How to Create a Website in 2025 (Step-By-Step Guide)

Picking the Right Website Type

Before you jump into designing a website, you’ve got to pinpoint exactly what kind you’re aiming for. What’s the big plan for your site? Websites can do all sorts of things, think sharing your ideas, posting articles, pitching your services, or even selling stuff online. Here’s a rundown of some go-to types:

• Personal website: A spot to spill your thoughts and stories.
• Portfolio website: Perfect for flaunting your skills and projects.
• Business/service website: A hub to boost your company or offerings.
• Blog: Great for writing about what fires you up.
• E-commerce: Built to move products off the virtual shelf.

Let’s say you’re a pro at something like photography, a portfolio site could spotlight your shots and reel in clients. Or maybe you’re a foodie who loves cooking up new recipes; a blog could be your stage to share tasty tips and dishes.

I remember when I kicked off my own site, I was hooked on vintage bikes. So, I went with a blog to dish out tips and tales about them, it just clicked with what I loved.

Building a site that doesn’t vibe with your aims is a recipe for frustration. It’s way smoother to keep up with one that fits your passions and plans. And if you’ve got some know-how in a certain area, that’s a bonus! You’ll instinctively get whether you need a space to hawk services, push products, or pass on wisdom.

Choosing Your Website Platform: Free or Premium?

While creating your first website, have you ever found yourself thinking “Should I go with a free platform or invest in a premium one?” When I was first diving into the world of websites, I was overwhelmed by the endless options. Some services lure you in with a free sign-up, only to nudge you into upgrading before you can even hit “launch.” It’s confusing, right?

That’s why I eventually landed on WordPress. Did you know that nearly half of all public websites are built on this platform? In fact, WordPress commands an impressive share of the CMS market globally. Here’s what won me over:

• Endless Design Options: You get to pick from a wide range of layouts and free themes. It’s like having a giant digital wardrobe for your site!
• Effortless Content Management: Adding pages, images, and tweaking content is a breeze.
• Organized and Customizable: Create categories, design custom menus, and keep your site tidy.
• Engaging Interactions: Visitors can comment, share, and really get involved with your content.

A Free Website? There's Always a Catch

But here’s a thought-provoking question: Is free really free? Website building platforms might let you build a site at no cost, but there’s a catch:

• Subdomain Struggles: Instead of owning a slick domain like mywebsite.com, you’re stuck with a clunky subdomain (e.g., mywebsite.PlatformName.com). Doesn’t that feel a bit less professional?
• Limited Customization: Free plans often mean fewer themes, layouts, and add-ons. Want to spice things up? You might end up paying more than you expected.
• Lack of Control: When your site is hosted on someone else’s platform, you’re at their mercy. A policy change or a moderator’s decision can wipe out all your hard work in an instant.
• Monetization Constraints: Dreaming of making money or selling products? Free platforms tend to box you in, limiting your earning potential.

Cost of Starting a Self-Hosted Website

Now, what if you decide to go self-hosted with your own domain? The costs are surprisingly affordable. Think about it: a domain name typically runs about $10 a year, and hosting starts at roughly $3–$9 per month, often less than the price of a movie ticket!

The beauty of a self-hosted website is the freedom it gives you. Not only can you cancel anytime if you decide it’s not your cup of tea, but many providers also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, if you ever need more power as your site grows, upgrading is a seamless process.

So, what’s it going to be? Are you ready to take control of your online presence with a platform that offers both flexibility and a professional edge? If you're ready to build a website that truly represents you and one that's easy to manage, customizable, and built for success, then let's take the next step. 🚀

Getting a Domain & Hosting

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and set up your own self-hosted website with a custom domain? Excellent decision! Now, picking the perfect domain name might feel like a bit of a puzzle, but trust me, it’s time well spent.

I remember when I was setting up my first site, I almost went with something like www.best-automotive-blog-ever.com. Yikes! Can you imagine trying to remember that? Instead, I opted for something snappier, something like www.CarTalkHub.com. Much better, right?

So, what makes a domain name stick? It should be catchy, like a tune you can’t get out of your head. Easy to remember, because who wants to bookmark everything? Unique, so it stands out in a sea of websites. And steer clear of numbers, unless you want folks confusing your site with a phone number.

Where to Snag Your Domain and Hosting

When it comes to web hosting, I have extensive experience with various hosting providers over the years. I’ve tried a bunch of providers, and through this process, Bluehost has stood out as my top choice, honestly, it’s been a game-changer.

Their support is top-notch, they toss in a free domain for the first year, and their pricing won’t break the bank. Plus, their “One-Click Installation” for WordPress? A total lifesaver for beginners.

My advice? Grab your domain and hosting from Bluehost. It saves you time, cash, and a whole lot of hassle.

