Published on June 19, 2023
As the digital age evolves, the ability to create a website from inception will become increasingly valuable.
This guide will take you through the fundamental steps of creating a website from beginning, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur looking to create your brand's first website or a tech enthusiast eager to explore web development.
First things first, define what your website is all about. Is it a blog, an eCommerce site, a portfolio, or a corporate website? Your website's purpose will guide your design and content creation process.
Your domain name is your website's unique address. It should be easy to spell, memorable, and, if possible, indicative of what your website is about. Use a domain registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap to purchase your domain.
A web hosting provider is where your website files are stored. When someone types your domain name into their browser, their computer connects to your web server, and your webpages are delivered to them. Examples of hosting providers are Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator.
Now comes the creative part: designing your website. Sketch out a rough layout, thinking about the header, footer, navigation, and content areas. You can use graphic design software like Adobe XD or Sketch for this step.
This is where you'll need some coding knowledge. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is used to structure your website, while CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) styles it. JavaScript adds interactivity.
HTML: Start by creating an HTML document for each web page. Ensure each page has a <!DOCTYPE html> declaration, a head section (where you'll link your CSS file), and a body section (where your content goes).
CSS: Use CSS to style your pages. You can change colors, fonts, layouts, and more with CSS. Create a separate CSS file and link it in your HTML's head section.
JavaScript: If you want to make your site interactive (think form validations, animations, etc.), JavaScript is your go-to. You can link an external JavaScript file or write your script directly in your HTML file.
Before you publish, test your website to ensure everything is working as expected. Use different browsers and devices to confirm that your website is responsive and accessible. Once you're happy with your site, you're ready to publish. Upload your files to your web server using an FTP client like FileZilla.
Yes, creating a website from scratch typically requires knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. However, if you want to build a website without coding, consider using a website builder like Wix or Squarespace.
The timeline varies greatly depending on the complexity of the website. A simple website could take a few days to a week, while a complex site could take several weeks to months.
While you can learn to code for free and create a website on your computer, you'll need to pay for a domain name and hosting to make your website live on the internet.
Knowing how to make a website from scratch is a powerful skill in the digital world. By understanding the process and investing time in learning, you can bring your unique ideas to life on the web.
Check out how web design is an essential part of content marketingA strategic approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content... in this Bliss Drive blog.
