My Initial Experience Creating a WordPress Website
I first attempted to use WordPress a few years ago, and at the time, I found the process quite overwhelming. One of my biggest challenges was understanding the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. After doing some research, I realised that WordPress.org was better suited to my needs, as I wanted full control over my website, including purchasing my own domain name and hosting.
At that stage, I didn’t fully understand what hosting was or why it was necessary. I assumed building a website would simply be a drag-and-drop process (which, to an extent, it is), but I soon discovered there were many additional features and concepts I needed to learn. When I first opened the WordPress dashboard, it felt intimidating due to the number of options available, such as plugins, themes, and settings. I also struggled to understand the difference between Posts and Pages.
Despite these challenges, I managed to create a very basic website. Although it was simple, I was extremely proud of it because it represented my first hands-on experience with WordPress.
The Result
Fast forward to more recent times, I decided to give WordPress another try. This time, I was better prepared after spending hours watching tutorials, reading articles, and completing a Udemy course. As a result, I felt far more confident navigating the platform and understanding its core features.
I purchased a domain name through Namecheap, which was a relatively straightforward process. I selected an available domain, chose the registration length, and completed the purchase with ease. Choosing a hosting provider required more consideration, as there were multiple plans available. I focused on selecting one that was optimised for WordPress, offered fast performance, and included SEO-friendly features.
With this improved knowledge and preparation, I successfully created a website that I am much happier with and proud of.
What I Learned From the Experience
The most important lesson I learned is to simply give it a go. WordPress becomes far less intimidating once you spend time exploring the dashboard and familiarising yourself with where everything is located. Understanding the terminology and adjusting basic settings makes a huge difference.
I also learned the importance of plugins and how they enhance website functionality. With thousands available, each plugin serves a specific purpose and can significantly improve a site’s performance and usability. Additionally, themes play a crucial role in defining the look and feel of a website, so experimenting with different options is essential to finding the right style and vibe.
Overall, my first attempt was a valuable learning experience that helped me understand the fundamentals of WordPress. This foundation has given me the confidence to continue improving my website and developing my digital marketing skills.