Visit your domain URL in a browser to run the installation script, enter your site details (Title, Admin User, Password). 

6. Access your new WordPress dashboard at [yoursite].[com/wp-admin]. 

Also read: How to Install WordPress – WordPress Manual Installation 

Does the manual process sound complex? With Bluehost, you don’t need to touch a single line of code or manage databases. We simplify how to make a website with WordPress using our automated one-click installation feature. 

How to Install WordPress

Here is how to install WordPress effortlessly on Bluehost: 

How to access your site: 

1. Log in to your Bluehost hosting dashboard, click on the ‘Websites’ section and then click on ‘ADD WEBSITE’. 

2. Now select Install WordPress and then click ‘Continue’. 

3. Enter your Site Title, then click Continue. 

4. Enter the Domain you wish to use for your WordPress website, or you can click on temporary domain if you don’t have any.  

5. Then you will see a Window saying your WordPress is installing. 

6. In the last, a pop-up will appear, click ‘LOG INTO WORDPRESS’ to start. 

That’s it. In just a few clicks, you’re ready to start building your WordPress website with Bluehost. 

Step 4: Choose your WordPress theme  

Your theme is your website’s visual identity. It controls colors, fonts, layout and overall design without changing your actual content. 

Think of it like this: Your content is the furniture in your home. Your theme is the architectural style and interior design that brings it all together. A good theme makes your website look professional, loads quickly and works perfectly on mobile devices. 

Also read: 65 Best Free WordPress Themes for Every Niche (2025 Edition) 

What makes a great WordPress theme? 

When selecting a theme, look for these essential qualities: 

• Mobile-responsive: Automatically adapts to smartphones and tablets 
• Fast loading: Doesn’t slow down your website 
• Regular updates: Developer actively maintains it 
• Clean code: Built with SEO best practices 
• Customization options: Easy to modify without coding 

Finding a theme that meets all these criteria can take hours. If you use Bluehost, you can skip the search. Our AI website builder allows you to create a professional site in minutes. 

Also read: How to Choose WordPress Theme in 2025: A Beginner Guide 

Whether you’re learning how to build a WordPress website from scratch or launching your first online presence, there are two main approaches to selecting your theme: 

• Method 1: Traditional theme installation 
• Method 2: Quick website building with Bluehost AI Website Builder   

Method 1: Traditional theme installation 

If you are learning how to use WordPress to build a website the traditional way, this is the conventional method to install a theme: 

• Access the WordPress dashboard: Log in at yoursite.com/wp-admin. 
• Navigate to Appearance → Themes in the left sidebar. 
• Click “Add New Theme” to browse the WordPress theme directory. 
• Search or filter themes: Use keywords, features or categories to find options. 
• Preview themes: Hover over a theme and click “Preview” to see how it looks. 
• Install your chosen theme:  Click “Install” then “Activate”. 
• Customize the theme: Go to Appearance → Customize to adjust colors, fonts and layout. 

Method 2: Quick website building with Bluehost AI Website Builder 

If you’re a Bluehost user learning how to build a website with WordPress, you can skip the manual theme selection process entirely. Bluehost’s AI Website Builder (WonderSuite) analyzes your business needs and automatically generates a professionally designed website. 

How to use the Bluehost AI Site Creator: Once you log into WordPress from your Bluehost dashboard (as shown in Step 3), you will see a pop-up window. Follow these concise steps: 

1. AI Site Creator: Choose “AI Site Creator” to start a brand-new site.  

2. Enter details: Type in your website title and a brief description of your business or blog. 

3. Add branding: Upload your logo if you have one (or skip this step). 

4. Select experience level: Choose your familiarity with WordPress (Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced) so the tool can tailor the experience for you. 

5. Choose a layout: The AI will generate multiple design variants. Hover over them to Preview how they look. 

6. Customize or publish: 

1. If you love the design, click Save & Publish. 

2. If you want to tweak it, click Select & Customize to adjust fonts, colors or images. 

Your site is now live with a professional design! If you ever want to change the look later, you can easily switch themes from the WordPress dashboard. 

To understand better, we have a video on how to build your website in minutes with our AI tools: Introducing Our New AI-Powered Website Generator on WordPress 

Step 5: Create essential website pages  

Every professional website needs foundational pages that establish credibility and guide visitors. 

These pages answer the questions every visitor has: What do you do? Who are you? How can I contact you? Most web pages serve a distinct purpose. For example, your “About” page tells your story, while your “Contact” page helps customers reach you. If you used the AI creator in the previous step, your essential pages are already drafted. You do not need to start from zero. You simply need to review and tweak the text. 

