The first major option is simply to get a free site hosted at WordPress.com. You won’t get your own domain name with this option (usually something like mybizname.wordpress.com) but it’s a fast method of trying out a concept. Edit your content, layout photos and text, and test various plugins — all for free. If your project is ready to look pro, all you need to do is purchase a domain name and WordPress will host it for you. A very fast method of launching a site, but it has some limitations.
First is that hosting at WordPress.com is a bit more expensive than getting your own host. Secondly you also have limited access to your installation files which can pose a problem if you need to customize something. But for someone seeking a fast solution, it’s still a great option.
The second major path in WordPress website development is to choose a hosting company with a one-click WordPress installation process. They’re easy to find — most web host companies offer this feature and it can save a lot of time getting it running without a lot of technical hassles. The only caveat is that you may need to hire a professional down the road if you have database problems, for many one-click installation procedures lock you out of editing the database directly. But these situations are rare, so shouldn’t be a cause of much concern.
Learning WordPress can be overwhelming at first (since there are so many different options with the vast amount of templates and plugins available). On the other hand, there is a vast wealth of training information available online, from video tutorials to step by step guides that can take you through the whole process. Try a search on YouTube or HubPages and you’ll find a ton of resources and tips to help with your WordPress website development.
The third major option is kind of obvious — hire a developer. A good way to find out if you really need to take this path is to try a free site at WordPress.com and see if it’s overwhelming to you. If it’s a breeze, then you’re probably ready to develop a WP site on your own server. But if you get lost and confused easily, then you’ll probably need someone to walk you through everything. Don’t worry — you can still become efficient at using the software, but working directly with a professional may help you overcome your fears of starting out.