☞ Answer

That's a good question. That's a big question. I have a "Getting started with WordPress" training for free, which I will link to at the end of this. It will give you a summary of what you need to get started. I hope.

To answer your question here though, you need 4 main things. (I said 3 in the video but I did also add that there might be more once I start reeling them off :D)

Some of the links may be affiliate ones but only if I have used the tools myself or have good stuff about them. If you hang around here long enough, you'll know that there are some tools/services I don't recommend at all! *cough* BlueHost *cough*

The main things you need

1. A domain
   This is your business URL or link like one of mine is thrivewithtech.com. I recommend NameCheap. PorkBun can sometimes be cheaper but don't use for .co.uk domains. I use both of these.
   
   
2. A web host
   This is your website content will be stored. There is a wide range of web hosts available which can be confusing. I don't recommend the likes of GoDaddy and Bluehost but they are the cheapest. Hostinger and InMotion Hosting are also cheap but you get more for your money and better customer service. Then there's Siteground, Green Geeks, Krystal and lots more. I will link to these under the video. 
   
   I use HostPresto because they are UK based and I got a deal years ago. But I have also used Hostinger and InMotion Hosting.
   
   
3. WordPress installation
   We are setting up what's known as a "self-hosted" WordPress site so you have to install WordPress yourself. WordPress is just software and your host will be pretty easy instructions on how to do it. 
   
   
4. A theme
   The 4th thing you need is a theme. This controls the look of your website. Though I should add that it's not necessarily the final look. Just helps you start off with some structure. My go-themes include Astra, Kadence and Neve.

Let me share an analogy that I came up with earlier. Imagine your website is your home, well your online home.

• Your domain is your home address - how people find you or put in their sat nav/Google ;)
• Your web host is your property. Your building. But just the empty shell, no rooms yet.
• WordPress is your internal structure so bedrooms, bathroom etc.
• Your theme is your decor. Are you going for shabby chic, modern or bringing back the seventies? 

I hope that sort of explains sort of the core elements you need to get going. There is still a lot more needed like plugins for security, backups or integrating with your email system and so on. But you need a website first to install the plugins!

Want the video?

This was part of a live Q&A and my response starts around 4:50.