Maybe you’re just starting your freelance career. Or, you’ve been in this industry for long. However, it has been hard for you to launch a website to showcase your skills and portfolio online. Saving the cash for hosting and the domain name has been a challenge. Well, you can create a free WordPress website.
Really?
Yes, you can own a website without paying any hosting fee.
This article provides a simple step-by-step guide on how to create a WordPress website.
You create a WordPress Website for beginners by picking a free or paid site. To elaborate, you make a WordPress site in 5 easy steps by adding the domain name, naming the site plus logo inclusion, adding pages, confirming your address, and publishing posts. The best WordPress theme is Twenty Twenty.
How Do I Create a WordPress Website for Beginners?
As a beginner, some aspects influence your decisions when jumping into something. The same applies here. So, before creating a WordPress website, you should understand some things as discussed below.
- You need to have a subdomain of WordPress. That means that your blog site address will have a wordpress.com as part of its extension instead of .com or .ke. For instance, “petcorner.wordpress.com” in place of “petcorner.com.”
- You will have less customization and control over what you can do on your website.
- WordPress will feature Ads on your site, but you will not receive any compensation.
- Unfortunately, you cannot upload new plugins or monetize your blog!
- You can import content from a blogger or other CMS.
- You can move your content to a WordPress.org website without losing your current traffic.
With this in your mind, let’s now dive in.
How Do You Make a WordPress Site in 5 Easy Steps?
The first step on how to create a free WordPress website is signing up on WordPress.com. To do this, you need to visit http://wordpress.com, then click the “Get started” icon.
Next, wait for redirection to the signup page. Once there, fill the signup form with relevant details, including:
- The email address you wish to use
- Your password
Tip: Save the details somewhere in case your memory erases them.
When done, click the “create your account” icon.
If you wish, you can also create using a Gmail account. With that, click, “continue with Google” button.
I would, however, go for the former option instead of the latter.
Enter the Domain Name of the Free website You Want To Create
When you click the create account button, a new page asks you to enter the domain name of the site you wish to create.
Many trainees get confused when they get to this point. While various options ask you to pay for the domain, it doesn’t mean you have to pick that option. Right?
So, once you enter the domain name you wish to use, look around for the “Free” option.
Hint: Let the domain name hint to your readers, followers, and potential buyers what your site is all about. Here’s what I am saying. If the site deals with, for example, healthmatters, it would not make sense to have “marypeterwriter” domain name. This domain name is good if you want to market yourself as a writer and probably, share tactics of becoming a top-notch writer.
A domain name like “yourhealthmatters” is suitable for a health niche site. So, get things right when selecting the domain name.
Then, click on “Select. “
Well, what pops up next is another screenshot asking you the hosting plan you wish to choose. Or if you want the free option. We are sure we need the free one. Therefore, not unless you want to start a self-hosted site, click on the “start with a free site” option.
Before we work on anything else, let’s choose a theme for our site. You can use any theme, but I suggest you use the Twenty Twenty Theme. Another theme that I have come to love is the Generate Press. A good one! This is the theme I am using for nearly all my sites. But for now, let’s use the Twenty Twenty theme.
Let’s head to the “themes” option.
Search for the Twenty Twenty Theme and click on it. Go ahead and “Activate” it.
We are now good to get started. Here’s where the actual task is when you want to create a free WordPress website.
Click on the “get started” option so as to create the pages we need and add all the other necessary information.
Name Your Site, Add logo, Site Title, and Tagline
The next step is naming your site. Therefore, click on the “Name your site” option and give it a name.
In the following dialogue box, add the site title, logo, tagline, and every other detail as guided below.
For the site title, retain what you had, “Wellnessstrategies.” The tagline is the word or phrase that people can use to tag the site.
A logo is a symbol used to identify your site. It must be unique to avoid getting accused of plagiarism.
It is not a must you add a logo, though. But we need to do everything professionally, right? So, just come up with something simple and add it there.
Remember, a logo ought to be small in size to fit in the area provided.
Once you click the logo option, you will be asked to confirm if you really want to leave that page. If you do, the changes you have made will not get saved. No trouble, just proceed with the logo. We can always come back to this page later once we are through with the logo.
Thus, this is where you will get redirected to:
I believe you have already created a logo. Once done, save it.
Next, click on the “Select logo” option.
I have added the logo. This is what you should see if you have added it.
