Guide to Creating a Website for Students/Professionals

Step 1: Define Your Purpose

Before diving in, clarify the purpose of your website:

• For Students: Portfolio site, blog, online store, or academic showcase.
• For Professionals: Personal branding, service showcase, or an online resume.

Step 2: Choose a Domain Name

1. What is a Domain Name?
   • It’s your website’s address (e.g. https://www.ansiandyou.com/).
2. Tips for Choosing a Domain Name:
   • Keep it short, memorable, and related to your purpose.
   • Avoid numbers and hyphens.
3. How to Register a Domain Name on Hostinger:
   • Visit Hostinger.
   • Use their domain checker to find available names.
   • Register your chosen domain.

Step 3: Choose Hosting

Hosting is where your website’s files are stored and made accessible online.

1. Why Hostinger?
   • Affordable plans, free SSL, and a beginner-friendly interface.
2. Steps to Get Hosting on Hostinger:
   • Go to Hostinger.
   • Choose a hosting plan (start with Shared Hosting for beginners).
   • Use the referral code 1ANIRUDDHA83 for special discounts.
   • Complete the purchase.

Step 4: Install a Website Builder

1. Install WordPress (Recommended):
   • Log in to your Hostinger account.
   • Go to Hosting Dashboard → Auto Installer.
   • Select WordPress and follow the instructions.
2. Why WordPress?
   • Beginner-friendly with thousands of free themes and plugins.

Step 5: Design Your Website

1. Choose a Theme:
   • Visit WordPress Dashboard → Appearance → Themes → Add New.
   • Search for free themes or purchase a premium one.
2. Customize Your Site:
   • Go to Appearance → Customize to change fonts, colors, and layout.
   • Add a logo and set up your navigation menu.
3. Install Essential Plugins:
   • AIOSEO: Improve search engine rankings.
   • Elementor: Drag-and-drop page builder.
   • Jetpack Contact Form: Create contact forms.

Step 6: Add Content

1. Create Essential Pages:
   • Home: Welcome page summarizing your purpose.
   • About: Share who you are and what you do.
   • Portfolio/Services: Showcase your work or offerings.
   • Contact: Provide ways to reach you.
2. Write Blog Posts (Optional):
   • Go to Posts → Add New.
   • Write articles relevant to your audience.

Step 7: Optimize for SEO

1. What is SEO?
   • Search Engine Optimization improves your site’s visibility in search engines.
2. Basic SEO Tips:
   • Use keywords in titles and content.
   • Optimize images (reduce size and add alt text).
   • Write meta descriptions for every page/post.

Step 8: Publish and Promote

1. Go Live:
   • Test your website thoroughly on desktop and mobile.
   • Click “Publish” to make it live.
2. Promote Your Site:
   • Share on social media platforms.
   • Include your site link in email signatures and resumes.
   • Use digital marketing to attract visitors.

Step 9: Maintain Your Website

1. Update Regularly:
   • Add fresh content (blog posts, portfolio updates).
   • Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.
2. Monitor Performance:
   • Use Google Analytics to track visitors and page views.
   • Use Google Search Console to monitor site health.

Next Steps

Once your website is live, explore ways to monetize it:

• Affiliate marketing, freelancing services, or selling digital products.