Even if you’re a complete beginner and you’ve never even thought about creating a website before, then this post is for you. We’re starting entirely from scratch and leaving no stone unturned (we even included some how-to videos), by the end of this post you’ll have a functional WordPress site, ready to publish your first post.<\/p>\n\n\n
You might like…<\/h4>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/wp-hosting-150x150.png\")
<\/a><\/span>WordPress Hosting<\/a><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/shared-150x150.png\")
<\/a><\/span>Shared Hosting<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n1. Set Up Your Web Hosting and Domain Name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first things you need before you start building your WordPress blog are a domain name and web hosting. Without these two things, there’s nowhere to install WordPress and have a website that lives on the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To keep things simple, your domain name (or your web address) is what people will type into the address bar to access your website. While your web host is where you’ll store your website’s files. When someone types your domain name into the address bar, their web browser communicates with the server and displays your website’s files. In this case, those files will be your WordPress blog!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BONUS!<\/strong> If you buy a web hosting package for 1 year or longer, HostGator will give you a FREE domain for the first year. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAlright, let’s pick up a domain name and hosting account. Need help choosing the best domain name for your blog? Check out this article.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\nFirst, head over to the HostGator Managed WordPress Hosting<\/a> page. You’ll see that there are a ton of different packages to choose from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"hostgator](\"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/image-10-1024x646.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nGenerally, it\u2019s a better idea to go with the Standard or the Business plan, as these plans give you the freedom to add more domains to your hosting account and also come equipped with more advanced features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve decided on your plan, click on the '\u02dcBuy Now!\u2019 button. On this next screen, you\u2019ll be able to add a domain to your order. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"register](\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/s1P3Z3wnBHu_8ahkiqBd1IhY6Qm4mYLZNi82G9Kf59vOpiDpSvHywH96pCx7IQhTdtdFsrVHHRgjw_VUBQItvC-f6uXurB6kXxhVXfEEasiG90kC8KfsIQfz27mAJJk2Pj3YfHCU\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe domain search feature is built into the signup page, so the tool will perform a search on any domain you enter and show you which domain name extensions<\/a> are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOnce you\u2019ve found the perfect domain<\/a>, then you can enter your payment information to complete your purchase and officially register it! <\/p>\n\n\n\nAfter you\u2019ve finished signing up, you\u2019ll receive an email from HostGator that contains your cPanel<\/a> link. This control panel is what we\u2019ll be using to install WordPress, so keep an eye out for this email before you proceed with the next step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Install WordPress on Your Site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To install WordPress, click on the control panel link you received in your welcome email, then enter your username and password.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your control panel should look similar to the image below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"where](\"http:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Screen-Shot-2020-07-17-at-4.20.16-PM-1024x522.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou can install WordPress quickly by clicking on the '\u02dcSoftaculous Apps Installer\u2019 icon. Softaculous will guide you through the steps to complete your set up or you can follow these instructions<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n[embedyt] https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PXTJ34l6V3k[\/embedyt]\n\n\n\nOnce the installation is complete, you\u2019ll be directed to a confirmation screen. Your login details will be on this screen, and they\u2019ll also be emailed to you. Make sure you keep these in a secure place, as we\u2019ll need these to finish setting up your site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Choose and Customize Your WordPress Theme <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now you have the foundation laid. Your domain and hosting are purchased, and WordPress is installed on your site. But, you can\u2019t start customizing your site just yet, to do that you\u2019ll need to install a WordPress theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Themes are how WordPress handles site customization and adding new features to your site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To install a new theme on your site, we\u2019re going to first login to your WordPress dashboard. To do this, you\u2019ll be using a link that looks something like '\u02dcmywebsite.com\/wp-admin<\/em>.