Building a website can be quite simple if you know the basics of different text and image editing programs. It’s also helpful if you can read and comprehend what you read. By using search engines, you can find information on virtually everything you need, including in Finnish. YouTube is full of tutorial videos on WordPress and related plugins, although these are usually in English.
My first link recommendation is: Google.
WordPress: Themes and Page Builders
You need to choose a theme for your WordPress site. A theme takes care of at least the display of your site's header and footer as well as the appearance and layout of content areas. Nowadays, various page builders are replacing themes, and the latest WordPress themes are versatile block themes, making it easy to customize the appearance.
Elementor is a page builder that I use on almost all the sites I create. Elementor needs a lightweight theme as a companion (e.g., Elementor Hello or Kadence), but with the Pro version, you can build all parts of the site yourself, so the theme itself doesn't really matter.
This site is also built using Elementor Pro.
WordPress Plugins
A basic site may not need any plugins at all, but usually, plugins start to accumulate over time. However, try not to get a separate plugin for every little “gadget”; instead, first check if the task can be handled with a more versatile plugin or code snippet. Every plugin increases the size of your site, can slow down loading speed, and is always a risk during updates, or a potential security threat if not updated.
Choose your plugins wisely. At least check the plugin’s reviews, how widely it is used, and most importantly, when it was last updated. If the last update was more than 6 months ago, the plugin might cause problems in the future.
Here are some plugins I often use in my projects:
- Limit Login Attempts Reloaded: Comes with the WordPress installation and is a decent extra help for site security. It’s advisable to turn off notifications in the settings as they are somewhat unnecessary and annoying. They just confirm that the plugin is working as it should.
- Easy WP SMTP: This or another SMTP plugin is necessary if the web host’s PHP mail is blocked. You’ll notice the need if you don’t receive a message when requesting a new password. In such a case, for example, contact form messages also won’t go through.
- Elementor Pro: The free version goes a long way, but with the Pro version, no other plugins are needed.
WooCommerce Plugins
These are the plugins I use in my online store implementations. They are reliable and well-suited for my purposes.
- PDF Invoices & Packing Slips for WooCommerce: A lightweight PDF packing slip and receipt that can be attached to the order confirmation email.
- Markup Plugins: Excellent plugins for setting shipping methods and payment gateways. Shipping Rules is one of my favorites.
- Discount Rules for WooCommerce
This plugin allows you to create various discount packages and promotional campaigns. - Wholesale Suite Prices Premium
The best option when you need pricing options for different customer groups. Used in wholesale businesses, among others.
Domain, Web Hosting, SSL Certificate
Sivutaikuri's Tip
I usually recommend Zoner’s services to my clients. With Zoner, you can get a domain, web hosting, and email boxes all at once, along with professional customer service.
WordPress Guidance
Sivutaikuri offers personalized remote guidance for editing and managing WordPress sites. You can conveniently order the guidance through email.
