Designing a WordPress CMS (Content Management System) website involves several steps, from planning and domain registration to actual design and content creation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you design a WordPress CMS website:

1. Define Your Purpose and Goals:
   - Determine the purpose of your website (e.g., blog, e-commerce, portfolio, business website).
   - Set clear goals and objectives for your website (e.g., increase sales, showcase your work, build an online community).

2. Choose a Domain Name and Hosting:
   - Select a domain name that reflects your brand or content.
   - Choose a reliable web hosting provider to host your website. Some popular options include Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator.

3. Install WordPress:
   - Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation. Follow their instructions to set up WordPress on your domain.

4. Select a Theme:
   - Choose a WordPress theme that suits your website's purpose and design preferences. You can find free and premium themes in the WordPress theme repository or from third-party theme providers.

5. Customize Your Theme:
   - Customize your chosen theme to match your brand and style. This typically involves modifying colors, fonts, logos, and header/footer settings.
   - Configure theme settings to optimize your website's performance and SEO.

6. Install Essential Plugins:
   - WordPress plugins extend the functionality of your website. Some essential plugins to consider include:
     - Yoast SEO for search engine optimization.
     - Akismet for spam protection.
     - WooCommerce for e-commerce (if needed).
     - Contact Form 7 for creating contact forms.
     - Jetpack for various website enhancements.

7. Create Essential Pages:
   - Create essential pages such as Home, About Us, Contact Us, and any others relevant to your site.
   - Add engaging content, including text, images, and videos.

8. Configure SEO Settings:
   - Use an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO to optimize your website for search engines. Configure meta titles, descriptions, and focus keywords for each page and post.

9. Implement Security Measures:
   - Enhance your website's security by regularly updating WordPress, themes, and plugins.
   - Install a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri Security.
   - Set strong login credentials and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

10. Add Functionality with Widgets:
    - Use widgets to add extra functionality to your website's sidebars or footer. Popular widgets include recent posts, categories, and social media feeds.

11. Optimize for Performance:
    - Ensure your website loads quickly by optimizing images, using a caching plugin, and choosing a reliable hosting provider.
    - Test your website's performance regularly using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.

12. Test and Debug:
    - Test your website on different browsers and devices to ensure it's responsive and functional.
    - Debug any issues that arise during testing.

13. Set up Analytics:
    - Install Google Analytics or another analytics tool to track your website's performance, user behavior, and traffic.

14. Create a Content Plan:
    - Develop a content plan to regularly update your website with fresh and relevant content. This could include blog posts, product updates, or news articles.

15. Promote Your Website:
    - Share your website on social media, email newsletters, and relevant online communities.
    - Consider running online advertising campaigns to drive traffic.

16. Monitor and Maintain:
    - Regularly update your website's content and software.
    - Monitor your website's performance and make improvements as needed.

Remember that the design and development of a WordPress website are ongoing processes. Continuously gather user feedback, analyze website analytics, and make improvements to ensure your site meets its goals and serves its audience effectively.