How To Build a Website in 2025: Simplified Guide for Beginners 

Key takeaways:

• Website builders, WordPress, and custom development each serve different needs depending on goals, budget, and technical skills. 
• Building a site is a step-by-step process that combines planning, design, content, and maintenance. 
• Testing for speed, mobile responsiveness, and security is important before launch.

Building a website used to take months of coding and expensive developers. Today, it’s different. In fact, 73% of small businesses already have a website, and most new owners can launch in under a week with modern builders and AI tools (although custom or CMS-based sites can still take weeks to a few months). 

The pressure is on: if your business isn’t online, you’re missing leads, sales, and credibility. Many guides skip the details that matter, which leads only to end up with a half-finished site.  

That’s why, in this guide you’ll get a clear, step-by-step plan to launch a professional website in 2025. You’ll also see how Network Solutions simplifies each stage of the process, so you move from idea to live site without the headaches. 

9 steps to build your first website

Here are the necessary steps to build your first website, from planning and setup to launching and ongoing promotion. 

1. Define the purpose of your website 
2. Choose between a website builder, CMS, or hire a developer 
3. Select a domain name 
4. Set-up web hosting  
5. Know the necessary web pages you need 
6. Build your website 
7. Create your content 
8. Test and launch your website 
9. Maintain and promote your site 

1. Define the purpose of your website 

Before we proceed on the technicalities, you need to be clear on why you’re building a website in the first place. A well-defined purpose ensures that your design, content, and features all work together toward your goals. 

”A website is a centralized location where customers can find everything they need about your business.” – Karissa Palmer, Senior Graphic Designer at Network Solutions 

If your goal is to share ideas through blogging, a simple site with basic templates will do the job. But if it’s to sell products online, you’ll need features like a shopping cart, secure payment gateways, and stronger hosting.  

Knowing this upfront prevents wasted effort and helps you invest in the right tools from the beginning. 

If you’re unsure where to start, here are some of the most common website types you can choose depending on your goals: 

• Business website. If you run a company or service, this site promotes what you offer, helps you capture leads, and can even sell products directly online. 
• Portfolio website. If you’re a freelancer or creative professional, this is your digital showcase where you display work samples and make it easy for clients to reach out. 
• Content website. If your focus is sharing knowledge or growing an audience, use this type to publish blogs, videos, or podcasts and attract traffic through search engine optimization (SEO). 
• Educational website. If you want to teach, train, or provide courses, this site lets you deliver lessons, certifications, and downloadable resources. 
• Personal website. If you want a flexible option, use this site to share your personal projects, stories, or resume in a way that reflects your personality. 

Be specific. Ask yourself: Who is my audience? What do I want them to do when they land on my site? Once you know the answers, you’ll have a clear direction to guide every choice you make in the building process. 

2. Decide between using a website builder, CMS, or hiring a developer 

Once you’ve defined your website’s purpose, the next step is knowing how you’ll bring it to life. You have three main options to choose from when building a website. Each path shapes how easy it is to manage, and how much flexibility you’ll have as it grows.  

Here are your three options:  

• No-code website builders 
• Content management systems like WordPress 
• Hire a developer or code it yourself  

No-code website builders  

If you want a fast, code-free way to get online, a website builder is the easiest option. With drag-and-drop editors, templates, and built-in hosting, you can launch a professional site in hours without coding.  

This is best if you: 

• Run a small business and need instant online presence 
• Work as a freelancer or creative building a portfolio 
• Prefer simplicity over managing technical details 

Consideration: Website builders are convenient, but they can be less flexible for complex features or large-scale growth. 

Content management systems (CMS) like WordPress 

A CMS offers more flexibility and control. WordPress, for example, powers millions of websites worldwide and supports thousands of plugins for blogs, portfolios, business sites, and even eCommerce.  

You’ll need reliable hosting service, but once it’s set up, you can customize nearly everything. Build a website using WordPress if you: 

• Plan to publish content regularly (blogs, news, resources) 
• Expect to scale your website over time 
• Need advanced features like online stores, bookings, or memberships 

Consideration: A CMS requires more responsibility. You’ll need to manage updates, security patches, and backups. 

Hire a developer or code it yourself 

Building a website with code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or modern frameworks) gives you the highest level of control over design, performance, and features. If you lack coding skills, hiring a developer is an ideal way to get professional support.  

This path is ideal if you want a site that’s fully customized and built to your specifications. 

This approach is best for: 

• Startups or companies needing advanced, custom features 
• Large projects with complex requirements 
• Businesses that want long-term scalability and performance 

Consideration: This option is the most expensive and time-intensive. You’ll need either technical expertise or a budget to hire a developer, and you’ll also be responsible for ongoing hosting, updates, and security. 

