Creating a WordPress website in 2025: 16 pitfalls and tips for getting started

Getting started on the web is a fabulous, exciting adventure, but it's also full of pitfalls. Especially when you don't know anything about it yet. Many think that simply publishing a site will get you on the first page of Google, or that a few ads will be enough to get your business off the ground. In reality, success depends on a solid foundation: performance, security, independence and technical continuity.

Many people are also wondering how to choose an agency, and what the criteria are for a sustainable online business. In our opinion, terms of sale, commitment, data sovereignty and site design are the essential criteria to check.

As a’web hosting specialist WordPress and web designer following a strict deontology, Here, LRob shares its advice, which we believe is essential if you are to get started with peace of mind, avoid the most common pitfalls, and ensure the sustainability of your project. Please note that this is just our opinion, but we hope it will help you make informed choices.

Classic mistakes to avoid right from the start

Don't spend your entire budget right from the start

A lot of entrepreneurs make the mistake of putting their entire budget in the initial creation of the site. But once it's online, you'll inevitably come up with new ideas: adding a feature, changing a layout, adjusting the order tunnel... It's also possible that the result won't suit you, or won't suit you completely. And modification has a cost.

So plan ahead from the outset budgetary leeway for developments. Your site isn't static; it's a living tool that needs to grow with your business. If you spend all your budget at once, you'll often find yourself blocked, frustrated, and having to wait months before you can finance the necessary improvements.

WordPress Builders: a bad idea

Elementor, Divi, WPBakery... These «page builders» have seduced thousands of agencies and freelancers. Yet, in 2025, they have become a monumental mistake.

Why is that? Because they are :

• heavy They generate overloaded code and severely slow down the site,
• unreliable updates regularly break sites,
• non-perennial You're a prisoner of your builder: you can't go back without redoing all your pages,
• environmentally unfriendly their over-consumption of server resources results in a considerable carbon footprint.

➡️ All these points are detailed in a dedicated article: Should we still be using WordPress builders in 2025?

The conclusion is simple: in 90 % of cases, a native WordPress theme or an FSE (Full Site Editing) compatible theme does it better, for less, with better performance and simplified maintenance.

Some agencies with can do a fantastic job with builders, but if possible, prefer a native design.

Combining Builder and WooCommerce

WooCommerce is the e-commerce extension for WordPress. Very powerful, but also very heavy.
An e-commerce site contains many dynamic elements (shopping cart, stock, customer accounts...), which cannot be cached. This means that every page must load fast, even without cache. The cache is a method of pre-calculating pages to save loading time.

If you add a builder on top of WooCommerce, your site will simply run out of steam. Your customers won't have the patience to wait, and neither will you or your team.

Believing that a website instantly brings traffic and customers

Publishing your site doesn't mean «magically appearing» on the first page of Google or seeing orders pour in overnight. This is probably one of the biggest delusions of those just starting out.

A website is a showcase First of all, it has to exist, be technically sound and offer a fluid experience. But for it to be seen, it must then work on natural referencing (SEO), work on its marketing strategy, regularly publish relevant content, and in some sectors plan a recurring advertising budget (Google Ads, social networks...).

The site is therefore a indispensable basis, But it's only the beginning. Success depends on a combination of visibility, communication and consistent effort. To believe otherwise is to set yourself up for huge disappointment.

Choosing the wrong web host

The web host will host and distribute your site. Hosting is the foundation of your site. Choosing a traditional web host is like building a solid house... on sand.

A WordPress site shouldn't be hosted just anywhere. Many people reflexively choose a consumer web host« We're talking about attractive prices, standardized offers... but no specific WordPress facilities, no enhanced security, no competent support and, above all, no performance optimization. Some agencies even use this type of hosting, or poorly managed in-house infrastructures.

As a result, you end up with a slow site, vulnerable to attacks, and an impersonal customer service department that refers you to the documentation at the slightest problem.

Conversely, a specialized WordPress hosting like LRob guarantees :

• high-performance, well-maintained servers,
• enhanced security against attacks on WordPress,
• competent, attentive human support,
• optimized performance, essential for a fast, pleasant site.

Believe that all functionality is easy to develop

WordPress is an extremely flexible tool, but that doesn't mean that everything is «plug and play». Many people imagine that it's enough to «install a little plugin» or that a developer can work miracles in 5 minutes to add any functionality: a complex product configurator, an advanced booking system, a marketplace... In reality, these functionalities often require a lot of time and effort. extensive development work, and regular technical support.

If you underestimate this complexity, you run the risk of blowing your budget or obtaining a cobbled-together solution that weakens your entire site. Before validating a feature, take the time to check :

• if it already exists via a reliable and well-maintained plugin,
• what is its actual cost (purchase, maintenance, integration time),
• and whether it's compatible with your long-term project.

A good service provider will help you decide between your desires and what is technically reasonable. Sometimes, a simplified or progressive version is preferable to launch the site quickly and efficiently.

