Website Blueprint
How to build a website with WordPress
If you need a website and don't know where to start, or if you're looking for ways to make improvements, this Blueprint is for you!
Disclaimer
In some cases I'm an affiliate for the products listed below. If you end up making a purchase through one of these links, I will earn a commission. These commissions help cover the costs for The Cloud CEO and keep it running.
Any commission earned does not increase your price, and in some cases the links below provide additional EXCLUSIVE discounts or even FREE trials.
The Basics
Start with the right website foundation
1. Hosting
In order to have a website, you need a place to put all the "stuff". Web hosts store everything for you and make it available for others to see.
If your goal is to make money online, you need to have a webhost that is fast, secure and will respond quickly if you have any issues.
2. Domain Name
Your domain name is the address of your online business. If you want people to visit you and see what you have to offer, you need a great location.
On the internet, location = domain name.
3. Website Software
If you want to do "stuff" with your website and not just store files, you'll need software that makes everything work together.
From Blogs to eCommerce, the right Software is Essential
Recommendations

WPX Hosting
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
WPX offers solid hosting at an affordable price. If you're looking at building landing pages, capturing leads, or starting an eCommerce store... WPX is lightning fast!

Namecheap
Overall Rating: 4/5
Namecheap offers affordable domain name registration and has the features you need to manage those names, no matter what your goals are.

WordPress
Overall Rating: 5/5
WordPress is a BEAST! While it was originally made for blogging, it's flexible enough to handle tough needs, even eCommerce through plugins.
REQUIRED Extras
If you're using Wordpress, these plugins are essential!
1. Theme
Every WordPress Site needs to look good! Themes are a way to apply a custom design to your whole website in a few easy steps.
2. Forms
You need a way to capture information from your visitors. Forms let you create fields to capture Name, Email, Addresses and MORE!
3. Email
Make sure your site can send messages so you can engage with your site visitors and members.
Recommendations
Conversion PLUGINS
Lead Generation and Revenue Growth
1. Landing Page Builder
A landing page is a great way to keep website visitors focused on what can help them the most. Content is typically hyperfocused on the one big action you want them to take.
2. Lead Capture
A landing page is a great way to keep website visitors focused on what can help them the most. Content is typically hyperfocused on the one big action you want them to take.
3. Speed
Speed dosen't kill... It converts! If you have a slow site you'll loose potential customers so you need to make sure your website is as fast as possible.
Recommendations
Content
Without Good Content, Nothing Else Matters
1. SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the way search engines, like Google, understand what your content is about so that people can find it. If noone can find your content, then its
2. Graphics
Whether you need an image for an article, a video intorduction for YouTube or a Presentation to land your next big client... Having good graphics will make your brand stand out.
3. Organization
Having a lot of content is great! But once you reach a certain point it can become overwhelming. Making sure you have a good organization strategy will help you keep your sanity as your site grows
Recommendations
Simple and easy.
Building a Website from Scratch Checklist
Building a website from scratch is easy, if you know what's required and the order you need to build it in. Our checklist will lead you through the steps needed to create an awesome site!