In the past creating a website meant hiring an, often expensive, web developer. Although this is certainly still an option, no longer is it the only route to getting a great website live.
With the growing availability of the best website builders and web hosting platforms, anyone with a computer and a few hours can build, launch, and manage a website.
Many of these are incredibly affordable, with plans for the top website building platforms offering premium subscriptions from $3/mo and upwards. Many of them also offer the best free website builders, letting you create an online presence at absolutely zero cost (but with some limitations).
In this article, we’ll show you how to build a website from scratch.
How to build a website in 9 simple steps
Building a great website takes time and patience. Here are the 9 basic steps you need to follow when getting your site live:
- Start with the goal in mind. Think about what you need your website to achieve. Is it a simple site to communicate key business information, or are you looking to build a behemoth ecommerce platform with all the bells and whistles? Knowing what you want to achieve will go a long way to helping you pick the right solutions.
- Research your platform options. For speed and ease we recommend picking one of the best website builders, our top pick for this is Wix. However, if you want a greater level of flexibility you may want to go for a custom build - for that you will need to pick one of the best web hosting solutions. We recommend Hostinger in this case.
- Pick a plan that suits those needs. Almost all website builders and hosting providers offer a range of plans, helping you find one that meets your budget and needs.
- Register a unique domain name. Most website builders will help you find a domain name as part of the building process. When this isn’t the case we recommend working with one of the best domain registrars to find the right domain for you. We recommend Domain.com as it’s a versatile provider that provides great value for your money.
- Pick a template or use AI to build your site. Begin creating and customizing your website using your website builder of choice. Luckily, most top tier website builders have hundreds of templates to pick from. Many also offer AI website builders that allow you to describe what you are looking for and then let the AI do the work for you.
- Upload your content. Once your design is complete, fill your website pages with products, photos, and text that will drive traffic and conversions.
- Install extensions and plugins. Enhance your business and use add-ons to help customers complete their journey on your website. Many website builders offer app marketplaces, making this a super smooth process.
- Publish and promote your website. Hit ‘Publush’ and start sharing your products and services with the world.
- Track and tweak as you go. Use built in analytics or third part analytics platforms like Google Analytics to analyze your website performance. You can use this data to identify potential issues and make improvements to your site over time.
Why create a website?
Thanks to social media platforms and marketplace websites, you might think that you don’t need your own site to curate your online presence.
But if you want to access a unique global audience, grow your business at pace, and generate authentic credibility, you need a website.
Whether you just want a few web pages or an impressive online store, websites provide several amazing opportunities, for example:
- You can be in business all day, every day, anywhere in the world
- A website will get you exposure to a vast customer base
- You’ll be able to build a brand
- Websites help to ease customer service queries
- You can experiment with content and brand strategies on your site
- A website adds credibility to your business
- You’re in control and not relying on any third-party platform
How to create a website with popular website builders
How to create a website with Squarespace
1. Pick a template
When you sign up for Squarespace, you'll be asked to choose a template and sign in through Google or continue with your email.
2. Customize your site
You are then free to begin customizing your website with a title, and you'll be given a quick guide to help you navigate through the website builder's dashboard.
3. Secure a custom domain name
You can pick a domain name you've already purchased to make your site unique to your business.
4. Create your website pages
This is where you can get creative and add all the elements you need to create your perfect website. Squarespace lets you add images and pictures, plus it's easy to customize the text.
5. Publish
Once you're happy with your completed design, you can publish your site and spread the word online.
Pros of Squarespace: Essential ecommerce features with most plans, lots of mobile-responsive templates, free trial with no credit card info required, free SSL certificate, helpful 24/7 customer support and well-supplied knowledgebase, and a solid set of features.
Cons of Squarespace: Can't switch templates without starting from scratch, there's no telephone support, and Squarespace has low level of customization.
Best suited for: People with or without experience.
- Read our full Squarespace review
How to create a website with Hostinger
If you’re after web hosting services instead of simply website builders, check out Hostinger. An uncomplicated web hosting option, it offers impressive value for money and industry-leading uptime.
