WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet, from small local shops to global brands. If you’re a business owner in Greater Manchester thinking about getting a website, WordPress is almost certainly the right choice. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
What Actually Is WordPress?
WordPress is a content management system (CMS), software that lets you build and manage a website without needing to know how to code. Think of it as the engine that runs your website, handling everything from displaying your pages to managing your blog posts.
Important distinction: There are two versions of WordPress:
- WordPress.org (self-hosted), the full, powerful version you install on your own hosting. This is what professionals use and what we recommend.
- WordPress.com: a simplified, limited version with monthly fees. Fine for personal blogs, but too restrictive for most businesses.
When people in the web industry say “WordPress”, they almost always mean WordPress.org.
Why WordPress Is Perfect for Greater Manchester Businesses
1. You Can Manage It Yourself
Once your site is built, you can update text, add blog posts, change images, and manage your content without touching any code. If you can use Microsoft Word, you can use WordPress.
2. It’s Cost-Effective
The WordPress software itself is free. Your main costs are hosting (£15-30/month for quality managed hosting), a domain name (£10-15/year), and the initial design and development.
3. It’s SEO-Friendly
WordPress is built with search engine optimisation in mind. Clean code, fast loading times, and excellent plugins make it easier to rank on Google, important for businesses targeting customers across Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, and Tameside.
4. It Grows With You
Start with a simple brochure site, then add a blog, an online shop, a booking system, or a customer portal as your business grows. WordPress scales with your needs.
5. Massive Community and Support
With millions of users worldwide, any question you have has already been answered. Plus, thousands of developers (including us) specialise in WordPress, so you’ll never struggle to find help.
Getting Started: The Essentials
Step 1: Choose Your Hosting
Your hosting provider stores your website and serves it to visitors. For Greater Manchester businesses, we recommend managed WordPress hosting with UK-based servers for the best speed. Budget £15-30/month for quality hosting.
Step 2: Register a Domain Name
Your domain name is your web address (like yourbusiness.co.uk). Choose something short, memorable, and ideally matching your business name. A .co.uk domain is perfect for businesses targeting UK customers.
Step 3: Get Professional Design
While WordPress themes let you build a site yourself, a professionally designed website makes a significant difference to how customers perceive your business. A custom design ensures your site stands out from competitors using the same templates.
Step 4: Add Essential Pages
Every business website needs:
- Homepage: clearly explain what you do and who you serve
- About page: tell your story and build trust
- Services/Products: detail what you offer with clear pricing if possible
- Contact page: phone number, email, contact form, and location
- Blog: regular content helps with SEO and establishes expertise
Step 5: Set Up Essential Plugins
Plugins add functionality to your WordPress site. Essential plugins for business websites include:
- Security plugin (Wordfence), protects against hackers
- Backup plugin (UpdraftPlus), automatic daily backups
- SEO plugin (Yoast or Rank Math), helps optimise for Google
- Caching plugin: speeds up your site
- Contact form plugin (Contact Form 7 or WPForms), lets visitors send enquiries
Common WordPress Mistakes to Avoid
- Installing too many plugins: each one slows your site and increases security risks. Only install what you actually need.
- Ignoring updates: WordPress, themes, and plugins need regular updating. Outdated software is the main cause of hacked sites.
- Cheap hosting: £2.99/month hosting means a slow, unreliable site. Invest in quality hosting.
- No backups: if your site is hacked or breaks, backups are your safety net. Automate them.
- DIY design when it matters: for a personal blog, DIY is fine. For a business that needs to generate leads, invest in professional design.
How Much Does a WordPress Website Cost?
For a professional WordPress business website in Greater Manchester:
- Simple brochure site (3-5 pages): £1,000-2,500
- Professional business site (5-15 pages): £2,500-5,000
- E-commerce store: £3,000-6,000+
- Ongoing hosting and maintenance: £50-120/month
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re a Greater Manchester business owner ready to get your website up and running, get in touch for a free consultation. We build WordPress websites that look professional, load fast, rank well on Google, and actually generate business for our clients across Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, and Tameside.
