Create a WordPress website in 30 minutes

Want to create a WordPress website in under 30 minutes? Then you've come to the right place!

Creating your own WordPress website doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. In this guide, I'll show you step-by-step how to get online in just 30 minutes. So, let's get started!

1. Web hosting – The best web hosts for WordPress

Before you can start using WordPress, you need a web hosting provider and a domain (your website address). A good hosting provider will ensure your website is fast, secure, and always accessible.

Recommended web hosts for WordPress:

1. All-Inkl.com
   • Advantages: User-friendly, excellent support, free SSL certificates.
   • Why good for WordPress: Easy 1-click installation and optimized server settings.
2. SiteGround
   • Advantages: Fast loading times, first-class customer service, daily backups.
   • Why good for WordPress: Special WordPress optimizations and built-in caching.
3. Host Europe
   • Advantages: Reliable, scalable hosting packages, 24/7 support.
   • Why good for WordPress: Offers managed WordPress hosting for easier administration.

Avoid IONOS (they have more outages).

Tips for choosing a web host:

• Performance: Look for SSD storage and fast servers.
• Security: Includes SSL certificates and regular backups.
• User friendliness: An intuitive control panel and 1-click installations.
• Support: Accessible and competent customer service.

Step by step:

1. Choose a hoster and a suitable package.
2. Register your domain (often included in the hosting package).
3. Complete the order process and write down your login details.

2. Setting up WordPress – The simple cPanel method (automatic) or the 5-minute method (manual)

Now that you have hosting and domain, it’s time to WordPress to install.

Option A: Automatic installation with cPanel

The fastest method, ideal for beginners.

1. Log in to your hosting account and open the cPanel.
2. Search for the “WordPress Installer” or “Softaculous”.
3. Click on “Install”, select your domain.
4. Fill in the settings:
   • Page title
   • Admin username and password (keep safe!)
   • Select language (German)
5. Start the installation – it only takes a few seconds.
6. Complete! Your website is now online.

Option B: Manual 5-minute installation

For those who want more control.

1. Download WordPress from de.wordpress.org.
2. Set up FTP access with a program like FileZilla.
3. Upload files: Transfer the WordPress files to your server.
4. Create database in the hosting control panel.
5. Adjust wp-config.php: Insert the database information.
6. Run installation script: Go to your domain and follow the instructions.
7. Complete installation and save your login details.

3. Choosing a WordPress Theme – The Best WordPress Themes (& How to Find the Right Theme)

A theme determines the look and functionality of your website.

Popular WordPress themes:

1. Astra
   • Advantages: Lightweight, fast, highly customizable.
   • Ideal for: Blogs, business websites, online shops.
2. OceanWP
   • Advantages: Extensive features, e-commerce support.
   • Ideal for: Portfolios, e-commerce, professional sites.
3. GeneratePress
   • Advantages: Focus on speed and SEO, modular design.
   • Ideal for: Performance-oriented websites.

I have created an overview that presents the fastest WP themes:

How to find the right theme:

• Purpose of your website: Blog, shop, portfolio?
• Design preferences: Minimalist, colorful, modern?
• Features: Do you need special features like sliders, galleries or e-commerce support?
• Reviews and updates: Choose a theme with good reviews and regular updates.

Install theme:

1. On the left side of the dashboard, go to Design > Themes in the WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on "Add" and search for your desired theme.
3. Click on "Install" and then on "Activate".
4. Customize the theme Design > Customizer to your needs.

4. Install WordPress Plugins – The Best WordPress Plugins

Plugins extend the functionality of your website and add new features.

Must-have plugins:

1. Rank Math / Yoast SEO
   • Function: Optimize your content for search engines.
   • Advantages: Easy to use, on-page SEO analysis.
2. Contact Form 7
   • Function: Creation of contact forms.
   • Advantages: Flexible, customizable, spam-protected.
3. UpdraftPlus
   • Function: Create backups of your website.
   • Advantages: Automated backups, easy recovery.
4. Wordfence Security
   • Function: Security plugin to protect against attacks.
   • Advantages: Firewall, malware scanning, login protection.
5. WooCommerce
   • Function: Turns your website into an online store.
   • Advantages: Fully customizable, numerous extensions.
   • If your WooCommerce store has high CPU usage, click here.