I would recommend you don’t check the “Display Site Title and Tagline” box. Since it is automatically checked, uncheck it.
Then save the changes. The saving option is above the logo, not below.
Afterward, click on the “X” to close that pop-up you are seeing.
You will get redirected to the “Update your Homepage” page. Click on the “Edit Homepage” option.
Again, you will get redirected to another page and see a “Welcome to your website” pop-up. Click on “Next.” Another pop-up, “Add or edit Your Content,” will appear.
Again, click ‘Next“.
Still, another pop-up, “Preview your site as you go. “ Click “Get started. “
This is what you should see.
Once you scroll down, you will see around three ‘Example Posts’ drop-downs. Every time you create a free WordPress website, you will see these samples. We will delete them and add our content.
You can choose to delete them first or later.
For us, we will work on that later.
Add Pages
So, right now, let’s head to the “Block Editor SideBar“; icon shown below.
On clicking that icon, a drop-down appears. Click on “All Pages” to add the pages you wish. You can have various pages, such as Home Page, About Us page, Blog Page, and Contact Page.
You may have more pages if you wish, according to what you wish to have there.
In our case, we will only add “Blog,” “About Us,” Contact Us,” and “Home” Pages. Therefore, click on “All Pages.”
You should be able to see all four pages.
a. About Us page
We will start with the “About Us” page.
I believe you already have content for this. I suggest you have around 300 words. Tell the world about yourself, including:
- Why you started the site
- What they should expect from you
- Why should they follow you, and the like
Click on the “About” option to add the content.
You will find content there. Delete it and add yours. Also, there will be an option for adding your profile photo. I suggest you get one that makes you look like a professional. Don’t include a “busy” background. But, what is a busy background?
This is a background with buildings, vehicles, trees, playing children, and the like!
Have a plain background like what we have in the sample profile photo (in the screenshot below). Nonetheless, don’t add a black and white photo. Let it be a colored profile photo. A smile won’t do you any harm. In contrast, it makes your readers feel “at home”!
Click on the “Replace” option to change the profile photo. Once all is in order, save the changes.
Next, click on “Update. “
b. Contact Us Page
Head back to the block editor sidebar and click on the “Blog” option. It is time to work on the contact us page; click on that option.
You will get notified that the changes you made might not be lost. Fret not; there are no unsaved changes (if you updated the previous changes). Therefore, proceed.
On the “Contact Us” page, don’t have too much content. Something brief like:
“Is there any way we could help you?
No trouble, just get in touch using the form below. Alternatively, you could use our social media handle.
What are you waiting for? Somebody is waiting to help you!”
Disclaimer:
Don’t copy exactly what I have here. That is plagiarism, and Google will soon be on your neck! 🙂
Next, add an image with some social media icons.
As you can see, I have added the image and links to my social media accounts. Plus, the link to my free site (homepage), wellnessstrategies.
You may now click on “Update” to save the changes. Head on to the “Homepage” and replace the image as we did on the “blog” page.
As per our site, we are done updating our pages. If, however, you want to add more pages, click on the “Add new page” option.
If you do not intend to add another page, pick the “Blog” option.
Before we delete the “Example Posts,” let’s replace the image we have there.
I recommend you have an image relating to your blog’s content.
For instance, if you are a diet blogger, look for a balanced diet image.
Click the “replace” option to add a new image. Have a catchy, large image that fits well. I would also suggest you add content on that home page. Like the “About Us” page, add about 300 words on this page.
Here, you could talk about the niche/products you will be offering on the site. Also, encourage your visitors to explore your site further for more information.
Once done, click on “Update” changes.
Congratulations! Start publishing the content. How do I go about this? You ask!
Let me guide you, but before that, we should launch the site.
Confirm Your Email Address and Launch the Site
To post on your free WordPress site, you must verify your website by confirming your email address. This action confirms that you’re a human being and not a robot. So, head on to your inbox – of the email you used to sign up – and click the link to activate your blog successfully.
Now click on the block editor sidebar again. Select “All pages.” Proceed and click on the “My Site” option.
Before proceeding, we need to launch the site. The world doesn’t know we have a site yet.
Therefore, click on the “Coming Soon” option.
On the page that pops up, click on “Launch Site.” You will be requested to enter the address you wish to use.
We don’t need that now. So, click on the “Skip purchase” option.
On the new page that pops up, click “continue to my free site“ to launch the site.