Forgetting about RGPD compliance and visitor privacy

In 2025, it's impossible to ignore the need to protect personal data. And yet, many sites continue to mindlessly load external resources: Google fonts, third-party scripts, marketing trackers, or even the notorious Google reCAPTCHA... All this sends your visitors' data to web giants, often without clear consent, and therefore in violation of the RGPD.

The problem is that these practices :

• weaken your legal compliance,
• are detrimental to visitor confidence,
• unnecessarily weigh down your site (and therefore its carbon footprint).

Good practice is simple:

• focus on local loading your resources (fonts, scripts, videos, etc.),
• use respectful alternatives to reCAPTCHA (e.g. hCaptcha, or server-side anti-robot systems),
• Using self-hosted statistics like Matomo,
• and keep external tools to an absolute minimum.

At LRob, all our sites are designed to be RGPD-friendly by default, without having to rely on unregulated third-party scripts. It's more respectful, faster, and you can sleep soundly in the event of an inspection.

Neglecting site maintenance

A WordPress site isn't a finished product: it's a living piece of software, which requires regular updates, security monitoring and sometimes technical patches. Too many site owners forget this fact... until the day their site is hacked, becomes slow or crashes after an update. At LRob repairing hacked WordPress sites brings us new customers, But even so, we wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Regular updating also generates fewer potential problems. So it's much more sustainable to update your site regularly. But it's much easier to delegate this task than to do it yourself, since any malfunctions require technical expertise.

If you don't want to spend your evenings dealing with bugs or looking for solutions in the forums, the best option is to entrust this part to a specialist. With WordPress LRob webmastering jobs, you benefit from :

• daily updates,
• enhanced safety,
• human and competent support,
• and personalized support to help you evolve serenely.

In short: you stay focused on your business, and your site stays fast, secure and operational, whatever happens.

Forget accessibility and adaptability of your site

Too often forgotten, the’comprehensive access is part of the foundation of a good website. A site must be able to be consulted by all your visitors, including those with visual, motor or cognitive disabilities. This requires a few simple but essential good practices, as we remind you Christine SIEMBIDA :

• guarantee a sufficient contrast between text and background,
• enable full keyboard navigation,
• authorize a zoom of at least 200 % without breaking the layout,
• add alternative texts and relevant titles images, icons, iframes and links,
• make links discernible by anything other than color (e.g. underlined).

By incorporating these points at the design stage, you not only make your site more inclusive, you also improve its quality. overall ergonomics, his SEO and even its legal compliance. Accessibility isn't an option, it's an investment in expanding your audience and offering a quality experience to all your users.

And the good news is that native WordPress FSE themes are generally very well designed from the factory, especially for contrast management and keyboard navigation. This choice is doubly safe, as it also secures accessibility.

Best practices for a sustainable WordPress site

Provide clear specifications

The success of a web project depends to a large extent on the clarity of vision. Without specifications, you let your agency or service provider guess at your needs. The result: misunderstandings, frustration, and sometimes a site that doesn't live up to your expectations. Yet the vast majority of people and companies who want to create a site do so without specifications. Fear of complexity, no doubt.

But one specifications don't have to be technical. The important thing is to list your objectives, expected functionalities, constraints and priorities. Take the time to invest in this reflection: turn your project upside down, put your ideas on paper, and arrive at your site designer with a clear vision.

A specification is your compass. It eliminates guesswork and enables your service provider to work efficiently, by aligning his choices with your real needs.

Check the type of theme used

Always ask your service provider what type of theme they use. If you're running an e-commerce business, make sure it's native or ESF compatible. Today, this is the only approach that guarantees flexibility, stability and lightness. When it comes to editing your own pages, you'll generally find it easier to master the native editor than a third-party solution.

Simply assess the relevance of technical choices

You don't need to be a technician: the aim is to check that the decisions you make are the right ones. simple, durable and reversible. In practical terms, ask your service provider :

• Why this choice? (native theme/FSE preferred, few plugins).
• Is it popular and sustainable? (many users, good ratings, recent updates).
• How much will it cost in 2 years? (licenses, hosting, maintenance).
• What if we remove this plugin? (the site remains legible = no enclosure).
• Impact perf & RGPD? (fast loading, local resources rather than third-party scripts).

If the answers are clear, measured and there's a simple plan B, you're on a sound footing. Otherwise, opt for a more national/native, lightweight and proven whenever possible. Of course, the more niche the functionality you're looking for, the fewer alternatives you'll have... That's the game too, but you need to be aware from the outset of the implications of the various technical choices.

Upgrade your skills to master your site in-house

To be free (and we have good reason to think this is important), you need to master the essentials of using your site. Don't let your site be a black box.

You don't need to be a developer, but you should ideally know :

• edit a page or article,
• add or modify a product,
• manage orders and their status,
• manage comments,
• create a promotion...

Practice makes perfect. A good approach is to start with video/ screen-sharing support, then explore and get to grips with the software step by step.

Without needing to be an expert, it's more than reassuring to have at least one or two people in-house with a minimum command of the tools.

Sovereignty and safeguards

Your site is the heart of your business. It must belong to you in its entirety. This means :

• be the owner of the domain name,
• have all keys (admin access, FTP, database),
• have a automated backup on your side.

