Creating a secure and engaging online space where like-minded individuals can share their thoughts freely is a growing priority for many. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of building a free online private community website using the Reign theme and essential plugins. We’ll cover key settings and common concerns to ensure a smooth setup.
Setting Up Your Community Website
For this tutorial, we’ll use Local to create a local development site. Alternatively, you can use TasteWP to set up a temporary test site. If you plan to take your site live, you’ll need reliable hosting, which will cost a bit, so we’ve listed some great options below, give them a try.
Hosting Recommendations
Choosing the right hosting provider is essential for your website’s performance. Here are some recommended options:
Read about hosting in detail : Best Hosting for BuddyPress Plugins Powered Community Site
Steps to Build a Free Online Private Community Website
1. Install and Activate the Reign Theme
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Download and install the Reign theme from your WordPress dashboard.
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Activate the theme and follow the setup prompts.
2. Install Recommended Plugins
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Navigate to the Plugins section in your dashboard.
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Install and activate the recommended plugins for better functionality.
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Some essential plugins include BuddyPress, WooCommerce (for monetization), and WB Plugins.
3. Select Your Community Theme
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After activation, pick a theme variant. We recommend the Reign Community theme.
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Let us know if you’d like to explore other theme options!
4. Install Required Plugins
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After theme selection, WordPress will suggest plugins based on your choice.
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Click Install Now to automatically set up the necessary plugins.
5. Configure WooCommerce (Optional)
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If you want to monetize your community (e.g., selling custom merchandise), WooCommerce is a great addition.
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Let us know if you’d like a guide on setting up a WooCommerce store!
6. Customize Your Community Website
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Click on the Customize button (top right of your dashboard) to access the customization panel.
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Here’s a quick overview of key customization options:
Customization Options
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Site Identity – Set your logo, site title, tagline, and favicon.
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General Settings – Adjust typography, layouts, scroll buttons, dark mode, and custom code.
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Header & Sub Header – Customize header layout, sticky menu, and mobile responsiveness.
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Colors – Apply a branded color scheme.
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Forms & Menus – Customize form styles and add/modify navigation menus.
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Widgets & Homepage Settings – Easily add widgets and set your homepage layout.
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Community Settings – Enable avatars and manage member/group navigation.
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Branded Login & Register – Customize user authentication pages.
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WooCommerce Settings – Design your shop, cart, and checkout pages.
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Footer & Additional CSS – Personalize your footer and apply custom styling.
7. Enable Key Community Features
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Navigate to BuddyBoss > Settings to enable social groups, forums, and other community features.
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Configure plugin settings under WB Plugins based on your community’s needs.
8. Essential Settings to Keep in Mind
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Allow users to delete their profiles (Dashboard > BuddyBoss > Settings > General Settings).
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Enable non-members to register new accounts (Dashboard > BuddyBoss > Settings > Registration).
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Use Screen Options (top left corner) to access additional menu settings.
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Keep Search Engine Visibility disabled during site development (Settings > Reading).
Start Building Your Community Today!
Creating a private online community has never been easier with WordPress, Reign, and community-focused plugins. With the right tools and configurations, you can build a thriving space where members connect, share, and collaborate.
For a professional touch with expert guidance, WBcom Designs offers tailored solutions for community website development. Ready to elevate your online community? Explore our services today and create a space that stands out!
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