Quick comparison table at a glance

Option	Best for	Pros	Considerations
Website builder + AI	Beginners, small businesses, freelancers	Fast setup, AI design help, no coding, hosting included	Limited customization, less scalable
CMS (WordPress)	Growing businesses, content creators, e-commerce	Flexible, scalable, thousands of plugins	Needs hosting, maintenance, and updates
Hire a developer/code it	Custom projects, startups, enterprises	Full control, advanced features, long-term scalability	Most expensive, requires skills or budget

Points to ponder 

• Choose a website builder if you want speed and simplicity. 
• Go with WordPress or another CMS if you need flexibility and room to grow. 
• Hire a developer or go custom if full control and advanced features are your priority. 

Select the platform that supports your purpose and fits your skills, budget, and long-term plans. 

If you’ve already made your decision, we at Network Solutions has everything you need in one place.  

• An AI-powered Website Builder for quick, no-code launches 
• Reliable WordPress Hosting if you prefer building with WordPress 
• Professional Web Design Services if you’d like experts to create your site for you 

With all these options under one roof, you don’t have to juggle multiple providers. You can choose the option that fits your goals and stay focused on growing your online presence. 

3. Select a domain name 

Another important element of creating a website is a domain name. It’s usually the URL you type to visit a website. For example, “facebook.com”, facebook is the domain and .com is the domain extension or Top-level domain (TLD).  

You can build a website without a domain name. However, it’s professional to have this ready as it helps your target audience easily find you and builds trust.    

When picking a domain name, consider these best practices to get the most out of it:  

• Keep it short. Short names are easier to type and remember. Example BrightBakery.com works better than TheBestBakeryInYourNeighborhood.com. 
• Avoid confusion. Skip numbers, hyphens, or odd spellings. Example TechWorld.com is clear, while Tech-World123.com is not. 
• Use trusted extensions. com is the most familiar. .org is known for nonprofits. Country codes like .ca or .co.uk help local businesses look credible in their region. 
• Consider niche extensions. Domains like .shop or .blog show what your site is about. GreenMarket.shop signals a store, while TravelNotes.blog signals content. For more on TLDs and ccTLDs, check out our guide on domain extensions. 
• Check availability. Make sure the name isn’t trademarked and that matching social handles are free. 
• Protect your brand. It’s optional to get a misspelled version of your domain. However, as you grow, capturing lost traffic from typos and cyberattacks like typosquatting is beneficial.  

Note: Keywords in a domain don’t boost rankings on their own, but a clear, descriptive domain improves user trust and click-through rates. Google values content quality, site performance, and backlinks more. Still, a clear name like for instance, DallasPlumbing.com helps people understand what you do right away. 

How to get a domain name with Network Solutions 

If you don’t have a domain yet, you can buy or register a domain name with us at Network Solutions. The process is straightforward.  

Here’s how to do it: 

1. Visit networksolutions.com/domain. 
2. Search for your ideal domain name using the search bar. 
3. Review suggestions if your first choice isn’t available, you’ll see alternative names and extensions you can register. 
4. Select the domain you want and add it to your cart. 
5. Checkout by filling in your details to complete the registration. 

4. Set up web hosting  

Once you get your domain, ensure that your website has a reliable web hosting for your site. Web hosting stores your site’s files and delivers them to visitors whenever they type in your web address. Without hosting, your domain is just an empty address with nothing behind it. 

The type of hosting you need depends on how you decided to build your site in Step 2: 

• If you’re using a website builder. Hosting is already included, so you don’t need to manage it separately. Learn more about the difference between a website builder vs. website hosting. 
• If you’re building with WordPress. Choose a hosting plan designed for WordPress. This keeps your site fast, secure, and easy to maintain with automatic updates and backups.  
• If you’re coding or hiring a developer. You’ll likely need a virtual private server (VPS) or dedicated hosting for greater performance and control. If necessary, ask your developer to assist you in selecting and configuring the ideal plan for your needs. 

Recommendation: If you’re building your first site, start with a no-code website builder. But if you want to create a website with WordPress, then WordPress hosting is the right choice. 

5. Know the necessary web pages you need 

A well-structured website makes it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for and act. Before you start designing, outline the core pages your site should have. This gives your website a clear flow and ensures nothing important gets left out. 

