The Questions People Asked in My ‘Build Your Own Website’ Course.

This month I delivered another of my Build Your Own Website courses, a three-morning online workshop where participants learn how to create a simple website using WordPress. It is a practical, hands-on course designed for beginners who want to understand how to manage their own online presence.

During the most recent session, I noticed that many of the same questions came up.

Is WordPress the best option?

For beginners, it is. WordPress is flexible, widely supported, and has a large community. You can begin with a small site and expand it over time. There are other website builders available but WordPress gives users more control and room to grow and it is cost effective.

What is an SSL, and why do I need one?

SSL protects the information sent between your website and its visitors. You can tell a site is secure when its address begins with https:// rather than http://. An SSL certificate is important for security, visitor trust, and search engine ranking.

Why do I need a backup?

Websites can break for many reasons, such as plugin conflicts or software updates. Having a backup means you can restore your site quickly if something goes wrong. Web hosting companies offer automatic backups.

Should I use .ie or .com?

If your main audience is in Ireland, a .ie domain helps your website appear local and trustworthy. If your audience is international, a .com address may be more appropriate. The best choice depends on who you want to reach. I would recommend buying both.

How can I make my website secure?

Choose reliable hosting, install an SSL certificate, keep WordPress and all plugins updated, and use strong passwords. Security plugins can also help monitor your site for potential issues.

How long will it take me to build it?

That depends on your schedule and experience. Many people can create a simple website within a few weeks if they work on it regularly. The process requires time and patience, but each step helps you gain confidence and understanding.

Does it matter how many pages I have, and should they all be in the menu?

Focus on creating clear, relevant content rather than a large number of pages. A basic structure with Home, About, Services, and Contact pages is usually enough to begin. Not every page needs to appear in your main menu, keep navigation straightforward and easy to follow.

What are links and why are they important?

Links connect your pages to each other and to other websites. They help visitors move through your content and allow search engines to understand your site’s structure, which improves visibility.

Have many people gone on to build their own websites?

Yes. Many learners complete their websites after finishing the course. The key is to continue practising and to work steadily through any challenges. Each small success builds confidence and skill.  I am always thrilled when a receive an email from a learner a few months after the course with a link to the website they built as a result of attending the course.

Building your own website is entirely possible. It requires time, patience, and a willingness to learn, but the result is a website that truly represents you and your goals. If you have been considering creating your own site, this may be the right time to begin.