How to Start Building a Website? The Beginning

Do you want to create a website but don’t know where to start?

Don’t worry – you don’t need to know how to code or be a tech expert. There are plenty of simple and intuitive solutions that allow you to build a website without writing a single line of code. In this article, I will guide you through the basics: domains, hosting, ready-made platforms, CMSs, and basic graphic design tools.

1. Domain – Your Address on the Internet

A domain is the address where users can find you (e.g., mycompany.uk).

A domain name is a unique address that identifies a website on the internet. It replaces complex IP addresses and makes it easier for users to access websites.

A domain consists of several key elements:

• Protocol (optional) – e.g., https:// (important for website security, required for e-commerce and online payments) or http:// – defines the method of data transfer (HTTPS is more secure).
• Subdomain (optional) – e.g., www. – can be customised, e.g., blog.mywebsite.co.uk.
• Domain Name – the unique name, e.g., mywebsite.
• Top-Level Domain (TLD) – e.g., .com, .co.uk, .pl, indicating the type or location of the domain.

A domain can function perfectly without a subdomain or protocol – e.g., mycompany.co.uk is a fully operational address. Thanks to this structure, each domain is a unique address allowing users to navigate websites easily.

As you may have noticed, the domain name must be unique. Therefore, you should be aware that the best domain for your website might already be taken.

Where to check domain availability and purchase it?

Domain availability can be checked with domain registrars. Popular registrars in the UK include:

• 123 Reg – Domains, websites, email, and web hosting services
• GoDaddy – Domains, websites, hosting, and online marketing tools
• OVHcloud – Cloud computing and web hosting
• Hostinger – Affordable hosting solutions made for you
• And many others.

Cost: From several to several hundred pounds per year, depending on the domain extension (.pl, .com, .co.uk).

2. Hosting – Your Website’s Home

Hosting is a service that allows you to store your website’s files on a server and make them accessible online. In simple terms – it is the space where your website’s files, databases, and resources are stored.

Every website requires both a domain (address) and hosting (storage space).

Here are some types of hosting services (even those you might not need now but should recognise by name):

• Shared Hosting – The most popular and affordable choice for small websites and blogs. Multiple users share one server, which lowers costs but may affect performance. Ideal for beginners and early-stage projects.
• VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server) – Offers better performance and more control than shared hosting. Suitable for medium-sized websites.
• Dedicated Server – A whole machine reserved for a single user. Offers top performance and full control but comes at a higher cost.
• Cloud Hosting – Highly flexible, allows dynamic scaling of resources. Perfect for websites with fluctuating traffic.
• Managed Hosting – The hosting provider handles server administration, updates, and security. Convenient for users who prefer not to manage technical aspects.

Does server location matter?

Yes, server location impacts website speed. If your users are primarily in the UK, it’s advisable to choose hosting with servers located in the UK or Europe.

Google also considers server location when ranking websites, so choosing a UK-based server can boost local SEO.

Top Hosting Providers in the UK

(with brief descriptions):

• IONOS – Offers a WordPress Essential plan with 10GB SSD storage, automatic WordPress updates, daily backups.
  From £1/month for the first year; then £9/month.
• Hostinger – WordPress Starter plan with 100GB SSD storage, support for up to 100 websites, free domain for one year.
  From £2.49/month (3-year commitment).
• SiteGround – StartUp plan offering hosting for one website, 10GB SSD storage, daily backups.
  From £2.99/month (1-year commitment).
• OVHcloud – Personal plan offering 100GB storage, unlimited traffic, multiple websites hosting.
  From £1.99/month.
• Bluehost – WordPress.org recommended hosting provider with seamless WordPress integration.
  Basic plan from £2.95/month (3-year commitment).
• 123 Reg – Leading UK domain and hosting provider with user-friendly solutions.
  WordPress Basic plan from £1.99/month.
• GoDaddy – Global provider offering a wide range of hosting services.
  Basic plan from £3.99/month (1-year commitment).

Where to buy hosting?

Hosting packages vary, so it’s best to compare offers directly on the providers’ websites.

Currently, the most budget-friendly option for learning and testing is OVH’s Personal Hosting. It’s affordable and allows easy upgrades as your needs grow.

3. Ready-Made Solutions for Beginners

If you prefer not to worry about domains, hosting, and installations, ready-made platforms offer all-in-one solutions:

• Wix – Drag-and-drop website builder with over 800 templates tailored to various industries.
  Starting from approximately $4.50 per month.
• Squarespace – Elegant and modern templates, ideal for creative professionals and small businesses. Includes robust e-commerce tools.
  Starting from $12 per month.
• Shopify – Leading e-commerce platform enabling easy shop management, integration with various sales channels, and a wide range of apps.
  Starting from $29 per month.
• Webflow – Advanced tool for designers and developers, offering full control over website design and an integrated CMS.
  Starting from $12 per month.
• Weebly – Simple website builder with e-commerce, blogging, and marketing tool integrations.
  Starting from $6 per month.
• BigCommerce – E-commerce platform geared towards fast-growing businesses, offering advanced sales tools and scalability.
  Starting from $29.95 per month.
• WebWave – A Polish website builder allowing precise design without coding, with responsiveness and SEO features.
  Starting from $10 per month.
• SITE123 – Focused on simplicity and fast website creation, offering ready-made styles and layouts.
  Starting from $12.80 per month.
• GoDaddy Website Builder – Simple website builder with e-commerce features and social media integration.
  Starting from $9.99 per month.
• Duda – Platform mainly aimed at agencies and freelancers, offering responsive design tools and team collaboration features.
  Starting from $14 per month.

