Set Up Hosting & Buying A Domain Name
In this section I will cover setting up hosting and a domain name for your website, as well as explaining what they are!
What is Hosting?
Hosting (also known as "web hosting") is basically a computer that is left on 24/7 running your website or blog on it so that people can still visit your website - even when your computer is switched off. Hosting is something you do require if your going to run a website and will usually cost you around $5 a month (although later on in this guide I will give you a coupon code to get your first months hosting for only one penny!)
What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is basically the title of your website or blog, with WWW. Before it and .com after it - so for example, Googles domain name is www.google.com. A domain name, once again is something you will require to run a website. A domain name will usually cost you around $13, only you don't pay this once a month like your hosting - you domain name is billed once a year.
In this guide we will be using a company called HostGator, for both our Hosting and our Domain Name, below I will tell you why I have chosen this company.
Why Use HostGator?
Here are just a few reasons why I suggest using HostGator as your hosting provider and why I continue to use them for all of my websites -
- 99.9% Uptime or more so your Website is always online
- 45-Day Money Back Guarantee in case you change your mind
- 1-click WordPress Installation
- Free Live Online Chat 24-hours a day, 7-days a week
- I can offer a coupon code that will get your first months hosting for one penny
Please Note - If you do decide to use another web hosting company for your website, you may need to improvise a few steps of this guide as I am using HostGator for the example.