This updated guide explains four practical steps to put a basic website online: register a domain, choose hosting or an all-in-one builder, build using modern WYSIWYG tools or WordPress, and publish while managing DNS and updates. It highlights low-cost and free options like WordPress.com, GitHub Pages, Wix, and Netlify, and emphasizes simple content and maintenance.

Keep it simple: what this guide covers

This short guide walks you through the basic, practical steps to get a simple website online: choose a domain, pick hosting, build the site, and publish it. I focus on small, mostly static sites with some images and basic interactivity.

Step 1 - Choose and register a domain name

A domain name is your site's address on the web (for example, https://www.example.com). Use a registrar such as Namecheap, Google Domains, or GoDaddy to check availability and register the name. You usually pay annually; multi-year registration can be slightly cheaper and avoids yearly renewals.

Step 2 - Pick hosting (or use an all-in-one builder)

Websites are served from hosting providers. For beginners you have two common approaches:
  • All-in-one website builders: Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.com provide hosting, a domain option, and a visual editor in one place. They simplify setup. Free tiers exist but often include platform branding and limits.
  • Self-hosted CMS or static site: If you want more control, register a domain with a registrar and buy hosting (shared, VPS, or managed WordPress). Popular choices include shared hosts and managed WordPress hosts. For lightweight static sites, services like GitHub Pages or Netlify host sites for free and integrate with modern builders.
Expect DNS changes to propagate; the domain and hosting may take a few minutes to 48 hours to resolve worldwide.

Step 3 - Build your site (no coding required)

You don't need to hand-write HTML to build a simple site. Options include:
  • WordPress (WordPress.com or self-hosted WordPress with the block editor and themes).
  • Drag-and-drop builders in Wix or Squarespace.
  • Static site workflows using a site generator with GitHub Pages or Netlify if you want a developer-friendly free option.
Many builders offer templates, WYSIWYG editors, and plugin ecosystems (contact forms, image galleries, SEO tools). Start with a few pages (Home, About, Contact) and focus on clear text and images.

Step 4 - Publish and maintain

After building, point your domain to your host (usually by setting DNS records at your registrar). Test your site on desktop and mobile. Keep software, themes, and plugins updated for security. Create a simple backup plan and set up an email address tied to your domain if needed.

Final tips

Keep content concise. Use descriptive page titles and meta descriptions for search engines. If you need help, official support pages and community forums for your chosen platform are a good first stop.

Cheers,
A practical approach to website design for beginners

FAQs about Website Design For Dummies

Do I need to know HTML to make a website?
No. Modern builders like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace let you create sites without writing HTML. For more control, learning basic HTML and CSS helps but isn't required for a simple site.
How long does it take for a new domain to work?
DNS changes can propagate in minutes but may take up to 48 hours worldwide. Most setups become usable within a few hours.
What’s the difference between WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress?
WordPress.com is a hosted service with plans that include hosting and maintenance. Self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org) runs on hosting you control and offers more plugin and theme flexibility, but you handle updates and backups.
Are there free hosting options for simple sites?
Yes. WordPress.com has a free plan, and static-hosting services like GitHub Pages and Netlify offer free hosting for basic sites. Free plans often have limits or platform branding.
How do I connect my domain to my website?
You update DNS records at your registrar to point to your host. Hosts usually provide instructions and values (A, CNAME, or nameserver records) for the registrar's DNS control panel.