Note: Prices may vary depending on region and current promotions. It is recommended to check the latest rates directly on the official websites of each provider.

Advantages:

• Easy to use
• All-in-one solutions
• No technical configuration required

Disadvantages:

• Less flexibility
• More expensive over the long term
• More difficult migration to another hosting platform

Choosing the right platform depends on your website’s purpose and your expectations.

Among website builders, Wix stands out as the most popular solution for simple websites – offering an intuitive interface, a wide range of templates, and easy editing without coding skills.

If your goal is to create an online store, Shopify remains the clear leader. It offers ready-to-use sales solutions, integration with payment systems, and excellent product management tools, making it the preferred choice for small and medium-sized online shops.

Wix & Shopify

Both Wix and Shopify provide users with ready-made, simplified systems that eliminate the need for server management or additional software installation, making them perfect choices for those taking their first steps in the world of websites.

4. CMS – Content Management System

If you want full control over your website, consider using a CMS.
A CMS allows you to manage, edit, and expand your website easily without deep technical knowledge.

Top CMSs on the Market:

• WordPress – Easiest to use and most popular. Ideal for blogs, business websites, even online shops.
• Joomla – Offers more customisation but requires more technical skills. Good for complex websites.
• Drupal – Best for large, complex projects. Highly flexible and secure, but demands developer-level knowledge.

Why Choose WordPress?

• Free and intuitive to use
• Thousands of free themes and plugins
• Excellent SEO tools
• Mobile responsive
• Suitable for blogs, business sites, portfolios, and e-commerce (with WooCommerce)
• Large supportive community

If you are just starting, WordPress is the best option – flexible, beginner-friendly, and scalable as your needs grow.

5. Basic Free Graphic Design Tools

Every website needs visually appealing graphics – from logos and homepage images to blog post illustrations and UI (User Interface) elements. Creating aesthetic graphics does not require expensive software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator – there are many free tools that can successfully replace paid solutions.

Here are three popular graphic design programmes that can help you create visuals for your website:

Canva

An intuitive tool for everyone and everything

• Ideal for beginners – no need to master complex graphic design tools.
• Drag-and-drop interface – very simple graphic editing.
• Rich library of ready-made templates – from social media posts and business cards to presentations.
• Free and premium resources – many graphics, fonts, and icons are available for free, but some elements require a subscription.
• Online access – works in the browser without the need for installation.

Who is it for?
Canva is a great option for those with no experience in graphic design who want to quickly and easily create visually appealing materials for websites or social media.

Check out Canva

GIMP

A free alternative to Photoshop

• Advanced tool for photo editing and raster graphics.
• Supports layers, masks, and filters with advanced retouching tools.
• Supports PSD files – you can open and edit Photoshop files.
• Extensive community and plugin availability – ability to expand the programme’s functionality.
• Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Who is it for?
GIMP is a great choice for those who need more advanced photo editing and graphic design features but do not want to pay for Photoshop. It is not as intuitive as Canva but offers greater control over editing.

Download GIMP

Figma

Website and interface design

• Excellent tool for designing websites, applications, and UI/UX.
• Online editor – works in the browser, no installation required.
• Supports real-time collaboration – ideal for design teams.
• Option to export to HTML and CSS – facilitates the implementation of designs on websites.
• Integration with other tools – ability to add plugins and extensions.

Who is it for?
Figma is an excellent solution for web designers, UX/UI designers, and developers who want to work on the visual side of a project before implementing it online.

Try Figma

Programme Summary

• Canva – best for quick and simple graphic creation (banners, posts, logos).
• GIMP – for more advanced users needing detailed photo editing and graphic design from scratch.
• Figma – for UX/UI designers creating website and application interfaces.

Each of these tools has its own applications – the choice depends on what type of graphics you want to create and your experience with graphic design programmes. If you are just beginning your journey with website graphics, Canva will be the easiest choice. If you need more advanced editing capabilities, it is worth trying GIMP or Figma.

Summary – What to Choose When Starting?

• Domain – choose .pl or .co.uk, depending on your target market
• Hosting – self-managed hosting + WordPress offers the greatest flexibility
• Ready-made platforms – ideal for those who prefer simpler but more expensive solutions
• CMS – WordPress is the best option for beginners
• Graphics – Canva, GIMP, and Figma will help you create visual elements

Do you already have an idea for your website? Which solution seems the best to you?

Feel free to share your thoughts with me!