How to Create a Website Without Using a Platform Like Wix, Weebly or Similar

Creating a website from scratch with coding requires a different set of skills compared to using a website builder like Wix or Weebly. However, the process is rewarding and provides greater control and customization. This guide outlines the steps and provides valuable resources for creating a website without relying on such platforms.

Steps to Create a Website From Scratch

Step 1: Plan Your Website

Define Purpose: Determine the purpose of your website. Is it a portfolio, a personal blog, or a business site? Sketch Layout: Create a rough layout of how you want your website to look. Think about the structure and navigation.

Step 2: Choose Your Tools

Text Editor: Use a code editor like Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, or Atom. Languages: Familiarize yourself with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. HTML: Structure your content into semantic elements. CSS: Style your content to make it visually appealing. JavaScript: Add interactivity if needed. (Optional)

Step 3: Write Your Code

Create an file with the following structure:

!DOCTYPE html
html langen
thead
tt
tt
ttYour Website Title
tt
ttscript defer srcscript.js/script
t/head
tbody
ttheader
ttth1Welcome to My Website/h1
tt/header
ttmain
tttpThis is a sample paragraph on my website./p
tt/main
ttfooter
tttpCopyright 2024 Your Name/p
tt/footer
t/body
/html

Create a file for styling:

body {
tfont-family: Arial, sans-serif;
tpadding: 0;
tmargin: 0;
}
header {
tbackground-color: #4CAF50;
tcolor: white;
tpadding: 10px 0;
ttext-align: center;
}
main {
tpadding: 20px;
}

Create a file for interactivity (optional):

('DOMContentLoaded', ()  {
tconsole.log('Document is ready!');
});

Step 4: Test Locally

Open your file in a web browser to see how it looks and functions. This helps you identify and fix any issues before deploying your website.

Step 5: Choose a Hosting Service

You can host your website for free or pay to get more control and features. Here are some options:

Free Hosting: GitHub Pages, Netlify, or Vercel are great for static sites. Paid Hosting: Bluehost, SiteGround, or DigitalOcean for more control and features.

Step 6: Upload Your Files

Use FTP File Transfer Protocol tools like FileZilla or the hosting service's interface to upload your files to the server.

Step 7: Domain Name

Purchase a domain name from registrars like GoDaddy or Namecheap and connect it to your hosting service.

Step 8: Maintain Your Website

Regularly update content and make improvements based on user feedback to keep your website relevant and engaging.

Additional Resources

Learning HTML/CSS

FreeCodeCamp MDN Web Docs

JavaScript Tutorials

Codecademy

By following these steps, you can create a fully functional website without relying on website builders. Each step is crucial to ensure your website functions seamlessly and is optimized for search engines.

For further guidance, check out my Quora Profile!