WordPress: 10 Common Questions Answered
Thinking about a WordPress website? Here are ten straightforward answers to help you get started, choose the essentials and avoid spending more than you need.
1. What is WordPress, and is it free?
WordPress is software for creating, publishing and managing a website. The software available from WordPress.org is 100% free (open source).- View this simple but excellent video that explains what WordPress is.
2. WordPress.com or WordPress.org - which do I need?
WordPress.org supplies just the software and you host it with your own hosting .
WordPress.com provides hosting and software.
3. How do I start a WordPress website?
Choose your website's purpose and domain name, arrange hosting and install WordPress. Pick a theme, then create your main pages: Home, About and Contact. Start with the essentials and add features as you need them.
Free WordPress learning resources
4. What does running one actually cost?
Budget for domain renewal and hosting, then any paid themes, plugins or help you choose. Check renewal prices, billing currency and taxes before buying. An introductory offer is only useful if the ongoing price suits your budget.
5. How do I choose hosting?
Hosting is where your website lives. The Wordpress software files are uploaded to your hosting account.The top two are Both include reliable support, backup options, HTTPS and clear renewal pricing.
6. Should I use a free or paid theme?
A WordPress theme controls how your website looks, including its layout, colours, fonts and the way pages and posts are displayed. Think of it as the website’s clothing: you can change the theme to give it a different appearance while keeping your existing content. Themes come in free and paid versions, and most let you customise the design.
A free theme may be all you need (at least to get started). Pay when a theme offers a specific design or feature that earns its cost. Choose one that works well on mobile, is maintained and lets you change the layout without unnecessary extras. A huge directory of themes comes with Wordpress software.
- Browse free WordPress themes
- ThemeForest - Theme marketplace
7. Which plugins do I really need?
Plugins add features and functionality to your website, such as contact forms, shopping cart, security tools or search engine optimisation. Think of plugins as optional extras: you install the ones you need. Plugins come in free and paid versions.
8. How do I keep my website secure?
Keep WordPress, themes and plugins updated. Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication where available. Remove unused software and keep restorable backups separate from the website. Check which security tasks your host handles. There are free and paid security plugins that make life easy.
9. What is the difference between a page and a post?
This is the first question everyone asks after they login for the first time.
Pages create the core framework of your site — like your homepage, about page, or contact page.
Posts are for updates, articles, and blog entries that keep your site fresh and engaging.
You manage both from the left-hand menu of your dashboard. Just head to Pages or Posts to view, edit, or create new content.
10. What are other ways to earn money from my website?
Beyond your website’s main purpose, you can earn extra income by displaying advertisements, recommending products through affiliate links or publishing sponsored content. You could also sell downloadable guides, offer paid memberships or charge for listings in a specialist directory. Choose options that suit your visitors: relevant recommendations and useful extras are more likely to earn their support.