“I want to learn how to design a WordPress blog but I have zero knowledge about design.” – Mommy A.
I received this request from one of our mommy readers from our blog post:Â How to Get Hired as a Freelance Writer in Upwork.
But, prior to this, I have also been receiving similar questions about how to design a WordPress blog that is suited for beginners.
Today, I want to share with you the exact same way I designed one client website. But, because this is for beginners, I will be showing you the simplest and most important things you have to learn right now so that you can go on and apply it on your own blogs.
So, if you are looking for an expert tutorial, this blog post is not for you. 🙂
By the way, this tutorial is for blogs that are already hosted. If you are looking for ways to design a free-hosted WordPress blog, you can watch this video or download the Blogging 101 FREE e-book below:
If you haven’t decided what to blog about, where to host it, and want to know what else you will need to start a blogging business, click the button below:
How to Design a WordPress Blog [Beginner's Guide]
Once again, I want to remind you that this tutorial is for you if you have already finished setting up your website into a new host.
I also assume that you still have no pages and posts inside your website or blog yet.
In this tutorial, you will learn how to install themes and plugins to help your WordPress designing easier.
Step 1 - Housekeeping
Here’s what to do first before designing your WordPress blog.
- Delete Pages. Delete all pre-published pages because you won't need it.
- Delete Posts. Delete all the posts that WordPress has automatically added upon installation.
- Delete Plugins. Delete unnecessary plugins like the "Hello Dolly" plugin and those that you won't use in the future.
- Preview. Take a screenshot of your "Before" home page. This is not necessary but I just want you to preview your home page and compare to your output later.
Step 2 - Install a Theme
The theme would be the overall look and functionality of your website. Choose a theme that is suited to your brand.
For this WordPress design tutorial, I recommend that you install the Astra theme. It is very light, responsive, and very conventional.
How to Install a Theme
Go to Appearance > Themes
Install the “Astra” theme and Activate it.
Step 3 - Install a Plugin on WordPress
Plugins are my favorites. They’re like the icing on my cupcake. They makes WordPress designing so easily.
If you watch the video above, you will know what I mean kahit na isang plugin pa lang ang shinare ko sa video.
Plugins work like magic! 😀 We will Install the Astra Starter Sites plugin para mapadali ang ating pagde-design.
How to Install the Astra Starter Sites Plugin
Go to Plugins > Add New
In the Plugins dashboard, type “Astra starter sites” in the search bar and select the one with the check mark below:
Don’t forget to click the “Activate” button to activate the plugin.
Next, Select your preferred Editor (I highly recommend Elementor, promise papasalamatan niyo ako pagkatapos nito. :))
Step 4 - Install a Theme inside a Theme
Bago pa kayo malito, sinabi ko na sa title.
First, we installed the Astra theme, right?
After installing the Astra Starter Sites plugin, we need to select another theme from a Library of awesome and FREE designs:
Click the Preview button to see if this theme matches your criteria (please remember to consider your branding requirements).
Browse all the pages, and if you like the look and feel of the theme, click on the “Install Plugins” button in the lower left side and the “Import this Site” button next so that you can propagate the whole design to your own website.
Prepare for the best thing to happen on your website. Once, you choose the right theme, all the hard stuff about WordPress web design that you have previously heard will be forgotten.
But, remember again, you have your own brand. You have to be unique. So, the next step is ESSENTIAL, don’t skip it.
Step 5 - Design your Website
Napa-wow ka ba after doing the previous step?
I know, right? Pero teka, gusto lang kitang i-remind. You are designing for a different business – maybe yours or a client’s.
So it’s time for all the dirty works. Watch the video above for a clearer illustration.
Designing a WordPress Blog for the Non-Techie
Here are some important details I want to remind you:
This tutorial is not a “one size fits all”.
Every business has their own requirements. I just showed you how to do basic WordPress Web Design to let you know that it’s not as difficult like before.
I also want you to experience how to design a WordPress blog on your own sites first to assess if this type of freelance job is for you.
Kung minsan kasi, naa-attract lang tayo dahil sa laki ng bayad. Sometimes, it’s not all about how much you can earn from online freelancing.
Para sa akin, it’s all about what skills you can develop and how many people or businesses you can help na bukal sa kalooban mo.
Importante pa rin kasi na mahal mo ang ginagawa mo so that you will take all the chances to level up and do better next time.
Are you interested to learn more about WordPress Design? Leave me a message in the comments section and I will be happy to answer.
Thank you and see you again next time.
Hi! I am fairly new at blogging and my first choice is really WordPress. Unfortunately I was overwhelmed with so many information, thus I ended up using Blogger instead. Can you please also post about customizing themes on Blogger? Thanks
Hi Merry, I’m sorry I haven’t tried using Blogger yet. But, will do when I get the chance to work on a site thru it.
That’s really a nice tutorial for beginners! But per experience it’s better to have your own domain and hosting asap!
Yeah, I agree with you. The tutorial applies only for those hosted sites na..
I’m amazed that you can do this stuff. Even tho you posted a tutorial, my head hurt just thinking about doing it lol. It’s nice to know it can be learned though esp for those who want to do it as a freelance job.
I feel you, my head also hurts whenever my kids show me their Math homeworks..hihi
Hats off to mommy-preneur who can juggle work, home and helping others learn. This is a useful tool for writers who wants to take their skills in the digital platform.
Thanks, Jenny!
Wow! Gusto ko rin gawan ng sariling design yung blog ko! Might do this pag nagkaroon ng extra time. Thanks sa tips! 🙂
You can donit sis..
I guess I need to learn how WordPress works! Thanks for your comprehensive guide.
It sure is fun, Blair. You’re welcome!
Wow! It’s a big help. Thank you. I watched your Youtube and learned a lot in setting up my page.
Thanks, Sherile. I’d love to hear from you if how things went after the setup. 🙂
Thank you for these tips. I also don’t have experience in designing. I’ll try this soon when I rebrand my blog.
Feel free to do so, sis. 🙂
Read and heard good word on WordPress but I still cannot do it myself because blogspot is giving me the comfort I’m looking for a blog.
Yes, Theresa. There’s always the right platform for our needs. 🙂
Thisbis a helpful guide for aspiring bloggers. Wish I’ve read this when I was starting.
Thanks, Camille. You can use it as a guide in the future. 🙂
This would be a great guide for those people who want to kick-start their blog. 🙂
Thanks, Renz!
I love how you write. It feels that you’re talking to me haha! I miss my blog huhu. I haven’t accessed it for a week now. I’m on the process of transferring my hosting.
Oh, no. Why so long?
very commendable effort. this is good for those who are trying to put up their own wordpress blog!
Thanks, Wendy!