Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Own WordPress Site (for Marketing Products)
Have you ever wanted to create your own website but felt overwhelmed by all the technical jargon and setup steps? What if you could build a professional-looking website in just a few simple steps? In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up a WordPress.org website with your own domain and hosting—no technical experience needed!
Let’s dive into how you can quickly get your site online and start marketing your products today.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Purchase a Web Hosting Plan and Domain Name
Before you can build your WordPress site, you need a domain name (your website address, like “mywebsite.com”) and web hosting (the service that stores your website files).
How to Purchase a Domain and Hosting:
- Choose a Web Hosting Provider: Popular hosting providers like Bluehost, SiteGround, and so many others offer WordPress hosting plans. For this tutorial, let’s assume you are using Bluehost as an example. I use CheniCloud see “Webhosting” in the Navigation Bar above if you want to know why.
- Sign Up for Hosting:
- Go to the hosting provider’s website (e.g., Bluehost).
- Choose a hosting plan. For beginners, the Basic Plan is often sufficient, and it usually includes a free domain for the first year. Be careful of the “Free Domain” offer because if. you want to move it later they can charge a very high fee and there is nothing you can do about it. I prefer to purchase my Domains from NameSilo in Phoenix Arizona. Porkbun is Oregon is also popular and inexpensive but I do not use then. I will never use NameCheap again… but not interested in rehashing the reasons here.
- Register Your Domain Name: Pick a domain name that represents your business or brand (e.g., “YourBrand.com”). Your hosting provider will likely offer a free domain for the first year. My preference is NameSilo. Easy to use and one of the less expensive options. I have been with them for more than a decade now.
- Checkout and Payment: After selecting your domain and hosting plan, proceed with the checkout and payment process.
Tip: Choose a simple and memorable domain name that relates to your business or niche. Avoid overly long names or special characters. Always try and buy a Dot Com. All other extensions can be harder to rank and sell later on. Consider buying a domain name if you can find on for a good price that meets your needs. Your Domain is essential to your BRAND,
Step 2: Install WordPress
Now that you’ve purchased your domain and hosting, it’s time to install WordPress.org. Unlike WordPress.com (which is hosted for you), WordPress.org gives you full control of your website and is ideal for those wanting to market products.
How to Install WordPress:
- Log Into Your Hosting Account: Once you’ve signed up for hosting, log into your account dashboard.
- You will need to point your Domain to your New Webhost. This is easy but can be confusing at first. if you get your domain from the hosting service they may have done this for you. If not… check out Youtube Video directly above..
- Find the WordPress Installer: Most hosting providers have a one-click WordPress installation option. On Bluehost, you can find this in the “My Sites” or “Website” section.
- Install WordPress: Click on the WordPress installer button, select your domain, and hit “Install”. The process typically takes a few minutes.
- Access Your WordPress Dashboard: Once the installation is complete, you’ll receive a link to log in to your WordPress dashboard. It will look like:
yourdomain.com/wp-admin
Use the username and password you created during installation to log in.
Step 3: Choosing a WordPress Theme (Free or Paid)
A theme controls how your website looks. WordPress offers both free and premium (paid) themes. As a beginner, you can start with a free theme and upgrade later if needed.
How to Choose a Theme:
- Browse Free Themes:
- In your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Themes > Add New.
- You’ll find hundreds of free themes to choose from. Look for themes that are responsive (mobile-friendly) and SEO optimized (important for marketing your products).
- Some popular themes for beginners include Astra, OceanWP, and Neve.
- Consider Paid Themes:
- If you need more advanced features, premium themes like Divi or Avada offer extra customization options and professional designs. InternetMarketingIQ is built using the “Extra” Theme which is available from Elegant Themed. Extra Theme is a specialized Theme based on DIVI. With a subscription you get access to almost all Elegant Theme Tools. There is a learning curve, but there are lots of Youtube Turtorials and DIVI has their own support team which can actually log in to. your site remotely with a single clicck (But you have to allow this) and help you figure out problems you may be having. It’s less than $100 a year (Buy it on Black Friday or during a sale and it’s cheaper). The renewal cost is also less than $100 and you can build as many sites as you like with the Theme. It’s a great value.
