What is WordPress and How to Get Started

WordPress is essentially a tool for creating websites without knowing any code. It is the most popular website creation tool in the world because of its versatility and ease of use. According to recent WordPress statistics, it actually powers almost half of the web content.

This article will assist you in getting started if you’re interested in learning WordPress. We’ll explore the definition of WordPress and its factors that contribute to its popularity. We’ll also go over how to get ready to use it.

What is WordPress?

Anyone can create and manage websites with ease using WordPress, a free and open-source content management system (CMS). The WordPress software, which began as a blogging platform, now assists users in creating a variety of websites, including eCommerce stores, blogs, and portfolios.

In 2003, Mike Little and Matt Mullenweg launched WordPress. In order to create a platform where users can freely use, modify, and distribute the software and its derivatives, they forked the b2/cafelog blogging tool under the GNU General Public License.

Currently, 43.5% of all websites use WordPress as their CMS. Its simplicity and robust international community are evidence of its popularity. Furthermore, this platform is a very flexible tool due to its extensive selection of themes and plugins.

How Does WordPress Work?

WordPress uses a MySQL database to store settings and content and a PHP-based core. The software retrieves information from the database, applies the theme’s design, and presents the visitor with the last page when they visit your website. Additional features like stores, forms, and SEO tools are added by plugins.

Let’s examine the key elements that make WordPress function in more detail:

• • Core Files: WordPress’s PHP-based engine manages basic functions like content management and user login.

• • Database: keeps track of all your user information, plugin configuration, and content. For this, WordPress makes use of MariaDB or MySQL.

• • Themes: Manage the appearance of your website. WordPress applies the style and layout of the theme you have chosen to your content.

• • Plugins: Enhance your website with new features like contact forms, SEO tools, and online store functionality.

In theory, WordPress can be used to create any kind of website. Here are a few typical website types created with WordPress in case you’re curious about how people use it:

What is WordPress Used For?

In theory, WordPress can be used to create any kind of website. Here are a few typical website types created with WordPress in case you’re curious about how people use it:

• • Individual Blogs: WordPress, which was first developed as a blogging platform, has strong built-in capabilities for creating blog entries, organizing content, and monitoring comments. Even novices can easily manage a WordPress blog because of its user-friendly interface.

• • Portfolios: With a gallery WordPress plugin and a portfolio theme, any professional can present their work in a stunning manner.

• • Websites for Businesses: Both small and enterprise websites can benefit from WordPress’s core business features, which include bookings, client testimonials, and contact forms.

• • Internet Retailers: You can turn WordPress into a complete eCommerce website with shopping carts, product catalogs, and safe payment gateways by using plugins like WooCommerce.

• • Websites for Members: Member directories, paywalls, and subscription models are all made possible by WordPress’s user management tools and specialized plugins.

• • Platforms for News: The platform is perfect for news delivery because it offers flexible user roles, simple publishing and editing tools, and more.

• • Websites that are Nonprofit: WordPress is appropriate for charitable organizations since it supports volunteer management, event calendars, and donation systems.

• • Forums: Forum plugins help you create an interactive online environment by enabling user profiles, topic discussions, and community engagement.

• • Online Learning: Plugins for learning management systems (LMS) enable the creation of courses, monitoring of student progress, and integration of payments for educational websites.

• • Websites for Hospitality: WordPress provides plugins to make reservations, room management, pricing, and guest communications easier when running hotels or vacation rentals.

• • Websites for Events: Plugins make it possible to list events, sell tickets, promote sponsors, and create interactive venue maps. They also integrate social media to boost visibility.

• • Job Boards: Using plugins that handle job postings, applications, and candidate profiles, HR professionals can create job boards.

What Websites Use WordPress?

Given that WordPress powers millions of websites, let’s examine some well-known examples and identify the best design principles they employ.

