WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that enables you to create websites, blogging platform, or e-commerce websites from scratch with the latest plug ins.
WordPress is free and open-source CMS software that was released under the GPL. WordPress sites are used by millions of people all over the world, including many large organizations, such as The Guardian, Forbes, and The New York Times. In this blog post, we will discuss the web development process, benefits, themes, costs etc. of using WordPress.
The History of WordPress Website Design
WordPress web design and development was first released in 2003 by its founders and WordPress developers Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little. At the time, it was a simple blogging platform with a few basic features, but WordPress has come a long way since then. It is now the most popular content management system in the world, powering over 35% of all websites on the internet.
It's free and open-source software that is released under the GPL (General Public License). This means that anyone can manage, use, modify, and distribute WordPress code as they see fit. Since its release, it has been downloaded over 150 million times and has many extremely happy customers.
How WordPress Work?
WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that enables you to create a website from scratch by yourself, or with the help of a WordPress website design company. The whole process of building a website isn't too difficult and you don’t need any technical skills or coding standards or knowledge but some understanding of PC is recommended.
- It's based on a simple concept: you create content, WordPress stores it in a database, and then shows it to your visitors. WordPress and WooCommerce come with everything you need to create a website, including a default theme and WordPress plugins.
What is a Theme?
A theme is a collection of files that determine the look and feel of a WordPress website. There are thousands of free and premium themes available in marketplaces. Definition: Themes control the look and feel of your existing site, while plugins add functionality to your website.
What is a Plug-in?
A plug in is a software application that adds features or functionality to WordPress sites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. There are over 55,000 plugins available, ranging from simple functions like contact forms to complex e-commerce solutions.
What is WooCommerce?
WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that enables you to turn your WordPress website into an online shop. It's a popular option for eCommerce as the platform can be turned into a powerful shop. The plugin is free but you will need to pay for some features and add-ons.
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WordPress Development Process
1. Install WordPress software
To start your stunning website design, you first will have to install WordPress on your computer. You can do this by going to the WordPress website and downloading the WordPress software.
2. Choose a theme
Once you have WordPress installed, you have to choose a theme. There are thousands of themes with new features available for WordPress, so take some time to browse through them and find one that you like and which will support the services you require.
3. Install plugins
After you have chosen a theme, you have to install some plugins. Plugins are pieces of software that add functionality to the current website e.g. contact form, social media share buttons etc.
4. Create content
Now it's time to start creating content for your WordPress website. You can do this by creating pages and posts and adding images.
- Pages - are static pieces of content that don't change, like your About page, Contact page
- Posts - are pieces of content that are published on a date and can be sorted by category or tag e.g. blog
5. Customize your website
Once you have some content on your WordPress website, you can start customizing it. You can change the colors, fonts, and layout of your website. You can also add widgets to your sidebar and change some project process, like adding a favicon.
- Widgets - are pieces of content that you can add to your sidebar or other areas of your website. e.g. social media icons, recent posts, etc.
- Favicon - is a small image that represents your website. It's displayed in the browser tab next to your website's name.
6. SEO optimize your website
The last thing you should do before the finished product is to SEO optimize your WordPress website. This means that you need to add some SEO plugin "Yoast" and make sure your website is configured correctly for Google and other SEO search engines to be found and ranked in London or the area you wanted to be found.
7. Test and launch your website
Congratulation, you have become one of many WordPress specialists who designed a web page. You can begin to run tests and then launch the site for the world to see. There are many performance tools available that can help you test your website. e.g. GTmetrix, SEObility, SeamRush, PingDom etc.
Top 10 WordPress Web Design Themes
With a WordPress page builder, you can design the best websites for small businesses and professionals that are not only beautiful but functional if you have the skills of a WordPress website designer.
The following list showcases some of the top WordPress web designs in London, that have many elements and got outstanding design, creativity, and user experience.
