If you’re planning to build a website and don’t know where to start, this WordPress tutorial is the perfect place to begin. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics, highlight its key benefits, and show you why WordPress is trusted by millions around the world.

What is WordPress?

Let’s start with the basics.

Have you ever dreamed of having your own website? Whether it’s a personal blog, a business homepage, an online shop, or a portfolio, you’ve probably heard of WordPress. But what exactly is WordPress, and why do millions of people around the world use it?

WordPress is a Content Management System (CMS). A CMS is a software application that helps you create, manage, and publish digital content on the web. And the speciality is you don’t need to know how to code.

WordPress isn’t just any CMS — it’s the most popular one. In fact:

• Over 44% of all websites on the internet are built with WordPress.
• That includes more than 455 million websites globally.
• Big names like Sony Music, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, and BBC America use WordPress.

Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, artist, or large enterprise — WordPress has the flexibility to support your online goals.

WordPress was first released in 2003 by developers Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little. It started as a simple blogging tool — a way for people to share their thoughts and stories online.

Over the years, it evolved into something much more powerful. Today, it’s a fully-featured CMS that can build almost any kind of website, including:

• Personal blogs
• Business websites
• Online stores (using plugins like WooCommerce)
• Membership sites
• Forums
• Portfolios
• Learning platforms (LMS)
• And more!

Despite its growth, WordPress has stayed true to one important principle. It’s making website creation accessible to everyone, regardless of technical background.

WordPress is open-source software, which means it’s free to use, modify, and distribute. You can download it from wordpress.org and install it on your web server.

It’s built using widely supported programming languages like PHP (for the logic) and MySQL (for the database). But don’t worry — you don’t need to know any code to use WordPress. The interface is user-friendly, and most tasks (like editing a page or uploading an image) can be done with just a few clicks.

💡 Note: The only real costs of running a WordPress website are your domain name (like yoursite.com) and web hosting (a server where your site’s files live).

Why is WordPress so Loved?

Here are a few reasons why beginners and experts alike love WordPress:

Ease of Use – The dashboard is intuitive. You can publish a blog post as easily as writing a Word document.

Flexibility – You can build any website, from a personal blog to an e-commerce empire.

Customisation – Choose from thousands of themes and plugins to customise the look and functionality of your site.

SEO Friendly – WordPress is built with good SEO practices in mind, helping your site rank on Google.

Community Support – With a huge global community, help is always available through forums, tutorials, and guides.

Scalability – WordPress grows with you. Start small and scale big — no need to switch platforms later.

In summary, WordPress is a free, open-source tool. WordPress makes it possible for anyone — even total beginners — to build a beautiful, functional website. Whether you want to share your passion, run a business, or launch an online shop, WordPress gives you the tools to do it all without a tech expert.

Introducing the WordPress Admin Menu

Once you’ve installed WordPress and your site is live, the next big step is learning how to access and navigate the WordPress Admin Menu.

This is where all the magic happens.

Whether you want to add a blog post, change your website’s design, install a plugin, or update a setting, you’ll do it all from the WordPress Admin Menu.

Accessing your Admin Menu is super simple. You need your website URL and your login credentials.

Step 1: Go to the Admin Login Page

Open your web browser and in the address bar, type your website URL followed by /wp-admin/.

For example:

www.example.com/wp-admin/

This will take you to the WordPress login screen.

Step 2: Enter Your Login Details

Here, you’ll need to enter the username or email address and password that you created when setting up your WordPress website

Forgot Your Password?

No worries! If you can’t remember your password, click the “Lost your password?” link below the login box. WordPress will guide you through a simple password reset process via email.

✅ Beginner’s tip: Don’t worry about mastering everything at once. Start by learning the basics, like creating a post or page, and build from there. WordPress is forgiving and always has options to undo or revise your changes.

