How to Create a WordPress.com website? (4 Easy Steps)
Creating a website has never been so easy. But WordPress has made it so simple over the years.
You don’t need to know how to code a website or hire a web developer. And most importantly, you don’t need money to start a website. Seriously, it’s that simple. And that’s WordPress for you.
Are you ready to know “How to Create a WordPress.com Website?“
Let’s get started.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a CMS (Content Management Solution). And that narrows down our question to,
What is Content Management Solution?
It is software or an application or whatever you call it. You install it right onto your server. And after that, you are not going to worry about your server. You are just going to work on the content alone. The CMS will act as an intermediate between your content and the server.
Since the CMS does so much and gives you ample time, you can work peacefully on content, bringing out the best of you. And WordPress is such a powerful CMS and website platform that the world is looking for.
Similar Read: Best Free and Almost Free Hosting Companies For Non-Profits
How to Create a WordPress.com website?
Step 1: Go to WordPress.com. Click on “Get Started.”
Step 2: Creating your WordPress.com account
On your next screen, you are required to create an account on WordPress.
Here, you can choose your Google account or accounts on other platforms like Apple and GitHub to speed up the signing-up process.
Then, once you have signed up, you have to confirm your WordPress account. You can do this by following the link sent to your associated email account from WordPress.com.
Step 3: Choosing a domain name
Next, choose a domain name for your website. Since we are creating a free website with WordPress.com, we will be allowed to use a subdomain of WordPress.com.
However, to use domain names for your client, store, or business, you need to upgrade to a paid WordPress plan.
As of now, we are going to create a free WordPress website and I have chosen freewebsite331.wordpress.com (subdomain) as my domain name here.
Step 4: Choose the hosting plan.
WordPress offers you the choice between six pricing plans. They are
- Free
- Starter
- Explorer
- Creator
- Entrepreneur
- Enterprise
Let’s compare these pricing plans:
* The Jetpack’s essential features include adding contact forms, email subscriptions, comments, etc.
I have chosen a “Free” plan from the list of options. And now, it is done. You have officially created a free website at WordPress.com. Your WordPress dashboard will look like this.
This is how the WordPress website I have created looks like in the frontend.
I Have Created a Website; What’s Next?
I have just shown you how to create a WordPress.com website in 4 easy steps. Creating a website has just looked like a cakewalk for you. But you haven’t completed your site. You will have to complete the Site Setup List.
Site Setup List:
- Giving your website a name
- Creating a Navigational site menu
- Update your Homepage with content
- Launch your website
- And finally, download the WordPress.com app to manage your website through a smartphone.
Even after you complete the site setup list, If you look around your website, you will understand that your website lacks content.
Content is the King for any website.
So go ahead and start adding content for your website. Once you start adding content to your website, you will need to find ways to drive traffic. And in this context, driving traffic means driving visitors to your site.
Should You Upgrade Your Free Plan?
Mostly, it is a question that many readers are looking for. You will consider moving to the next level when your website has grown to a reasonable level.
At this point, you will have two options to consider:
- Move on to a self-hosted WordPress website
- Or upgrade to a premium WordPress plan
My Opinion:
If you are comfortable using WordPress.com, then consider upgrading to the Premium Plan. But, if you are looking for more features, you must move to a self-hosted WordPress website.
You won’t have difficulty migrating to WordPress.org because the user interface will look more or less similar.
Difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org
There is a more significant difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org. Although they sound similar, they are not the same.
WordPress.org is open-source software that allows you to create a soft-hosted website. To create a website with WordPress.org, all it takes is to register a domain, point it toward your hosting, download your WordPress software, and install WordPress on the server. You would have created a website with empty content.
But WordPress.com is a hosted version of this open-source software. You don’t have to do all the work on registering domains, getting hosting, and installing WordPress. It is all pre-made. You must go to the WordPress.com site, register your account for free, choose a sub-domain name, and your website with empty content is ready.
All your pain points with creating and managing a self-hosted site are taken care of.
And that’s why we always recommend that beginners go with WordPress.com if they are not serious about blogging/building a website.
Frequently Asked Questions on using WordPress.com
There are some common questions asked by new users of WordPress.com. I have managed to compile a list of such problems.
Can I switch from WordPress.com to WordPress.org?
Yes, you can switch from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. You must export your data from WordPress.com, set up a new Self-Hosted WordPress site, and import the data.
How to install plugins on WordPress.com?
The feature to install plugins and themes is available only in Business and eCommerce plans. To install a plugin, go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to My site > Tools > Plugins. Search for the plugin you want and click Install now. You can also upload your plugin by navigating to My Site > Tools > Plugins > Upload Plugin.
How to upload a theme to WordPress.com?
To upload your custom WordPress theme, go to your website dashboard, and navigate to My Sites > Design > Themes. Here you can upload your theme and activate it.
How to remove WordPress.com from the URL?
To remove WordPress.com from your URL, you need to upgrade to Personal plans and above. If you upgrade to Personal plans and above, WordPress.com offers a free custom domain for 1 year.
Can I use Google AdSense at WordPress.com?
You can only add Google AdSense code to WordPress.com on the Business and eCommerce plan. The other plans don’t allow you to add the code.
Can I change my web host from WordPress.com to BlueHost?
Yes, of course. You can migrate from WordPress.com to Bluehost. By this migration, you will end up creating a self-hosted WordPress website. You can also choose WordPress hosting available at Bluehost for managing your WordPress website.
Can I do affiliate marketing on WordPress.com?
Yes, of course. You can do affiliate marketing at WordPress.com. You don’t have restrictions on adding affiliate links to your website’s content.
Can I have 1 million page views daily on the WordPress.com site?
You can get 1 million page views daily at WordPress.com site. It is possible if you are right in promoting your website through various channels.
Can I host 2 websites on one WordPress.com account?
You can host any number of sites on a single WordPress.com account. I have more than 4 websites on a single WordPress.com account.
Can I make money on WordPress.com?
You can monetize your WordPress.com website through affiliate marketing and Ads. WordPress.com has its own monetizing tool called WordAds. WordAds is available from Premium and higher plans.
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Dev Patel says
Thanks for these easy steps to create a wordpress.com website. I tried it myself and it is working keep making such blogs in the future.
BlogHeist says
Hey Dev!
Thanks for your encouraging words.
Should you’ve any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch:
https://blogheist.com/contact-us/
Eric Gown says
Thanks for this extra-ordinary guide, Nirmal. What do you suggest me to go with, WordPress.com or WordPress.org?
Nirmal Kumar says
If you are not so serious about Blogging, then I would suggest you to go with WordPress.com. If you wish to monetize your content, then it is better recommended to go with WordPress.org