Photo Credit: ShutterStock.
If you’re a regular reader of the Inkwell Scholars blog, you’re probably incredibly smart and creative, and you’re passionate about inspiring others. And that means you should have your own website.
A website is one of the best ways to showcase your ideas and share them with the world. You can start a blog where you write daily and practice your writing skills. Or set up a website built around a favorite hobby where you teach others how to get involved. If you’re entrepreneurial, you might even be able to turn your website into a business in the future.
In today’s post, I’ve put together a quick and easy guide of six steps to follow as you create your first self-hosted website.
1. Free Service or Self-Hosted
Free Website Service or Self Hosting?
Think of building your website as a bit of an adventure. Once you decide that you would like to take the steps forward to set up your own unique space on the web, you’ll find yourself at a fork in the road. You have two options. You could choose a free service like Blogger or the free version of WordPress as the new home for your site. Sites like these might be good for the short run if you don’t want to invest money right away or are not very serious about updating your website consistently.
However, free services often have limited options for updating the design and customizing the website (they look less professional), usually are geared only towards bloggers, don’t let you advertise or sell products, don’t have any support if you run into problems, and don’t give you a personalized web address (for instance, if Inkwell Scholars was hosted on Blogger, our address would be inkwellscholars.blogspot.com). Certainly not as easy to type or as professional looking as inkwellscholars.org.
Ultimately, for those of you who are more serious about building a website and having full control, then you should choose the second option: self-hosting. Self-hosting means that you buy your own domain name and a hosting package (I’ll get to those steps in a minute). It’s like buying a house, rather than renting an apartment. Additionally, if you ever need any help with your website, you can always contact customer service. If you’ve already been blogging at Blogger or the free version of WordPress, don’t worry! You can easily transfer all of your old posts and comments over to your new self-hosted website.
2. Choosing Your Domain Name
Choose a name that’s easy to remember and type.
Ok, if you’re reading this far, it means you’re serious about building a powerful online presence and learning how to set up a self-hosted website (this is an invaluable skill to learn!). First, you’ll need to come up with the name of your website. Unfortunately, you might think up a great domain name only to find that it has already been registered. No cause for concern. There are still countless domain names available so keep brainstorming. You can use this tool to check the availability of a domain name.
Here’s one of the great things about self-hosted websites: you can usually add on as many subdomains to your main domain as you’d like. For instance, here at Inkwell Scholars we have our main web address (https://inkwellscholars.org), but also http://tv.inkwellscholars.org where we’ve posted our grammar videos. We built that subdomain to have exactly the same design and navigation as our main site, but you can actually build subdomains to be their own unique website, as we did with this one. So you’re really able to build multiple sites for the price of one.
3. Registering Your Domain Name
Congrats! You now own Internet real estate.
Once you’ve chosen your domain name, you’re ready to register it and buy a hosting package. I recommend registering your domain for at least two years. Google actually ranks websites higher that are registered for two years because it’s a signal that you’re serious about dedicating your time to building a helpful resource. The two hosting services I recommend are HostGator and BlueHost. Inkwell Scholars is hosted at HostGator, and I’ve found their support to be excellent. I’ve downloaded the WordPress framework onto my self-hosted website, and they helped me when I was first learning how to set it up and navigate the interface. They’ve also helped me rescue my site when I tweaked code that I shouldn’t have.
BlueHost is another great choice. I’ve worked with them when setting up websites for friends. Ultimately, I’d recommend comparing the prices and features of the different packages they offer. If you’re only interested in setting up one website, then go with BlueHost. If you think you might buy more domain names in the future, then HostGator is probably the better option. Plus you can get a 25% discount with Hostgator when using the coupon code inkwellscholars.
Whichever hosting provider you choose, you can register your domain name with them when you purchase a hosting package.
4. Downloading WordPress
WordPress is the best platform for building a website.
After you’ve completed step 3 (congratulations on owning a piece of the Internet!), you’re now ready to install WordPress. This is the same software that runs on the free version of WordPress, but the version that you install on your self-hosted website can be heavily customized with a special feature called plugins. Here’s a guide I wrote on my web design site all about downloading and installing plugins. Additionally, the self-hosted WordPress software lets you customize the design.
It’s absolutely free to download and install WordPress on your website and should be easy to do through your control panel on BlueHost or HostGator. If you run into any trouble, contact customer support or leave a comment on this post.
5. Designing Your Website
You can use free themes or buy premium themes from a provider like Elegant Themes.
Now you’ve come to my favorite part of owning a website: the design. There are many free WordPress templates to choose from in the WordPress library and, if you’re brand new to creating websites and navigating the WordPress framework, you might just want to try your hand at customizing those. However, if you want a professional looking website, I recommend investing in a premium theme. Premium themes come with excellent customer support and are far more secure than free templates.
