#make a website

Social media is a fuck

Abandon them all 2026

I am dragon

i originally wanted to make the whole thing with Pug, but didn't want to set up a whole development environment like I've done with eleventy.

the kind of work i like to do nessecitates fine control over HTML elements and low javascript requirements at runtime; i like to write websites that work on old, crusty browsers like Mozilla and Nintendo DS Browser, so Pug was a huge timesaver for me; pretty nice templating features with a syntax I find more encouraging to work with than HTML's XML-style tags.

a couple rewrites I've done with my site have had a workflow of creating an NPM project that contains source, assets, and scripts to monitor, compile, and upload everything to my server running Apache.

this time, I really wanted to get started on everything quickly; so I didn't want to fiddle with all that. I figured, hey, someone has probably ported Pug to PHP or at least made some scripts that automatically render my files, right? Phug appears to be that solution, but I had a lot of problems with it when I tried to use it.

on the first night, I was banging my head against issues with variable scope in PHP code, and gave up on it after trying the 'JS-style-expressions' they gave in their docs. [I don't mean to slam Phug; I think they need better learning resources, but it's only my experience, and I feel like it doesn't reflect the quality of their work.]

If you’d like to follow along with the text version of the tutorial, or just prefer text to video entirely, you can find Jose Hills says you can code: Lesson One at https://joehills.net/web-lesson-one/

Designing a WordPress website can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to create a stunning and functional WordPress site. Our target keyword for this article is "design WordPress website."

Understanding Your Goals

Before diving into the design process, it's crucial to understand your website's purpose. Are you creating a blog, an e-commerce site, or a portfolio? Knowing your goals will help you make informed decisions about the design and functionality of your site.

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Choosing the Right Theme

The theme you choose sets the tone for your website. WordPress offers thousands of free and premium themes. When selecting a theme, consider the following:

Responsiveness: Ensure the theme is mobile-friendly.

Customization Options: Look for themes that allow easy customization.

User Reviews: Check reviews and ratings to gauge the theme's reliability.

Essential Plugins for Functionality

Plugins extend the functionality of your WordPress site. Here are some must-have plugins:

Yoast SEO: Helps optimize your content for search engines.

WooCommerce: Essential for e-commerce sites.

Elementor: A drag-and-drop page builder for easy design customization.

WPForms: For creating contact forms and other interactive elements.

Designing Your Layout

A well-structured layout enhances user experience. Here are some tips:

Header and Navigation: Keep it simple and intuitive. Include your logo and main menu.

Homepage: Make a strong first impression with a clean and engaging design. Highlight key information and calls to action.

Footer: Use the footer for additional navigation links, contact information, and social media icons.

Creating Engaging Content

Content is king in the digital world. Here are some content creation tips:

Write for Your Audience: Understand your target audience and create content that addresses their needs and interests.

Use Keywords Naturally: Incorporate your target keyword, "design WordPress website," naturally throughout your content.

Multimedia: Use images, videos, and infographics to make your content more engaging.

Optimizing for SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for driving organic traffic. Here are some SEO best practices:

Meta Titles and Descriptions: Write compelling meta titles and descriptions that include your target keyword. For example:

Meta Title: "How to Design a WordPress Website: Step-by-Step Guide"

Meta Description: "Learn how to design a WordPress website with our comprehensive guide. From choosing a theme to optimizing for SEO, we've got you covered."

Headings and Subheadings: Use H1, H2, and H3 tags to structure your content. Include your target keyword in at least one heading.

Internal and External Links: Link to other relevant pages on your site and to high-authority external sites.

Ensuring Mobile Compatibility

With a significant portion of web traffic coming from mobile devices, ensuring your site is mobile-friendly is essential. Test your site on various devices and screen sizes to ensure a seamless user experience.

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Speed and Performance

A fast-loading website improves user experience and SEO. Here are some tips to enhance your site's speed:

Optimize Images: Use compressed images to reduce load times.

Caching Plugins: Use plugins like W3 Total Cache to improve site performance.

Minimize Plugins: Only use essential plugins to avoid slowing down your site.

Regular Maintenance

Maintaining your WordPress site is crucial for security and performance. Regularly update your themes, plugins, and WordPress core. Backup your site frequently to prevent data loss.

Conclusion

Designing a WordPress website involves careful planning and execution. By following these steps, you can create a site that is not only visually appealing but also functional and optimized for search engines.

Remember, the key to a successful website is providing value to your visitors while ensuring a seamless user experience.

By incorporating these best practices, you can design a WordPress website that stands out and ranks well on search engines like Google and Bing. Happy designing!