How to Create a WordPress Website 2018 | Divi Theme: Embark on a journey to build a stunning and functional website using the power of WordPress and the flexibility of the Divi theme. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from installation to optimization, empowering you to create a website that reflects your unique vision.
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of using WordPress, delve into the advantages of the Divi theme, and provide a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire website creation process. We’ll cover everything from customizing your website’s design to adding essential functionalities, ensuring you have all the tools and knowledge you need to build a successful online presence.
Getting Started with WordPress and Divi: How To Create A WordPress Website 2018 | Divi Theme
Welcome to the world of WordPress and Divi! This powerful combination allows you to create stunning, professional websites without the need for coding knowledge. WordPress is a free, open-source content management system (CMS) that powers millions of websites worldwide. Divi is a premium WordPress theme known for its flexibility, ease of use, and beautiful design.
Benefits of Using WordPress
WordPress offers numerous benefits for website creation:
- Free and Open-Source:WordPress is free to use and modify, making it an accessible option for anyone.
- User-Friendly Interface:WordPress features a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, even for beginners.
- Extensive Plugin Ecosystem:WordPress boasts a vast library of plugins that extend its functionality and add features to your website.
- -Friendly:WordPress is built with search engine optimization () in mind, making it easier for your website to rank higher in search results.
- Large Community Support:WordPress has a large and active community of users and developers who can provide support and guidance.
Advantages of Choosing Divi
Divi offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for WordPress websites:
- Drag-and-Drop Builder:Divi’s intuitive visual builder allows you to create custom layouts and designs without writing code.
- Pre-Made Layouts and Templates:Divi includes a wide range of pre-designed layouts and templates that you can customize to suit your needs.
- Extensive Customization Options:Divi offers a wealth of customization options, allowing you to tailor your website’s design, colors, fonts, and more.
- Responsive Design:Divi websites are automatically responsive, ensuring they look great on all devices, from desktops to smartphones.
- Regular Updates and Support:Divi receives regular updates and support from its developers, ensuring compatibility and security.
Installing WordPress and Divi
Before you can start building your website, you need to install WordPress and the Divi theme. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose a Web Hosting Provider:Select a reliable web hosting provider that offers WordPress hosting.
- Register a Domain Name:Choose a domain name that reflects your website’s purpose.
- Install WordPress:Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation. Follow their instructions to install WordPress on your domain.
- Purchase the Divi Theme:Visit the Elegant Themes website and purchase the Divi theme. You’ll receive a download link and license key.
- Install Divi:In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to “Appearance” > “Themes” > “Add New”. Upload the Divi theme file and activate it.
Setting Up a New WordPress Website with Divi
Once WordPress and Divi are installed, you can start setting up your website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose a Starter Template:Divi offers a variety of starter templates that you can use as a foundation for your website. Choose a template that best suits your needs.
- Customize the Theme Settings:Access Divi’s theme settings to adjust colors, fonts, and other design elements. You can also customize the header, footer, and other website elements.
- Create Your Homepage:Use Divi’s visual builder to design your homepage layout. Add sections, rows, columns, and modules to create a visually appealing and informative homepage.
- Create Pages and Posts:Create pages for your website’s static content, such as “About Us,” “Contact Us,” and “Services.” Create posts for your blog content.
- Set Up Navigation:Use Divi’s menu builder to create a clear and intuitive navigation menu for your website.
Divi Theme Basics and Customization
Divi’s visual builder is the heart of the theme, empowering you to create stunning and unique designs without writing a single line of code. Let’s explore its key features and how to unleash your creativity.
Divi Builder Interface
The Divi Builder interface is intuitive and user-friendly. It consists of several key elements:
- Visual Editor:The main area where you see and edit your website content in real-time.
- Modules:Pre-built content elements like text, images, buttons, and more, that you can drag and drop into your layout.
- Rows and Columns:A flexible grid system for organizing content and creating visually appealing layouts.
- Settings Panel:Provides options for customizing individual modules, rows, sections, and the overall page design.
Using Pre-Made Layouts and Templates
Divi offers a library of pre-made layouts and templates that you can use as a starting point for your website. These layouts are fully customizable and can be adapted to suit your specific needs.
- Import Layouts:Navigate to the “Divi Library” in the WordPress dashboard and browse the collection of layouts. You can import any layout with a single click.
- Customize Layouts:Once imported, you can customize the layout’s content, design, and settings using the Divi Builder.
- Templates:Divi also offers templates for specific pages, such as the homepage, about page, and contact page.
Customizing Theme Settings and Color Palettes
Divi provides extensive customization options to personalize your website’s look and feel. You can adjust:
- Colors:Choose a custom color palette for your website, including primary, secondary, and accent colors.
- Fonts:Select from a wide range of fonts to create a unique typography for your website.
- Layout Settings:Customize the header, footer, and other website elements to match your brand.
- Global Settings:Apply consistent styling across your entire website by customizing global settings.
Designing a Unique Homepage Layout
Let’s create a unique homepage layout using Divi’s drag-and-drop builder. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Add Sections:Start by adding sections to your homepage layout. Each section represents a distinct area of your website.
- Add Rows and Columns:Within each section, add rows and columns to structure your content.
- Add Modules:Add various modules to each row and column, such as text modules, image modules, button modules, and more.
- Customize Modules:Customize the content, design, and settings of each module to create a cohesive and engaging layout.
- Preview and Adjust:Preview your homepage layout and make adjustments until you are satisfied with the design.
Creating Content with Divi
Divi empowers you to create engaging and visually appealing content with ease. Let’s explore how to craft compelling pages and posts using Divi’s content modules.