However, as your business grows, you will likely need to add more content. 

Essential pages every site needs: Regardless of your industry, most business websites require these core pages: 

• Homepage: This is the face of your website in WordPress. It should clearly state what you do and include a strong site title. 
• About page: Build trust by sharing your story. Who are you? Why does this website exist? 
• Contact page: Provide a way for visitors to reach you. A simple contact form works best here.
• Blog page: This is where your latest blog posts and recent blog posts will appear. Blogging is crucial for SEO and keeps your content fresh. 
• Services or Portfolio page: If you run a portfolio website, showcase your work here. If you have an online store, this is where your products live. 

Method 1: Adding pages manually  

If you are learning how to build a website using WordPress on a standard setup, you must create each page from scratch. 

How to add a new page in WordPress: 

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard. 
2. Navigate to the left sidebar and click Pages. 
3. Select “Add New Page.” 
4. This opens the editor where you can add text and images. 
5. Use the block editor to add content (text, images, buttons, etc.). 
6. Click the + icon to add different block types. 
7. Click Publish when your page is ready.

Method 2: Auto-generated pages with Bluehost  

Manually structuring every page can be tedious. If you have a Bluehost hosting plan, this process is automated.  

If you used Bluehost’s AI Site Creator in Step 4, your essential pages (Home, About, Contact) are already drafted with placeholder content. You only need to customize the text and images. 

Step 6: Customize your WordPress website  

Your website structure is built. Now, you need to dress it up. When learning how to build a website on WordPress, customization is the step where you transform a generic layout into a unique brand experience that reflects your business identity. 

In modern WordPress, you use the block editor. This allows you to build posts and pages using movable “blocks” for images, text and videos. It is the new standard for web design, replacing the old editor. 

While the default editor is great, building complex sections from scratch can be slow. That is why your Bluehost account comes with WonderBlocks a library of block patterns and templates. 

How to use WonderBlocks:  

WonderBlocks is part of WonderSuite. Here is how to use it to customize your pages instantly: 

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard and open any page or post to edit. 
2. Look for the WonderBlocks icon in the top toolbar (usually near the top left) and click on it. 
3. Navigate through the different categories (like “Headers,” “Call to Action” or “Testimonials”) to find a design you like. 
4. Click on a pattern to insert it into your page. 
5. The pattern automatically adapts to your theme’s fonts and colors. You simply need to click on the text to type your own content or swap out the images.

WonderBlocks provides professionally designed patterns at no extra cost, giving you a premium look without purchasing expensive page builders. 

Also read: WonderSuite: How to Build and Publish a site with WonderBlocks 

Step 7: Install essential WordPress plugins  

Plugins add functionality to WordPress without requiring custom development or coding skills.  

Whether you need a contact form, a security firewall or an online store, there is likely a plugin for it. In fact, there are over 59,000 plugins available in the official WordPress directory alone. 

Must-have plugins for every website (Pre-installed with Bluehost): 

1. WooCommerce: If you plan to sell products, this is the top WordPress eCommerce plugin. It powers one-third of all online stores and turns your site into a fully functional shop. Basic setup takes minutes, though adding products and configuring payment gateways requires additional time depending on your store’s complexity. 
2. MonsterInsights: This connects your site to Google Analytics. It allows you to see how many people visit your site and which web pages they like best directly from your WordPress dashboard. 
3. Jetpack: This all-in-one tool helps with security, speed and backups. It creates a seamless connection between your self-hosted WordPress site and the WordPress.com infrastructure.
4. Yoast SEO: This is the most popular tool for search engine optimization. It scans your content and gives you simple suggestions to improve your rankings. 

Yoast SEO comes pre-installed with Bluehost managed WordPress hosting plan to get you started. This gives you essential optimization tools right out of the box at no extra cost! If you eventually need advanced features, you can purchase Yoast SEO Premium separately.

If you are learning how to make a WordPress website, you typically have to find and install every plugin manually. At Bluehost, we save your time by pre-installing all the above essential plugins specifically chosen to help you build a website that is secure and fast from day one. 

How to install and manage plugins? 

Installing plugins follows these steps: 

1. Go to Plugins → Add New from your WordPress dashboard. 
2. Search for the plugin name in the search box. 
3. Click Install Now on your desired plugin. 
4. Wait for installation to complete (usually seconds). 
5. Click Activate to enable the plugin. 
6. Configure plugin settings (usually under Settings or dedicated menu).

