Create a Business Website on a Budget

Creating a website for your business is a must these days. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right path without breaking the bank?

Let's break it down step-by-step so you can build an affordable, custom site that helps your business thrive.

First things first - you need three essential elements to get your site up and running:

• A domain name (your website address, like scottredgate.com)
• Web hosting (where your site's files are stored)
• A content management system (lets you edit site content without coding)

Popular all-in-one platforms like Wix and Squarespace bundle these services for around $400 per year.

Not bad, but we can do better!

Here's the plan to start your website:

First, buy your domain name. Services like GoDaddy, Bluehost, and Namecheap offer domains for about $12 per year. Many give you the first year for just $1.

Next, you need hosting. Again, domain sellers often provide hosting too. You can find basic shared hosting for $30 or less annually.

Lastly, you need that content management system, or CMS. WordPress is my top pick - it's free, powerful, and easy to use.

With your domain and hosting ready, install WordPress with just a few clicks. Log into your hosting account, find the WordPress install option, and you're on your way!

Now comes the fun part - picking your design. WordPress has some free themes to start, but I recommend the Elementor plugin. It works like Wix or Squarespace, letting you drag-and-drop to customize your site with no coding needed.

Building your site this way costs just $42 per year - 10x cheaper than an all-in-one site builder! Plus, you own your domain and control your hosting.

A few pro tips I mention in the video above:

- Use "www" in your URL (old school but still my preference)

- Block search engine indexing at first so the unfinished site stays hidden (don't make the mistake of deindexing your website when it is ready to be published!)

- Change your WP username and password for better security

There you have it! With these steps, you can create a polished, professional site on a startup budget. Let me know if you have any other questions!