The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started with WordPress

Why Choose WordPress?
WordPress powers over 40% of websites on the internet — from simple blogs to complex online stores. It’s easy to use, flexible, and doesn’t require advanced technical skills.

Step 1: Choose a Domain and Hosting
Start by selecting a domain name (like yourbusiness.co.za) and a hosting provider. Look for hosts that offer WordPress-specific plans, such as SiteGround, Bluehost, or Afrihost.

Step 2: Install WordPress
Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation. Once installed, you’ll receive login details to access your WordPress dashboard and begin customizing your site.

Step 3: Pick a Theme
Themes control your site’s design. WordPress offers thousands of free themes, or you can purchase premium ones that come with more features and design flexibility.

Step 4: Add Essential Plugins
Plugins add functionality to your site. A few must-haves for beginners include:

  • Yoast SEO – Helps improve your search rankings
  • Elementor – Lets you build pages visually with drag-and-drop
  • WPForms – Allows you to add contact forms easily

Step 5: Create Your Core Pages
Every website should include basic pages like Home, About, Services, Blog, and Contact. Add real content or placeholders to test layouts and navigation.

Conclusion
Starting a website with WordPress is simpler than most people think. With the right tools and a bit of time, you can have a beautiful, functional site that grows with your business.

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