Opt to use web hosts if you’re happy to do a little more work to create a website filled with plugins and premium features. Here are the steps to creating a website using Hostinger:
1. Choose a web hosting plan
Hostinger has 7 web hosting solutions, including plans for WordPress, Cloud, and Minecraft.
2. Select which platform to build your website with
You have a range of options depending on your needs, from Zyro to WordPress to Magento.
3. Register a domain name
The premium and business plans offer free domain options, so this part is made easy.
4. Customize your site
Whether you’re using a site builder or content management system (CMS), create a unique design.
5. Install plugins and extensions
The primary perk of using WordPress, you can pack your website with slick plugins.
6. Upload content and images
With your design style nailed, add pages and even blog posts to your site.
7. Publish and promote
Once you’re happy, it’s time to get your website out there.
Pros of Hostinger: Super reliable web page loading speed and uptime, unlimited bandwidth.
Cons of Hostinger: There’s only live chat, no phone support, for Hostinger’s users.
Best suited for: people with a bit of experience (you don’t have to be a web developer, though).
- Read our full Hostinger review
How to create a website with GoDaddy
Known as one of the largest domain name registrars, GoDaddy is also a web hosting provider, but it boasts its own website builder, too.
Want to know how to build a website with GoDaddy’s site builder tools? Get the tips here:
1. Pick a template
You can choose to build a website or online store. GoDaddy’s template library is generous – enhance the design with stock photos and custom features.
2. Add content and products to your site
With your design theme chosen, fill your website or store pages to wow future customers.
3. Use GoDaddy’s built-in marketing tools
This site builder has a complete marketing suite to get your business off the ground right away.
4. Manage your website
GoDaddy’s InSight tech system allows people to access smart insights about their websites on the go.
5. Purchase premium features as you go
While you can get started with no credit card required, this platform offers design themes and content extras.
Pros of GoDaddy: easy to use, and Windows web hosting is available.
Cons of GoDaddy: lacking advanced features, and an SSL certificate costs extra.
Best suited for: people with low budgets and minimal experience.
- Read our full GoDaddy review
How to create a website with Wix
Wix is one of the most well-known website builders out there. Having created star-studded marketing campaigns, it’s no wonder that Wix has a sophisticated website platform.
If you want to find a way to get online using Wix, follow these steps:
1. Choose your website
When you sign up for Wix, you’ll be asked what purpose your site is being created for, like providing links or selling products.
2. Pick a template
Like Zyro, you don’t need to find a web host when you use Wix, so head straight to their library of jaw-dropping templates.
3. Customize your site
The Wix editor is easy to use: design your website or store pages to impress visitors using the drag-and-drop tool.
4. Add advanced features
Head to the Wix App Market to get some enhancements for your store or website, like booking platforms.
5. Publish
With your design looking fly, and your website primed for search engine optimization (SEO), it’s time to go live.
Pros of Wix: Wix has impressive templates and is flexible and credible.
Cons of Wix: Slow loading times, which your website visitors won’t love.
Best suited for: small and medium-sized business owners.
- Read our full Wix review
Which website building option is right for you?
Whether you use an all-in-one builder or opt for a web hosting company to create your website, it’s vital that you pick a platform that works for you and your business.
Consider what you need as well as what you value. Do you have coding experience? Is your budget small? Are you on a tight schedule?
Here’s a quick summary of the website building options we’ve explored:
For total beginners — Squarespace or Wix will get you a website quickly and easily. Using site builders is the best way to get a website when you have limited experience. All the tools you need are in one place, and you can easily customize your website pages with Wix or Zyro’s drag-and-drop editors to impress visitors from the get-go.
For people on low budgets — GoDaddy or Squarespace are cost-effective platforms for new business owners or individuals who need a way to get online. You won’t pay extra for domain names or web hosts, and the startup costs for Zyro and GoDaddy’s plans are super low.
For small to medium-sized businesses — Wix is a solid option for your business website, and some recognizable brands already use the platform. If you’re selling products or want clever booking features, Wix will provide you with the toolkit to make that happen on your website.
For large businesses and complex needs — Hostinger has an impressive number of hosting options for creating a business website. Whether you build with WordPress or a builder like Zyro, Hostinger makes sure that your business will enjoy a fast-loading, responsive website with every typically complex part of the process taken care of.
