How to Set Up a Website in 3 Easy Steps
Setting up a website can feel pretty overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. You can get a basic WordPress website setup within less than an hour, and feel good knowing you’ve taken a step toward your vision of your dream website.
1. Purchase your Domain Name and Hosting
Where should you do this? Well there are a ton of options out there, and personally I use Namespro *. Their prices are great and I love the option to buy a $9 service to make your contact information information for any domains you buy private. It’s a one time fee, while other providers might charge you yearly and per domain – so it’s a great deal! If your name is available as a .com, then I would suggest to purchase it. Otherwise, another extension will work fine. Search Namespro for your perfect domain name.
As for hosting, I use GoDaddy. You could either go with the Basic Web Hosting or the WordPress Hosting. Both types can host WordPress sites, and although the WordPress Hosting comes at a higher cost, it will be easier for you to set up in the beginning. Be sure to compare plans to choose the best option for your website.
Do you need SSL? SSL is a security technology that makes sure that data passed between the web server and internet browser is private. This is especially important if you’ll be selling anything on your website. However, it’s still great for informational sites to use as well, since Google favours sites that have SSL. How do you know if a site has SSL? Look at the web address in the url bar, does it have “https://” or “http://”? The “s” signals that the website has a SSL certificate and is safe to use.
2. Install WordPress
Once your account is created and you have purchased your domain name and hosting plan, login and choose Web Hosting from the top menu. From there, click the Manage button beside the hosting you just purchased. Next, look for Options and Settings and choose WordPress under the Popular Apps section and click Install. Fill in the fields and select Okay. Choose your domain name, choose a directory (leave this blank if you want it installed in the main root folder – that’s what I do), make an Admin Name and Admin Password (write these down somewhere safe!), and enter your email address and blog title. GoDaddy will send you an email to let you know when the install is complete.
3. Login to Your Site
When your site is ready to go, login to your freshly installed website at http://www.yourdomain.com/wp-admin (use that admin name and password you wrote down earlier to get in). Now you have a site! The next step will be to choose a theme, and dig in and start creating your content. You will need to learn about how WordPress works, but remember, you’ve just taken a big step by getting your site setup and online, you can learn the next part too!
* This is an affiliate link, meaning I will receive a commission if you decide to purchase using this link. If you do, thank you!