What is WordPress? A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Building a Website
Why Every Business Needs a Website
Whether you run a local bakery, a law firm, or an online store, an effective website helps you reach more customers, build credibility, and grow your brand. But how do you create a professional website without spending a fortune on a developer? The answer is WordPress, the world’s most popular website builder and content management system (CMS). If you're a small business owner looking for a cost-effective, flexible, and easy-to-use way to build your online presence, this guide is for you.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Our recommendations are based on careful research and genuine value to our readers.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a free and open-source software that allows anyone to create and manage websites without needing to know how to code.
WordPress.com vs. WordPress.org: What’s the Difference?
WordPress.com is a fully hosted platform, meaning WordPress takes care of hosting, updates, and security for you. It is a great option for beginners but offers limited customization.
WordPress.org is self-hosted, meaning you choose your web hosting service and have full control over your site’s features. It is ideal for businesses looking for flexibility and growth potential.
WordPress was co-founded by Matt Mullenweg and is maintained by his company, Automattic. It is licensed under the GNU General Public License, making it free to use, modify, and distribute.
Why WordPress is a Great Choice for Small Businesses
Not sure if WordPress is right for your business? Here are a few reasons why millions of entrepreneurs choose it.
User-Friendly and Beginner-Friendly
Even if you have no technical experience, WordPress makes website creation simple with its drag-and-drop editors, such as Elementor, and its intuitive dashboard.
Cost-Effective and Scalable
The software itself is free.
You only need to pay for a domain name and hosting from providers such as Kinsta, Bluehost, or SiteGround.
As your business grows, you can add new features using plugins instead of hiring developers.
SEO-Friendly (Helps You Rank on Google)
WordPress comes with built-in search engine optimization (SEO) features. You can also install Yoast SEO to optimize content, titles, and descriptions for better Google rankings.
Customizable for Any Type of Business
WordPress offers thousands of themes and plugins that allow businesses to create a website that suits their specific industry, whether it is an online store, a coaching website, or a real estate agency.
Mobile-Friendly and Secure
With a responsive design, your site will look great on mobile devices, desktops, and tablets. You can also install security plugins to protect against malware and hacking attempts.
How to Set Up a WordPress Website for Your Business
Building a WordPress website is easier than you think. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Choose a Domain Name
Your domain is your website’s URL (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com). Keep it short, relevant, and easy to remember.
Get a Web Hosting Service
Hosting is where your website files are stored. Some trusted WordPress hosting providers include:
Pressable is owned by Wordpress and is hands down the #1 hosting platform for a wordpress site! Their Customer service is second to none.
Kinsta, a premium hosting service with fast performance.
SiteGround, an affordable and user-friendly option.
Bluehost, officially recommended by WordPress.
Install WordPress
Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation, making setup quick and hassle-free.
Select a Theme
Themes define your website’s design and layout. You can choose from free or premium themes based on your brand’s look and feel.
Customize Your Site
Add your logo, colors, and branding to make it unique.
Create essential pages such as Home, About, Services, and Contact.
Set up navigation menus for easy site navigation.
Install Essential Plugins
Plugins add extra features to your website. Some essential plugins include:
Yoast SEO for search engine optimization.
Wordfence for security protection.
UpdraftPlus for automatic backups.
WooCommerce for e-commerce functionality.
Launch Your Website
Once everything is set up, publish your website and start attracting customers.
What Can You Do with a WordPress Website?
WordPress is not just for blogs. It is a powerful tool that can support different business models.
E-commerce – Sell products online using WooCommerce.
Marketing and branding – Create landing pages, collect email addresses, and run ads.
Online courses and membership sites – Offer digital products, tutorials, or paid subscriptions.
Portfolio and service-based businesses – Display your work with image galleries.
Keeping Your Website Secure and Up-to-Date
To keep your WordPress website running smoothly, follow these best practices.
Regular backups – Use UpdraftPlus or your hosting’s backup system.
Update WordPress, themes, and plugins – Keep your site secure with the latest patches.
Use SSL certificates – Encrypt data to protect your customers.
Install security plugins – Monitor for threats and prevent hacking attempts.
SEO and Digital Marketing: How to Attract More Customers
A website alone is not enough. You need marketing strategies to drive traffic.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Use Yoast SEO to optimize pages and posts.
Target the right keywords to rank on Google.
Improve page speed and mobile usability.
Email Marketing
Build an email list to stay connected with your audience.
Offer lead magnets such as free guides or discounts to encourage signups.
Social Media and Advertising
Connect your website to Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Use Google Ads and Facebook Ads to drive targeted traffic.
Alternatives to WordPress: Is It the Right Choice for You?
While WordPress is the most popular CMS, some businesses may prefer alternatives.
Wix is a simple drag-and-drop website builder but offers less flexibility.
Shopify is excellent for e-commerce but comes with monthly fees.
Squarespace is user-friendly for creatives but lacks plugin variety.
If you want full control, scalability, and SEO-friendly features, WordPress is the best long-term choice.
Take the First Step to Your Online Success
Building a website does not have to be overwhelming. With WordPress, you can create a professional, high-performing website that helps your small business succeed online.
Need expert recommendations on the best tools, hosting, and strategies for your website?
Visit Recommenda to get tailored recommendations and start building your dream website today.
