The Ultimate Guide to Make WordPress Account in Minutes

Want to make a WordPress account? This guide will take you through the straightforward steps to create a WordPress account on WordPress.com. We’ll cover signing up, choosing a plan, and setting up your profile.

Key Takeaways

• WordPress.com is more suited for beginners due to its hands-off website management and various plans catering to different needs.

• Creating a WordPress.com account involves visiting the WordPress.com site and setting up your profile with a unique username and a secured password.

• Choosing the right plan is important for your WordPress.com site. There are options available, ranging from a free plan to paid plans offering additional features like custom domains, increased storage, and monetisation capabilities.

1. Getting Started with WordPress

Before creating your WordPress account, it’s crucial to understand the differences between WordPress.org and WordPress.com.

WordPress.org is self-hosted, offering extensive customisation and monetisation options but requiring technical expertise for managing hosting, security, and updates.

In contrast, WordPress.com provides an easy setup with plans ranging from free to premium plans. This guide focuses on setting up a WordPress.com account, which is ideal for beginners or those who prefer a simpler website management approach.

Read: How to Start a WordPress Website in the UK

2. How to Sign Up for a WordPress.com Account?

Having established the basic understanding, we can now begin the process of creating a user account. This process paves the way for your new digital platform, where you can bring your ideas and content to life.

To sign up for a WordPress.com account, follow these simple steps:

• Visit WordPress.com: Open your web browser and go to ‘wordpress.com’.

• Click Get Started: On the homepage, click the prominently displayed ‘Get Started’ button. This action initiates the account creation process.

• Enter Your Email Address: After clicking ‘Get Started’, you’ll be prompted to enter your email address. This email is essential for login, communication, updates, and security notifications.

Ensure it’s a regularly checked and secure email, preferably professional, if you’re setting up a business site.

Know: How to Generate and Add a Favicon for WordPress Websites

3. Creating Your WordPress.com Profile

After submitting your email address, you’ll create your WordPress.com profile, establishing your digital identity on the platform.

• Choose a Username: Select a unique username (at least four characters long, using only letters and numbers) that represents you or your brand. This username will be your primary identifier and can be changed later if needed.

• Set a Strong Password: Create a robust password combining uppercase & lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a passphrase or a password manager to enhance security.

• Select a Blog Address: Choose a memorable and relevant blog address (URL) with a minimum of four characters. This address will include ‘.wordpress.com’ in its URL (e.g., ‘myawesomeblog.wordpress.com’). If your chosen address doesn’t meet WordPress’s criteria, you’ll be prompted to select a new one.

By following these steps, you’ll complete your WordPress.com profile setup and be ready to start creating content.

Learn: Essential Settings After Installing WordPress

4. Choosing a Plan and Domain

After setting up your WordPress.com account, it’s time to choose a plan and domain. WordPress.com offers various plans tailored to different needs. Click the ‘Compare Plans’ button on the pricing page for a detailed overview. You can start with any plan and upgrade later as your needs evolve.

Free vs. Paid Plans: The Free plan is suitable for beginners. It offers 3GB of storage and a subdomain (e.g., yoursitename.wordpress.com) but displays ads. The premium plans include:

Custom Domain Options: You can purchase a new domain through WordPress.com or connect an existing one. New domains range from $18 to $25 per year, with options like .com, .org, or .net. Connecting an existing domain involves updating your DNS settings on WordPress.com. A custom domain enhances your site’s professionalism and helps it stand out.

Know more: How to Protect Your Brand with a Trademark UK Registration

5. Setting Up Your WordPress Site

With your account and plan in place, it’s time to set up your WordPress site. This process involves selecting a theme and configuring site settings to ensure everything is tailored to your needs.

Selecting a Theme

To select a theme:

• Go to Appearance → Themes in your dashboard.
• Browse the available themes, considering how each one aligns with your brand.
• Once you find a theme you like, click the three dots icon and select Activate.

If you’re setting up a new site, you’ll be prompted to pick a design, and the theme will be applied automatically.

Be aware that changing themes might alter your site’s layout. If the new theme replaces your homepage, it might be moved to Drafts, allowing you to republish it later.

• To adjust your homepage, go to Settings → Reading.
• For advanced customisation, use the Site Editor under Appearance → Editor to tailor the homepage template to your needs.

Find out: Free WordPress Themes for Websites

Configuring Site Settings

In the WordPress dashboard, under Settings, update your site’s title and tagline to reflect your site’s purpose and help it stand out in search results. Consider your target audience when setting the site language and other settings.