The WordPress Admin Menu is the vertical bar on the left side of your WordPress Dashboard. It’s your main navigation tool that gives access and manages everything on your website — from writing blog posts to changing the website’s appearance.

Each item can expand to show sub-options, giving you even more control over specific settings and features. Let’s go through the most important sections of the Admin Menu one by one:

Dashboard:

This is the homepage of your admin area. It gives you a quick overview of your website’s recent activity.

Once you log into your WordPress website, the first thing you’ll see is the Home screen under the Dashboard section. This is your control center, giving you a quick overview of what’s happening on your site.

What You’ll See on the Home Screen:

1. At a Glance

This section shows key statistics about your website, such as:

• Number of Posts, Pages, and Comments your site has.
• Currently active theme

2. Site Health Status

WordPress checks your website’s performance and security. If something needs attention (like updates or plugin issues), it will be listed here.

3. Activity

• See the most recent posts and comments.
• Quickly check if any pending comments are waiting for your approval.

4. Quick Draft

• Use this tool to quickly write and save a new blog post idea or note.
• It won’t publish the post — it just saves it as a draft so you can finish it later.

05.WordPress News

• Stay updated with the latest WordPress updates, events, and announcements.

While the Home screen gives you a helpful summary, most users don’t spend much time here. It’s like a quick stop to check updates or write a note.

Posts

The Posts section is where you write and manage your blog articles.

Here you can:

• Add New Posts – Write a new blog post.
• Categories – Organise posts into broad topics (e.g. News, Recipes).
• Tags – Add specific labels to help group similar content (e.g. “Healthy”, “Quick”).

Posts are displayed by date, with the newest at the top. Great for content that changes regularly!

Media:

This is your Media Library, where all the images, videos, PDFs, and other files you upload are stored.

You can:

• View all uploaded files.
• Add media files (by uploading from your computer).
• Click any file to edit its title, alt text, caption, or description.
• Perform basic image edits like crop or rotate.

Note: Media is not organised by categories or tags, but you can filter or search files easily.

Pages:

Pages are used for static content that doesn’t change often — like:

• Home page
• About page
• Contact page

To create one, go to Pages > Add New. You’ll use the same block editor as posts, but unlike blog posts, pages do not use categories or tags and are not sorted by date.

Comments:

If your blog or website allows comments, this is where you manage them.

You can:

• Approve or delete comments.
• Reply to readers.
• Mark comments as spam.
• Edit or move them to trash.

Want more control? Go to Settings > Discussion to manage how comments work on your site.

Appearance:

This is where you control how your site looks. Inside Appearance, you’ll find:

• Themes – Choose a design style for your site.
• Customize – Change colours, fonts, logo, etc.
• Menus – Create navigation menus for your site.
• Widgets – Add blocks (like recent posts, and search bars) to your sidebar or footer.

Plugins:

Plugins are like apps for your WordPress site. They add extra features without needing to code.

From here, you can:

• Install New plugins (like SEO tools or contact forms).
• Activate/Deactivate existing ones.
• Update or delete plugins as needed.

There are thousands of free and paid plugins available to customise your site exactly how you want.

Users:

If more than one person works on your site, this is where you manage them.

You can:

• Add New Users (editors, authors, subscribers, etc.).
• Select a user role (determines what they can and can’t do).
• Edit profiles and change passwords.

You can also update your own profile settings under Users > Profile.

Tools:

This section is more advanced, but useful when needed.

Here, you can:

• Import content from other platforms.
• Export your website content for backup or transfer.
• Use tools provided by specific plugins (like SEO or migration tools).

Settings:

Settings is where you adjust the core setup of your website. It includes:

• General – Site title, tagline, time zone, and admin email.
• Writing – Default post settings.
• Reading – Choose what is displayed on your homepage.
• Discussion – Control how comments work.
• Permalinks – Change how your URLs look.
• Other settings may appear here when you install plugins.

Tip: Be cautious when changing settings. It’s a good idea to understand what each option does before modifying it.

