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You can build and publish a WordPress blog with Elementor without buying Elementor Pro: install WordPress on a web host, add and activate Elementor’s free plugin, then use WordPress posts for blog entries and pages for supporting information such as About or Contact. The free plugin does not provide hosting, so you need a host separately. WordPress describes its software as suitable for blogs, websites, or both, and Elementor says its free-plugin download does not require an Elementor account.
What you need before you start
This guide follows a self-hosted WordPress setup: WordPress runs on a hosting account you choose, and Elementor is added as a plugin inside WordPress. A web host is the provider that runs your site online. The host and Elementor are separate; the free Elementor plugin does not include hosting.
- A hosting account and a domain name for your blog. The domain is the address readers use to reach the site.
- A WordPress installation, provided through your host’s installer or installed manually.
- The Elementor plugin, which you can start with for free.
Before choosing a host, check its current software versions and HTTPS support. WordPress recommends PHP 8.3 or newer; MariaDB 10.11 or newer, or MySQL 8.0 or newer; and HTTPS. These recommendations can change, so verify the current WordPress requirements with the host before signing up. WordPress notes that older versions may still work in legacy environments, but they have reached end of life and can expose a site to security vulnerabilities.
The Tool Desk
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Install WordPress
Use your host’s installer
Many hosts provide a WordPress installer in their account dashboard. Follow that host’s prompts to create the site, set its administrator login, and choose the domain or temporary address where WordPress will be installed. The labels and options vary by host, so use its current documentation if a step differs from what you see.
Install it manually
If you are taking the manual route, follow the official WordPress installation documentation. A manual installation relies on your hosting environment and database, so it is best to follow the steps for your particular host rather than assume a universal control panel or button name.
Install and activate Elementor
- Sign in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Open Plugins > Add New Plugin and search for Elementor, or use the plugin’s upload option if you already have its plugin files.
- Choose the Elementor plugin, select Install Now, then select Activate after installation finishes. The WordPress.org Elementor listing documents installation through the built-in plugin installer or by uploading plugin files, followed by activation.
You do not need Elementor Pro to begin building a blog. Elementor’s free plugin is a valid starting point; paid plans offer additional features, but the official information cited here does not establish that a beginner blog requires a paid plan. Check Elementor’s current feature and plan details if you have a specific feature in mind.
Create your blog’s pages and posts
Make the supporting pages
Pages are suited to information that does not form the ongoing stream of blog entries. Common starter pages include About and Contact. In WordPress, go to Pages > Add New to create a page. The Elementor listing says to choose Edit with Elementor to open its visual editor, where you can build the page from the editor panel.
Publish blog entries as posts
Posts are the ongoing content of a blog. Create an entry from Posts > Add New, add its title and article content, and publish it when it is ready. Use WordPress’s post editor for the article itself unless you have a reason to compose it with Elementor; Elementor’s documented page workflow does not mean every post needs a special Elementor template.
Keep the first design simple
Start with a readable title, clear navigation, and a layout that makes the latest posts easy to find. Elementor provides visual editing and templates, but the official material cited here does not establish one required blog-specific template or configuration. Choose a starter design that suits your content, then preview it on different screen sizes before publishing.
Publish and check the site
- Review each page and post for missing text, broken links, and unintended layout changes.
- Confirm that your host has HTTPS enabled and that the site loads using its secure address.
- Use WordPress’s publish controls for the page or post. Check the public-facing result in a browser, not only in the editor.
- Return to the WordPress dashboard to update content and add future blog posts.
WordPress and Elementor features and requirements can change. Use the linked official documentation for current steps if a dashboard label or requirement differs from what is described here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Elementor Pro to start a WordPress blog?
No. The free Elementor plugin is a valid starting point; paid plans add features, but the official information cited here does not establish that a beginner blog needs a paid plan.
Does Elementor’s free plugin include web hosting?
No. Hosting is separate for the free-plugin setup.
What hosting environment does WordPress currently recommend?
WordPress recommends PHP 8.3 or newer, MariaDB 10.11 or newer or MySQL 8.0 or newer, and HTTPS. Verify the current requirements with WordPress and your host before signing up.
Quick Recap
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