1. Restaurant WordPress
- One of the most popular restaurant themes, Rosa 2 is truly a masterpiece. An elegant website that will showcase what matters the most...food! Has a gallery section and many options for fonts, icons and colors. A good option for cafes, restaurants and diners Easy WordPress maintenance. Price: £85
2. Real estate WordPress
- WPRealEstate theme is a feature-rich and professional-looking demo and template. Well structured and comes with 14 unique demos to choose from that have been created for different types of websites in the real estate industry. You can promote your agency or promote a single property all in one theme. Price: $99/year including plugin
3. Construction WordPress
- Actura has everything you need to launch a professional construction company site. Appealing to the eye with a modern and clean design, this theme is perfect for construction, architecture and engineering companies. It is compatible with the Elemntor editor plugin that is included in the theme. Price: $37
4. Fitness WordPress
- If you're looking for a fitness-themed web design but have been unable to settle on one theme, this might be it. Kalium comes with affordable and relevant layouts that can work in many different settings. You can use it for a fitness club, a personal trainer website or a health coach business. Price: $59
5. Lifestyle WordPress
- With Fallsky, you can make your photographs the focal point of your website. It comes with a full-width layout and images are incorporated into its design so it's easy to do this! Perfect for bloggers who want the edge. Price: $59
6. Business services WordPress
- StartUp is a beautiful, customizable WordPress business theme designed specifically for start ups and digital agencies. It offers custom widgets on your homepage or landing pages that can be used to display information about what you offer in an attractive manner. Price: $59/year
7. Retail/consumer goods WordPress
- Hugo is a clean and modern WordPress eCommerce theme for your online store. It’s fully compatible with WooCommerce, so you can easily sell products from this platform right away! The homepage layout features an image slider that makes beautiful photos pop against the white background. Price: $79
8. Beauty/Spa WordPress
- Oaza will make your beauty spa or salon website look amazing. It comes with a clean and minimal design, as well as all the features you need to showcase your services and products. You can also use the online booking system to let your customers book appointments directly from your website. Price: $69
9. Creative multipurpose WordPress
- This multipurpose theme is perfect for any service or WooCommerce as it has all the functions and features to make your business thrive. Impreza is packed with layouts and templates that can be customized to your heart's content. You can also use the live drag-and-drop builder to make pages without touching a line of code! Price: $59
10. Luxury WordPress
- Luxa is a luxury WordPress theme for all types of websites, but especially if you want to add that edge. While the default black and gold color scheme is sure to give your site a luxurious look, don’t let that set you back if it's not right for what YOU want. Price: $59
WordPress Web Design Price
When it comes to building your WordPress website, the options are vast and flexible, catering to different budgets and business needs. Whether you're looking for a pre-designed theme or a fully custom solution, understanding your options can help you make an informed decision.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect when considering WordPress web design in the UK, along with practical tips to make the most of your investment.
a) Specialist WordPress Agency
If you're looking for a bespoke website that reflects your brand identity, hiring a WordPress agency can be the best option. Agencies provide end-to-end solutions, ensuring your website is not only visually stunning but also functional, secure, and optimised for search engines.
Why Choose an Agency?
- Customisation: Bespoke designs tailored to your specific business needs.
- Support: Ongoing maintenance, on-page SEO, and WordPress support included in packages.
- Advanced Features: Agencies can integrate complex functionalities like eCommerce, booking systems, or membership portals.
UK Pricing:
- Basic custom websites start from £1,999, while more complex projects can go up to £5,000 or more depending on the level of customisation and additional features.
Example Agency Services:At Fit Design, we offer:
- Bespoke WordPress Web Design: Stand out with a website uniquely tailored to your business.
- Add-on Services: eCommerce development, branding, SEO, and digital marketing.
- Included Benefits: On-page SEO, 1-month maintenance, and ongoing WordPress support.
Recommendation: For small businesses or startups, start with an affordable package and scale up as your business grows. Discuss your goals with the agency to ensure alignment on design and functionality.
b) Freelance WordPress developer
Freelancers offer a more cost-effective solution for businesses with smaller budgets or specific project needs. Whether you need minor updates, theme customisation, or a fully designed website, freelancers provide flexibility and affordability.
Why Choose a Freelancer?
- Affordability: Starting costs as low as £250, with bespoke projects ranging from £500 to £2,000+.