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to get started with Bluehost:

1. Pick Your Hosting Plan
   

   Head to www.Bluehost.com and choose a plan. I recommend the “Premium” 12-month plan, it’s affordable and comes with that free domain. Perfect for starters!

   
2. Claim Your Domain (Free!)
   

   Pick your domain name, it's your site’s identity, make it count! Just start by entering your domain name without .com, then click the 'Search for Domain' button. If the domain name you chose is unavailable, you'll see a message saying, 'yourwebsitename.com is not available'. In this case, try a different name.

   
3. Set Your Hosting Duration
   

   In the next step, decide how long you’re in for. I went with 12 months, great balance of cost and commitment. Heads-up: it renews at a higher rate, so if you’re thinking long-term, a longer plan might lock in more savings.

   

   Note: Sometimes, as shown in the example below, a domain may be available but listed as a premium domain, which can be costly. In such cases, empty your cart and return to the previous page to choose a different domain.

   
4. Continue To Checkout
   

   Fill out your contact, account, and billing information, ensuring all fields are accurate. Once you've reviewed everything, proceed to complete your purchase.

5. Login to your WordPress
   

   Once you complete your purchase, you will be redirected to a page that says, "Your new WordPress site is installing." Once the installation is complete, you will be able to access your WordPress dashboard by clicking the "Log in to WordPress" button.

   On the welcome screen, skip the guided setup, AI creator, or import options. Instead, select “I’m following a tutorial—take me to the WordPress admin dashboard.” This ensures we can use the tools I recommend next.

Done! Your site is LIVE! Now, time to set up your theme, pages, and content.

Setting Up and Customizing Your Website

Your website is up and running! But we’re not stopping there.

To make building your site a breeze, we’ll use Elementor, a free drag-and-drop editor that enhances the default WordPress experience. Here’s how to get started:

1. From the WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance on the left sidebar.
2. Hover over it and click Start Templates.
3. Choose “Build with Templates”.
4. At the top, switch from “Block Editor” to Elementor.

You’ll see a variety of templates, some free, some premium. The free ones are excellent, so pick one that fits your vibe.

Customizing Your Template

• Logo: Upload your logo.
• Fonts: Select a font pair.
• Colors: Pick a color palette (I went with blue).

Skip the feature options as well as the optional info fields, disable “share non-sensitive data,” and click “Submit and Build My Website.” Your template is now live and ready to view and edit!

Click the "View Your Website" button and proceed to the next step to edit it with Elementor.

Editing Your Website with Elementor

If you're viewing your website, click "Edit with Elementor" at the top of the page to open the drag-and-drop editor. With Elementor, you can create and customize pages visually without any coding. Additionally, you have access to a vast library of professionally designed templates, allowing you to build stunning websites quickly and effortlessly.

Here's what you can do with Elemntor:

• Custom Headers & Footers – Design and manage site-wide headers and footers.
• Responsive Design – Adjust layouts for desktop, tablet, and mobile views.
• Advanced Styling Options – Customize typography, colors, backgrounds, and more.
• Widgets & Elements – Use a variety of widgets like buttons, forms, sliders, and carousels.
• Popup Builder – Create popups for lead capture, promotions, or notifications.
• WooCommerce Integration – Design product pages, shop layouts, and checkout pages.
• Form Builder – Design and integrate contact forms without extra plugins.
• Motion Effects & Animations – Add scrolling effects, hover animations, and entrance animations.
• SEO-Friendly Design – Create lightweight and optimized pages for better search rankings.

Play around for 30 minutes and you’ll get the hang of it fast. Elementor’s flexibility makes it easy to create a professional site without coding.

I recommend watching YouTube tutorials on Elementor to gain deeper insights and enhance your skills. These tutorials provide step-by-step guidance, tips, and best practices to help you make the most of Elementor’s features.

Build Your Site’s Backbone

Building the foundation of your website is crucial for creating a clear and engaging user experience. Here’s a quick guide to essential pages that should be part of your site’s backbone:

• Homepage—your welcome mat.
• About Us—tell your story.
• Contact—let folks reach you.
• Services/Products—show what you offer.
• Blog—share your thoughts.
• Gallery—flaunt your work.
• Testimonials—build trust.

Jot down your must-haves and start creating.

In WordPress, go to Pages > Add New. Use Elementor to design and add content to your page effortlessly. Once you're satisfied with the look and feel, simply hit publish to showcase your website to the world!

Setting Up Permalinks and Menus

Make it easy for visitors to explore. Head to Appearance > Menus, create a menu, add your pages, and arrange them logically.

Next, set "Post Name" as your permalink structure by navigating to Settings > Permalinks in the left sidebar. Select the Post Name option, which will format your URLs in a clean and SEO-friendly way (e.g., yourwebsite.com/sample-post/).

After making the selection, scroll down and click Save Changes to apply the new permalink structure.