How to Build a Website: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Building your own website seems like an insurmountable task, and you may not know where to begin if you’re unfamiliar with the process. However, with the proper guidance, you can become familiar with everything from HTML to CSS in no time at all, and have your first website up and running before you know it. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of building a website from the ground up, so that you can finally start using your web development knowledge in your own projects.

>>BEST HOSTING SERVICE FOR YOU'R WEBSITE

What you need before you start

Before you start building your website, there are some things you need to know. First and foremost, what kind of website are you trying to build? Is it an e-commerce site? Are you trying to sell digital products like music, videos, or photos? Or do you want a business website that sells physical goods like clothes or groceries? The answer will determine the type of website builder you use.

>>BEST HOSTING SERVICE FOR YOU'R WEBSITE

Secondly, what is your budget for this project? If you're looking to spend as little money as possible, then we recommend going with a free website builder like Wix. If you're looking to spend more on your website, then we recommend purchasing a premium service from Shopify (or one of their competitors). Thirdly, how tech savvy are you? Do you feel comfortable tinkering around with code? If so then consider using Wordpress or Drupal - if not then we recommend using Wix. Finally, have you thought about hosting yet? Your web host will actually be the company that provides the servers for your website and stores all of its files online. You can either choose a web host where you pay by the month (such as Bluehost) or where you buy an annual plan upfront at a discount rate. Make sure to read reviews before choosing which web host to go with! For example, if you want to make an e-commerce site and don't know much about coding, go with Wix. It's easy to use and has templates for all kinds of websites.

Lastly, think long term when it comes to your website's domain name. Once purchased, you'll never be able to change it again! Make sure to purchase it with your desired domain name in mind. Domain names can be quite expensive, but they're worth spending money on because they last forever!

Alternatively, you could also get a .website domain for $12 per year through Google Domains (and purchase them through the Google Domains dashboard). There are pros and cons to both types of domains though.

>>BEST HOSTING SERVICE FOR YOU'R WEBSITE

Coding in the browser vs. server-side coding

Coding in the browser is often easier and more convenient, but it also has some drawbacks. If you're interested in learning more about server-side coding, check out this tutorial.

>>BEST HOSTING SERVICE FOR YOU'R WEBSITE

Finding your domain name

Choosing the perfect domain name can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn't have to be. We're going to take you through all the steps of finding the perfect domain name so you can get your business or blog up and running in no time. The first step is to come up with a list of possible names. You should also consider domain extensions, like .com and .org. Keep track of these names on paper until you find one that suits you best.

Web hosting (Domain + Hosting)

Web hosting is the foundation of your website. Hosting will allow you to upload your content and make it accessible to the world. There are many different hosting options with various features, so it's important to do some research about what you need before making a commitment.

>>BEST HOSTING SERVICE FOR YOU'R WEBSITE

Creating a WordPress site with Bluehost

Once you have purchased your domain and hosting from Bluehost, head over to their site and click the Create My Site button. When prompted, enter your domain name in the first field. The next step is to choose your hosting plan. I recommend going with the Basic Plan which will cost $3.95 per month, but is enough if you're just starting out. Next, enter your email address so they can send you login information when everything is set up. Now it's time to create your site!

Choosing The Best WordPress Theme For Your Needs

>>BEST HOSTING SERVICE FOR YOU'R WEBSITE

When choosing a WordPress theme, it's important to first decide on your needs. Do you want an e-commerce website? Or do you just want a blog? Know what you want and then start looking at the various themes that match these needs. For example, if you're looking for an e-commerce solution, there are plenty of WooCommerce themes available. However, if all you need is a basic blog, then there are plenty of free themes to choose from.

Installing WordPress Using an Automatic Installer Plugin

WordPress is an open-source website builder. The installation process is simple and involves downloading the WordPress installer, unzipping the file, uploading it onto your server, and then following a few easy steps.

1) Download the latest version of WordPress from the WordPress website. 2) Unzip the file.

>>BEST HOSTING SERVICE FOR YOU'R WEBSITE

Customizing Your WordPress Site

You can change the appearance of your WordPress site by uploading new themes or tweaking the existing theme. To customize it, you'll need to use your preferred text editor, such as Notepad++ on Windows or TextMate on Mac. You should also be familiar with CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), which is used to create websites. When you are finished making changes, upload them with FTP (File Transfer Protocol) software or by using phpMyAdmin.

Adding Plugins

>>BEST HOSTING SERVICE FOR YOU'R WEBSITE

WordPress has many plugins which can help with various tasks. Here are some of the more popular ones:

-Social media plugins like Jetpack, which makes it easier to share content across multiple social networks.

-Security plugins like WordFence, which helps protect your site from hackers and other threats.

-Analytics plugins like Google Analytics, which help you better understand who visits your website and why.

Finishing Touches and Going Live!

Up until this point, you should have done the following:

-Determined your website's purpose and target audience.

-Done research on what features you'll need to start the project.

-Put together a list of your top competitors and some of their strengths and weaknesses.

-Outlined the content your website will need and how it will be organized.

>>BEST HOSTING SERVICE FOR YOU'R WEBSITE