By default, your site is visible to search engines, which is beneficial for growth. However, if your site is still in development, you can set it to Private under Privacy settings to keep it hidden from search engines and visitors until you’re ready to launch.

These settings are adjustable at any time, allowing you to adapt as your site evolves.

Know about: Bricks Builder Review: The Best Visual Site Builder for WordPress

6. Creating Content on Your WordPress Site

With your WordPress site set up, it’s time to focus on content creation. WordPress distinguishes between two main types of content: Pages and Posts. Understanding their differences will help you organise your site effectively.

Pages vs Posts

Pages are ideal for static content like ‘About’ or ‘Contact’ pages. These pages remain constant and provide essential information about your site.

Posts are suited for dynamic, time-sensitive content like blog entries or news updates. They are displayed in reverse chronological order, with the newest posts first.

Both pages and posts share similar editing features, but their roles are distinct. To add content, use the WordPress editor by selecting either Post → Add New or Page → Add New from your dashboard.

Adding Pages

To create a new page, go to Page → Add New in your dashboard. Enter a clear, descriptive title and add your content in the editor. Pages typically include:

• Home
• About
• Contact
• Services or Products

These pages form the core navigation of your site. The Pages section in the dashboard also lets you manage drafts, scheduled pages, and those you’ve trashed.

Writing Your First Blog Post

For dynamic content, create a blog post by navigating to Post → Add New.

• Enter a compelling title and write your content in the block editor.
• Break long paragraphs into shorter ones, use headings for organisation, and add relevant text, images, or videos.
• Categorise your Post using the Categories section to help visitors find related content. You can also add tags for more specific classifications.

After completing your Post, publish it immediately or schedule it for later. Consider creating a ‘Blog’ or ‘Posts’ page to showcase your latest entries chronologically.

Also read: How to Secure a UK WordPress Site with Content Delivery Network

7. Customising Your WordPress Site

Now that your content is in place, it’s time to personalise your WordPress site to reflect your unique style. Customisation is where your site’s personality truly shines.

Customising with the Customiser

For non-Block themes, use the Customiser by navigating to Appearance → Customise. This tool lets you make visual adjustments without coding. Common options include:

• Site title and tagline
• Colours and backgrounds
• Menus
• Theme-specific settings

As you make changes, you’ll see a live preview, helping you visualise adjustments in real-time. Note that customisation options vary by theme, so explore and experiment to achieve your desired look.

Customising with Block Themes

If you’re using a Block theme, the Site Editor is your main tool, accessible via Appearance → Editor. This feature allows extensive design customisation through colours, typography, and layouts.

Adding Plugins

While themes control your site’s appearance, plugins extend its functionality. Whether you need a contact form, SEO tools, or eCommerce features, plugins can enhance your site significantly. The WordPress plugin directory offers a vast range of free and premium options.

However, use plugins wisely. Each one can affect website performance and security, so install only reputable plugins that meet specific needs. Regular updates are essential to maintain functionality and security.

Check this: Top WordPress Backup Plugins for UK Businesses

8. Launching Your WordPress Site

You’re almost there! With your site established and customised, it’s time to make it live. This step marks the transition from a work-in-progress to a fully accessible website.

Previewing Your Site

Before going public, preview your site to ensure everything looks and functions as intended. To do this, go to your WordPress dashboard, find your site title and URL, and click on it. This will open a preview, allowing you to check how your site appears on different devices.

Ensure all pages are published and ready for the menu. Test all links, forms, and interactive elements to confirm they work correctly. If you’re working with a team, share the preview link to gather feedback and catch any issues.

Going Live

When you’re satisfied with your site’s appearance and functionality, it’s time to make it public. 

Here’s how:

• Navigate to Settings → General or Hosting → Settings in your dashboard.
• Change the privacy setting from ‘Private’ to ‘Public’.

This action will make your site visible to everyone and searchable by engines. Enjoy the thrill of going live, but remember, maintaining your site is an ongoing process. So, monitor its performance, engage with visitors, and keep content updated to ensure continued success.

Connect with: WordPress Agency in Manchester

Summary

Congratulations on successfully creating and launching your WordPress website! From selecting the right plan and customising your site to crafting engaging content, you’ve built a strong foundation for your online presence.

Remember, your WordPress journey continues with ongoing growth and learning. Explore new themes and plugins to enhance functionality, keep your content updated to engage visitors, and stay responsive to your audience’s needs. As you become more adept with WordPress, you’ll find more ways to optimise and expand your site.

Whether you’re blogging, managing an online store, or showcasing your portfolio, WordPress offers the flexibility and tools to achieve your goals. So, embrace the learning process, stay curious, and experiment with new ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions