If you are setting up (or wish to upgrade) your little green website or blog, here is a quick simple guide to using self-hosted WordPress, the host of choice for most sites.
You’ll learn how to use a domain name and hosting, and find recommendations for a green web host, and further information like useful plugins.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is the best bet for most green websites (you could use Squarespace that runs on green energy, but it’s a bit more complicated to use, though it does offer a free trial).
There are two types of WordPress sites:
Self-hosted WordPress is the main one, where you choose your own host and then just install its WordPress software automatically. You are then given a login and usually also receive a login for attached webmail, for a matching professional email address.
Hosted WordPress is free with limited features, and sometimes used say for charities with no funds or personal blogs (though you still would have to pay for a custom domain name if wished). You can’t add things like online shops or affiliate links.
But you can (with limits) using its business hosting. Note that most WordPress themes on sale only work with self-hosted WordPress.
Krystal Hosting (a green energy WordPress host)
A nice company for hosting WordPress sites is Krystal Hosting. It’s run by friendly experts, and plants trees for each client. And runs on Ecotricity (a vegan-friendly energy supplier that does not source energy from burning abattoir waste).
For larger companies, its Switch Credits gives you money back on time left on your plan, so you can join sooner, if locked in with a current web host. Just join up and you also get daily back-ups and a secure domain name (or switch your present one over).
How to choose a domain name
If you are starting up a new green website, think about your domain name carefully. It should be fairly short (no more than three words), and easy to type with no hyphens.
Also add domain privacy to protect from spammers and keep your personal details like address private. The laws have recently changed, so use your personal name (business names could result in personal addresses being published).
A few useful WordPress plugins
Once you have launched your WordPress site, you can usually delete most included plugins, as they can clutter up and slow down your theme (ask your host if any are necessary before doing so).
A few plugins that are useful include:
- Classic Editor and Classic Widgets (if you don’t like using blocks)
- Open external links in a new window
- A broken link checker
- Dam Spam (disable Jetpack security for this to work)
- The SEO Framework (much simpler and automatic over Yoast)