Automated backup costs between €4 and €10 per month for an external backup server. A small price to pay for a good night's sleep. Here's our guide to the subject: Making my data last.

If your web designer really ensures your freedom and you enjoy what you are reading, you will be able to choose and will certainly love our ultra-fast, simple and secure web hosting for WordPress, with truly human support that takes care of you !

Ask an AI for advice too

Today, tools such as ChatGPT or Claude who can help you understand the technical aspects of your site. They have no commercial intentions or ulterior motives, but they do have a wealth of experience. solid foundations, a infinite patience and are able to give you quick, clear explanations on almost any subject.

Whether you want to compare two plugins, understand how caching works, or learn the basics of SEO, asking an AI for advice is often a great way to get an unbiased initial analysis. Of course, it's no substitute for professional guidance, but it's a great way to get a clearer picture of your site. a formidable fulcrum to help you make better decisions.

Security and access management

Protect your critical accesses with a shared password manager. Don't leave them to Google Chrome or any other browser. Always have a spare

• My preference: KeePassXC, free and self-hosted, backed up on Nextcloud (also self-hosted). These are all services offered by LRob and KeePass + Nextcloud is explained in detail here.
• Alternatives: LastPass and others, but personally I don't trust the idea of entrusting my passwords to an opaque third party.

At least two trusted people must have access to key identifiers.

Creative ethics made in LRob

After more than 10 years designing WordPress websites, LRob has established a WordPress website design charter which guarantees performance, safety and longevity:

1. Less is more A site should be as technically simple as possible.
2. Security HTTPS mandatory, no external resources not controlled.
3. Zero builder we remain 100 native %.
4. Top-of-the-range accommodation PHP, firewall, anti-bruteforce, WordPress security at server level.
5. Durability : plugins that are maintained, supported and reliable.
6. Speed Performance is managed at source, not with cache patches.
7. Free Avoid paying and closed dependencies as much as possible.
8. Anti-spam native and server protection, not just plug-ins.
9. Secure e-mails Send via authenticated SMTP.
10. Sovereignty The customer owns his site, files and data.

Whether you choose LRob or any other service provider, make sure they comply with all these standards and tips, which we believe are essential.

Beware of contracts and hidden costs

Another point of vigilance concerns contracts and long-term financial commitments. Do you really want to take out 5-year financing and not be able to entrust your site to anyone else in the event of a problem?

Also, a WordPress site can quickly become a subscription machine if you're not careful: paid themes, premium plugins, third-party services, hosting + maintenance at prohibitive rates imposed by the agency, all this can drive up the bill without you realizing it.

Before signing anything, ask :

• what is the duration of commitment,
• what is the actual cost of each plugin used (and if free alternatives exist),
• if the maintenance is compulsory or optional, and what it actually covers,
• what are the accommodation expenses and annual renewals,

In short: always anticipate total cost of ownership of your site, not just its starting price, and check that your freedom is assured. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that you have a clear view of your project's profitability.

Recommended service providers

If you're not sure where to start, we've got some solid advice on how to avoid the pitfalls.

Our trusted dealers

LRob, these are also web agencies hosted on our servers. When you call on these agencies, you get top-notch hosting and dual expertise: if even the agency gets stuck on a problem, it benefits from an additional level of support to help with WordPress: LRob support, which helps even the most expert!

We recommend the following agencies and designers without hesitation:

• Labographic They've trusted us from the start, and we've vouched for their reliability over the years.)
• Steven Diai a service provider so rigorous and technical that it helped us further improve LRob services)
• CapitaineSite: a WordPress agency that has been combining creativity, rigor and human quality for years

Note: These are human-scale agencies, with whom you can talk to avoid using a builder.

Our trusted SEO service providers

A site's success often depends on its SEO, so don't neglect your site's SEO. And it's a complex business in its own right.

At LRob, we call on LumiSEO for our referencing Valérie does a fantastic job in the highly competitive web hosting sector.

A native of Orléans (like us) also inspires us with great confidence, namely’Alan Chevereau whose excellent work we've been following for years.

LRob: more than a hosting provider, a WordPress partner

Conclusion: take the time to get off to a good start

A well-designed WordPress site is a :

• fast (efficient even without cache),
• secure (protected against vulnerabilities and attacks),
• independent (you retain full ownership),
• and above all perennial (easy to maintain and upgrade).

Don't give in to the temptation of builders or «turnkey» solutions that lock you into cumbersome and costly technical choices. Your project's success depends on a solid foundation: a specialized hosting provider, simple, sustainable choices, a minimum of in-house expertise, and vigilance in the face of classic pitfalls (contracts, maintenance, poorly chosen plugins, RGPD, etc.).

With a little common sense and a reliable partner, you can get started with peace of mind and build an online presence that will stand the test of time.

👉 Find out more about’LRob WordPress web hosting and the webmastering WordPress to benefit from technical, human and secure support, or call on one of our partners. Need help designing or hosting your WordPress site? Contact us now.