QUIK Web Design Blog

5 Steps to Launch a WordPress Website

Jan 24, 2023Tip Tuesday

While there are many different ways to go about it, these are the 5 steps to launch a WordPress website that I go through with my clients, when they are starting a new website. Below are the basics, but at some point, I’ll write a longer blog post on the subject with more details. Enjoy!

5 Steps to Launch a WordPress Website

Step 1 – Register a domain name
Pick a registrar to register your domain name. I personally prefer GoDaddy.com. Their pricing is competitive and their customer support is usually great. A customer service-oriented designer/developer like myself will often times register domains on behalf of clients. If you choose that route, be 100% you trust the person.

Bonus tip for designers/developers: If you register a lot of domains for your clients, GoDaddy has a product called “Discount Domain Club” that, while it costs you to join, delivers discounts on domains and renewals.

Step 2 – Pick the right hosting company
It matters. Though I love GoDaddy for domains, I don’t like them for hosting WordPress. I prefer WP Engine myself. Though they are more expensive than others but they only host WordPress sites.

For me, that translates to a better hosting platform altogether. Bonus – their customer service is the best! I’m speaking from experience here, as I’ve been with them for 9+ years, and never had a site I built get hacked or go down.

Step 3 – Pick the right theme
Whether you’re doing the site yourself or hiring someone to do it for you, picking a good theme is essential. And don’t just go with whatever is recommended to you by a designer.

At a minimum, pick a theme from an established company that updates their theme(s) on a regular basis and that works for you, should you need to edit anything. I prefer Divi, from Elegant Themes. I’ve been using it for years and my clients like its ease of use for editing.

Step 4 – Get an SSL Certificate
Most hosting companies offer free SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates these days. If they don’t, then consider that cost when choosing the host. Do not skip this step, as you’ll be penalized by Google for not securing your site.

Step 5 – Launch the site
After all the editing is done, it’s time to launch the site. It’s a pretty easy process with WP Engine (just point your domain at a WPE and then add it to your WPE dashboard), but can be complicated with other hosts. Some may or may not help you through the process, so ask for help if you need it.

Conclusion

There you go! Again, these are the basic 5 steps to launch a WordPress website that I typically go through with a new client. Your actual steps may be different but should be similar. If you need help with any of the above, just contact me.

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