[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/staging-sumydesigns.kinsta.cloud\/getting-started-with-wordpress\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/staging-sumydesigns.kinsta.cloud\/getting-started-with-wordpress\/","headline":"Demystifying WordPress for Business Owners: A Simple Guide to Getting Started with WordPress","name":"Demystifying WordPress for Business Owners: A Simple Guide to Getting Started with WordPress","description":"Getting started with a WordPress site for your business can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Learn more about WordPress and how to get started.","datePublished":"2024-02-12","dateModified":"2024-03-27","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/staging-sumydesigns.kinsta.cloud\/author\/amymasson\/#Person","name":"Amy Masson","url":"https:\/\/staging-sumydesigns.kinsta.cloud\/author\/amymasson\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d8b380bf8ab7265735de66b5af4ebe5d636d18720198a2a1a37d5c78cbf672a6?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d8b380bf8ab7265735de66b5af4ebe5d636d18720198a2a1a37d5c78cbf672a6?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Sumy Designs","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/staging-sumydesigns.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/schema-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/staging-sumydesigns.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/schema-logo.png","width":126,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/staging-sumydesigns.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/wordpress.jpg","url":"https:\/\/staging-sumydesigns.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/wordpress.jpg","height":631,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/staging-sumydesigns.kinsta.cloud\/getting-started-with-wordpress\/","about":["Business","Development","WordPress"],"wordCount":979,"keywords":["finding good themes","hosting","plugins","web hosting"],"articleBody":"WordPress is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) that allows you to create a website or blog. It is one of the most popular website creation platforms in the world, powering over 43% of all websites on the internet.There are two kinds of WordPress websites. There is a self-hosted version of WordPress and hosted version via wordpress.com. It can be very confusing, so I’m going to attempt to explain the difference and why you may need one or the other. The main difference between self-hosted WordPress and hosted WordPress boils down to control and flexibility:Self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org):Full control: You own and manage everything, from the domain name and hosting to the software and website files.More flexibility: You can customize your website as much as you want, install any theme or plugin (free or premium), and even modify the core code.Greater responsibility: You’re responsible for security updates, backups, performance optimization, and any technical issues.Costs:\u00a0Requires purchasing a domain name and web hosting separately.\u00a0May require additional investment for premium themes and plugins and help from a developer.Hosted WordPress (WordPress.com):Limited control: You have some customization options, but WordPress.com restricts certain themes, plugins, and functionalities.Easier to use: No need to worry about technical aspects like updates or security. WordPress.com manages them for you.Less flexibility: Limited scope for unique branding and functionality. Monetization options are restricted on free plans.Costs: Free plan with limited features. Paid plans offer more flexibility and features, but still lack the full control of self-hosting.Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:FeatureSelf-hosted WordPressHosted WordPressControlFull controlLimited controlFlexibilityHighly flexibleLimited flexibilityResponsibilityYou are responsibleWordPress.com is responsibleCostsDomain name + hosting + optional premium themes\/pluginsFree (limited features) or paid plansChoosing the right option depends on your needs and technical skills:Self-hosted WordPress: Ideal for those who want full control, unique designs, and advanced functionalities. Requires some technical knowledge or willingness to learn.Hosted WordPress:\u00a0Good for beginners who want a simple,\u00a0DIY platform with basic functionalities.\u00a0Less flexible but requires less technical know-how.At Sumy Designs, we only design and develop self-hosted WordPress websites. What this means is you’ll need your own domain, your own web hosting account, and WordPress installed on your web host. We can and will help you with all of these steps through the process.Steps for setting up a self-hosted WordPress siteSetting up a self-hosted WordPress site requires a few steps, but it’s not as complicated as it might seem! Here’s a basic roadmap to get you started:1. Choose your domain name and web hosting:Domain:\u00a0This is your website’s address (e.g.,\u00a0<www.yourdomain.com>).\u00a0You can register one through your chosen web hosting provider or a separate domain registrar like GoDaddy.Web hosting:\u00a0This is where your website’s files will be stored and served to visitors.\u00a0Consider factors like price,\u00a0storage,\u00a0bandwidth,\u00a0and customer support when choosing one. Check out the Sumy recommended hosts here.2. Install WordPress:There are a lot of WordPress installation methods. If you use a Managed WordPress host, they will almost always have a one-click installation option that makes it very easy.Most web hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation like Softaculous,\u00a0making it very easy.\u00a0Manually install WordPress. This is more advanced so ask for help from a pro if you need it.3. Choose a theme and customize your site:WordPress themes control the look and feel of your website. There are thousands of free and paid themes available, catering to various styles and functionalities.If you aren’t having a custom theme developed by a web design agency, take the time to learn about the pros and cons of buying themes, and the issues you may run into when you buy low-cost WordPress themes. 4. Install essential plugins:Plugins add new features and functionalities to your site.\u00a0Popular choices include Yoast SEO for search engine optimization,\u00a0Akismet for spam protection,\u00a0and Gravity Forms for creating contact forms.Be mindful not to overload your site with too many plugins,\u00a0as it can slow down performance. Use only plugins that are reputable and supported. Learn how to evaluate if a plugin is worthwhile.5. Start creating content:This is where the fun begins! WordPress provides a user-friendly interface for writing blog posts, creating pages, and managing media.Focus on high-quality content relevant to your audience and niche.Many people find writing content about themselves harder than they expect. My advice is to start with the easy pages first, like the contact page. Pages that don’t require as much text and will be easy to churn out. Getting the ball rolling and having a few pages complete can get you on the right track.Additional things you should set upSet up Google Analytics, so you know if people are using your siteAdd your site’s sitemap to Google Search console, so Google knows where your pages areMake sure you have an SSL certificate installedSet up a backup system for your websiteAdditional Resources:Official WordPress documentationFree WordPress PluginsFree WordPress ThemesFree stock photos can be found at Pexels, Pixabay, or Unsplash. How to optimize your photosRemember:Take your time and learn as you go. There are plenty of resources available to help you along the way.Don’t be afraid to experiment and personalize your site to reflect your unique style and brand.It’s always okay to ask for help if you need it. The WordPress community has thousands of people of all skill levels, and we are a warm and welcoming group, generally always ready to answer questions."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Demystifying WordPress for Business Owners: A Simple Guide to Getting Started with WordPress","item":"https:\/\/staging-sumydesigns.kinsta.cloud\/getting-started-with-wordpress\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]