Everything You Need To Create A Business Website In 1 Hour
Nearly free, and easier than ever
Whether you have an established business, a business idea, or just need to make a custom website quickly, here’s a step-by-step guide on the basics. Generators, templates, and machine-learning apps make websites easier than ever. It enables rapid A/B testing and more.
The only thing which slows you down is DNS updates for new domains. It may take a day or two for you to go live.
You can take as little or as long as you'd like on your website(s). Plus, you can get started from zero for $20-30.
1. Finding and buying a domain name
My preference is Google Domains, Porkbun, or Namecheap. They’re inexpensive, fast, and include free WHOIS protection. You’ll want privacy either way. Google is especially good if you plan to get G-Suite (Workspace) since built-in integrations exist. Namecheap has occasional sales where you can pick up a domain for less than $1.
If you aren’t sure what to name a company, just look up “business name generator” on your favorite search engine. Examples:
Click around until something catches your eye.
You can get custom emails from Protonmail, Google, or most web hosts.
2. Free or paid hosting
Any paid host is probably fine, including Porkbun and Namecheap. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of paid hosts. These include Bluehost and A2. If you want something cheap/free, check out 000webhost, Google Sites, or Carrd.
If you want multiple websites, it’s best to get a plan which allows you to host unlimited websites on your account. It’s more convenient that way.
3. Adding website design and content
Any free Wordpress template is fine if you’re not using Carrd. If you have something like GeneratePress Premium, you’ll have quick access to paid templates too.
Woocommerce is free for e-commerce setups.
HTML templates are common since they’re almost as old as the internet itself. Notepad++ and Google Web Designer are free options to help you edit one.
You can quickly fill up various pages with AI-generated content from Jasper.ai or Copy.ai. This is NOT recommended as a long-term strategy, but it’s fast whenever speed matters. Backdated entries in a blog/article section can give a quick appearance of legitimacy. Even if the posts themselves don’t hold up to close examination.
If you need placeholders for an “about” page, then combine ThisPersonDoesNotExist (or GeneratedPhotos) with FakeNameGenerator. A couple of clicks and you’ll have a whole team of people.
4. Free branding resources
Generate a free logo with one of these:
Hatchful by Shopify for creating logos and branding.
Then for free color palettes, icons, and stock photos:
10015 for various image/code tool links.
Coolors for a color palette generator (alternatively, view the tools from Adobe or Canva)
Undraw for free vector graphics.
The Noun Project for free icons and photos.
Unsplash for free stock photography.
Envato Elements for paid stock photos, video, audio, and more. They also have an Unlimited plan.
Nightcafe Studio or Wombo Dream for free AI-generated custom art.
For further editing options, check out my Media Creation Masterpost.
5. Addresses and phone numbers
BowTiedTetra says “Not having contact info on your site is the quickest way to tank your EAT score. Real businesses want people to contact them. You should have multiple email addresses + phone number + physical address listed on your affiliate site (or any other type of website)”
A virtual office address can include a receptionist, mail forwarding, meeting spaces, and other benefits. Not just bolstering legitimacy. Nationwide VO companies include Alliance and Davinci. There isn’t any need to have a long-term commitment, unlike PO boxes (minimum 3 months).
If you’re tight on cash, list a random virtual office address on your website, and pay for it when you can.
Phone numbers are equally easy to get. The cheapest options are Google Voice (free and integrates with Google Workspace) and Tello (as low as $5 per month). Google Fi is another inexpensive option, and is more legitimate than Google Voice. Some sites don’t accept Voice for verification in sign-up forms or 2FA.
6. Conclusion
You can make a legitimate-looking website in an hour or two. It’s pretty incredible especially when everything is free or nearly free.
Come up with a company name, buy the domain name and connect it to a web host, then add a free website template, and quickly fill the website with AI-generated content. Little to no thought required.
This might be a little tough if it’s your first time creating a website. Once you get the hang of it though, it’s incredibly easy and fast.
Shoutout to BowTiedBernard and BowTiedBrazil for inspiring this post.
For further support of my work:
I sell physical artwork at ApolloGallery.org
I have a masterlist of 100+ AI-related tools on Gumroad