How to Install WordPress and Choose the Right Hosting Plan

Before you can start building a website with WordPress, you’ll need two essential things: a domain name and a hosting service. Think of your domain as your website’s street address, and hosting as the land your website is built on.

Step 1: Choose a Web Hosting Provider

Many web hosting companies offer managed WordPress hosting, which means they handle most of the technical aspects of running your WordPress site. This includes automatic updates, backups, and even improved speed and security.

Some popular hosting providers include:

• Bluehost
• SiteGround
• Hostinger
• WP Engine (great for managed WordPress hosting)

These services usually offer different hosting plans depending on your needs. If you’re starting out, a basic shared hosting plan should work fine. As your site grows, you can always upgrade to a plan with more features and resources.

Step 2: Install WordPress

Most hosting providers offer a one-click WordPress installer that lets you set up your WordPress website in just a few minutes. After signing up with a hosting company and choosing a plan, log into your hosting account and look for an option like “Install WordPress” or “One-Click WordPress Install.”

Good news — you don’t need to be a tech expert! The installation process is simple, and your hosting provider will walk you through each step.

Once the WordPress software is installed, you’ll get access to your WordPress dashboard, which is where all the magic happens. This is your site’s control panel where you’ll design, write, and manage everything.

Understanding WordPress Themes:

One of the best parts of using WordPress is the huge variety of WordPress themes available. A theme controls the appearance of your WordPress site — from layout to fonts to colors.

You can choose from thousands of free and premium themes. Whether you’re building an online store, a portfolio, a blog, or a business site, there’s a theme out there for you.

To change or add a theme:

1. Go to Appearance > Themes in the WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on “Add New” to browse the theme library.
3. Use the search and filter tools to find the right look for your WordPress website.
4. Click “Install” and then “Activate” to apply the theme.

You can switch themes anytime without losing your content, which makes WordPress flexible and beginner-friendly.

Getting to Know the WordPress Block Editor:

Creating content in WordPress is easy thanks to the WordPress block editor (also called Gutenberg). This editor uses a visual layout with blocks for each element — paragraphs, images, buttons, videos, and more.

To create a post or page:

1. Go to Posts > Add New or Pages > Add New Page.
2. Use the block editor to insert and arrange your content.
3. Add headings, lists, images, or embed content like YouTube videos.
4. Click “Publish” when you’re ready to go live!

This block-based approach gives you total control over how your pages look, even if you’re a complete beginner.

Installing Plugins and Themes to Extend Functionality:

One of the biggest strengths of WordPress is the ability to enhance your site with plugins and themes. Plugins are small tools that add features to your site — anything from contact forms and SEO tools to full eCommerce systems.

To install plugins:

1. Go to Plugins > Add New.
2. Search for the functionality you want.
3. Click “Install” and then “Activate.”

There are thousands of free plugins in the WordPress directory, but you can also buy premium plugins with more advanced features.

Examples of popular plugins include:

• WooCommerce (for building an online store)
• Yoast SEO (for search engine optimization)
• Elementor (for drag-and-drop page design)

Just like with themes, plugins allow you to customize your WordPress website to fit your exact needs.

Types of Websites You Can Build with WordPress:

WordPress is incredibly versatile. Here are just a few types of websites you can create using this powerful content management system (CMS):

• Personal blog
• Business website
• Portfolio site
• Nonprofit site
• News or magazine site
• Online store using WooCommerce
• Membership site
• Learning management system (LMS)

No matter what kind of site you’re dreaming of, WordPress has the flexibility to help you build it — even without any coding skills.

Benefits of Using WordPress

With so many website builders available, it’s essential to pick one that fits your needs. WordPress is a top choice for many people because it’s flexible, easy to use, and can grow with your business. Whether you’re building a blog, a business site, or an online store, WordPress will help you. Let’s look at why it stands out:

1. Works for All Types of Websites

WordPress started as a blogging platform, but now, you can use it to build almost any website. From personal blogs and business sites to online shops and portfolios, WordPress can do it all.

