In today’s digital age, having a website is essential, whether you’re starting a blog, showcasing your portfolio, or launching an online business. Fortunately, creating a website from scratch is no longer an intimidating task, thanks to the user-friendly tools and services available. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up a brand new website, tailored for total beginners. At the bottom of this post, you’ll find a Canva document I wrote up so you can help keep yourself organized while going through this process. To edit, on the top left select “File” and then “Make a copy.”
Step 1: Define Your Website’s Purpose and Content
Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s crucial to have a clear vision for your website. What is its purpose? Who is your target audience? What kind of content will you be sharing? Answering these questions will help you make informed decisions throughout the setup process.
Step 2: Choose a Domain Name
Your domain name is your website’s address on the internet, so it’s essential to pick one that’s relevant to your content and easy to remember. Some popular domain name registrars to consider are:
When choosing your domain name, make sure it’s unique, easy to spell, and reflects your website’s purpose. Avoid using special characters or hyphens if possible.
Step 3: Select a Hosting Provider
Website hosting is where your website’s files and data are stored, making it accessible on the internet.
- NameCheap
- Ionos
- Hostinger
- BlueHost
- DreamHost
- SiteGround
- A2 Hosting
- GreenGeeks
- InMotion Hosting
- GoDaddy
Consider factors like server speed, reliability, and customer support when choosing a hosting provider. Many hosting companies offer one-click WordPress installations, making it easy to set up your website.
Step 4: Register Your Domain and Hosting
After choosing your domain name and hosting provider, it’s time to register your domain and set up your hosting account. Most hosting companies will guide you through this process. During registration, keep an eye on any additional services they offer, such as domain privacy protection or backup services. While some of these can be beneficial, they might also add to your costs.
Step 5: Install a Content Management System (CMS)
A content management system is software that allows you to build and manage your website easily. The most popular CMS for beginners is WordPress, thanks to its user-friendly interface and vast community support. To install WordPress, follow these general steps:
1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Navigate to the control panel (usually cPanel).
3. Look for the “Install WordPress” or similar option.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 6: Customize Your Website
If you’ve decided to install WordPress, it’s time to personalize your website. Choose a theme that aligns with your content and install essential plugins for added functionality. Some popular plugins include:
- Yoast SEO: Helps optimize your website for search engines.
- Contact Form 7: Enables you to create custom contact forms.
- Akismet: Protects your website from spam comments.
- Site Kit by Google: helps with insights and monetization.
- Jetpack: Security, performance, and growth tools.
Customize your website’s appearance, add content, and create essential pages such as “About,” “Contact,” and “Blog.”
Step 7: Test and Launch
Before making your website live, thoroughly test it on different devices and browsers to ensure it looks and functions correctly. Check for broken links, spelling errors, and overall usability. Once you’re satisfied, it’s time to launch your website for the world to see.
Potential Costs
While setting up a basic website can be affordable, it’s essential to be aware of potential costs:
1. Domain Registration: Typically costs between $10 and $20 per year, depending on the domain extension.
2. Hosting: Shared hosting plans can range from $1 to $10 per month, while more advanced options may cost more.
3. Premium Themes and Plugins: Some themes and plugins may have one-time or subscription-based costs. There are so many free themes that’ll work amazing for you though.
4. SSL Certificate: Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates, but premium options may be available for added security.
5. Additional Services: Consider costs for domain privacy protection, backup services, and other premium features your hosting provider may offer.
In conclusion, setting up a website for beginners is an achievable goal with the right guidance and tools. Define your website’s purpose, choose a domain name, select a hosting provider, install a CMS, customize your website, test it thoroughly, and launch it. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a professional and functional website that serves your intended audience. Good luck!
On a personal note: I use Namecheap for domains, SSL certificates, and hosting my sites and WordPress as my CMS.
Overview by Nanci