Creating and Editing Pages and Posts
Divi makes creating and editing pages and posts a breeze. Here’s how:
- Create a New Page or Post:In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to “Pages” or “Posts” and click “Add New.”
- Select the Divi Builder:When creating a new page or post, select the “Divi Builder” option to use the visual builder.
- Edit Content:Use the Divi Builder to add and edit content, images, videos, and other elements.
- Save and Publish:Once you are satisfied with your content, save and publish your page or post.
Adding Images, Videos, and Other Media
Divi provides modules for adding various media elements to your pages and posts:
- Image Module:Upload and display images in different sizes and styles.
- Video Module:Embed videos from YouTube, Vimeo, and other platforms.
- Gallery Module:Create image galleries with different layouts and effects.
- Audio Module:Embed audio files from SoundCloud, Spotify, and other platforms.
Creating Engaging Blog Posts
Divi’s content modules are perfect for creating engaging blog posts. Here’s how:
- Text Module:Use the text module to write your blog posts with different formatting options.
- Image Module:Add images to break up your text and make your posts visually appealing.
- Button Module:Include call-to-action buttons to encourage readers to take action.
- Quote Module:Add quotes to enhance the readability and impact of your blog posts.
Optimizing Content for Readability and
To ensure your content is easily readable and optimized for search engines, consider these tips:
- Use Headings and Subheadings:Structure your content with clear headings and subheadings to improve readability.
- Short Paragraphs:Keep paragraphs short and concise to enhance readability.
- Use White Space:Add white space between paragraphs and sections to improve visual appeal.
- Optimize Images:Use descriptive filenames and alt text for your images to improve .
- Use s:Research relevant s and incorporate them naturally into your content.
Building a Website Structure with Divi
A well-structured website is essential for a positive user experience and improved . Divi provides tools to create a clear and intuitive website structure.
Importance of Website Navigation and Structure
Website navigation and structure play a crucial role in:
- User Experience:A clear and intuitive navigation menu makes it easy for visitors to find the information they need.
- :A well-structured website helps search engines understand your website’s content and index it properly.
- Website Organization:A logical website structure helps organize your content and make it easier to manage.
Designing a Website Navigation Menu
Divi’s menu builder makes it easy to create a custom navigation menu:
- Access the Menu Builder:In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to “Appearance” > “Menus.”
- Create a New Menu:Click “Create a New Menu” and give it a name.
- Add Menu Items:Add pages, posts, or custom links to your menu.
- Arrange Menu Items:Drag and drop menu items to arrange them in the desired order.
- Assign Menu Locations:Assign your menu to different locations on your website, such as the header or footer.
Creating Custom Page Layouts
Divi allows you to create custom page layouts for different sections of your website:
- Use the Divi Builder:Access the Divi Builder on any page and create custom layouts using sections, rows, and columns.
- Save as a Template:Once you have created a custom layout, you can save it as a template for future use.
- Apply Templates:Apply the saved template to other pages or posts to maintain a consistent website design.
Organizing Website Content, How to create a wordpress website 2018 | divi theme
Divi’s page templates help you organize your website content into a logical hierarchy:
- Default Template:The default template is used for most pages and posts.
- Homepage Template:The homepage template allows you to create a unique layout for your homepage.
- Blog Template:The blog template is used for displaying your blog posts.
- Custom Templates:You can create custom templates for specific pages or sections of your website.
Adding Functionality with Divi
Divi’s flexibility extends beyond design. It integrates seamlessly with a vast ecosystem of plugins that enhance website functionality.
Using Plugins to Enhance Functionality
Plugins are powerful tools that add features to your WordPress website. Divi is compatible with a wide range of plugins:
- Forms:Plugins like Contact Form 7 and Gravity Forms allow you to create custom forms for contact, subscriptions, and more.
- E-commerce:Plugins like WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads enable you to sell products and services online.
- :Plugins like Yoast and Rank Math help you optimize your website for search engines.
- Social Media:Plugins like Social Warfare and Jetpack allow you to easily share your content on social media.
- Security:Plugins like Wordfence Security and iThemes Security protect your website from threats.
Integrating Third-Party Services
Divi allows you to integrate with various third-party services:
- Google Analytics:Track website traffic and user behavior using Google Analytics.
- Social Media:Embed social media feeds and buttons on your website.
- Email Marketing:Integrate with email marketing services like Mailchimp and ConvertKit.
- Payment Gateways:Connect your website to payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe.
Creating Custom Forms and Contact Pages
Divi makes it easy to create custom forms and contact pages using the Divi Builder and plugins:
- Choose a Form Plugin:Select a form plugin like Contact Form 7 or Gravity Forms.
- Create a Form:Use the plugin’s interface to create a custom form with the desired fields.
- Embed the Form:Embed the form on your contact page using the Divi Builder’s form module.
- Customize the Design:Customize the form’s design to match your website’s aesthetics.
Final Review
By following this guide, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how to leverage the power of WordPress and Divi to create a beautiful and effective website. From design to optimization, you’ll learn the techniques and strategies to build a website that stands out and achieves your online goals.
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the advantages of using the Divi theme for a WordPress website?
Divi offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop builder, a vast library of pre-made layouts and templates, and extensive customization options, making it a powerful and versatile choice for website creation.
Is Divi compatible with other WordPress plugins?
Yes, Divi is generally compatible with a wide range of WordPress plugins, including popular options for forms, e-commerce, and more. You can find a list of compatible plugins on the Divi website.
How often should I update my WordPress website and Divi theme?
It’s crucial to keep your WordPress website and Divi theme updated regularly to ensure security, performance, and compatibility with the latest features. Updates are released frequently, so it’s best to update as soon as possible.