Start with WordPress.com or WordPress.org — they are not the same
WordPress comes in two versions, and which one you choose determines how much control you have and what it costs. WordPress.com is hosted for you — you sign up, pick a design, and start writing. WordPress.org is software you install on your own web hosting, which gives you full control but requires you to handle updates and security yourself.
For most people starting out, WordPress.com is simpler. You do not need to buy hosting separately, you do not manage server software, and WordPress handles backups. The trade-off is that you cannot install custom plugins or themes unless you pay for a higher plan, and you cannot sell products directly without their transaction fees. WordPress.org is better if you need full customization, plan to run a business, or want to avoid ongoing fees — but you will spend time on maintenance.
This guide covers WordPress.com, since it is the path most new users take. If you choose WordPress.org, the page-building steps are the same, but you will need to handle hosting separately.
Key Takeaways
- WordPress.com lets you create a web page without coding by signing up, choosing a theme, and using the block editor to add text and images.
- You can publish a basic page in under an hour, but WordPress.com charges for custom domains, removing ads, and advanced features.
- The block editor works by dragging content blocks (text, images, buttons, galleries) into place on your page.
- Your page is live as soon as you publish it, and you can edit it anytime without taking it offline.
Create a WordPress.com account and choose your site name
Go to wordpress.com and click "Create Website" or "get your free guide". WordPress will ask you to choose a site name and domain. The site name is what appears in your header; the domain is the web address people type in their browser.
WordPress.com offers a free domain for the first year if you pick a yearly plan, or you can use a free wordpress.com subdomain (like yourname.wordpress.com). If you already own a domain elsewhere, you can connect it later. For now, pick something short and memorable — you can change it later if you are on a paid plan.
Next, create an account with your email and a password. WordPress will send you a confirmation link. Click it, and you are in.
Pick a theme that matches what you want to build
A theme is a pre-made design template that controls how your page looks. WordPress.com has dozens of free themes and hundreds of paid ones. Themes are organized by type: blog, portfolio, business, store, resume, and others.
Click "Design" or "Themes" in your dashboard. Browse by category or search for a specific style. Click on any theme to see a preview. When you find one you like, click "Activate" to apply it to your site. You can change themes anytime without losing your content.
Do not worry about picking the perfect theme right away. The important thing is to pick one that is close to what you want — you can customize colors, fonts, and layout once you are inside the editor.
Add pages and content using the block editor
Once your theme is active, click "Pages" in the left menu, then "Add New Page". Give your page a title (like "Home", "About", or "Contact"). WordPress opens the block editor, which is where you build the page.
The block editor works by adding blocks — chunks of content like text, images, buttons, or galleries. Click the "+" button to add a block. You will see options like "Paragraph", "Image", "Heading", "Button", "Gallery", and many others. Click the block type you want, and it appears on your page. Type or paste your content into it.
To add an image, click the "Image" block, then either upload a file from your computer or search WordPress's free image library. To add a button, click the "Button" block and type the button text and the link it should go to. Drag blocks up or down to reorder them. Delete a block by clicking it and pressing Delete.
You can customize how each block looks — change text color, background color, alignment, and size — by clicking the block and using the options panel on the right side of the screen.
Customize your site's overall look without touching code
Click "Customize" in the left menu to change colors, fonts, and layout across your entire site. This opens the customizer, which shows a preview of your site on the left and options on the right.
You can change your site title and tagline, upload a logo or site icon, adjust the header layout, change the color scheme, and pick different fonts. Any change you make updates instantly in the preview. Click "Publish" to save your changes to the live site.
If you want to change the layout of your pages — like moving the sidebar or adjusting column widths — that depends on your theme. Some themes let you do this in the customizer; others require you to edit individual pages in the block editor.
Set up navigation menus so visitors can find your pages
Once you have created multiple pages, you need a way for visitors to navigate between them. Click "Menus" in the left menu under "Design". Click "Create Menu" and give it a name like "Main Menu".
Add pages to your menu by clicking "Add Items", then checking the boxes next to the pages you want to include. You can drag them up or down to reorder them. Click "Manage Location" to choose where the menu appears — usually in the header or footer.
Most themes automatically display your menu in the header. If your menu does not appear, go back to "Manage Location" and make sure you have assigned the menu to the right spot.
Publish your page and share it with others
When you are done editing a page, click the blue "Publish" button in the top right corner. Your page is now live on the internet. Anyone with your web address can see it.
You can share the link with others, or if you want to keep it private for now, click "Visibility" before publishing and choose "Private" — only people you invite can see it. You can change it to public anytime.
Your site is never "done" — you can edit any page anytime by clicking "Pages" and then the page title. Changes take effect immediately on the live site. You do not need to republish or take the site offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to code to create a page in WordPress?
No. The block editor is designed for people with no coding experience. You click, type, and drag blocks into place. If you want to add custom code later, you can, but it is not required to build a working page.
Can I change my theme after I have already added content?
Yes. Your content stays the same when you switch themes — only the design changes. Some layouts may look different in a new theme, but your text and images are not lost. You can switch back anytime.
What is the difference between pages and posts in WordPress?
Pages are for permanent content like "About" or "Contact" that does not change often. Posts are for dated content like blog articles that appear in reverse chronological order. Most new sites start with pages.
How much does it cost to run a WordPress.com site?
WordPress.com offers a free plan with a wordpress.com subdomain and basic features. Paid plans start around $4 per month and include a custom domain, ad removal, and more storage. Business plans cost more and unlock plugins and advanced features.
Can I move my site from WordPress.com to WordPress.org later?
Yes, but it requires some technical steps. WordPress.com lets you export your content, and you can import it into a WordPress.org installation. Some features may not transfer perfectly, so plan ahead if you think you might switch.