NASA

WordPress is used on NASA’s official website to make science, technology, and space exploration more widely available. This website demonstrates WordPress’s capacity to manage intricate content while providing users with an easy-to-use and educational experience.
Sections for news, missions, and resources are easily navigable thanks to the site’s modern design. It emphasizes how adaptable the CMS is at displaying content that is rich in data while still having an intuitive user interface.
Additionally, users can quickly find information on particular missions or topics of interest by using the search and filtering features. Even though WordPress comes with a built-in search widget, you can use the Ivory Search plugin to improve its functionality.

Disney General Entertainment Press

Disney General Entertainment Press comes next on the list of noteworthy WordPress websites. It highlights WordPress’s capacity to handle a vast range of multimedia materials by showcasing an extensive media library and press resources.

To guarantee simple navigation, the website keeps its design simple. This enables users to easily find the detailed descriptions, videos, and excellent photos of different Disney projects they’re looking for.

To grab visitors’ attention, the site’s home page features an image slideshow hero section. It is useful for promoting the current series because each image can be clicked to take viewers to the official page of the corresponding TV program. Plugins such as MetaSlider can be used to replicate this kind of content.

Nalgene

Nalgene, the original water bottle company, operates its online store using WordPress and WooCommerce. This website demonstrates how the plugin can offer a simple and effective shopping experience.

The product page includes useful information such as customer reviews, a synopsis of the main features, and excellent product photos. Users can quickly see various color options and select the product variant they want with the WooCommerce Variation Swatches and Photos add-on.

A Frequently Bought Together feature on the WordPress website suggests complementary products to boost sales. Customers are encouraged to investigate more of their products as a result, increasing the value of their shopping cart and their level of satisfaction.

Differences between WordPress.org and WordPress.com

There are two versions of WordPress: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. The only distinction between the two is the website address.
The self-hosted version of WordPress, WordPress.org, requires you to buy a domain name and web hosting in order to begin creating a website.
You can download the open-source software for free, and it gives you complete control over the content of your website. Additionally, you can use themes and plugins to freely alter the functionality and design.
On the other hand, WordPress.com is a hosted website builder that uses WordPress software. It is a well-known blogging platform that is frequently recognized by non-technical users.

Look at how they compare in terms of functionality and usage:

Feature	WordPress.org	WordPress.com
Customizability	Provides thousands of themes and plugins for complete	Customization. Restricted customization options: most themes and plugins require a premium plan to access.
Hosting	You must purchase it from a third-party hosting company on your own.	included in the cost of the subscription
Pricing	While hosting and a domain are paid for, the WordPress software is free. Annual Host Plans for managed WordPress hosting range in price from $2.99 to $14.99 per month.	Basic use is free, but premium plans range from $5 to $63 per month.
eCommerce	complete eCommerce capabilities using WooCommerce and other plugins.	Unlocking the features for online selling and storefront design requires a Commerce plan, which costs $63/month.
Monetization options	total control over monetization from any affiliate programs and ad networks you choose.	accessible through the WordAds program by signing up for the Premium plan or higher.
Support	Although there is a sizable and vibrant WordPress community, there is no official support. Additionally, you can get help from the hosting company of your choice.	Users of the free plan have access to the forums and documentation.
Learning curve	steeper but in exchange provides more scalability.	simpler options and managed hosting, making it easier for novices.

What are WordPress Themes?

WordPress themes are pre-made templates that allow you to alter the look of a website without knowing any code. From the color scheme and typeface to the positioning of blog entries or merchandise, they establish the visual appeal of your website.
More than 11,000 free themes are available in the official directory for a variety of purposes, including corporate websites, blogs, and online stores.
Alternatively, consider searching marketplaces like ThemeForest for premium themes. These typically offer more sophisticated features and specialized assistance when you need it.
Astra is a fantastic WordPress theme for a brand-new website. It performs exceptionally well thanks to its elegant, lightweight design. See our list of the top free WordPress themes for additional suggestions.

What are WordPress Plugins?

