There are tons of ways to start a website these days. Some websites are built via manual coding that allows for total customization, whilst some utilize no-code platform such as Squarespace or Wix because they make things easy with drag-and-drop tools and all-in-one setups — although they do have more restrictions in terms of available functionalities.
That being said, if you’re looking for something a bit more flexible and customizable with little to no need to code, using a content management system like WordPress is a great option. WordPress is an open source software (a.k.a a software that’s publicly available, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it) released by WordPress.org. Thanks to WordPress, you don’t need to know how to code or hire a developer to get a professional-looking website up and running. It also gives you a lot more flexibility and room to grow, which is why it powers a huge chunk of websites on the internet — like over 40%.
WordPress.com vs Self-hosted WordPress
WordPress is hosted via two ways: on WordPress.com and via self hosting.
- WordPress.com is a hosted platform where most of the hosting setup is done for you. In a way, it’s similar to Squarespace and Wix. It’s great for simplicity, but you’re a bit limited in terms of customization unless you pay for premium plans.
- Self-hosted WordPress uses the same WordPress software but you need to set it up through your own web hosting. That being said, you get WAY more freedom to customize your site however you want.
In this guide, we’re going to cover how to start a website using self-hosted WordPress. Whether you’re launching a blog, portfolio, small business site, or something else entirely, this guide will walk you through the process step by step. By the end, you’ll have a clear path to getting your WordPress website online—even if you’re a complete beginner!