Introduction
Starting a website doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Between domain names, servers, CMS, SSL, SEO, and privacy rules, it can sound like a jungle of jargon. But here’s the truth: you only need a few core pieces to launch a website that’s professional, secure, and ready to grow.
This guide explains the basics in plain English, and why each part matters for your business success.
Programming: useful, but not required
Websites are built with three main programming languages:
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language) — structures the content.
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) — styles the look and layout.
- JavaScript — adds interactivity and logic.
Why it matters: Even if you don’t plan to code yourself, knowing the basics of these languages helps you understand how the web works. It also makes it easier to communicate with developers if your site needs custom features later.
👉 The good news: today you don’t need to know coding to launch a professional-looking site. Tools like WordPress or DIY builders take care of it for you.
⚠️ Disclaimer: If you’re building a commercial website that needs to handle leads, payments, or sensitive data, it’s wise to work with someone who understands these technologies. A poorly coded site can be slow, insecure, and cost you customers.
1. A domain name: your digital address
A domain name is your website’s unique address online, like example.com. It’s how people find you and remember you.
Why it matters: Your domain is part of your brand. A short, clear, professional domain builds trust and makes your site easier to find. It also influences your visibility in search engines.
Quick tips:
- Go for a .com if possible, or your local TLD* if you serve one market (e.g., .co.uk, .de).
- Keep it short, easy to spell, and avoid unnecessary hyphens.
- Radio test: If you hear it on radio, can you type it?
Asking an expert for helt to select a domain name, might be smart.
* TLD = Top Level Domain and is the last part of a domain. (.com for this site). Each nation has their own TLD (.se for Sweden, .de for Germany, .co.uk for United Kingdom) If you target a spesific nation, consider using the local TLD. (US can use .us, net or .com)
2. Hosting: the house for your website
Your domain points people to your site, but hosting is where the site actually lives. It’s the “house” that stores your files and serves them when visitors knock.
Why it matters: Hosting directly impacts speed, uptime, and security. A cheap host might save money upfront, but slow load times or frequent downtime will cost you far more in lost leads and sales.
Main options:
- Shared hosting (cheap, but crowded and slow).
- Managed WordPress hosting (optimized for speed and security, best choice for most).
- Cloud hosting (scalable and powerful, but more technical).
3. A CMS (Content Management System): the engine that runs your site
A CMS is the software that lets you build and manage your site without coding everything from scratch.
DIY options (Wix, Squarespace, Shopify): easy to start, but you’ll hit limits.
WordPress: open-source, flexible, and the best long-term option for 98% of site owners.
Why it matters: Your CMS defines what you can do, how fast you can grow, and whether you truly own your site. WordPress is the most future-proof option, were you get full control, thousands of plugins, and freedom from vendor lock-in.
After 25 years of building websites, my advice is clear, your best bet is WordPress.
See our guide: WordPress SEO in 30 Minutes
4. SSL & HTTPS: don’t skip security
An SSL certificate turns your site from http:// to https://. It encrypts data and shows visitors that your site is secure.
Why it matters: Security builds trust. Modern browsers warn users away from “Not secure” sites. Google also uses HTTPS as a ranking factor. Luckily, most hosting providers include SSL for free.
Bonus tip: Create backup routines, and use two factor login.
5. SEO & content basics
Even the best-looking website is useless if nobody finds it. SEO (Search Engine Optimization, and yes, it works for AI bots as well) starts with a few simple steps:
- Write clear, concise page titles.
- Add meta descriptions that summarize each page.
- Use headings (H1, H2, H3) to structure your content.
- Add alt text to images.
- Keep each page unique
Why it matters: These basics make your site visible to search engines, and help users quickly understand what your site is about. Without them, your site will stay invisible.
Try our free Heading Health Check
to see if your site is using H1 and H2 correctly.
6. Privacy & compliance
Even small sites need a basic privacy policy and a cookie notice. Regulations like GDPR (in Europe) require transparency about how you handle data.
Why it matters: Beyond legal requirements, privacy shows professionalism. Visitors are more likely to trust and engage with a site that takes data seriously.
7. Checklist before launch
Before you hit “publish,” make sure you have:
✅ A clean, memorable domain name
✅ Reliable hosting with SSL included
✅ A CMS that can grow with you (WordPress recommended)
✅ Basic SEO setup (titles, descriptions, headings, alt text)
✅ A simple privacy policy page
With these in place, you’re ready to launch confidently.
8. Learn more
If you want to dive deeper, here are great resources:
- W3Schools: What is a Website? — simple explanations of core concepts.
- MDN Web Docs: Your first website — learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- HubSpot: Website development guide — a more strategic, big-picture view.
- Our own guides on WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify.
Conclusion
Building a website isn’t rocket science, but it is important to get the basics right. Your domain, hosting, CMS, SSL, SEO, and privacy setup form the foundation of your online presence.
Why it matters: A site built on weak foundations will cost you more in the long run. But when you start with solid basics, especially WordPress with reliable hosting, your website can grow with your business instead of holding you back.
Before you launch (or relaunch), run your site through ThisSiteChecker
to spot any quick wins you might have missed.