Getting started with WordPress can be exciting, whether you’re building a blog, a business website, or an online store. When you work with a Design Agency or have an IT background, you often feel like you can create a website on your own. Choose a theme that aligns with your website’s purpose and design preferences. WordPress has thousands of free and premium themes available. You can browse and install themes directly from the WordPress admin dashboard.
This happens when you go in without any practice for Web Design. There are some common tips and practices that you need to follow before starting with WordPress
Install Essential Plugins
Plugins add functionality to your WordPress site. Some essential plugins include:
- Yoast SEO: Helps optimize your site for search engines.
- Akismet: Protects your site from spam comments.
- Wordfence Security: Enhances website security.
- Contact Form 7: Allows you to create contact forms.
- WooCommerce (if you’re running an online store): Adds e-commerce functionality.
Be cautious not to install too many plugins as it can slow down your site. Choose the ones you really need.
Go with a minimalistic approach
You do not want to create a website of millions of products in a day with WordPress. You cannot create a website with thousand pages in a month. You need to realize that getting the right things for the base of the website is important. Always plan out things with minimal elements. You may simply start by creating a homepage that has an introduction to your products or services.
Choose them wisely
When choosing themes, you might get conjured in the number of options in the WordPress theme store. Always use one that has your style of designing. Also, look for themes that offer less and useful options. A good way is to Google the best themes for starters.
Use the blocks column wisely
Blocks are the new language of WordPress. Some professionals might suggest you shift to Elementor. But it’s not necessary. The Block features of adding things, deleting elements, adding layouts, animation effects and filters are amazing. This is the thing you want in the first phase of your WordPress website designing.
Complete all mandatory pages
When you apply for payment options or subscription lists, the companies usually review your website throughout. They don’t want to be associated with an incomplete or a dummy website. Hence you need to be ready with all the content and pages on your website. Some mandatory pages are very essential such as privacy, terms and conditions, refund policies, shipping, about us, contact us, cart, etc.
Slowly start adding plugins
The possibilities of using and adding plug-ins are endless. When you are familiar with the basic features of WordPress, you might start knowing and then using the plugins. Some important ones will help you get through to your customers easily. Every plugin has a demo mode so make sure you check on it.
In the end, don’t forget to spend at least half an hour on your website. Even if you have nothing to update, do check your website in live mode for errors and corrections. When you start spending time on the portal, you will improve it day by day. Make mistakes and then learn to correct them. That’s the way to go.
Remember to explore WordPress’s extensive documentation, forums, and online tutorials. They offer valuable resources for learning more about WordPress and troubleshooting any challenges you may encounter along the way.