Installing WordPress plugins allows you to add particular features to your website. Adding a contact form, improving performance, or incorporating a third-party service like Google Analytics are a few examples of usage.
More than 59,000 free WordPress plugins are available in the platform’s official repository. Some marketplaces, such as CodeCanyon, sell premium plugins if you require more sophisticated tools.

AIOSEO is a well-known WordPress plugin for search engine optimization. It enhances the backend of your website with strong features like a page analysis tool and site audit that recommends content enhancements.

To find more crucial tools for your website, check out our list of the top WordPress plugins.

Why Use WordPress?

Given the abundance of website builders available, you might be curious about what sets WordPress apart. Millions of website owners use WordPress for the following reasons:

Easy to Use

Without knowing any code, users can create their own websites with WordPress. You can effortlessly manage appearance, media, plugins, and content thanks to the admin panel’s ease of use.

WordPress users can use the Gutenberg editor to create pages or posts. It offers a visual and user-friendly method of editing content through the use of a drag-and-drop system based on blocks. The user-friendly interface allows you to move and stack elements such as text, images, and videos.

Generally speaking, in order to use a CMS, you must download and upload the program to a web server that supports it. PHP and MySQL are essential prerequisites for WordPress and are supported by the majority of web hosts nowadays.

Open-Source

WordPress promotes international cooperation and creativity because it is open-source software. Developers can alter essential WordPress files, themes, and plugins to customize websites to their specifications thanks to this system’s advanced customizability.
As a result, a large number of community-developed products have surfaced, adding a variety of tools and options to the ecosystem. Regular updates to improve functionality and security are also made possible by the open-source model.

Highly Customizable

One of the most prominent benefits of WordPress is its ability to be customized. With thousands of WordPress themes available in the official directory, you can customize the look and feel of your website to fit your preferred features and brand.
Additionally, WordPress plugins are available to support your needs whether you’re building small websites or large eCommerce stores. Include functions like payment gateways, galleries, Google Analytics integration, and contact forms in just a few clicks.

Cost-Effective

WordPress is popular due to its affordability. Downloading the core software is free, and there are numerous free WordPress plugins and themes available. Because of this, it is now possible to build a business website without having to pay a large monthly fee.
Web hosting still costs money, but many providers have affordable plans. For example, Hostinger offers a free domain name and a free theme created by our team as part of their $2.99/month subscription pricing.

Full Ownership of Your Site

Users of WordPress have complete control over every aspect of their website, including its functionality, design, and content. Change anything you want without worrying about platform restrictions.
Additionally, there are no limitations on how you can monetize your website, allowing you to use a variety of strategies to generate income online. Ads can be displayed, affiliates can sign up, and even sell products or services.

SEO-Friendly

An excellent foundation for search engine optimization (SEO) is provided by a WordPress website. Effective on-page optimization is made possible by the software’s built-in features, which include alt texts, simple content creation, and clean permalink structures.

Additionally, SEO plugins can improve the site’s exposure on search engines such as Google.

Users can create highly scalable websites with the self-hosted WordPress platform. Any hosting

Scalable

company and plan that best fits your present requirements is yours to select.

Upgrade your plan or move to a different web host if your web hosting needs become too great. This adaptability guarantees that your WordPress website can develop and grow along with your company or clientele.

We at Viseahost provide a cost-free website migration service so you can move your website securely.

Active WordPress Community

With millions of WordPress users worldwide, there are a ton of online resources available that provide answers to a variety of problems. This compensates for the absence of direct support in the software, which can be crucial for novices.
One excellent example is Viseahost Tutorials. We provide hundreds of WordPress tutorials covering everything from creating your first website to performance optimization.

Because the WordPress admin panel is available in more than 70 languages, users from various

Multilingual

Because the WordPress admin panel is available in more than 70 languages, users from various geographical locations can utilize the platform in their native tongue.
There are many free and paid WordPress plugins available for producing multilingual content if your website is intended for a global audience.

How do I Create a WordPress Website?