My favorite WordPress premium theme provider is Elegant Themes. They have the most competitive prices (only $39 for their library of over 85 themes, and they are continually adding new themes throughout the year). I actually built the Inkwell Scholar’s website using a customized Elegant Themes template. What I love about Elegant Themes (besides their beautiful templates) is their support forums where you can ask about making simple customizations to themes. If your customization is possible, they’ll respond with the code that you can use and where to copy and paste it in the backend of your website. If you want to learn how to code, then this is a great way to get hands on practice.
6. Sharing Your Website With The World
Build a loyal fan base for your website by producing excellent, shareable content.
You love your design, and you’ve started publishing content on your new website. Now it’s time to start sharing it with the world. Turn on your website’s comments feature so visitors can give you feedback on your posts. Search through the WordPress plugins for other ways to make it easy for your friends to share your website across social media. You could set up a Facebook page to promote your site like I’ve done with Inkwell Scholars. Ultimately, however, the most important thing is to create excellent content that your friends will want to share.
My website building adventures started when I was thirteen. I’d been publishing a print newsletter filled with my short-stories, book reviews, and inspirational articles. My parents encouraged me to transfer it online and bought me a domain name. I’m so glad that they did. Learning how to build a website and navigate WordPress gave a boost to my resumé when I graduated and gave me the opportunity to work as a web designer. It’s also allowed me to help friends and family who wanted to set up their own website. And it’s quite a fun hobby too.
So, what are you waiting for? The Internet gives anyone the opportunity to get published and spread their ideas across the globe. Start building your legacy today.
Have you built a website or are in the process of building one? Share links to your online projects in the comments below! And, remember, if you have any questions about WordPress or website building, leave those too. 🙂
Nicole is the founder of Inkwell Scholars: a place that inspires you to dream bigger and put those dreams into action. Inkwell Scholars exists to compile resources that will train you to write well, grow your mind, and learn how to use the Internet to share your ideas and inspire others.
Nicole, thank you for the excellent information. Elegant Themes does offer a great product at reasonable price.
You’re welcome! 🙂
I’m seriously considering going self hosted soon.
COuld I ask your opinion? My blog is called Soosie Wales but the address is Soosieboo.wordpress.com.
When I buy domain do you think it would be better to remain as Soosieboo, as that’s what people know me ass or should I rename /rebrand as Soosie Wales?
Oh one last thing… at point 3 you appear to have left out the name of a hosting company..(e.g two hosting services I recommend are and . )
thanks for a great post, I’ll be book marking it for when I take the leap!
Hi Sue, thanks for your comment! I recommend renaming your site as Soosie Wales if you’re trying to build a personal brand. You don’t have to delete your old site, but can leave a post directing visitors to your new site. You shouldn’t lose any traffic by doing this.
The two hosting services I recommend are BlueHost and HostGator. Not sure why they aren’t showing up for you in the post, but I can view the links. Thanks for letting me know.
All the best with your blogging adventures. 🙂
Thanks for your input!
What a helpful blog. However, when it came to building my site, I hired a web developer because it would have taken me forever to figure it all out and do it on my own. Then through using it and blogging a lot, I’ve learned a lot, installed plugins and am learning more about widgets. I use Host Gator and their service is great.Thanks for all the great tips and links!
Thanks for commenting, Deb! Yes, it can be challenging to figure out at first. I learned a lot when I tried to build my first WordPress website and my skills have certainly improved since then. 🙂 Hiring a web developer is another great choice, especially if they offer WordPress training (like I do) and will help you learn how to use WordPress on your own.
Last Xiao kitchen person with red ginseng as decyl only, gas Acquistare 2018 Balenciaga Triple S Scarpe capability Qi melon Lang T 1. Tai Book capability of red,Acquistare 2018 Balenciaga Triple S Scarpe, red as call center Xian Ba convulsion gang can get. Stalk itself for Mo Lei Pin): い筿厨癸痙ē╰参ㄏノ祇ガゅ瓜┪郎玂Τэ┪簿埃舦讽ㄏノ
Hi there friends, good article and good urging commented here, I am in fact enjoying by these.
I quite like reading through an article that will make people think.
Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
For latest news you have to visit world-wide-web and on world-wide-web I found this site
as a finest site for hottest updates.
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your webcasting services as long
as I provide credit and sources back to your streaming site?
My live streaming blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would
genuinely benefit from a lot of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this ok with you. Appreciate it!
Hi there, its good article on the topic of media print, we all know media is a fantastic source of data.
Just want to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is just
cool and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS
feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please
keep up the enjoyable work.
I am really happy to glance at this website posts which includes plenty of useful information, thanks for providing these data.
This paragraph provides clear idea in support of the new
users of blogging, that truly how to do blogging and site-building.
Very nice write-up. I certainly love this site.
Thanks!
fantastic issues altogether, you simply received a logo new reader.
What may you recommend in regards to your publish
that you made some days in the past? Any positive?