\u2019 On this screen you\u2019ll enter your username and password, and click '\u02dcLogin.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis will bring you to your WordPress dashboard, which will be your home base for customizing your site. It\u2019ll look more or less like the image below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"wordpress](\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/OD7fri5XRGeSNQvbqRlTJphbN_BmdZ9--YVHdxSsGQnT1YjxV1JjfuYgHWas9zCCUAQekDwgWfoCjM93QszkhAZ6hwF6MCQVQuY43BZFYV7I6VoGHi2sdkEF2Q3heEW9aTBxTwee\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nBy default, our site will be using a basic WordPress theme, but you\u2019ll probably want to change this out to a theme that better suits your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/span>WordPress Hosting<\/a><\/li><\/a><\/span>Shared Hosting<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n1. Set Up Your Web Hosting and Domain Name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first things you need before you start building your WordPress blog are a domain name and web hosting. Without these two things, there’s nowhere to install WordPress and have a website that lives on the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To keep things simple, your domain name (or your web address) is what people will type into the address bar to access your website. While your web host is where you’ll store your website’s files. When someone types your domain name into the address bar, their web browser communicates with the server and displays your website’s files. In this case, those files will be your WordPress blog!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BONUS!<\/strong> If you buy a web hosting package for 1 year or longer, HostGator will give you a FREE domain for the first year. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Alright, let’s pick up a domain name and hosting account. Need help choosing the best domain name for your blog? Check out this article.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n First, head over to the HostGator Managed WordPress Hosting<\/a> page. You’ll see that there are a ton of different packages to choose from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, it\u2019s a better idea to go with the Standard or the Business plan, as these plans give you the freedom to add more domains to your hosting account and also come equipped with more advanced features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve decided on your plan, click on the '\u02dcBuy Now!\u2019 button. On this next screen, you\u2019ll be able to add a domain to your order. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The domain search feature is built into the signup page, so the tool will perform a search on any domain you enter and show you which domain name extensions<\/a> are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve found the perfect domain<\/a>, then you can enter your payment information to complete your purchase and officially register it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n After you\u2019ve finished signing up, you\u2019ll receive an email from HostGator that contains your cPanel<\/a> link. This control panel is what we\u2019ll be using to install WordPress, so keep an eye out for this email before you proceed with the next step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To install WordPress, click on the control panel link you received in your welcome email, then enter your username and password.