Hi, I’m John Elmore. I’m a web designer and developer, and I build websites for myself and clients on a regular basis. In this guide, I’m going to show you how I use ChatGPT to build a WordPress website for free, step by step, without paid themes, premium plugins, or expensive tools.
This article is written for WordPress beginners and freelancers who want real results. I’ll explain what ChatGPT can actually do, where you still need to take action, and how to use it the smart way so you don’t waste time.
What ChatGPT Can and Cannot Do for WordPress
Before you start, you need clear expectations.
ChatGPT cannot host WordPress, buy a domain, or click buttons for you. What it can do is help you plan, write, customize, and improve your WordPress website faster than doing everything alone.
I use ChatGPT to:
Plan site structure and page flow
Write clear page and blog content
Generate HTML, CSS, and small JavaScript snippets
Choose free themes and plugins
Fix layout, design, and content issues
You stay in control the entire time. That’s why this method works.
Step 1: Choose a Free WordPress Setup
If your goal is to spend zero money, you have two practical options.
Option 1: WordPress.com Free Plan
This is where I tell complete beginners to start.
No hosting setup
Free subdomain
Limited customization, but stable and simple
Option 2: WordPress.org on Free Hosting
This option gives you more control.
Use free hosting like InfinityFree or 000WebHost
Install WordPress manually
Slight learning curve
If you want speed and simplicity, start with WordPress.com. If you want to learn WordPress deeply as a freelancer, choose WordPress.org.
Step 2: Plan Your Website with ChatGPT
I never touch WordPress until the plan is clear.
Prompt I use
Act as a professional WordPress website planner. I want to build a WordPress website for [purpose]. The target audience is [audience]. Suggest page structure, menu layout, and content ideas.
ChatGPT gives me a clean blueprint:
Homepage sections
Core pages
Content flow
Call-to-action ideas
This step alone saves hours.
Step 3: Generate Page Content the Right Way
Content is where beginners struggle the most.
I create these pages first:
Home
About
Services or Blog
Contact
Prompt I use
Write content for a WordPress website page. Use a clear, conversational tone. Write directly to the reader. Avoid passive voice, filler words, and robotic language. Keep it practical and helpful.
I always edit the output. ChatGPT gives me a strong draft, not a final answer.
Step 4: Choose a Free, Lightweight Theme
Theme choice matters more than most people think.
Prompt I use
Suggest fast, lightweight, and free WordPress themes for a beginner-friendly website. Focus on performance and flexibility.
Themes I personally recommend:
Astra
GeneratePress
Neve
Blocksy
I install one theme and keep everything minimal.
Step 5: Customize WordPress Without Paid Builders
You don’t need Elementor or paid tools to build a clean site.
Prompt I use
Guide me step by step to customize my WordPress site using the block editor. Suggest layout improvements, font sizes, spacing, and color combinations.
For small design tweaks, I ask for CSS.
Write simple CSS to improve typography and spacing on my WordPress site. Keep it beginner-friendly.
I paste the CSS into Appearance → Customize → Additional CSS.
Step 6: Use ChatGPT to Write Blog Posts
Blogging is one of the easiest ways to grow a WordPress site.
Prompt I use
Write a blog post for the keyword [keyword]. Match search intent, use clear headings, short paragraphs, and natural language. Focus on helping beginners.
I add my own examples and experience so the content never feels generic.
Step 7: Install Only Essential Free Plugins
Too many plugins slow your site.
Plugins I use:
Rank Math or Yoast SEO
WPForms Lite
LiteSpeed Cache or WP Super Cache
Wordfence Security
Prompt I use
Explain how to configure [plugin name] for a beginner WordPress website.
Step 8: Review and Improve Like a Freelancer
Before publishing, I test everything.
I check:
Mobile layout
Page speed
Readability
Broken links
Prompt I use
Review my WordPress website content and structure. Suggest improvements for clarity and user experience.
This step separates hobby sites from professional ones.
Common Mistakes I See Beginners Make
Copying AI output without editing
Installing too many plugins
Choosing heavy themes
Ignoring mobile users
ChatGPT works best when you guide it clearly.
Read also: Create html website with chatGPT
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ChatGPT build a WordPress website by itself?
No. ChatGPT helps you plan, write, and customize, but you still install WordPress and apply the changes yourself.
Is it really possible to build a WordPress site for free?
Yes. You can use WordPress.com or free hosting, free themes, and free plugins to launch a functional site.
Do I need coding skills to use ChatGPT with WordPress?
No. Basic understanding helps, but ChatGPT explains everything in simple terms if you ask the right questions.
Is ChatGPT good for WordPress beginners?
Yes. I often recommend it to beginners because it removes confusion and speeds up learning.
Can freelancers use this method for client work?
Yes. Freelancers can use ChatGPT to speed up drafts, planning, and content creation while keeping full control.
Final Thoughts
I use ChatGPT to build WordPress websites faster, not lazily. The real value comes from clear prompts, smart review, and intentional decisions.
If you’re a beginner or freelancer, this workflow helps you launch a WordPress website for free while learning how everything works. Treat ChatGPT as a partner, not a shortcut, and you’ll get real results.
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