What do I need to build a website?
The Three Essentials: Domain, Hosting, and Builder
A domain name is your site's address (like example.com). It costs roughly $10 to $20 per year. Web hosting is the server space where your site lives; shared hosting typically runs $3 to $10 per month.
A website builder or content management system (CMS) lets you create pages without coding. Options include all-in-one platforms like Squarespace (which bundle hosting and builder) or self-hosted WordPress (where you install the software on your hosting).
- Domain name: your unique web address
- Web hosting: stores your site files and makes them available online
- Website builder or CMS: tools to design and manage pages
- Content: text, images, and any media you want to share
Optional but Helpful Tools
An email address for contact forms and account signups is useful. Many hosts include a free business email or you can use a service like Gmail. For images, you can use free stock photo sites or your own photos.
If you plan to sell products, you'll need an ecommerce add-on or a platform like Shopify. For analytics, Google Analytics is free and shows how many people visit your site.
Skills and Time
You don't need to be a programmer, but basic computer skills help. You should be comfortable using a web browser, uploading files, and following tutorials. Most beginners can learn as they go.
If you get stuck, there are thousands of free guides and videos online. The key is to start with a simple setup and add complexity only when you need it.
Common mistakes
- Buying an expensive hosting plan with features you don't need yet.
- Forgetting to renew your domain name, which can cause your site to go offline.
- Assuming you need to buy special software when free options like WordPress.com exist.