Here are the must-have pages for most websites: 

• Home page. This acts as the first impression of your brand. It should clearly state who you are, what you offer, and guide visitors to the next step (like contacting you or browsing products). 
• About page. Build trust by telling your story. Share your mission, values, or team so visitors know the people behind the brand. 
• Services or products page. Show what products you offer with clear descriptions, pricing (if applicable), and calls-to-action like “Buy now” or “Request a quote.” 
• Blog or resources page. A space to publish helpful content that answers customer questions and boosts your visibility in search engines. 
• Contact page. Make it simple for people to reach you. Include a form, email, phone number, and if relevant, your business location and hours. 

These pages are common across most websites, but you don’t have to stop there. Take time to review competitor sites for inspiration and look for opportunities to add sections they may have overlooked. This helps you identify patterns that work and adapt them to fit your audience. 

Just as important as the structure is the messaging. Clear, benefit-driven copy will make each page more effective. If writing isn’t your strength, consider working with a professional to ensure your content connects with visitors. 

6. Build your website 

Note: The steps below focus on building your site with Network Solutions Website Builder. If you chose WordPress or custom build, the process would look different, but the core principles of design, structure, and usability remain the same. 

This is the stage where planning becomes a tangible reality. You’ve defined your goal, chosen a domain, and already identified the key pages.  

Now it’s time to build your site. Think of this step as creating both the frame (structure and design) and the interior (content and features).  

This sounds technical, but luckily, with Network Solutions’ drag-and-drop feature and AI tools, it’s simple and easy for you to get started even you have zero coding skills  

Here’s how that works with Network Solutions’ Website Builder according to Brian McMullin (SVP of Product): “What we’re doing here is we’re taking this info about the site that you’re trying to build and then we’re doing all that stuff for you. We’re using AI to generate content, images, styles, colors, fonts and all of that. At the end of this process, you have a great website that’ll get you started that you can fine-tune and ultimately publish online.” 

Here’s how to build your site step by step: 

1. Sign up and choose your plan. 
2. Choose a template. 
3. Apply your branding. 
4. Add your core pages. 
5. Insert content and visuals. 
6. Preview and optimize for mobile. 

Sign up and choose your plan  

Begin by creating an account. Then, choose the plan that best fits your needs. Network Solutions provides three website builder plans: 

• Website 
• Website + Marketing 
• eCommerce 

Each plan caters to different requirements, such as basic website pages, online stores, or blogs. 

Note: Prices listed above are current as of this writing. Please refer to our website builder pricing page for the most up-to-date information. 

Choose a template  

Your template sets the foundation for your website’s design. With Network Solutions, you can choose from professionally designed templates built for different industries, each including layouts for essential pages like Home, About, Services, and Contact. 

Look for a template that suits your industry and aligns with the tone of your brand. For example, a law firm may prefer a clean, professional style with muted colors, while a bakery might opt for a bright, playful layout with ample space for photos. 

Once chosen, you can fully customize it, adjust colors, fonts, and layouts—so the final site reflects your unique brand identity. Always preview templates on both desktop and mobile to ensure the design looks good across all devices. 

Apply your branding 

Brand consistency helps visitors recognize and trust your business. Upload your logo, set your brand colors, and choose your ideal fonts that match your identity.  

Using too many colors or typefaces can make a site feel cluttered, so sticking to a simple palette of one main shade with one or two accents creates a polished look. The builder applies your choices across all pages, keeping your site cohesive without extra effort. 

Add your core pages 

Next, build the essential pages you outlined in Step 5: 

• Home page to introduce your business and guide visitors 
• About page to share your story and values 
• Services or Products page to showcase what you offer 
• Blog or Resources page to provide ongoing content 
• Contact page so visitors can easily reach you 

Each page should have a clear purpose and at least one call-to-action (CTA), whether that’s “Book now,” “Get a quote,” or “Subscribe.” 

Insert content and visuals 

Once your pages are in place, it’s time to add text, images, and interactive elements. Here are a few key things to keep in mind: 

• Write clear, benefit-focused copy that speaks directly to your audience and shows how you can solve their needs. 
• Use high-quality images that reflect your brand. If you don’t have original photos yet, you can source free stock images from platforms like Unsplash, Pixabay, or Pexels. 
• Optimize visuals for speed by compressing image sizes so your pages load quickly. 
• Add descriptive alternative text (alt text) to every image to enhance accessibility and provide search engines with helpful context. 
• Break content into sections with clear headings and bullet points so visitors can easily scan and absorb information. 

Preview and optimize for mobile 

More than half of website traffic comes from mobile devices, so reviewing your site on smaller screens is ideal. It’s strongly recommended to employ mobile site best practices since Google has a mobile-first indexing approach, meaning it primarily uses the mobile version of websites for indexing and ranking.

With Network Solutions’ Website Builder, a mobile-friendly version of your site is automatically created, but it’s still important to check spacing, font sizes, and how buttons display on phones and tablets.  

