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How to Start a Website from Scratch

How to Start a Website from Scratch: A Complete Beginner’s Tutorial

Starting a website from scratch might seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, anyone can do it. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through every step: buying a domain, choosing a hosting provider, connecting them, and installing a website platform.

Step 1: Choose and Buy a Domain Name

A domain name is your website’s address (e.g., yourwebsite.com). Here’s how to buy one:

  1. Decide on a Domain Name

    • Keep it short, memorable, and relevant to your niche.

    • Use keywords if possible (e.g., videogame-console-reviews.com).

  2. Where to Buy a Domain

  3. Purchase Your Domain

    • Search for your desired name.

    • Add to cart and complete the purchase.

    • Keep your login details safe for future management.

Step 2: Choose a Web Hosting Provider

Web hosting is where your website files live. You need a hosting plan to make your site accessible online.

  1. Types of Hosting

    • Shared Hosting: Affordable, good for beginners.

    • VPS Hosting: More resources, suitable for growing sites.

    • Cloud Hosting: Scalable, flexible for traffic spikes.

  2. Popular Hosting Providers

  3. Compare Offers

    • Look for free domain registration, SSL certificates, and easy WordPress installation.

    • Check reviews and uptime guarantees.

Step 3: Connect Your Domain to Your Hosting

Once you have a domain and hosting, you need to connect them.

  1. Get Your Hosting DNS Settings

    • Log in to your hosting provider’s control panel.

    • Find the DNS or Nameserver settings (usually something like ns1.hostinger.com and ns2.hostinger.com).

  2. Update Domain Nameservers

    • Log in to your domain registrar’s account.

    • Find the DNS or Nameserver management section.

    • Replace the default nameservers with those from your hosting provider.

  3. Wait for Propagation

    • DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally.

Step 4: Install a Website Platform

Now that your domain is connected, it’s time to install a website platform.

  1. WordPress (Recommended for Beginners)

    • Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation.

    • Log in to your hosting control panel.

    • Look for the “Website” or “Install Apps” section.

    • Choose WordPress and follow the setup wizard.

    • Set up your admin username and password.

  2. Drupal, Joomla, or Other CMS

    • These are more advanced and flexible.

    • Use your hosting’s app installer or manual installation.

    • Download the platform files and upload them via FTP or your hosting’s file manager.

  3. Simple Static Website

    • If you want a basic site, you can create HTML/CSS files.

    • Upload them to your hosting via FTP or the file manager.

    • No database or complex setup required.

Step 5: Configure Your Website

After installation, configure your site.

  1. WordPress Setup

    • Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.

    • Choose a theme and customize it.

    • Install essential plugins (SEO, security, caching).

    • Create your first pages (Home, About, Contact).

  2. Drupal/Joomla Setup

    • Follow the platform’s setup wizard.

    • Choose a template and customize it.

    • Install modules/extensions as needed.

  3. Static Website

    • Edit your HTML/CSS files.

    • Upload them to your hosting.

    • Test your site in a browser.

Step 6: Publish and Promote

Once your site is set up, it’s time to publish and promote it.

  1. Publish Content

    • Add your first blog post or page.

    • Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and fast.

  2. Promote Your Site

    • Share on social media.

    • Submit to search engines.

    • Consider email marketing and SEO.

Alternatives and Tips

  • Free Domain and Hosting: Some platforms like Wix, Weebly, and WordPress.com offer free subdomains and hosting, but with limitations.

  • Local Development: Test your site locally with tools like XAMPP or Local by Flywheel before going live.

  • Backup: Regularly back up your site and files.

 

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