Website for Startups
With Bluehost and WordPress Combo
If you are ready to build a website for a startup, and your budget will not allow you to hire a professional, the combination of Bluehost WordPress is a good option. Creating and maintaining a website is not extremely complicated anymore. There are many good Website Builders out there. But while some of them look easy to use, in the long run, they may prove not very effective.
If you are looking for a platform that can start small and grow when you’re ready, that is constantly updating to follow online novelties, and that has a great community and support system – WordPress is king. And if you are choosing WordPress as your builder, Bluehost will be a great option for your Hosting Service.
- Bluehost is one of the 3 best hosts recommended by WordPress,
- Bluehost will install WordPress software for you
- Bluehost developed a WordPress Builder, that can simplify the creation of the site.
So, how do you start the process?
1. You need to choose and register a Domain Name
Domain Name (the URL) is your address on the web.
Just like any address, it must be unique, and it is good when it’s not too long and easy to remember. Often it is the same as the name of your business. And just like the name of your business it needs to be registered. There are many registrars on the web that for a fee will check if the name of your choice is available, establish your ownership, and protect it from stealing.
2. You need to purchase a Hosting Service
If you think of your domain name as an “address” then Hosting Service can be compared to a landlord leasing to you “land” where you could build your website. There are many hosting services to choose from. After working for over a decade with some of them, I decided that Bluehost is my favorite.
First, I was looking for proficiency, good uptime, and service that keeps things simple. As a graphic designer and not a nerd, I don’t like to be constantly hands-on with the site maintenance, updates, fixing brakes, or remembering backups. Bluehost runs updates for me, and if I want to modify any settings myself, their dashboard is certainly not too techie!
Bluehost is very affordable, and as I was already saying WordPress Friendly.
What is WordPress?
You have an “address” and a “land” to build on – now you need a “general builder”; a system that will hold your structure together and allow you to connect necessary utilities.
WordPress is the most popular and versatile system for building websites.
It is an open-source platform that attracts a community of people who constantly contribute to its improvement. They make updates and create new Themes, Plugins, and Templates. With so many to choose from, you can start small, and as your confidence will grow and your business expand – customize and build up. And the variety, innovations, and possibilities are endless. So, of course, I was happy to discover the one-click WordPress installation button right after I opened my Bluehost account!
Why do I favor Bluehost?
At a good promo time like the Holidays, it can cost as low as $2.95 per month. And that includes a free domain for the first year! They even help you set the domain up. Without special promotion you can get the basic plan for less than $5/month, and it will include:
- Expert 24/7 Support (they really answer phones!)
- Free SSL Certificate
- Easy to use C-Panel
- 1-Click WordPress installation (mentioned before)
- Access to hundreds of Themes, Templates, and Plugins
- Automatic WordPress updates
- NEW Drag and Drop WordPress Builder
All right, there are a few terms that may need explaining.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate provides authentication for your website. It is this “https//” right before your URL. It communicates to your visitors’ credentials and security. A must-have on every e-commerce site, and good practice for all others. I still remember the time and money I had to spend in the past with Some Other Host to install the certificate on a website I was working on… so, when with Bluehost it appeared on my site effortlessly and free – I was glad!
The Control Panel (c-Panel), help manage your sites. Right at the start, the Bluehost will walk you there through a checklist of all the things that you need to complete for the site to work. There are features on each site, like the SSL, that you install once, and if they work, you never think about them again. So, they are easy to forget. A checklist like this is a lifesaver!
Don’t be shy, click around the c-Panel for more than the necessities. You’ll be surprised by the options and freebies you may find. Make a not of any apps and plugins that could enhance your site’s functionality in the future.
For example, I found a way to set up a personalized email account for my site.
Themes, Plugins, and Templates
The next step is choosing a theme. If I am to follow the architectural references – a Theme is like your general layout and structure. It sets up the initial look and function. It comes with specific colors, fonts, and a navigation system. Later you could modify most of them, but to start with, select a theme that is already aesthetically appealing to you and comes with functionality that suits your business best.
Templates are pre-built elements that you can use within specific themes.
Plugins could be compared to “utility connectors”. They work with most themes and allow you to add functionality to your design. The basic, and most popular plugins facilitate your site with contact forms, SEO, enhanced security, social media sharing options, and allow you to build an online store.
Basic WordPress is free, but the Themes, Templates, and Plugins come with many price tags. For some, you need to pay from the beginning, but many come with a basic free version. And this is what I recommend: start with a freebie, check it out, never pay for what you need not use.
Once you move from the Bluehost initial setups to the WordPress you will see all the elements on the WordPress Dashboard. I know, when you look at it first – it may appear intimidating. Remember: WordPress is being built by its community. Every element you find there (or download and activate) comes with instructions.
A good rule when choosing your theme and plugins is to select the most popular, recently updated, and highly rated. The community talks: often, in addition to all instructions that come with the applications you will find tips and tricks on YouTube. For quick referrals, I also listed below a set of books you may want to keep handy.
Once you move from the Bluehost initial setups to the WordPress you will see all the elements on the WordPress Dashboard. I know when you look at it first – it may appear intimidating. Remember: WordPress is being built by its community. Every element you find there (or download and activate) comes with instructions.
A good rule when choosing your theme and plugins is to select the most popular, recently updated, and highly rated. The community talks: often, in addition to all the instructions that come with the applications you will find tips and tricks on YouTube.
For quick referrals, I also listed below a set of books you may want to keep handy:
Disclaimer: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you make a purchase through my Amazon link in this post I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I update the links often and look out for the best deals, and the most up-to-date, and relevant materials. Also, I don’t recommend what I don’t use myself.
Bottom line: Bluehost is great web hosting for WordPress for everyone. Whether you already have a website and are not happy with your hosting provider, or if you are just setting up your site – check out Bluehost today.