look, i get it. “build a website” sounds like one of those things you put on your to-do list and then avoid for like, ever.
you actually need one, though, because renting space on someone else’s platform is frankly exhausting.
your website is the only corner of the internet that’s yours. no algorithm, no arbitrary rules, no getting banned for reasons you’ll never understand. just your work, your words, your way. (there are some caveats to this, of course – your chosen platform will make a difference – but that’s another post).
and you know what? you can build one in a weekend. i promise it’s less painful than you think.
saturday morning: the foundation (2-3 hours)
step 1: pick your platform
my recommendations for most people.
wordpress.org (self-hosted) ***not wordpress.com! that shit sucks.*****
- full control, you own everything
- slight learning curve but worth it
- unlimited flexibility as you grow
- best for: people who want total ownership and don’t mind a little tech
squarespace
- easiest option, looks good out of the box
- monthly fee (~$16-30/month depending on plan)
- hosting included, no tech headaches
- best for: people who want simple and pretty with minimal fuss
framer
- newer, design-forward, super visual
- feels like designing in figma/canva
- hosting included, sleek templates
- best for: designers and visual people who want modern aesthetics
my pick: wordpress if you want full control, squarespace if you want easy, framer if you care most about design.
there’s no wrong answer. pick the one that doesn’t make you want to cry.
step 2: get a domain name
go to namecheap. search for yourname.com or yourbusiness.com. if it’s taken, get creative but don’t overthink it. $10-15/year.
(squarespace and framer let you buy domains through them. wordpress doesn’t host domains, so you’ll need to buy separately.)
step 3: get hosting (wordpress only)
if you’re using wordpress, you need hosting. i use cloudways and it’s solid — fast, reliable, not confusing to set up. starts around $11/month. WPX is another great option.
(full transparency: the cloudways link is affiliate link. i get a tiny kickback if you use it, but i’d recommend them anyway because i actually use them for my own sites. if that bothers you, google “cloudways” yourself. no hard feelings.)
if you’re using squarespace or framer, skip this step. hosting is included.
step 4: set up your site & pick a template
wordpress: most hosts have a “one-click install.” use it. then pick a theme — kadence & astra are my recommendations. (that’s an affiliate link for kadence, btw).
squarespace: sign up, pick a template. they’re all pretty good. you can switch later if you hate it.
framer: sign up, browse templates, pick one that fits your vibe. you can customize everything.
saturday afternoon: the content (3-4 hours)
step 5: figure out your pages
every website needs:
- home — who you are, what you do, why someone should care
- work/portfolio/services — show the thing you make or the thing you do
- contact — how to reach you (email, form, whatever)
optional but good:
- blog — if you’re gonna write (you should)
step 6: your home page
this is where people decide if they stay or bounce. keep it simple:
- headline: what you do in one sentence (e.g., “ceramicist in maryland making weird, beautiful things”)
- subhead: a little more context (e.g., “destination elopements for adventurous couples”)
- visuals: 3-5 strong images of your work
- call to action: what you want them to do next (see your work, get in touch, read your blog)
don’t overthink the copy. write like you’re explaining it to a friend. save the fancy stuff for later.
step 7: build your other pages
- portfolio/work: show your best stuff. quality > quantity. 10 great images beats 50 mediocre ones.
- contact: email address or a simple contact form. don’t make people hunt for this.
sunday morning: the details (2-3 hours)
step 8: add the boring-but-important stuff
- favicon: that little icon in the browser tab. make one at canva or use your logo.
- social links: if you want them. but don’t make them the main thing — remember, this is your space. you don’t want to distract people & send them somewhere else.
- footer: copyright year, maybe a cheeky tagline.
step 9: make it mobile-friendly
most platforms do this automatically, but check. open your site on your phone. does it look good? can you read it? does everything work? if not, adjust.
step 10: set up basic SEO
wordpress: install “yoast seo” (it’s a plugin, it’s free, it’s helpful).
squarespace & framer: built-in SEO tools. use them.
for each page:
- write a meta description (the little blurb that shows up in google)
- add alt text to your images (describe what’s in the photo)
- use headers (H1, H2, H3) to structure your content – important!!!!!
you don’t need to be an expert. just do the basics.
sunday afternoon: launch (1 hour)
step 11: test everything
click every link. fill out your contact form. open it on different devices. does it work? cool.
step 12: hit publish
your site doesn’t have to be perfect. it just has to exist.
you can tweak it later. you can add pages, change colors, rewrite copy. but right now? just get it live.
step 13: tell people
post it in your email. share it on social (the irony, i know). add it to your bio everywhere. put it on your flyers, business cards, marketing materials.
you have a website now. it’s yours. no one can take it away.
real talk: what if i get stuck?
you will. everyone does. here’s what to do:
- google. “how to add a page in wordpress” or “how to change font in squarespace” — someone’s already answered it.
- youtube it. there are a million tutorials. find one that doesn’t make you want to scream.
- ask someone. dm a friend who has a website. hire someone for an hour. (or… you know where to find me.)
building your first website is awkward and messy and sometimes frustrating. but so is every first time you do anything worth doing.
why this matters
platforms come and go, algorithms change, accounts get disabled, etc, blah.
but your website? that’s yours! that’s the thing you can point to when someone asks “where can i see your work?” and not having to dependent on someone else’s rules.
you don’t need a perfect website. you just need a website.
so take a weekend & get started. plan your escape from the hell and trap that is social media. (there i go being dramatic af again).
you’ve got this. 🧷
p.s. if you actually do this, send me the link. i want to seeeeeeeeeeee 👀
p.p.s. if you need help or want someone to just build it with you, that’s literally what i do. but honestly? you can probably do this yourself. try first.
