My mission today is to help YOU build your own website without having to know any coding, web design OR pay some techie guy $500 to $5,000 when you can easily do it yourself!
Here is an outline of what we will be covering in this guide:
Before we get started, I’am going to give you 10 reasons why you should get a website:
Also, remember that you can create ANY type of website you want, like:
- eCommerce Website
- Business Website
- Entertainment Website
- Portfolio Website
- Media Website
- Brochure Website
- Nonprofit Website
- Educational Website
- Infopreneur Website
- Personal Website
And much more honestly. It all depends on your imagination!
Now, let’s get started building your website, shall we?
Step 1: Choose the right platform for your website.
Check out my youtube video about this topic!
If you’re looking for a more visual answer of what is WordPress and how does it work? You’re going to love this video.
In the old times, if you wanted to create a website, you had to learn HTML, CSS, or some other form of coding to make it happen. Man, it was like learning an entirely new language.
It was time-consuming, difficult to view simple changes, and just straight up DAUNTING to get into. Thankfully for us, times have changed and now if you want to design a website! You just have to use a special program called a CMS (Content Management System). Now days, there are a few popular ones such as:
- WordPress
- Shopify
- Squarespace
- Wix
- And a few others
In resume my #1 option and the most popular is WordPress and here’s …Why WordPress is the Best Platform for Creating a Website.
It is the most popular website builder on Earth. It’s the engine behind popular sites like the New York Times, TechCrunch, BBC America which gets millions of visitors every month, to tiny personal blogs, which barely get any traffic.
There’s a reason why a third of the web runs on WordPress and it’s the world’s most popular content management system (CMS). That’s because it has been in the market for so long that it has over 11,000 different templates and over 50,000 different plugin options.
Other websites are limited. Websites like Squarespace and Wix are great but come with a handful of limitations including speed, customization, SEO and more.
If you want to know more about why WordPress is my #1 option, also read: Top 4 Website Builders in 2020.
Step 2: Get a web hosting and domain name.
I know that some of you may don’t even know, what the crap is a web hosting and domain name? So, I will explain it in simple words.
Web hosting is basically a service that allows you to rent the space on the internet, fill it with all your media, and go public – Imagine that the internet is an apartment building and in order for you to exist in the web, you need to rent a space in that building.
So, when you want to start a website, ALL of your text, pictures, buttons, and other media HAS to be stored on a server that is connected to the internet. Web hosting companies have buildings FILLED with these servers. They also provide you with design software, security and support.
A domain name is just the address that will allow users to find you on the web. Let’s say that your website is a house, so if you want users to find you, then you have to provide them with an address.
Normally every website has an IP address, or a string of seemingly random numbers to identify it. Like this: 71.287.131.106. But, when you buy and register a domain name, you assign those numbers into something more eye appealing, like vgonlinesolutions.com
With that said, if you buy a domain name but don’t buy web hosting, then you would just type in your new domain name into the browser and end up on screen that says this webpage is parked, but not active. So …
How much a web hosting and domain name cost?
A domain name typically costs $14.99/year and hosting costs start from $7.99/month.
Luckily, I managed to get a great deal for you and a FREE domain name. Keep reading to find out …
Where can you get a hosting and domain name?
Personally, I’ve always used Bluehost, because they’re affordable, quick, and easy to use. Oh, and they also have great customer service, which is something extremely important to take in mind when you choose a web hosting service.
Already have a domain name and hosting? Go ahead and skip to Step 3 so I can show you how to install WordPress and set up your website.
Step 2.A) Go to Bluehost.com
Bluehost is one of the largest hosting companies in the world. They are also an official WordPress recommended hosting partner.
I have used this product before and that is the reason why I recommended, is the best hosting website in the market right now.
Step 2.B) Choose a Web Hosting Plan
Click on the “Get Started” button and you’ll be taken to a pricing page where you will need to choose a plan for your website. If you’re only planning to have one website, I would suggest going with the “Basic plan” of $3.95. This is the most affordable plan online today!
The “Plus”, “Choice Plus” and “Pro” plans are good if you plan on having multiple websites, but to start, just stick with the basics.
Also, BlueHost can do free migrations if you aren’t happy with your current host or looking for a change.
Step 2.C) Choose a Domain name
Once you choose the plan, on the next screen, you’ll be asked to select a new domain name or add a domain you already own if that is the case.
Take your time to think in a domain name because you can’t change it later. If you already have a business you can use the same name like yourbusiness.com.
If your name is taken, try a combination of words or letters that differentiates yours from the other. But, don’t overcomplicate it because the goal is to have something easy to remember for your visitors, clients, customers, etc.
Domains that end in .org and .net are okay but a .com adds a sense of legitimacy to your website that can’t be matched. There is also .biz, .tech, .tv, and plenty more but I don’t recommend these unless you’re desperate.
But, you don’t need to choose one right away. You can click the link to create it later and continue with the guide and select your domain later on!
Step 2.D) Fill in Your Personal and Payment Details
Once you have done all that, you will be asked to fill in your personal details. Your receipt will be sent to the email address you enter in this section, so make sure it’s correct.
In the next section you can choose an account plan for one to three years, that depends on you for how long you want to have it. Just take in mind that the longer the plan you get the lower is the price.
Then you will be asked to get some extra features, I normally uncheck them all because you can use free plugins to replace those features.
Finally, all you have to do is add in your credit card details (or use PayPal), whichever is easiest for you, then check the standard Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, and hit the green submit button!
Once you see your purchase was a succeed, go ahead check your receipt to see your info is correct and click on Create Account.
Then you just have to create your account and password before beginning with anything else. Make sure to create a secure password!
Then click on Login.
It will direct you to the Bluehost login dashboard and you just have to fill in your details.
So that’s quite simple, right? Just follow the instructions and you’re good to go on your way to making a professional website.
Step 3: Install WordPress.
After login, the next step is very easy with a few clicks of a button to get started. BlueHost will install WordPress for you!
In this section, you have to name your site, usually the same name as your domain and set up a tagline that is basically what is your site about in a short description.
Then, if you want a blog or an online store select whatever you want, this just going to set up some extra features depending on what you choose.
But, as we are doing a website and not an online store, then choose Blog > Display Blog Post On A Different Page.
After, you have to check the boxes that correspond more to your goals.
This will direct you to select a theme for your WordPress Site. Don’t worry if you regret your choice, you can change it later.
Once you have done that, it’s all done! You will be taken to the Bluehost dashboard, you can see that there are two buttons.
Launch My Site is to make you site public to the world, you can either do it right now or wait until your website is ready with all your content, design, media, etc.
If you want to start crafting your website click on the WordPress button and you will be direct to the WordPress dashboard.
Something I like about BlueHost is the automatic WordPress install. Other hosting providers make you install it yourself and it can be time-consuming and confusing.