WordPress plugins give you unlimited customization possibilities without hiring developers or learning to code. 

If you’re planning to sell products online, standard WordPress hosting works fine – but Bluehost WooCommerce Hosting is specifically optimized for eCommerce and gives you significant advantages: 

• Auto-installation: Skip the setup – WordPress and WooCommerce are pre-installed and ready from day one. 
• Optimized performance: Servers are specifically tuned to handle high traffic and ensure fast, secure checkouts. 
• Total security: Includes a free SSL certificate and automatic daily backups to protect your customer data. 
• Expert support: Get 24/7 access to specialists who understand the unique needs of online stores.

• Premium plugin bundle (Included free): You get a curated set of essential tools worth hundreds of dollars at no extra cost. This includes: 

1. WooCommerce: The core store functionality. 

2. Jetpack: For advanced security and site performance. 

3. Yoast SEO: To help your products rank in search results. 

4. OptinMonster: Powerful lead generation tools to convert visitors. 

5. Creative Mail: Email marketing integration for customer retention. 

This package allows you to launch a fully functional store with premium features without buying an expensive premium theme or separate extensions. 

Also read: 17 Unique WordPress Plugins to Upgrade Speed, SEO & UX in 2025 

Step 8: Optimize for SEO and speed  

A beautiful website is useless if no one can find it. Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of helping Google understand your site, so it appears when people search for your website name or services. 

Speed is equally critical. Studies show that sites loading slower than 3 seconds may experience higher bounce rates. To make your site load faster, you typically need to compress images, configure caching and ensure your hosting platform is optimized. 

The challenge: While WordPress offers incredible power, optimizing it requires ongoing effort. You need to manage keywords, monitor site title tags, build backlinks and technically maintain your WordPress site to keep it fast and secure. 

Bluehost solution: Full Service + SEO. If you don’t have the time to master web development or SEO strategy, let us do it for you. 

Bluehost offers Full Service + SEO, an all-in-one solution where our experts design, build and optimize your site for you. It goes far beyond standard shared hosting or a DIY page builder. 

What you get with Full Service + SEO: 

• Custom design: Instead of struggling with a free theme in the Appearance tab, you get a custom-built, mobile-friendly site designed to convert. 
• Done-for-you SEO: Our experts handle keyword research, on-page optimization and even build credibility with high-quality backlinks. 
• Dedicated experts: You get a dedicated account manager and monthly strategy calls to review your progress. 
• Ongoing maintenance: We handle content updates, plugin management and security patches, so you never have to worry about breaking your site. 

This service eliminates the SEO learning curve. It is the fastest path to a professional, high-ranking presence without lifting a finger. 

Read more: Introducing Full Service + SEO: Website Design & SEO Made Easy 

Step 9: Launch your website 

This is it. The moment you have been working toward. Your design is crisp, your pages are written and your plugins are ready. It is time to share your new website with the world. 

But before you flip the switch, you want to be 100% sure everything is perfect. Staging environments let you test changes without affecting your live website that visitors see. 

Bluehost includes staging functionality with selected WordPress hosting plans. This powerful feature creates a complete copy of your website in a private testing environment where you can experiment freely. 

The final pre-launch checklist: 

• Check on mobile: Open your site on your phone. Does the menu work? Is the text readable? 
• Test your forms: Send yourself a test message through your contact page to ensure it arrives.
• Click every link: Broken links frustrate visitors. Double-check your navigation. 
• Proofread: Read your latest blog posts and pages one last time for typos. 

How to go live: When you are ready, the process is simple. 

1. Log in to your Bluehost dashboard. 
2. You will likely see a “Coming Soon” banner at the top of your screen. 
3. Click “Launch My Site”.

Congratulations! You are now the owner of a live, professional WordPress website. You have officially joined the community of successful WordPress users. 

Also read: What is a Staging Site and Do You Need One in 2025? 

Ready to go live? Build your WordPress website with us   

You now know exactly how to easily create a website on WordPress. From choosing your domain to launching your site, every step is simpler than you imagined. 

Here’s what makes building your WordPress site with Bluehost different: 

You don’t just get hosting. You get a complete website creation partner. As your WordPress hosting provider, we install WordPress automatically and handle the technical complexity. You stay free to focus on what matters most – your business. 

Your WordPress site is waiting. Your customers are searching. Your success starts now. 

Create your WordPress website with Bluehost today. 

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