Tools for DIY Website Builders Using WordPress
New to WordPress.org? Check out this Comprehensive WordPress Dictionary to get familiar with the world of WordPress! Then I recommend checking out the resources at Learn.wordpress.org.
WordPress Hosting
All WordPress sites require web hosting service, which is online storage space where your website files live. Think about each page of a website, and each image that appears on the site … all those files have to exist “somewhere” in order to be visible to the public when they view your website. That somewhere is your website hosting server. (I know it sounds complicated, but it’s easy to manage with a guide like me!)
The only WordPress hosting company that I use and trust is linked above. Feel free to contact me with questions about hosting.
WordPress Themes
All WordPress sites require a theme to operate. Themes act as templates and provide structure, functionality and styles for your WordPress website. There are many free themes and also premium/paid themes available. My favorite premium themes are listed below — each one is a reliable, savvy tool to help you create a website that you love.
Find more pro themes in the marketplace below. Themes Tip: Pick a theme that has already been purchased by thousands of people AND has really high ratings to ensure it will be robust & user-friendly. Avoid brand-new themes with no verified history of success! (Not all pro themes are truly great, so if you’re unsure, stick with my recommendations above!)
Contact Forms
Great news ~ Your website does not need a contact form ~ it’s optional! However, using a form can help you attract new clients, so it’s a good idea to build customized forms targeting your different client groups, when you’re ready for that. Click the link below to learn about GravityForms, my favorite contact form tool.
If you’re starting a super basic website and you don’t wanna pay for tools yet, but you still need a reliable contact form plugin for your WordPress site, I totally understand! In your case, I’d recommend using WPForms to create simple easy WordPress forms for free.
E-Commerce Tools
Running a web shop is actually easier and cheaper than many people imagine! WooCommerce is the perfect partner for running e-commerce shops on WordPress. The tool itself is free and offers a library of free and premium (paid) reliable plugins for expanding your online store’s capabilities. You can fully customize your products and variations, as well as the store’s taxes, shipping, pages, search options, etc.
Business Email Account
Wanna SAVE 10% on your business email address? Use my codes below when you sign-up at Google.
- Use code: W334PT33E6FVV7C to save 10% on Starter Plan ($6/month)
- Use code: VARXNQ7P6M993ACto save 10% on Standard Plan ($12/month)
Now click the button below and use one of those codes during checkout.
ADA Accessibility on Websites
I believe it is crucially important to empower disabled folks to use all the services that able-bodied people enjoy without a second thought or glance. Did you know? The vast majority of websites fail to consider disabled visitors and provide no special access for disabled folks, which severely limits how many websites they can use and benefit from.
Put Your Art on Merchandise & Sell It
Have you ever said aloud, “That would be great on a T-shirt!” Well, I’m stoked to tell you that it’s become incredibly easy and profitable to start your own online T-shirt shop! You can use Printful to make t-shirts featuring your clever slogans or graphics, and you can make tons of other products, like accessories, drinkware, pet products, stationary, posters, flags, hats, bags, phone cases, etc! Several of my clients use this service and love it. It’s easy to use!
Email Marketing
Email marketing is incredibly powerful in helping digital businesses connect with customers. Email marketing’s proven ROI (return on investment) outperforms every other marketing strategy around, for most businesses. Think about your own email inbox right now… are you a subscriber to any of your favorite brand’s emails? Can you think of a time when you made a purchase using a coupon sent via email from a favorite brand or company that you love? … Has that ever happened to you? I admit, it works like a charm on me! I love online shopping and I love deals! So when Eddie Bauer sends me a coupon (plus I get free shipping as a rewards member), there’s a good chance I’m going to use it. Email marketing works!
Lead Generation
Your website does not need a lead generation tool, especially if you’re just getting starting. However, after your website is built and you’ve connected Mailchimp, you’ll be ready for this step. I highly recommend it! Using this proven tool to support your lead magnets* totally works in helping convert site visitors into email subscribers, etc.
*If you’re wondering “what the heck is a lead magnet?” or “what is lead generation?” — It’s okay! This language is actually pretty new to me, too! A lead magnet is an irresistible offer that your customers can’t say no to! A lead magnet is a freebie that you give away in exchange for someone’s email address. This helps you grow your email list. Email marketing is low-cost and incredibly powerful in helping digital businesses connect with customers.
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I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
