In this article, I will be showing you how to create a website using Hostgator and WordPress.
Nowadays, everyone has their own business or website and many people have the urge to create one but just don’t know where to start. Whether you’re someone who has just begun their own business or you have an idea but haven’t officially started, this article will be helpful for you on your path.
Why listen to me?
I was where you are 2 years ago. At 23 years old I began my journey to create my own business in the gaming industry with a blog as my main source of income and awareness.
When I created my first blog, I started from scratch using WordPress.org as my platform and created this very site from the ground up without any experience in coding. It’s amazing how much you can get done through the use of tutorials and YouTube videos.
2 years later, I am proud to say that I am launching my clothing line and podcast with this site as the prime source of my growth. If I can do it, you can too.
There’s really no excuse as to why you shouldn’t create your own business TODAY!
How to get started
You can have an amazing business idea or one of the most essential products to sell to the public, which is a great start, but one thing is for certain. YOU NEED TO CREAT A WEBSITE.
Creating a website may seem like a daunting task, but I’m here to help you during the process to make sure you can get started with your business without breaking your pockets.
The first thing you need to do is find a hosting service for your site.
What is a Hosting Service?
A hosting service is a business that gives you all the tools you need to allow your website to exist and be viewed on the internet. Unless you have a master’s in coding and computer technologies, a hosting service is essential for you to begin creating a website.
There are many hosting services on the internet that you can choose from, but I recommend Hostgator. Hostgator is the hosting service that I use to run my website and it’s one of the most reputable services you can find. I initially chose Hostgator because of its cheap price tag, but quickly learned that it had quality features necessary for a successful website.
Here are 7 steps to creating your website using Hostgator.
Step One: Head over to Hostgator Website
Step one is fairly simple. Just click on the link below to head over to the Hostgator website.
hostgator.com
The link should open Hostgator in a new tab so it’s convenient for you to switch back and forth between this website and Hostgator. I want to make sure it’s easier for you to follow along as we go step-by-step through the process.
Look at you, already on the way to creating a website. Don’t stop now!
Step Two: Sign Up for a Hostgator Account
Once you head over to the Hostgator landing page, you will be prompted with a “Get Started,” button which will lead you to the 3 different plans that Hostgator has to offer. Since you are most likely just starting off in your business, I would recommend signing up for the “Hatchling” plan.
Hatchling Plan
The Hatchling plan is perfect for those who are just starting their website. It offers users one domain name, which is all you need unless you plan on creating multiple websites for your business. Starting at $2.95 a month
(In Step 4 I will show you how you can save 60% on your Hostgator bill)
The Hatchling plan is the plan that I chose (and still use) for my website. It’s the cheapest option and you will still have the option for Hostgator’s 5-star customer service if any issues arise with your website. Trust me, this matters a lot!
Also, if you ever decide you want multiple websites for your business, you can always move up to the next plan.
Click the Sign-Up Now Button
Step 3: Choose a Domain Name
You will now be prompted to register a domain name. You should always go with the “.com” style domain as this is the most widely used domain extension. Once you have created your domain name you can move on to your billing cycle.
As you scroll through the billing cycle options, you will notice that the more you pay in advance, the cheaper your bill will be. When I signed up for Hostgator, I chose the $10.95 plan month by month, but you should go ahead and browse to decide which plan is best for you.
Next, Enter a Username and a Security Pin and put in your billing information.
*Be sure to save your pin in a safe location, as this will be needed to talk to customer service.*
After putting in all the necessary information you will be taken to an “Additional Services” screen. You won’t need these services as there are plenty of free alternative plugins you can use. I will give a few suggestions at the end of this article.
Step 4: Enter a Promo code
Now is the chance to save some money!
Enter promo code “Gritty” into the coupon code box and select validate. This promo code will get you an additional 60% off your hosting services.
Accept the terms and conditions, click checkout now, and you’ll move on to a thank you page.
Step 5: Start Building Your Website
Check your email and click on your Hostgator cPanel (Control Panel) link and login in. From here you want to select a website builder to begin making your website.
I recommend using the WordPress site builder as it has thousands of plugins and features that you will find immensely helpful during the creator process. Don’t let the thought of creating a website scare you, there are plenty of helpful videos out there to take you step-by-step during this process.
Step 6: Using WordPress SiteBuilder
I will go over a brief tutorial on how to create your WordPress site, then I will link you to a helpful video on how to make your WordPress site exactly the way you want with themes, colors, and anything you can think of to make it unique.
Click on WordPress Website Builder
From here click on your domain name which you will see on the dropdown menu and leave the directory box blank. Now click next.
On the next page, you want to put in some basic information for your website. Next, you want to fill in the blog title, admin user, first name, last name, and admin email address you signed up with. Make sure you check the two boxes at the bottom and select install.
Be sure to write down the Installation Details, as this will be needed to get into the backend of your WordPress website. After your website has been installed, you can visit your website. From there you will see a basic theme for your WordPress website.
Now, type in your website name into the search bar, followed by, wp-admin. For example yourblog.com/wp-admin. This is where you will enter the admin email or username and the password you were provided with earlier.
Now, you will enter the backend of your website and this is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Design Your WordPress Website
I will link you to one of the videos that helped me during the process of making my WordPress site.
As promised, I will link a few essential plugins that have helped make my site safe and secure. Now, you’re ready to create your WordPress site and get started with your business.
- Rank Math – Essential for Search Engine Optimization and making your site discoverable for specific keywords.
- Backup Guard – Anything could happen to your site so be sure you have a back up for it. This will ensure that you can revert back to a previous version of your site should anything happen to it.
- Google Analytics – Helps you to see who visited your site so you can better understand your audience.
To install these plugins go to the “Plugins” tab when you’re in the back end of your WordPress website > Click on “Add New” and search each plugin. From there you can activate each plugin.
Branding Your Website
If you’re in need of a logo, pictures, or any sort of graphic design services, be sure to check out a site that helped me called, Fiverr. Fiverr is affordable and there is a huge variety of services that will help you brand your business. Check them out with the link below.
fiverr.com
I hope this article helped you! Please comment below if there was something you didn’t understand or need help with and I will get to you as soon as possible.
Be sure to check out my website here if you’re into gaming or anime!