- Flexibility: Ideal for one-off projects or smaller tasks.
Tips for Working with Freelancers:
- Check Portfolios: Ensure the freelancer has relevant experience with WordPress and your industry.
- Discuss Deliverables: Be clear about timelines, revisions, and ongoing support.
- Budget for Revisions: Allow for extra costs if your project requires significant iterations.
WordPress Website Builder Tools
These 3 popular WordPress tools will help you design a website without any prior coding knowledge. Also, with the help of these tools, you can create a responsive website that looks great on all devices.
1. Elementor Pro Website Builder:
Elementor Pro is a popular website builder that enables you to create custom websites without having to code. With Elementor Pro, you can create beautiful websites with drag and drop, without having to worry about coding.
- Price: $49/year - website builder or $99/year - website builder and hosting and WordPress support
2. Oxygen Builder:
Simply one of the best tools available for creating all our WordPress websites. Oxygen Builder is a powerful visual site builder that helps you design pixel-perfect web pages that attract customer attention and boost conversions.
- Price: $129/lifetime - basic website builder or $169/lifetime - WooCommerce
3. Divi Builder:
Divi is a powerful and easy-to-use drag & drop builder that gives you complete control of your website's design. Divi lets users edit in real-time, with tons of options for custom CSS.
- Price: $89/year or $249/lifetime with ongoing WordPress support
Benefits of WordPress Websites
- Easy to use and update to attract website traffic
- No coding knowledge is necessary
- Responsive, which means they look great on all devices
- SEO friendly for search engine optimization
- Secure and reliable
- Very popular CMS used by millions
- Free for basic plans
Drawbacks of WordPress Websites
- Slow if not properly configured
- Many useful plugins, themes and updates are paid
- Limited customization options for free plans
- Requires some technical knowledge to use effectively
Start A New WordPress Design - Information Needed
=> DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT SERVICES/PRODUCTS YOU WILL OFFER AND HOW AND WHERE YOU WILL OPERATE.
Provide as much information as possible to better understand your needs and goals.
=> WHAT IMAGE, LOOK, OR FEEL DO YOU WANT THE PAGE TO PORTRAY?
Modern, minimalistic, simple or dynamic.
=> DO YOU WANT TO USE ANY SPECIFIC COLORS?
Share any materials you have and if you need any other systems in place
=> DO YOU HAVE ANY CONTENT OR IMAGES?
Will you provide materials you want to display on the site?
=> DO YOU NEED A LOGO OR A REDESIGN?
Most brands start from scratch, an agency can help you with branding.
=> WHAT ARE THE 5 MOST RELEVANT KEYWORDS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
Jot down the most important keywords. e.g if you run a web agency then your keyword will be "WordPress website design" or "web agency in London".
=> LIST YOUR TOP 2-3 COMPETITORS.
Helps to establish goals, ideas, and what to avoid or do better.
=> WHAT'S YOUR TARGET AREA/AUDIENCE?
Where will you be based, is it online or do you have a shop?
=> DO YOU WANT TO SET UP ANY SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS BY OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM?
If you are new, you will need social media, a Google profile etc.
=> HOW OFTEN WILL YOUR SITE BE UPDATED?
Is the maintenance carried out by you or our WordPress agency based in London? It helps us to plan and make a design that is easy to use and maintain.
=> DO YOU HAVE A DOMAIN NAME REGISTERED AND HOSTING SECURED?
Have purchased the name and server of the site.
=> WHAT IS THE DEADLINE?
When do you want to start the web development projects?
=> WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?
And the most important question our WordPress experts should know is how much are you willing to spend on your design.
Conclusion
Building a WordPress site is a great way to get a website up and running quickly and without having to learn how to code. However, because WordPress is so popular, it can be easy for your site to look like everyone else's.
To avoid this, you can reach out to our WordPress development agency based in London. We have creative web designers who have the technical expertise to manage strategic planning and develop mobile responsive bespoke websites. Also, we cover digital strategy, SEO, eCommerce design and social media campaigns. Contact the design specialists today!
