How to Build a WordPress Website from Scratch

Instructions on how to build a WordPress website from scratch include several crucial steps, that involve solid preparation. The widespread use of WordPress has led to lots of resources on the internet. When initiating the WordPress website creation process, the user-friendly interface, requiring no coding knowledge, encourages beginners to confidently start the development process on the platform.

At White Label Agency, we specialize in providing a range of WordPress services for those aiming to deliver efficient and high-quality websites to their end clients. With over 600 successful collaborations with agencies, we have acquired proficiency in every aspect of WordPress. If you’re considering starting your agency and focusing on WordPress projects, we can guide you through the essential steps in building a WordPress website. Let’s delve into the process of creating a WordPress website, highlighting basic yet crucial considerations at every step.

How to Build a WordPress Website from Scratch – Laying the Foundation

Beginning the WordPress website development process is manageable, particularly with some prior experience in handling technical aspects. However, the essence of the entire process lies in preparation. Although plans may change over time, having clear ideas about what your end client’s website should include and express is pivotal for the subsequent steps. Determining the success of the project starts with answering fundamental questions: What is the desired outcome for your new website? What brand message should your end client convey? How will the brand be portrayed in the design?

Initiating with overarching queries and concluding with a detailed plan outlining the number of pages and the type of content each should offer is essential. Here are examples of general goals your end client’s website may aim to achieve:

• Foster a community around the brand or product by engaging visitors through forums or social media.
• Generate leads by capturing visitor information through forms or contact pages.
• Drive online sales and revenue through an integrated e-commerce platform.
• Share thoughts and insights through a blog or magazine-style publication.

The next stage involves determining the necessary pages, a step that proves time-saving in the future. Creating a straightforward sitemap and strategizing your site’s structure will contribute to maintaining a sense of control during the actual website creation process. Below are examples of fundamental pages that are typically essential when discussing how to build a WordPress website from scratch:

• Home Page
• About Page
• Product and Service Pages
• Testimonials Page
• Blog
• FAQ Page
• Contact and Customer Service Pages

Once you’ve identified the necessary pages, maintaining organization during content creation is crucial. Establish a spreadsheet and develop a basic sitemap to serve as a framework for your website. This helps set content guidelines, expressing essential branding elements. Clearly outline the intended tone for headers and content sections, providing descriptions for the information within each section and subsection of the website copy. Although content may evolve, establishing an initial tone can assist in making informed design and theme choices later on.

If your company already possesses a visual identity, ensure the website aligns with it. In the absence of a predefined visual identity, determine the colors to be utilized in your website design and graphics.

Ensure that the color palette you choose is balanced and generates the right kind of reaction from your visitors. Record the hex color codes for your selected palette. Furthermore, plan the graphics your site will require before starting the website construction. Some assets might already be available, while others may need creation. Arrange them in folders, designating one folder for each page of your website for easy organization.

Choosing the Domain Name and Hosting Provider

Before exploring the website’s hosting or content, the initial step is selecting the ideal domain name. It should align with your brand, necessitating thorough research for the best fit. Additionally, decide on the preferred top-level domain (TLD) extension, such as .com or an alternative. While .com is commonly preferred for its familiarity and reliability, the choice of TLDs plays a significant role in the selection process, impacting factors like SEO.

Although WordPress itself is a free website builder, the availability of your site on the web requires the use of a web hosting service. Typically priced under $10 per month, opting for web hosting first can save both time and money. Leading WordPress hosting services often provide a free domain name and streamlined one-click WordPress installation, simplifying the overall site creation process. However, it’s generally advisable to refrain from acquiring your domain through a hosting provider. This separation is recommended to maintain better control over your domain, especially if you decide to switch hosts for your website in the future.

Theme Design for Presenting the Brand

After WordPress installation, the next step involves selecting themes that align closely with your brand message. For agencies, two fundamental theme options exist pre-made and custom themes. Opting for custom themes can be more advantageous if your end client’s resources aren’t limited. Custom themes offer an array of design possibilities, allowing you to create a unique look for the website that resonates with your client’s brand image. Additionally, these themes include regular updates and security patches, securing your website against potential threats. It’s not merely about aesthetics; it’s about safeguarding the continual security of your online presence.

White Label Agency’s experience shows that clients seek a unique website that stands out from the rest. This is where custom WordPress development comes into play. With a customized WordPress website, you gain the freedom to modify any aspect – whether modifying the layout style, repositioning elements, or selecting distinct colors – to perfectly align with your company’s identity.

In Between Steps When Setting up a WordPress Website

Between choosing a theme and plugins, there are a few important steps to take when creating a WordPress website:

• Creating pages and posts
• Setting up the navigation
• Customizing content
• Integrating design elements (Header and footer, Widgets)
• Optimizing for search engines (SEO)

Essential Plugins to Add Before Going Live With Your WordPress Website

When discussing how to build a WordPress website from scratch, plugins play an important role in expanding functionality and elevating the overall user experience. Whether it involves optimizing search engine optimization, fortifying website security, simplifying contact forms and lead generation, or handling image galleries and media assets, there exists a plugin for nearly every facet of website development.

Here is a short selection of essential plugins that we recommend for every business website:

• Yoast SEO: Optimize your posts for search engines effortlessly with this plugin.
• Elementor: Transform your page editor into a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface using the Elementor page builder plugin.
• Rank Math: A rapidly growing SEO plugin known for its user-friendly interface and diverse features to enhance your website’s SEO.
• UpdraftPlus: Safeguard your website against data loss and security threats with this comprehensive backup and restore plugin. It supports multiple storage options like Google Drive and Dropbox and includes additional security features.
• WPForms: Designed for simplicity and user-friendliness, WPForms is a contact form WordPress plugin with a drag-and-drop form builder, allowing users to create and manage contact forms without any coding knowledge.
• NextGEN Gallery: A highly-rated WordPress plugin with over 600,000 active installations, NextGEN Gallery offers customizable gallery and album styles. With various options for style, transition, size, controls, and lightbox effects, it is a popular choice for showcasing images on your website.

After finalizing your choice of plugins, the last crucial step involves tending to the maintenance process. This additional service is significant, as without it, the development process cannot be effectively completed.

How to Build a WordPress Website from Scratch Using the White Label Agency’s Assistance

If you want to work with a top-notch team of WordPress developers, designers, and content creators, White Label Agency can help. White labeling is a strategic move that offers numerous advantages for your digital agency. It allows you to expand your services efficiently; giving the expertise and resources you need to offer a broader range of solutions to your clients. With our custom development service, you will see how to build a WordPress website from scratch quickly and seamlessly. Using WordPress plugin development, API integration & customization, Maintenance, optimization & security you can guarantee high-quality projects for your end client.

Reach out to our sales team and start collaborating with us!