So let’s take a look at What are the Main Components of a WordPress Website.
Building your first website can seem scary but by following our four easy steps, you should have created your website by now.
Component # 1: Themes
The theme of your website is a tool that controls the layout and design of your website which also includes the typography, colour, and other design elements.
You can change your theme anytime as there are thousands of free ones to choose from. If you can’t find a free one you like, there are several companies where you can purchase a theme and customize it. One of my favourites is GeneratePress as I use it for three of my websites.
The important thing is that you don’t get bogged down in deciding which theme you want to use. If your main goal is to learn how to create an online business, you don’t want to be spending all your valuable time trying to choose the ‘perfect’ website as there is no such thing as the perfect site. Instead, focus on the basics, and write content that informs and educates your audience and drives traffic to your website.
Once you are comfortable with these basics, by all means, explore themes and find one to tailor to your specific needs.
Component # 2: Plugins
Plugins are important but it is easy to get caught up in the many that are on offer and before you know it, you have way more plugins than you really need.
So what is a plugin? It is a piece of software that adds functionality to your website. These plugins can work in the background of your WordPress websites such as optimizing the site for better performance and speed.
Other plugins you install yourself to change the look and feel of your website that visitors will see or even interact with when they come to your site. For instance, if you would like to add an online store, you could install a WooCommerce plugin.
It is also important to note that WordPress has introduced Block Editor (Gutenberg). I still prefer the Classic Editor and have installed the plugin that is called by that name. However, there are many who love using the Block Editor.
How to add Plugins:
1. Go to your dashboard in the backend of your WordPress website
2. Click on plugins
3. In the dropdown, click on new
4. Type in the name of the plugin
5. Install and activate the plugin.
Component #3: Menus and Widgets
Adding menus and widgets doesn’t need to be daunting. Let’s take a look at what they are and how you use them.
Menus
A menu is a navigation tool for your website. Usually, they are placed at the top of your website but can also be added to the footer or sidebar area. The purpose of a menu is to guide a visitor to your site so they can navigate to the different areas with ease.
When you are starting your website, a basic menu should contain the Home, About Me page, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosure (if you are planning to promote affiliates), and Blog.
How to add a main menu using Classic Editor:
1. Go to the Dashboard in the backend of your WordPress website
2. Click on Appearance
3. In the dropdown, click on Menus
4. In the Page section, you will see the pages you have already created (ie About me, etc.)
5. Click on the page, add to the Menu
6. As you continue adding pages, they will appear at the bottom – you can manipulate them and put them in the order you wish for them to appear in your Main Menu
7. Remember to save your work
Widgets
Widgets are small blocks of content added to your website’s sidebars, footers or other areas. The nice thing about widgets is that you don’t have to use code which is good for a beginner. The widgets you can use are many – calendars, banners, social media icons, etc.
As mentioned, they can be placed in various locations on your website but this will also depend on your theme. Most themes will allow you to place widgets in the footer and sidebar area.
How to add widgets:
1. Go to the Dashboard in the backend of your WordPress website
2. Click on Appearance
3. In the dropdown, click on Widgets
4. Drag and drop the widget from the list on the left area to an area on the right
Conclusion
With the information you have learned here, you can now design your website using the main components that we have discussed. Of course, there is always more but for now, you just want the basics so you can concentrate on the content.
In order to make money, you need to drive traffic to your website and the best way to get started is to write articles so visitors will have a reason to visit your site.
Beautiful, simple and straightforward writing. Any beginner would be able to follow the steps in your article and set up their first website.
Using illustrations at each step is quite useful and exactly what is needed to ensure your readers will know exactly what to do. As someone who has used WordPress many times, I think you have covered everything needed in a clear and concise manner. Well done.
Thank you, Rosemarie. I agree that illustrations do help to clarify technical and unfamiliar terms. I appreciate that you believe a beginner can understand these important components.
Hi Mary Ann-
This is a great, easy to follow article for a beginner. WordPress streamlines the process of creating a site. I like how you deemphasize choosing a theme, simple: don’t spend too much time on it.
What is the difference between the Classic Editor and the Block Editor? Also, what plugins would you recommend?
Godwin
Hello Godwin. Thanks for stopping by.
Classic editor or text editor is what most of us are used to. If you have used Microsoft Word then you would understand that the Classic Editor is similar.
On the other hand, the Block Editor, which was introduced in 2018, is a drag-and-drop editor. Everything is done in blocks so you can control the design and layout of your content.
If you are used to the Classic Editor, you can add the plugin by that name. I tend to flip-flop between the two, using Classic Editor the most.
As for other plugins, I think it depends on what you are using your website for. A few popular ones are All in One SEO, a backup plugin such as All in One WP Migration or Updraft Plus, Broken Link Checker, Woo Commerce, Social Media, and Contact Form 7. These are all free plugins.
Hi. thanks for this useful writing. as a beginner I need information like this. I think the theme is the first thing that visitors observe so that can make them attract to the content and follow the content. That’s so great that your guidance is step-by-step and clear which makes it understandable.
Thanks, Liam. I am glad you found the post informative and easy to understand. We are all beginners at some point :).