Website Development with WordPress CMS

Welcome to our guide on building a website with WordPress! Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, we’re here to help you create a beautiful and functional website using WordPress, one of the most popular and user-friendly content management systems (CMS) available.

We can help you with other CMSs (Shopify, Foursquare etc) so just reach out if this is what your business is using.

Pages

Pages are static pieces of content on your website. They are typically used for the main sections of your site, such as:

• Home: Your homepage is the first thing visitors see. It should be welcoming and clearly convey what your website is about.
• About Us: Share your story, mission, and the people behind your business or blog.
• Services: Detail the services you offer and how they can benefit your visitors.
• Contact: Provide a way for visitors to get in touch with you, including contact forms, email addresses, and phone numbers.

Posts

Posts are dynamic pieces of content usually used for blogs or news sections. They are displayed in reverse chronological order, meaning the newest post appears first. Use posts to:

• Share updates and news
• Write articles or blog entries
• Engage with your audience through comments

Plugins

Plugins are add-ons that extend the functionality of your WordPress site. There are thousands of plugins available, allowing you to:

• Add contact forms (e.g., Contact Form 7)
• Improve SEO (e.g., Yoast SEO)
• Enhance security (e.g., Wordfence)
• Create image galleries (e.g., Envira Gallery)

To install a plugin, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Plugins,” then “Add New,” and search for the plugin you need.

Themes

Themes determine the look and feel of your website. WordPress offers a wide variety of free and premium themes. When choosing a theme:

• Consider the design and layout that best fits your brand
• Ensure it is responsive (works well on mobile devices)
• Check reviews and ratings

To install a theme, go to your WordPress dashboard, click on “Appearance,” then “Themes,” and search for a theme you like.

Security

Keeping your website secure is crucial. Here are some simple steps to enhance your site’s security:

• Use Strong Passwords: Ensure all user accounts have strong, unique passwords.
• Update Regularly: Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated to the latest versions.
• Install Security Plugins: Use plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to add an extra layer of security.

Getting Started

1. Set Up Your Hosting and Domain: Choose a reliable hosting provider and register a domain name that represents your website. It’s best if this matches your business name as closely as possible.
2. Install WordPress: Most hosting providers offer easy, one-click WordPress installations.
3. Choose and Customise Your Theme: Pick a theme that suits your needs and customise it to match your brand. We generally use Astra, the free version is great, the paid version is greater.
4. Add Essential Plugins: Install plugins to add features and improve functionality.
5. Create Pages and Posts: Start adding content to your website by creating key pages and regularly publishing posts.
6. Secure Your Site: Follow the security steps to protect your website from threats.

Building a website with WordPress is a straightforward process, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to create a professional-looking site that meets your needs. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. Happy building!