You can create a:

• WordPress website for a small business
• Full-featured online store
• Photo or video portfolio
• Podcast platform
• Forum or social media site

The basic WordPress software gives you the foundation, and then you can add plugins and themes to get the necessary features. This makes it easy to adjust your site as your goals change.

If your traffic grows, you can also upgrade your hosting plan. For example, Bluehost offers WordPress-specific plans that grow with your site — from basic shared hosting to powerful VPS or dedicated servers. It helps your site stay fast and reliable no matter how big it gets.

2. Easy to Use – Even for Beginners

You don’t need to know how to code to use WordPress. Its simple layout and clear menus make it easy for beginners to get started. The WordPress dashboard is user-friendly and lets you:

• Create posts and pages
• Add images and videos
• Update your homepage
• Customise menus

With the WordPress block editor, you can drag and drop different content blocks to build pages the way you like. And if you want new features, install a plugin—no developer needed!

3. Huge Collection of Themes

WordPress offers thousands of WordPress themes, both free and paid. These themes change the design of your site without touching the content. You can easily find a theme for any kind of website, like a blog, business site, or online store.

You can:

• Search the WordPress theme library from your dashboard
• Use the “live preview” feature to test how it looks
• Switch themes anytime without losing your content

Whether you want something simple or stylish, there’s a theme that fits your style.

4. Add Powerful Features with Plugins

WordPress lets you extend your site’s functionality using plugins. Think of plugins as add-ons that perform specific tasks. There are thousands of them to choose from—many are free, and others are premium plugins with extra features.

Some popular plugin uses include:

• Adding contact forms
• Setting up SEO tools
• Creating an image gallery
• Turning your site into an online store with WooCommerce

You can install, activate, or remove plugins from your WordPress dashboard with just a few clicks.

5. Built-In SEO Tools

Getting found on search engines like Google is important, and WordPress helps with that. It’s built with clean code that search engines can easily read. WordPress also lets you:

• Add keywords to page titles and headings
• Write custom meta descriptions
• Create SEO-friendly URLs

6. Blogging Is Built Right In

WordPress is a content management system (CMS) designed for publishing, so blogging is built into every WordPress website. Even if your site is for business or selling products, you can still use the blog feature to post news, updates, and helpful content.

Adding a blog post is simple—click “Add New” in the Posts section and start writing.

7. Strong Global Support Community

WordPress is open-source, which means a global community works together to make it better. There are online forums, tutorials, videos, and user groups ready to help you learn and solve problems.

The WordPress community also hosts real-life events like WordCamps, where users can meet, share tips, and improve their skills.

8. Regular Security Updates

If you’re wondering, “Is WordPress safe?” — the answer is yes. WordPress is serious about security. The platform is regularly updated to fix bugs and protect against threats. You’ll also get notifications when a new version is available, so you can keep your WordPress software up to date.

For extra protection, many hosting services offer built-in security tools, like malware scanning, daily backups, and encryption. It is especially helpful if you’re using managed WordPress hosting, where the host handles updates and security for you.

Do You Need Help Building Your WordPress Website?

Setting up a WordPress website is simple, but creating a high-performing site that looks great, loads fast, and brings in customers takes expert skill. That’s where DigiFix comes in.

At DigiFix, we specialise in WordPress web design and development, helping businesses of all sizes launch websites that are modern, mobile-friendly, and fully optimised for performance and SEO.

Whether you need a custom theme, an online store, or a complete website overhaul, our team can help you:

• Design a responsive and visually stunning WordPress site
• Install and configure essential plugins and features
• Optimise your site speed and structure for better SEO
• Set up eCommerce functionality or landing pages
• Provide ongoing support and website maintenance

Let DigiFix turn your ideas into a powerful website that works.

Contact us today to get started.