Technology Enhanced Learning

Supporting staff and students at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in the use of technology to enhance learning

Technology Enhanced Learning

How to set up a new WordPress site – step by step guide

Access WordPress

Go to https://wordpress.com/start to begin the process. You may get asked to create an account or sign in to your existing WordPress account.

If you have an account, click on the Log in to create a site for your existing account link at the bottom of the page.

Screenshot of WordPress set up guide step 1 - sign in window, highlighting the option at the bottom to login using an existing account
WordPress set up guide step 1 – sign in window, highlighting the option at the bottom to login using an existing account

Step 1 – Choose a type

Once you have logged in, you will be taken through six steps to set up your new site. Step 1 asks you what type of site you want to create. Select ‘Blog’ (top option).

Screenshot of WordPress set up guide step 1 - site type choices, highlighting the blog option
WordPress set up guide step 1 – site type choices, highlighting the blog option

Step 2 – Site topic

You will be asked to choose a topic for your site. Use the search field or pick from the popular options below. If you would like to keep it generic select ‘Blogging’.

Screenshot of WordPress set up guide step 2 - blog topic choices, with the blogging topic highlighted
WordPress set up guide step 2 – blog topic choices, with the blogging topic highlighted

Preview

WordPress will ask what your site is about to help you set it up (however, you don’t have to specify anything at this stage if you don’t want to).

You will also be shown a preview of your site (desktop and mobile). Click ‘Continue’ to proceed

Screenshot of WordPress set up guide step 2 - selecting blog topics to get the relevant content
WordPress set up guide step 2 – selecting blog topics to get the relevant content

Step 3 – Give your site a name

In this step you will need to give your site a name. This will appear at the top of your blog and can be changed at anytime.

Again, below you will see a preview of how your site will look.

Click ‘Continue’ to proceed to the next step.

Screenshot of WordPress set up guide step 3 - type in a name for your blog at the top of the page
WordPress set up guide step 3 – type in a name for your blog at the top of the page

Step 4 – Choose a domain

In this step you will be given some options for your website’s domain (the Web address you see at the top of your browser page – this will be the link to your blog).

Type in your website’s name or a few keywords in the text field at the top of the page and WordPress will give some suggestions for possible domains.

CAUTION: certain domains are available for a fee only. Look through the list to pick one that is free. Watch out for domains that are free for a year, but renew for a fee later. Choose one ending in .blog which is free (click ‘Select’ on its right).

Screenshot of WordPress set up guide step 4 - domain choice options - free .blog option highlighted in red
WordPress set up guide step 4 – domain choice options – free .blog option highlighted in red

Step 5 – Pick a plan

You will be presented with a number of ‘Plans’, all of them carry a fee for certain features. The free option is available, though it’s not easy to see. Look for a button at the top saying ‘Start with a free site’.

Screenshot of WordPress set up guide step 5 - plan choices. Free plan option highlighted in yellow at the top of the page
WordPress set up guide step 5 – plan choices. Free plan option highlighted in yellow at the top of the page

Your site is ready

That’s it. Your site has been created. You can now go through the site setup list to add some content and launch your new website.

WordPress new site page. Site set up list highlighted in red. Option to switch to another WordPress site highlighted in red at the top left.
WordPress new site page. Site set up list highlighted in red. Option to switch to another WordPress site highlighted in red at the top left.

Switching between multiple WordPress sites

If they have multiple WordPress sites they can switch between them by going to ‘Switch site’ on the top left of the page (see image above).

Last reviewed 24/1/2020