Install plugins:

1. Go to Plugins > Install in the dashboard.
2. Use the Search fieldto search for plugins.
3. Click on “Install now” and then on "Activate".
4. Configure the plugin as needed.

Tips:

• Don't install too many pluginsso as not to affect performance.
• Update plugins regularlyto close security gaps.
• Ratings and installation numbers observe.

5. Create content – Check out my blogging guides

Now comes the exciting part: your own content!

Creating pages:

• Standard pages: About us, contact, legal notice, data protection.
• Creation:
  1. Go to Pages > Create.
  2. Add title and content.
  3. Click on "Publish".

Creating posts:

• Blog articles, news, updates.
• Creation:
  1. Go to Posts > Create.
  2. Write your article and add media.
  3. Add categories and tags.
  4. Click on "Publish".

Tips for great content:

• Know your target audience: Write for your readers.
• Unique content: Offer added value and stand out.
• SEO optimization: Use keywords, meta descriptions and descriptive URLs.
• Visual elements: Images, videos and graphics increase attractiveness.

Further help:

• Blogging Guides: Check out my detailed blogging guides to be even more successful.

Ready for the next step?

Once your website is up and running, there are still many opportunities to improve and expand it.

Customize themes

• Use Customizer: Under Design > Customizer you can change colors, fonts and layouts.
• Add widgets: Under Design > Widgets you can add additional features such as search fields or menus.
• Custom CSS code: For individual customizations you can insert your own CSS code.

Select a backup plugin

• Why backups are important: Protect yourself from data loss due to hacker attacks or errors.
• Recommended plugins: UpdraftPlus, BackWPup, Duplicator.
• Automated backups: Set up regular backups to be created automatically.

Speed up your website with a cache plugin

• Why speed matters: Better user experience and higher ranking on Google.
• Swift Performance Plugin:
  • Installation: Like other plugins.
  • Configuration: Use the setup wizard for optimal settings.
  • Features: Caching, image optimization, code minification.

Alternatively, there are other cache plugins you can use. I personally use FlyingPress & Litespeed Cache.

Monetize your site

Earn money with your website through various strategies:

• Place an advertisement:
  • Google AdSense: Easy integration of advertisements.
  • Direct advertising partners: Sell advertising space directly to companies.
• Affiliate Marketing:
  • Join affiliate programs: Amazon PartnerNet, Awin, Belboon.
  • Earn commissions: Recommend products and receive a share of the sales.
• Create info products:
  • E-books, online courses, webinars.
  • Selling through your website or platforms like Udemy.
• Selling physical products:
  • Online shop with WooCommerce create.
  • Dropshipping or offer your own products.
• Memberships and subscriptions:
  • Exclusive content for paying members.
  • Use plugins: MemberPress, Paid Memberships Pro.
• Offer services:
  • Consulting, coaching, freelancing.

Build traffic

More visitors mean more opportunities for monetization.

• Search engine optimization (SEO):
  • Keyword research: Find relevant search terms.
  • On-page SEO: Optimize titles, meta descriptions, content.
• Use social media:
  • Create profiles: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn.
  • Share content: Increase the reach of your posts.
• Online advertising:
  • Google Ads: Place ads in search results.
  • Social Media Ads: Targeted advertising on Facebook & Co.
• Email marketing:
  • Create newsletter: Build an email list.
  • Use tools: MailChimp, SendinBlue, CleverReach.
• Write guest posts:
  • Publish on other blogs: Increase your visibility and generate backlinks.

Conclusion

With this step-by-step guide, you should now be able to create your own WordPress website in just 30 minutes. Remember, the key to success lies in the continuous maintenance and optimization of your website. Persevere, try new things, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Good luck with your WordPress adventure! 🙂