How to Create a Free Website with WordPress
Creating a free website with WordPress is relatively simple and beginner-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can create your own website using WordPress for free.
Step 1: Choose WordPress.com for a Free Website
There are two versions of WordPress:
- WordPress.org (self-hosted and requires you to pay for hosting)
- WordPress.com (free and hosted by WordPress itself)
For a free website, you will use WordPress.com. It offers free hosting, though with some limitations like WordPress branding on your domain (e.g., yourname.wordpress.com).
Step 2: Sign Up for a Free Account
- Go to WordPress.com.
- Click on Get Started or Start your website.
- You’ll be asked to create an account. You can sign up with your email address, Google, or Apple account.
- Choose a username and password.
Step 3: Choose a Domain Name (Website Address)
Since you’re opting for the free version, you will need to choose a domain name with the .wordpress.com extension.
- Enter your desired website name in the domain search box.
- WordPress will show you options, including free ones like yourwebsite.wordpress.com.
- Select the free domain.
Step 4: Pick a Free WordPress Theme
- After choosing your domain, WordPress will prompt you to select a theme for your site. A theme determines the layout and design of your website.
- Browse through the free themes and select one that best suits your website’s purpose.
- You can always change the theme later if needed.
Step 5: Customize Your Website
- Once you’ve picked a theme, click Start Customizing to edit the look of your site.
- From the WordPress Customizer, you can:
- Change the site title and tagline.
- Customize the homepage layout.
- Upload a logo or header image.
- Change fonts and colors.
Step 6: Add Pages and Posts
- Create Pages (e.g., About, Contact, Services):
- Go to Pages > Add New from the dashboard.
- Enter the title and content for your page and click Publish.
- Create Blog Posts:
- If your site is a blog, you can add posts by going to Posts > Add New.
- Enter a title, write your content, and publish it when ready.
Step 7: Set Up Your Homepage
You can choose between displaying your latest blog posts on the homepage or setting up a static homepage.
- Go to Settings > Reading.
- Choose whether you want the homepage to display Your Latest Posts or a Static Page (choose a page you’ve created).
Step 8: Install Plugins (Optional, Limited in Free Version)
Free WordPress.com accounts have limited access to plugins, but some basic functionality like SEO and social sharing is built in.
Jetpack is a plugin that comes pre-installed, which offers basic security, performance, and design tools.
Step 9: Configure Essential Settings
- Permalinks: Go to Settings > Permalinks to choose how your post URLs will look.
- Discussion Settings: Control how comments are handled on your blog under Settings > Discussion.
- Privacy Policy: Create a basic privacy policy page, especially if you collect any user information.
Step 10: Launch Your Website
Once you’ve customized your website, added content, and are happy with the design, you’re ready to go live. WordPress.com will make your site public once you hit Publish on your first post or page.
Step 11: Promote Your Website
- Share your website link with friends, family, and social media.
- Use built-in WordPress sharing tools to post automatically to social media platforms.
Limitations of a Free WordPress.com Website
- You’ll have a .wordpress.com domain.
- Limited storage and customization options.
- Ads are shown on your site (unless you upgrade).
- No support for plugins except built-in features like Jetpack.
Final Tips
- Consider upgrading to a paid plan for more features like custom domains, no ads, and advanced design tools.
- Regularly update your content and engage with visitors to grow your website.