- Paid themes usually cost between $30-$100, but they often come with premium support, better designs, and additional tools.
Pro Tip: Choose a theme that matches the look and feel you want for your site. Simplicity often works best—especially when you’re marketing products.
Step 4: Customize Your WordPress Site
Now that you have a theme installed, it’s time to make your site your own!
How to Customize Your Site:
- Go to the Customizer: In your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Customize. This will open the live editor where you can change your site’s appearance.
- Edit Site Title & Tagline: Under the Site Identity section, update your site title (e.g., “My Product Store”) and tagline (e.g., “High-Quality Products at Affordable Prices”).
- Change Colors & Fonts: Most themes allow you to adjust colors and fonts. Customize your site’s color scheme and typography to match your brand.
- Set Your Homepage: In the Homepage Settings, choose whether you want a static page or a blog-style homepage.
Step 5: Install Essential Plugins
Plugins are like apps for your WordPress site—they extend functionality and make your site more powerful. For marketers, there are several essential plugins you should install.
How to Install Plugins:
- Go to Plugins: From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
- Install Key Plugins:
- SEO Framework or Rank Math: Improves your site’s SEO and helps you rank better in search engines.
- WooCommerce: Ideal if you’re planning to sell products directly from your site.
- WPForms: Create easy-to-use forms (contact forms, subscription forms, etc.).
- Elementor: (Similar to DIVI) A drag-and-drop page builder to help you design pages easily.
- LiteSpeed: If you use ChemiCloud you want this installed in makes your site much faster
Tip: Always keep plugins updated, as outdated plugins can cause security issues.
Step 6: Create Your First Page (Homepage)
Your homepage is typically the first thing visitors see, so it’s important to make it attractive and informative.
How to Create a Homepage:
- Create a New Page: Go to Pages > Add New.
- Add Content: Add a welcome message, your products or services, and a call to action. Include images and buttons that lead to your store or product pages.
- Publish: After editing your page, hit Publish to make it live.
Step 7: Set Up E-Commerce (If You’re Selling Products)
If you’re marketing and selling products, you’ll need to set up an e-commerce store.
How to Set Up WooCommerce:
- Install WooCommerce: From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New. Search for WooCommerce and install it.
- Follow the Setup Wizard: WooCommerce will guide you through setting up your store, including adding products, payment methods, and shipping options.
- Add Products: Go to Products > Add New, and fill in product details like name, price, description, and images.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using WordPress for Marketing
Benefits:
- Customizable: With thousands of themes and plugins, you can create a unique site that suits your needs.
- Cost-Effective: WordPress is free, and hosting plans are affordable.
- SEO Friendly: Plugins like Yoast help optimize your site for search engines.
- Scalable: WordPress can grow with your business as your needs expand.
Drawbacks:
- Learning Curve: While it’s user-friendly, there’s still a learning curve if you’re new to website building.
- Time-Consuming: Setting up a website can take time, especially if you want to add multiple products or complex features.
- Requires Ongoing Maintenance: You’ll need to update plugins, themes, and WordPress itself regularly to avoid security risks.
Step 8: Consider Hiring a Specialist (If Overwhelmed)
If you find the setup process overwhelming or simply don’t have the time to manage everything yourself, consider hiring a WordPress developer or web specialist. They can help you set up your site, customize it, and ensure it runs smoothly.
Resources:
- Upwork: A platform where you can hire WordPress professionals for short-term or ongoing projects.
- Fiverr: A great place to find freelancers offering affordable WordPress setup services.
- WPBeginner: A comprehensive resource for WordPress tutorials, including hiring guides.
Conclusion
Setting up your own WordPress website might seem like a daunting task, but by following these simple steps, you can create a fully functional site to market your products—without needing any technical experience. WordPress is a powerful tool that gives you the flexibility to grow your business online.
So, don’t hesitate! Take the first step today and get your website up and running. The possibilities are endless, and with a little effort, you’ll be able to create a site that attracts customers and grows your business.
Ready to get started? Take a deep breath, dive in, and begin building your digital marketing empire with WordPress!