You’re likely here because you want to know how to make a business website. 

In this guide we’re going to help you get started with an affordable and effective WordPress business website so you can start connecting with potential clients and customers.

This guide is broken down into 4 main parts. Here are the steps for Part 1:

Quick Guide: How to make a business website Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 |

You probably started your journey by searching things like “websites to make websites” or “free websites to make websites” or even “best websites to make websites”— then you likely realized there’s a lot of options out there and prices are all over the place.

The truth is… there is no best. There is only what works best for you and your specific needs or use case. Most website builders, freelancers, or agencies come with their own pros and cons. And if you really are looking for the “best” then it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars and a couple of months of waiting.

You might not want to hear this, but there will always be costs associated with your website, whether you pay someone to manage the project for you, or you tackle it yourself.

The good news is that if you’re looking for a free website then the do-it-yourself approach is about as close to free as you can possibly get–and I’m going to help you.

I created Project Nevada to help empower entrepreneurs, professionals, and micro businesses to thrive online through impactful web design and effective digital strategies. Owning a website can be daunting, cumbersome, and overwhelming for some, but it really doesn’t have to be. 

There are an endless number of options when it comes to building and maintaining a website. So, for our purposes here we’re going to make a few assumptions:

• This is a fresh build (You don’t have a website at all or are looking to start from scratch)
• You need web hosting
• You need a domain name
• You’d like a professional email for your business
• You will be using WordPress to build your website
• You need help with business logo, branding, and design

WordPress is open source and has a ton of support online. If you’re new to the website world, this is especially helpful because you can almost always find a solution with a quick online search if you get stuck. Also, because it’s widely used, you can always find a professional to assist.

Helpful tip: Keep everything you do on brand (your business brand). Look at everything from the lens of the consumer, client, or customer. Make it as easy as possible for people to remember, engage, or share. This may be challenging at times but do your best to keep this in mind.

Ok, let’s officially get started with building your business website.

Part 1: Get Web Hosting and Pick a Domain Name with Namecheap

First thing we’ll need is web hosting. We’ll also need a domain name (your website address). These are two separate things and we need both to make your website function.

We’re doing this part together because you will benefit from the extra savings on your initial setup if you don’t already have an account with Namecheap. 

If you already have a domain and web hosting ready to go then you can skip to Part 2 and get started with WordPress installation in cPanel.

Step 1: Picking the right web hosting plan for your business

Go to Namecheap’s Web Hosting + Domain Name and click on the red Get Started button.

You should see three hosting packages. You’ll want the middle one. Under Stellar Plus go ahead and click on Select Plan.

Choosing the Stellar Plus package over the cheaper option is a better choice. The Stellar Plus option gives a bit more flexibility and includes a top-level domain such as .COM.

If you’re ok with some restrictions on your domain, bandwidth, and storage space, then the cheaper option is a good opportunity to save a few more bucks.

Stellar Plus is the better choice. If you’re running a small ecommerce business you should probably pick the Stellar Business package.

Step 2: Business website domain

Now that we have our web hosting we’ll need a domain name. If you selected the Stellar Plus hosting option then we can go ahead and get a .COM domain. Go ahead and type in what you’re looking for. 

SUPER IMPORTANT: Double and triple check your spelling. Make sure it’s correct. Once you make the purchase there’s no fixing it without buying a new domain name.

Once you’ve found your perfect domain. Click the bubble next to it and then click on the Connect to Hosting button.

A couple of other things to keep in mind here: If the domain name you want is taken, consider a variant or alternative that makes sense. Keep it short and make it easy to remember if possible. This is especially important if you will be using it for a professional business email (we’ll set this up later).

I mean… just look at my example “superstellardomainname.com” and imagine trying to type that out without a mistake just to send an email. Imagine what that would look like on printed or branded materials. Think about the implications. Some potential clients or customers will struggle with longer names, and this could mean the loss of potential sales or leads.

Just something to think about.

Ok, let’s continue.

Step 3: Confirming your website package details

Next, hit the orange Add to Cart button located below the package summary.

You should now see your Cart which contains your domain registration information for 1 year along with your free domain privacy protection and your Stellar Plus web hosting.

Domain privacy helps keep personal information hidden when you register your domain. Some domain registrars make you pay extra for domain privacy; Namecheap provides it for free. 

Important: Make sure auto-renew is turned on for your domain registration, domain privacy, and your stellar hosting. If you forget to pay for your hosting your site will go down; and if you forget to pay for your domain someone else may be able to buy it. You will also lose access to any email associated with your domain. Stay on top of these bills.

Once you’re ready, click the orange button on the right to CONFIRM ORDER.

Step 4: Creating a Namecheap account to complete purchase

Alright, you’re doing great! We’re almost done. All you have to do now is Create an Account by filling out the form.

Important: Make sure your email address is correct when signing up!!!!

If you already have an account simply log in and continue.

Once you’re done filling out the form, click the orange button on the bottom to Create Account and Continue.

Woohoo! Part 1 complete!

Now just hang out for a bit and wait for the confirmation email with all your credentials. For security purposes, make sure you update your passwords as instructed in the email.

Note: Namecheap runs promos all the time that can help save additional money. They even have a dedicated page for these promotional offers which you can find here: Namecheap promos page.

When you’re ready we can move on to Part 2 to access the cPanel and install WordPress.

Quick Guide: How to make a business website Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 |