A design that works seamlessly on mobile will usually feel even stronger on desktop.  

Helpful insight from Karissa Palmer – Senior Graphic Designer at Network Solutions:  
 
“Today, design should be mobile first. Everyone has a computer in their pocket. That means your site must be responsive—it adapts to every screen size. Fonts, images, and videos shouldn’t break. Buttons need to be large enough to tap with your finger—if they’re too small, people get frustrated.”   

7. Create content 

Content is the core of how you connect with your audience and get discovered online. Focus on crafting clear and helpful text that effectively explains your business and services. Naturally incorporate relevant keywords to improve your search engine rank. 

Don’t know what to write? Consider these types of content: 

• Product descriptions 
• How-to-guides 
• Stories 

Look for ways to break up long sections with headlines, bullet points, and short paragraphs, making it easier for both visitors to read content and search engines to crawl and index your website. This also helps with AI overview optimization since large language models (LLMs) are known to easily understand well-organized and logically grouped content.  

Start creating content that continually stays relevant for extended periods. These contents typically address common problems and questions people have. For instance, this article doesn’t need to be updated on a specific holiday. 

To keep users engaged is to support your text with high-quality visuals, such as images and videos. 

8. Test and launch your website 

Before launching your website, go through your website as if you were a visitor and make sure everything works as expected. This testing phase is crucial for identifying issues that could frustrate users. Take your time here, as rushing this step often leads to embarrassing mistakes going live. 

Check the following: 

• Links and navigation. Test every menu item, button, and internal link to ensure they direct users to the correct pages. 
• Forms and CTAs. Submit contact forms and test calls-to-action to confirm you receive inquiries or leads. 
• Mobile responsiveness. Review your site on different devices (phones, tablets, desktops) to ensure layouts adapt correctly. 
• Content accuracy. Proofread text for typos, confirm pricing details, and double-check contact information. 
• Speed and performance. Use free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to see if your pages load quickly. 
• Security. Verify your SSL certificate is active (look for the padlock symbol in the browser). 

You can create a launch checklist to cover all loose ends. Include final reviews of your content, functionality, and design. 
 
Once you’ve completed your checks, it’s time to launch. Connect your domain, publish your site, and make it live for the world to see.  
 
Ensure that search engines index your website, set up Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track web page performance, and install security measures to protect website visitors.

9. Maintain and promote your site

Now that you’ve built your website, it’s time to keep it running smoothly and help people find it. 

Start with regular maintenance, checking your site often to update content, fix broken links, and ensure everything loads quickly. Fresh content signals search engines that your website is current and active.  

Another part of maintaining your website is expanding your audience. So, promote your site. Remember, even the best website needs a little push to reach the right customers. 

While SEO is a great way to show up online often, you can also consider other ways to bring your business to new heights. This includes: 

• Promoting on social media platforms 
• Sending special letters and reminders through email marketing 
• Using Google’s pay-per-click ads. 

What are common mistakes to avoid when creating a website? 

Even with the best tools, it’s easy to overlook important details when building a site. Avoiding these common web design mistakes will save you time and help your website perform better from the start: 

• Skipping mobile optimization. Most visitors browse on phones. If your site doesn’t adapt to smaller screens, you risk losing potential customers. 
• Cluttered design. Too many fonts, colors, or animations can overwhelm users. Keep your design clean and focused on your message. 
• Weak navigation. If visitors can’t quickly find what they’re looking for, they might leave. Limit menus to 5–7 main items and label them clearly. 
• No clear calls-to-action (CTAs). Every page should guide visitors toward an action, whether it’s making a purchase, booking a call, or subscribing. 
• Slow load speeds. Large, uncompressed images or heavy add-ons can slow down your site, and users rarely wait more than a few seconds. 
• Forgetting SEO basics. Titles, meta descriptions, and alt text help search engines understand your site. Skipping them can hurt your visibility. 
• Outdated or missing content. An empty blog, broken links, or outdated information can make your site appear untrustworthy. 

A good rule of thumb is to put yourself in your visitor’s shoes. If something feels confusing, slow, or incomplete, chances are your audience will share the same sentiment. 

Build your website today 

Building and launching a professional site requires careful planning and execution, from selecting the right domain to keeping your site live without headaches.

With Network Solutions’ comprehensive tools and features, you get everything in one place—register your domain in minutes, build your website faster with simpler tools, and host your site on reliable plans that won’t slow you down. And when you need help, you’ll talk to a real person who walks you through it step by step.

Ready to make your mark online? Start building a website with Network Solutions today and go live in minutes, not days.

Frequently asked questions