Publish Your First Post
On the drop-down that appears, click on “site” then “posts.”
When you create a free WordPress blog, you will see the ‘Example Posts”. Delete them.
Now, click on the “Add Post” option to start publishing.
How do I do this?
Copy your content from Microsoft Word and paste it here. As a professional writer, I believe you have proofread, corrected all grammatical errors, and eliminated any plagiarism.
Now format the content the same way you published on ThriveGlobal, LinkedIn, or Medium (if you are my trainee). Remember to add links, images, and the featured image on every post you want to publish.
That is it!
You now have your free website.
Create a self-hosted site once you are stable and sure of the niche you want to stick to. Remember, the primary purpose of creating this site is to ensure that your readers see your proficiency and hire you, right?
Ensure you do optimum customization after creating a fantastic article.
Also, ensure that you add links with high domain authority as well as high-quality images.
How?
Here’s a step-by-step Guide on how to publish and optimize your post(s) so that it looks professional.
Even so, don’t be deceived. A free website cannot give you some clients.
A self-hosted will!! Therefore, when you are financially able, go for a self-hosted site.
What Is the Best WordPress Theme?
The best theme to use is the Twenty Twenty Theme. This theme is easy to use and makes your website appear elegant. Nevertheless, there are other superb themes like Astra, and Divi that are ideal for many functions.
Let’s look at these three themes a bit more.
Twenty Twenty: The Best WordPress Theme
This is one of the most popular themes in the market today. This theme is the latest theme by WordPress built as an upgrade of Chaplin. Its primary purpose is to make websites fast loading with minimal coding.
Additionally, this theme comes with an intuitive drag-and-drop page builder, which allows you to create beautiful pages without any knowledge of HTML or CSS. You can also customize its appearance using various plugins.
Astra: A Powerful, Fast-Loading Theme
If you want something different from what Twenty Twenty offers, then Astra might be what you need. With Astra, you get all the features of a professional theme plus some extra ones as well. For example, you will find a powerful visual editor that lets you easily edit images, videos, text, and more.
Moreover, you have access to tons of prebuilt layouts, so you don’t even need to build them yourself. Also, Astra supports WooCommerce, Jetpack, Google Fonts, and more.
Divi: A Responsive, Multi-Purpose Website Builder
Another great option if you prefer building your site rather than buying a readymade template is Divi. If you do not know how to code HTML or CSS, this theme is perfect. It provides everything you need to start creating stunning sites right away.
Additionally, its built-in visual editor helps you design anything you wish.
Plus, you can add unlimited sections, columns, rows, sliders, galleries, buttons, widgets, shortcodes, and more. All you need to do is select the elements you would like to include and click the “Add Element” button. Then simply place them where you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Design a Website for Free?
You can design a website for free but expect lesser features and customizability. Consider using an online service like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix that allows you to create your site without knowing HTML code.
These services offer templates and themes, so you don’t have to start from scratch when designing your new site.
Can I Make a WordPress Website Without Hosting?
You can make a WordPress website without hosting it, although a free website will not be as good as a self-hosted one. If you are looking for a simple way to create a blog, this is probably the best option available.
However, a self-hosted website provides more flexibility and allows you to monetize your content. Besides, a self-hosted site makes clients see that you’re an established writer; thus, they’ll want to hire you.
Does WordPress Require Coding?
WordPress does not require coding; thus, making things simple when creating a website. In fact, most WordPress users are novices when it comes to coding language.
So, whether you are a beginner or pro, getting your WordPress website running takes little effort.
Is WordPress Free or Not?
WordPress is free, but there are also four paid options. The most affordable paid option is the “Personal” website followed by “Premium,” “Business,” and “eCommerce” in order.
The more you spend, the more features you have. If you aim towards owning a high authority site, paid options allow you to earn from the engagement your website attracts.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, this step-by-step guide on how to create a free WordPress website is simple. You can do it all by yourself. Besides, you can see that there is no coding or extra skills needed to create your free blog.
You, therefore, have no reasons for not owning a free WordPress blog.
Apart from this, your free WordPress site is a stepping stone to owning a self-hosted website. When your budget allows you to cater for hosting costs, you can comfortably host the site.
The good thing is that you will not lose your traffic or following. Hence, you won’t build your site from scratch again.
Would you like any assistance in creating a free or self-hosted blog? Feel free to contact me so that we discuss further.