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your control panel should look similar to the image below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can install WordPress quickly by clicking on the '\u02dcSoftaculous Apps Installer\u2019 icon. Softaculous will guide you through the steps to complete your set up or you can follow these instructions<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n[embedyt] https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PXTJ34l6V3k[\/embedyt]\n\n\n\n Once the installation is complete, you\u2019ll be directed to a confirmation screen. Your login details will be on this screen, and they\u2019ll also be emailed to you. Make sure you keep these in a secure place, as we\u2019ll need these to finish setting up your site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you have the foundation laid. Your domain and hosting are purchased, and WordPress is installed on your site. But, you can\u2019t start customizing your site just yet, to do that you\u2019ll need to install a WordPress theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Themes are how WordPress handles site customization and adding new features to your site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To install a new theme on your site, we\u2019re going to first login to your WordPress dashboard. To do this, you\u2019ll be using a link that looks something like '\u02dcmywebsite.com\/wp-admin<\/em>.\u2019 On this screen you\u2019ll enter your username and password, and click '\u02dcLogin.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will bring you to your WordPress dashboard, which will be your home base for customizing your site. It\u2019ll look more or less like the image below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n By default, our site will be using a basic WordPress theme, but you\u2019ll probably want to change this out to a theme that better suits your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n2. Install WordPress on Your Site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Choose and Customize Your WordPress Theme <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"wordpress](\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/dxmxsG_xHTWmFUaWlL9cqWOm1envJHhCRORjub5BWmAJzp0mALIOX3Fg3ftbr_5ir0xuc1cYKHy4OErkg1bRvJY8k6fArz8Q71ngQCOP3tg_jrrddvR1KZlaiBVFuZQ_01kKq4Pe\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/yO24FxvPhWC-t0DeEhG7CjBwz52WVUVAr3hayUA4Up35j3Bi0n7f3VU9BtMBqh9BTAy8IUpx08jnkZcBP0K902SjK8nm6qXmF1aAZQKBCFVkuTUCC51UlhieqBCdeFEpGLAUoZgM\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"install](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/It64gw4IVtLFIziY2G5JjfFbVPr8H0-8gYxat_GxZ9WE0qYQVjAptrhbxHr9PD-_yL6VScVhiKHyvQN2DHTbmQPTu6MrPsYjuR-Mvp3oGteAK3byWfZnegw6img9CgvQm6T0K772\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"create](\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/0VuZBUZc59iOPtFccg15Mfo8xdD5QrJdL9N-ImkXV_PcBayabl7hS90hi_Igh98alIWpvDFZ1ZYZq0uSloKG3ctgCrokHNJ-vkR4fHaB7KkGHz-LtgnOn3Um0CHTiI_Y_bJRfW0v\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"add](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/mfx3H_QOhkDZnnGzzsdfeCCMpq2uz3-Oh7sbgKB-K9TzkCbJcFghsaz05qyg-HITpBKsH9MiWCp2Fccs1_zCKgEs13Xw4cBXdy9azE89xy1yfwXeE4rBQ57LFRnnuKjS7zFlFfdr\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"view](\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/NgF-IqbpkYBvGp1JWyVmW82WV6gAOuKd5mEy-03sT58eKKwhsSrAiPZxozSdZnopDzz-mvlkwnwdVpO8yY3cB3eRfDJCMk1rhY5UzHC9K4wraWz9LsK45OTyHifCkHQunCT3dzwq\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"customize](\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/QQrN16cBIQPhUqCk9v1QpUMzJ_UCS93hggTEhKr4owntUM3Y_tjol1LAC_Na6-_P5VUjyP_Wkkf7Njeb0DXkUlUe_knOXWLWu-h75V5BPNT3gWMWDmelWJHc62np0y9wQLptfJK9\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"add](\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/P-ujqVu-5XWk9zhOg8Mf7_83fyjjNPyDQY7IxcV1Vuao9pVuDXrJs9bay7BlPmdXFY5jrovWx697_zqokn9r0n8czFz5sRlKwflp_lgQbAd7tpE735pe1Giyt2jGOEnPsY_xt545\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"create](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/A_A3nmTPRSp7lo5oldvYzahj5Ll8fb2eyc_5ORqKS_nE2wi4pykpZb3tlehtDbH49kijzzz3I0oYZDjZQTqW8wIyq8hyS5xWlic_1GBsPyqg1a8V2bBrIjKST1K_YIB2Ubw1OA6-\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"click](\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/rTubj1xqMZ6GAAOyyGQx1U10RlAZqlmbk3BjN-JAipBR2pSJfi7uTxqY6rmwj0JQeMa0C1KNZHpb4EPDrBqFM6ySt-vtEIzy2GVXii4nh3v3z33kHB20Y45GKIeK5iR2D6xrx9Ic\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"add](\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/noNXVAcyHybY28S5R46V92VXRGfmKM4oAlMWmALI7h2a06m6Ko97I1FfRhHAFOt1Dj0SxcAG3Nr601T1TQYED7_LyyglBgRv0ak1qYjFp8Tr5b_f2Q0oEhSD3FO8vzPZmZmQUbBV\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/XZq7aj2jUNimptPwm6CyPBsv6UIuuyjng_QIzd9fNobKvg_WmpWu0cwjZpg-fzGe2VI9lN8u5d4eUwQPG3NVU-4eOxZ_3L4K--41CArO-_6QinApNkcxU10ISRlAn-Qu-ZgHtrYO\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"where](\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/KXFiRu1_dk2wCLqzOQNhtfFgflo3E7qPkl3RpbbocxMpd0xTVno4F6XApvyzQEtyhGx2xqXFT_PZqJpYjKHkosl3aH5P1kA59637H-Hpoqpzf0mcsaJ7_pd_cx_et-RxmLVNkV8v\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n