Right here is the perfect web site for everyone who would like to understand
this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue
with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a topic which has been written about for many years.
Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!
Even if a player doesn’t stand a chance, and provides the impact to the other players that he has
a extremely great hand, the others would not attempt to compete with him.
Most small business fail simply because
they don’t have sufficient cash backing them up. First of all
you require to be aware of the fees when you are searching for the very best online
poker website.
When some one searches for his required thing, so he/she needs
to be available that in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over here.
I used to be recommended this blog by means of my cousin.
I am not certain whether this put up is written via him as no one else
recognize such specific approximately my trouble.
You are wonderful! Thanks!
Excellent way of describing, and pleasant article to take facts concerning my presentation subject,
which i am going to convey in university.
I don’t normally comment but I gotta say thank you for the
post on this perfect one :D.
I am now not positive the place you’re getting your information,
but good topic. I needs to spend some time finding out more or understanding more.
Thank you for magnificent information I used to be on the lookout
for this info for my mission.
It’s amazing for me to have a web site, which is valuable designed for
my knowledge. thanks admin
Thanks to my father who told me concerning this web site,
this blog is truly remarkable.
If some one wants to be updated with newest technologies therefore he must be pay a visit this website
and be up to date every day.
Can you imagine you could do this kind of
hands? Individuals also just love poker simply because it gets a bit addicting as soon as you find your self playing
it each day. Another purpose is that you are providing incentives for many other players to stay in the hand.
But when you play at house, this issue does not exist. The board was harmful, but A
miscalculated the hazard.
شكرا جزيلا، و مرحبا
But because B is a poor player who will chase down attracts, he phone calls.
These poker companies are really sponsoring and masking the
entrance charges for these players for a few factors. Even if you have
no intention to play, you will have to occasionally do it because of to
boredom. Some players get extremely thrilled when they have a good hand.
You must have 50 to 100 occasions the big blind.
Thanks , I’ve just been searching for info about this topic for ages and yours is the best I
have came upon so far. But, what in regards to the bottom line?
Are you sure in regards to the source?
Amazing issues here. I’m very glad to peer your article. Thanks a lot and I
am having a look ahead to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail?
Unquestionably imagine that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be at the internet the easiest thing to have in mind of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked even as other people think about worries that they plainly
don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest as
well as outlined out the whole thing without having side effect ,
people could take a signal. Will likely be again to
get more. Thanks
Double Penetration Streap Οn: Best Sex Toys foor Lesbian and Gay Couples
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this
onto a colleague who had been conducting a little research on this.
And he actually bought me dinner simply because I stumbled upon it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about
this topic here on your website.
I do consider all the concepts you’ve introduced on your
post. They are very convinciong and can certainly
work. Nonetheless, the posts are very brief for newbies.
May just you pleaxe lengthen thsm a little
from next time? Thank you for the post.
Superb, what a website it is! This website
presents valuable data to us, keep it up.
I feel that is among the most vital information for me.
And i am glad studying your article. But wanna remark on few common issues, The website style is perfect,
the articles is in reality excellent : D.
Just right job, cheers
Excellent web site you have here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours nowadays.
I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Asking questions are truly pleasant thing if you are not understanding something fully, but this post offers good understanding even.
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was once entirely
right. This submit actually made my day. You can not believe just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
always i used to read smaller posts which as
well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am reading now.
I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing problems with
your site. It seems like some of the written text within your
content are running off the screen. Can someone else please
provide feedback and let me know if this is happening
to them as well? This may be a problem with my browser
because I’ve had this happen previously. Kudos
Lisa Friedman stories on climate and environmental coverage in Washington.
What’s up colleagues, how is everything, and what you would
like to say onn the topic of this post, in my view its in fact remarkable designed for me.
Greate article. Keep writing such kind of info on your page.
Im really impressed by it.
Hey there, You’ve done a great job. I’ll definitely
digg it and in my view suggest to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.
How dare …
It’s going to be ending of mine day, except before
finish I am reading this wonderful paragraph to improve my
know-how.
I go to see day-to-day some websites and sites
to read content, however this web site provides quality based
articles.
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday.
It will always be useful to read through articles from other authors and use a little something from other websites.
Thanks for any other excellent article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such an ideal manner of
writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the look for such information.
Heⅼlo! I know this is ҝind оf off topic but
I wɑs wondering which blog platform aare you uxing fоr thiѕ site?
I’m gettіng sick and tired of WordPress Ьecause I’ve had ρroblems witһ hackers
and I’m loоking at alternatives for anotһer platform. I wouⅼd be awesome if yyou cоuld pokint mе iin the direction ߋf а
good platform.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching
for best value mountain bike helmet
Great blog you have got here.. It’s difficult to find good quality writing like yours nowadays.
I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
It is not my first time to go to see this web site, i am visiting this web site dailly and
obtain good information from here every day.