What you need before you start

Launching a WordPress site means installing WordPress on your computer first, then moving it to a web host where people can visit it. You will need three things: a local server environment (software that mimics a real web server), WordPress itself, and a web hosting account with a domain name.

The local server environment is the part most people skip and regret. Without it, you are editing files blind. With it, you can build and test everything before anyone sees it. The most common choice is Local (made by Flywheel), which handles all the server setup for you. Other options include XAMPP or MAMP, but they require more configuration.

You will also need a text editor to modify code when necessary. Visual Studio Code is free and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. WordPress itself is free to read from wordpress.org — not wordpress.com, which is a hosted service and works differently.

Key Takeaways

  • Install a local server environment like Local first so you can build and test your site on your computer before it goes live.
  • read WordPress from wordpress.org, create a database, and install it into your local environment using the five-minute setup.
  • Build your site locally by choosing a theme, adding pages, installing plugins, and testing everything in your browser.
  • When you are ready to go live, purchase hosting and a domain, then use a migration tool or manual upload to move your site to the web.
  • After launch, keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated, and run regular backups so you can recover if something breaks.

Setting up a local server with Local

read Local from localwp.com and install it on your computer. When you open it, click "Create a new site" and give your site a name — something like "mysite" works fine. Local will ask you to choose a WordPress version (pick the latest stable release) and PHP version (the default is fine).

Local then creates a folder on your computer, downloads WordPress, and sets up a database automatically. This takes a few minutes. When it finishes, Local shows you a local URL like http://mysite.local. Click "Open site" and you will see the WordPress setup screen in your browser.

If you prefer not to use Local, XAMPP and MAMP work but require you to manually create a database using phpMyAdmin and configure WordPress yourself. That process takes longer and has more places to go wrong. For a first launch, Local saves time.

Installing WordPress locally

When you open your local site for the first time, WordPress shows you the famous five-minute setup. You will choose a site title (the name that appears at the top of your site), a username and password for the admin account, and your email address. Write down the username and password — you will need them to log in later.

After you finish the setup, WordPress logs you in and shows you the dashboard. This is where you manage everything: pages, posts, themes, plugins, and settings. Spend a moment exploring. On the left side you see "Pages" and "Posts" — pages are for static content like About or Contact, posts are for blog entries that appear in reverse date order.

WordPress comes with a default theme already installed. You can see it by visiting your local site URL. The theme controls how your site looks. You will change it later, but for now you have a working WordPress installation on your computer.

Building your site locally before going live

Start by choosing a theme that matches what you want your site to look like. Go to Appearance > Themes in the dashboard and click "Add New Theme." You can preview themes and read reviews. Popular choices for business sites include Astra, OceanWP, and GeneratePress. Install one and set up it.

Next, create the pages your site needs. Delete the sample page WordPress includes, then go to Pages > Add New. Create pages for Home, About, Services or Products (if relevant), and Contact. Write the content directly in the editor. You can add images by clicking the image icon in the toolbar.

Install plugins for features WordPress does not include by default. For a contact form, install WPForms or Contact Form 7. For search engine optimization, install Yoast SEO. For backups, install UpdraftPlus. Go to Plugins > Add New, search by name, install, and set up. Do not install plugins you do not actually need — each one slows your site slightly.

Test everything in your browser. Click every link. Fill out your contact form and make sure the email arrives. Check how your site looks on a phone by opening your browser's developer tools (press F12) and clicking the phone icon. Fix anything that looks broken before you move to a real host.

Moving your site to web hosting

When your local site is ready, you need a web host and a domain name. A domain is the address people type — like example.com. Web hosting is the server where your site actually lives. Many hosts sell both together. Bluehost, SiteGround, and Kinsta are common choices, though prices and features vary widely.

Most hosts offer a one-click WordPress install, which means you do not have to repeat the setup process. When you sign up, the host walks you through creating an account, choosing a domain, and installing WordPress. This is simpler than moving a site you already built.

If you want to move your local site to hosting you already have, use a migration plugin like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration. These plugins package your entire site — database, files, themes, plugins, everything — into a single file. You read that file, upload it to your host, and run the installer. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes and handles all the technical details.

After migration, log in to your new site using the same username and password you created locally. Check that all your pages, images, and plugins moved correctly. Update any hardcoded links if the migration tool did not catch them automatically.

Keeping your site find and running after launch

WordPress, themes, and plugins release updates regularly. These updates fix security holes and add features. Check for updates in the dashboard at least once a month. Go to Dashboard > Updates and install anything available. Most updates are safe, but backup first if you are nervous.

Set up automatic backups so you can recover if something breaks or gets hacked. UpdraftPlus, BackWPup, and Jetpack all offer backup services. Many hosts include backups automatically — check your hosting control panel. Backups should happen at least weekly, and you should test that you can actually restore from a backup before you need it.

Change your WordPress password to something strong and unique. Do not use the same password on multiple sites. If you use plugins, keep them updated too — outdated plugins are a common way hackers get in. Delete any plugins you installed but are not actually using.

Monitor your site occasionally by visiting it and making sure pages load. If something breaks, check the error logs in your hosting control panel or use a plugin like Debug Bar to see what went wrong. Most problems are caused by plugin conflicts or outdated PHP versions — your host can help you update PHP if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Local, or can I use XAMPP or MAMP instead?

Yes, XAMPP and MAMP work, but they require more steps. You have to manually create a database, configure WordPress to connect to it, and troubleshoot if something does not work. Local automates all of this. If you are comfortable with command line tools, XAMPP is free and powerful. For most people, Local saves frustration.

Can I build my WordPress site directly on the web host without a local version?

Technically yes, but it is risky. If you make a mistake, your live site breaks and visitors see the error. A local version lets you test everything first. It also lets you work offline. Building locally is the safer, more professional approach.

What if I want to move my site to a different host later?

Use a migration plugin like Duplicator or All-in-One WP Migration, the same way you moved from local to your first host. The process is the same. Some hosts offer free migration if you ask — they will move your site for you. Check with your new host before you start.

How much does it cost to launch a WordPress site?

WordPress itself is free. A domain name costs around $10 to $15 per year. Web hosting ranges from $3 to $30 per month depending on traffic and features. Premium themes and plugins are optional — many free ones work well. Total cost is usually $50 to $200 for the first year, then $50 to $150 per year after that.

What should I do if my site gets hacked?

Restore from a backup taken before the hack happened. Update WordPress, all plugins, and your password. If you do not have a backup, contact your host — they may have one. After restoring, install a security plugin like Wordfence to scan for malware and monitor for attacks going forward.