Here are the basic, step-by-step instructions to help you better understand how creating a website with WordPress will work:

1. Buy Web Hosting and a Custom Domain Name

Purchasing a domain name and a hosting package is the first step. While web hosting stores your website files and makes them live online, a domain serves as your website’s online address.

Many companies offer web hosting services, including popular names like Viseahost, Hostinger and Bluehost etc.

A free domain name is part of Hostinger’s shared web hosting packages;.com domains are also available. If you already have a domain, you can move it to our system as well.

We advise looking at the business plan for a small business website. With WordPress-optimized features like auto-update capabilities, an AI troubleshooter, and an AI content creator to help you write blog posts, it starts at $3.99/month.

For a more thorough comparison of features, see our guide on selecting a web hosting plan if you want to build a different kind of website.

2. Install WordPress

WordPress software can be installed manually or automatically by the user’s web host. After creating a web hosting account, just follow the onboarding instructions if you’re purchasing a Hostinger-managed WordPress hosting plan.

Configure your WordPress login credentials and link your domain to the website. We’ll start the WordPress app installation procedure in the background in the interim.

After finishing, you can begin creating your website by logging into the WordPress dashboard.

3. Set up Your WordPress Theme

Select a WordPress theme for your new website after installing WordPress.

In addition to the thousands of free and premium themes that are available online, WordPress releases a new default theme each year.
By selecting Appearance → Themes → Add New, you can download WordPress themes straight from the official directory to your dashboard. Manually upload the ZIP files for premium themes.
To begin using the theme after a successful installation, be sure to activate it.

4. Install Plugins on your WordPress website

Let’s now install WordPress plugins on your website. During the hosting onboarding process, you can pre-install certain plugins if you’re using Hostinger to build a WordPress website.

Alternatively, visiting the official repository is the simplest method for installing free WordPress plugins. Use the search bar to locate the appropriate extension for your needs after selecting Plugins → Add New.

After installation, the plugin must be activated, just like WordPress themes. You can upload the ZIP files straight into the WordPress program if you’ve bought a premium plugin.

5. Create Pages for Your WordPress Site

Now that you have WordPress themes and plugins installed, it’s time to create some pages. These are sections that are static and unrelated to dates, such as Home, About Us, or Contact.

Go to Pages → Add New on your dashboard. The Gutenberg editor can be accessed here. Various content blocks, including text, images, videos, and embeds, can now be added.

If you’re just starting out, think about using Block Patterns. Contributors to WordPress created these pre-made layouts. You can expedite the website-building process by using a pattern rather than moving individual blocks.

After finishing, press the “Publish” button. To create as many pages as your WordPress website requires, repeat these steps.

6. Publish Quality Content

Posts are similar to blog entries or news updates and appear in chronological order, with the most recent at the top and the oldest at the bottom, whereas WordPress pages are static. They have comments and are time-sensitive.
Increasing your site’s search engine optimization (SEO), which can increase visibility, requires regular posting of high-quality content. Therefore, even if blogging isn’t your main reason for creating a website, having a blog page on your site will still be helpful.
Creating blog posts follows the same procedures as adding new pages. To access the Gutenberg editor, just select Posts → Add New.

7. Promote Your WordPress Website

Let’s advertise your WordPress website on some digital marketing platforms now that it has been published. Start by posting the URL of your website on social media or sending it to your loved ones.
Check out our WordPress SEO tutorial to increase search engine traffic. It will guide you through the basics, including how to use Google Analytics to monitor performance and conduct keyword research, and internal linking.

Conclusion

You can create a website without knowing any code by using WordPress, a content management system. Thanks to the abundance of WordPress themes and plugins, you can use it to create any kind of website, including blogs, online stores, company profiles, and membership platforms. Additionally, setting up a new website is easy.

The open-source program, self-hosted WordPress.org, is frequently referred to by users when using the term. In the meantime, Automattic offers a freemium website builder called hosted WordPress.com.

Will you attempt using WordPress to create a website? Post your thoughts in the comment section.