Create a WordPress homepage that converts

Key takeaways

To create a WordPress homepage, publish a new page, go to Settings, then Reading, and choose it as your static homepage. Then build it with the block editor or a light theme, using one section per buyer question. Keep plugins to a minimum, because WordPress homepages usually slow down through add-ons rather than through WordPress itself.

• Set a static page under Settings, then Reading.
• Choose a lightweight, actively maintained theme.
• Use patterns and blocks before adding page builders.
• Keep WordPress, themes and plugins updated.

How do you set a homepage in WordPress?

Create a page called Home, publish it, then open Settings, then Reading, and select a static page under 'Your homepage displays'. Choose your new page there. Otherwise, WordPress may show your latest posts, which suits a blog but rarely suits a business. You can assign a separate page for posts.

• How to create a high-converting homepage for an SME
• Should your homepage show your latest blog posts?

Which WordPress theme should you use?

Use a lightweight, actively maintained theme. A block theme such as one of the official default themes is a sensible start, and it keeps code light. Check the theme's last update date and test speed before committing. Avoid large multipurpose themes unless you truly need what they bundle.

• How to choose a mobile-friendly WordPress theme
• How to choose a homepage template that can convert

Do you need a page builder?

Often no. The block editor can now handle most SME homepages, with columns, groups and reusable patterns. Page builders give more visual control, but add code and tie your content to that plugin. Choose one only if it saves real time, and check the speed impact.

• Build an Elementor homepage that stays fast
• Is your page builder slowing your website down?

Which plugins does a WordPress homepage really need?

It usually needs very few: a form plugin, an SEO plugin, a caching solution and a backup tool. Each additional plugin adds risk, updates and possibly weight. Sliders, animations and social feeds are the usual offenders. Remove any plugin that does not earn its place on the page.

• Do plugins slow down WordPress? How many is too many
• Outdated WordPress plugins: when they mean a rebuild

How do you keep it fast and secure?

Compress images, use caching, choose decent hosting and keep the PHP version supported. Update WordPress, themes and plugins regularly, and take a backup before any big change. Unmaintained sites are a common way in for attackers, so make it someone's job to keep things current.

• Website hosting for UK small businesses
• Website security for small businesses: the basics

When is WordPress the wrong choice?

It is the wrong choice if nobody will maintain it. WordPress gives you control, and you take on updates, backups and security in return. If you want no technical work at all, a hosted builder may suit you better. For a shop, Shopify often removes more work than it adds.

• Create a Wix homepage that converts
• Create a Shopify homepage that sells

What does this look like in practice?

A pattern we see on small WordPress sites: a heavy theme, a page builder, a slider plugin and a dozen add-ons all loading on the homepage, some unused for years. Removing what the page does not need often improves speed noticeably before any other technical work starts.

• See client work
• Website Design & Development for UK businesses

WordPress homepage checklist

• Set a static homepage in Reading settings.
• Set a separate page for blog posts.
• Use a light, maintained theme.
• Delete unused plugins and themes.
• Compress every image.
• Set up backups and updates.
• Check speed on a phone.

• Custom vs template homepage for a small business
• Create a Wix homepage that converts

Next step

Look at your plugin list and ask of each one: what would break on the homepage if I removed this? Test on a staging copy, not on your live site.