How to Build a Website From Scratch in 11 Simple Steps (Beginner’s Guide)

Want to build a website from scratch but feel overwhelmed by all the tech jargon? You’re not alone — but you can do this. Whether you’re creating a portfolio, blog, business site, or online store, building your own site is absolutely within reach — even if you’re a total beginner.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process in plain English, with no code required (unless you want to use it).

Let’s get your site live — the simple way.

 1. Define Your Website’s Purpose

Before anything else, ask:
What is your site for?

• Personal blog?
  
• Freelance portfolio?
  
• Business homepage?
  
• Online shop?
  

Your site’s purpose will shape your layout, features, and design choices. Write it down — clarity now saves time later.

 2. Choose a Domain Name

Your domain name is your website’s address (like yourname.com). Pick something:

• Memorable
  
• Easy to spell
  
• Short (if possible)
  
• Relevant to your brand or topic
  

Check availability using sites like Namecheap or GoDaddy.

 Try to grab a .com, unless another extension fits better (like .org or .store).

 3. Select a Website Platform

For beginners, drag-and-drop website builders make life easier. Popular options include:

Platform	Best For
WordPress.org	Flexible, blog or business site
Wix	Drag-and-drop, easy for creatives
Squarespace	Beautiful templates, all-in-one
Shopify	Online stores & e-commerce

🔧 If you want full control, go with WordPress + hosting. For speed and simplicity, Wix or Squarespace are great.

 4. Get Web Hosting (If Needed)

If you use WordPress.org, you’ll need a hosting provider. Popular beginner-friendly hosts include:

• Bluehost
  
• SiteGround
  
• Hostinger
  

Most offer 1-click WordPress installs and free domain registration.

 If you’re using Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify — hosting is already built-in.

 5. Pick a Website Template or Theme

Once you’re in your builder or platform:

• Choose a template (Wix, Squarespace, Shopify)
  
• Or install a theme (WordPress)
  

Pick one that fits your site’s purpose. Don’t worry — you can customize everything later.

 6. Customize the Look and Feel

Make your site feel like you by editing:

• Fonts and colors
  
• Navigation bar
  
• Page layout
  
• Logo and favicon (use free tools like Canva)
  

Keep your design clean, readable, and mobile-friendly.

 Check how your site looks on mobile — most traffic comes from phones now.

 7. Build Your Core Pages

Every good website includes these must-have pages:

• Home: Welcome message, value statement, top links
  
• About: Who you are, what you do
  
• Contact: Email, social links, possibly a contact form
  
• Services/Portfolio/Shop: Your core offering
  
• Blog (optional but great for SEO!)
  

 8. Add Useful Features or Plugins

Depending on your platform and purpose, you might add:

• Contact forms
  
• Social media feeds
  
• Email sign-up (use Mailchimp or ConvertKit)
  
• SEO tools (Yoast SEO for WordPress)
  
• Analytics (Google Analytics or built-in stats)
  

 Don’t overdo it. Start with basics, expand later.

 9. Secure Your Site With HTTPS

Most hosting platforms offer free SSL certificates, which give your site the secure https:// label. This builds trust and improves SEO.

• If you use a builder like Wix or Squarespace, this is done for you.
  
• On WordPress, activate SSL via your host or a plugin like Really Simple SSL.
  

 10. Preview, Test, and Edit

Before going live:

• Click every link
  
• Check on desktop and mobile
  
• Proofread every page
  
• Test contact forms
  
• Ask a friend to review it too
  

 Use tools like BrowserStack or responsive preview modes to check multiple devices.

 11. Publish Your Site and Promote It

Click that Publish button — your site is live!

Now share it:

• On social media
  
• In your email signature
  
• On business cards
  
• In your bio links
  
• With friends, colleagues, and networks
  

Then… keep updating it! A website is a living thing.

 Final Thoughts: Your Website Is Just the Beginning

Building a website from scratch might sound intimidating, but it’s really just a series of small, doable steps. With the right platform and a little focus, you can create something beautiful — even without a tech background.

Whether it’s a passion project or the start of your business empire, launching your website is a huge first step. You’ve got this.