What do I do first?

Search this topic on Google “getting started with WordPress” and you will no doubt find an endless amount of tutorials, videos etc… all giving you sound advice on how to get your WordPress website off the ground. So why do you need my help? The problem we all face is that things change,  and as I write this today setting up WordPress couldn’t be any easier as it is now. However so many people get things wrong, it all starts with owning a Domain and finding the right Hosting package to suit your needs. If you just want to play around with WordPress you could quite simply go to WordPress.com and set up a free account. However if you want to build something more independent then please read on…

When I teach the subject of WordPress my initial focus is placed on ensuring that all the students/delegates have grasped the basics of owning and managing their own Domain Name/s as this is a fundamental requirement to building a great  independent website which runs on a WordPress platform.

Registering a Domain Name

This is often quite a simple process, however there are so many options open, which means some people become totally overwhelmed, by choice and offers available. The majority of Domain services are also closely linked to Hosting packages, some may offer Domains at cut down prices and use these as loss leaders to seduce you into committing to their Hosting packages. You can actually get some good deals as competition is always quite high amongst the top players.

Personally I tend to separate my domains from my Hosting accounts. I purchase my domains from a UK company especially when registering .co.uk domain extensions and use Hosting facilities elsewhere, it’s just a case of not keeping your eggs all in one basket. I have been doing this since 1999 and it seems to work for me. The key is to use a company that allows you to change the Named Server for your domain, commonly know as the DNS, Domain Name System (or Service or Server). Basically it’s the database that makes the internet work, (well sort of).

Having this flexibility allows you to choose the best deals for your Hosting, it’s quite common for some people to stay with the same Hosting provider for years, but who knows what deal will tempt you in the future. It’s a bit like buying car insurance.

The Importance of Good WordPress Hosting

It goes without saying that this is something we must think about. For WordPress to work effectively you will need the following basic elements:

  • PHP version 5.2.4 or greater
  • MySQL version 5.0 or greater

The majority of good Hosting companies will meet this criteria, however you also need one that offers a Cpanel and Quick Install or Fantastico. Setting up WordPress is so much easier if you have these features in place. Gone are the days of FTP, Database creation, not to mention the technical know-how of how it all works. Although it’s nice to have these skills it’s not necessary, it’s similar to driving an automatic car, all the gear changes are done for you, all you have to do is put your foot on the right pedal.


Hostgator is one of the leading web hosts that provides all the tools you need to manage your WordPress website, including Quick Install which will allow you to set up your site in double quick time.

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Go Daddy is the world’s largest domain name registrar and Web hosting provider, they often have some great deals on domain names, becoming more popular in the UK since main stream advertising.

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BlueHost is another popular provider for WordPress Hosting and support, providing quality web hosting solutions to businesses and individuals since 1996. They also have some competitive Hosting packages.

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GetDotted & Freeola, this is one of the UK companies I use personally to register my domains. I have used them since 1999 and have never yet lost a Domain Name, and changing the DNS is a breeze.

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If you want to get started right away check out this quick step by step guide. Click here