Create a Website Tutorial (Printable)

This guide walks you step‑by‑step through creating your own website. The process takes you from planning to launch.

Step 1: Plan Your Website

Before you dive into design, take a few minutes to plan:

• Define your website’s purpose (e.g., business brochure, online store, appointment bookings).
• Identify your target audience (who will visit your site).
• Choose your main pages (Home, About, Services/Shop, Contact, Blog).
• Gather content assets: logo/branding, images, text for each page.
• Decide on your domain name (web address) and hosting (the service where your website lives).

Step 2: Start Your Free Trial + Choose a Template

• Sign up for the free 30‑day trial (no credit card required).
  
• Choose a professionally designed template that suits your business type (shop, service provider, blog, etc).
  
• Select the type of website you are building (e.g., eCommerce, appointments, accommodation). This often pre‑populates your site with relevant pages OR if you like the template, choose the button to keep template content.
  

Step 3: Customise Design (Branding)

Once the template is selected:

• Upload your logo and/or banner.
• Set your brand colours and fonts so your site matches your identity.
  
• If desired: switch templates later (but backing up or saving your design first is wise).

Step 4: Build Your Pages & Add Content

With design in place, you start creating your site structure and adding content.

Add / Arrange Pages

• Use the Web Pages area: add, move or delete pages.
  
• Rename page titles (for the menu), set SEO‑friendly file names (URL slugs).
• For example: Home, About Us, Services, Shop, Contact.

Insert Text and Images

• For each page, edit the content: headings, paragraphs, lists.
• Upload images or drag them into content blocks (depending on editor).
  
• Use the appropriate editor:
  • Drag & Drop editor: easy layout of images + text.
  • Content Box Editor: More advanced with sections as well as drag and drop snippets.
  • TinyMCE or text editor: good for blog/news pages with more text.
• Ensure content is concise, clear, and optimised for mobile.

Step 5: Set Up Functionalities (If Needed)

If your website includes extra features (eCommerce, appointments, membership), configure them now.

• For an online store:
  • Add products: images, descriptions, pricing.
  • Set tax rates (e.g., GST) if applicable.
  • Choose payment gateways and courier/shipping options.
    
• For booking or appointment sites:
  • Add calendar or booking modules.
• For memberships or trade/pricing sites:
  • Set member login areas, trade pricing, subscription options.
    

Step 6: Domain & Hosting Setup

• If not already done: choose your domain name (yoursite.co.nz, .com, etc).
• Connect or register your domain through the domain tab.
• Only transfer a domain from elsewhere when ready to go live.

Step 7: Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) & Launch Preparation

• In the builder’s SEO tab, set page titles, meta descriptions, and keywords for each page.
• Preview your site using the “Preview” or trial mode to check layout, links, and responsiveness.
  
• Clear your browser cache if you don’t see changes on preview.
• Proof‑read all text, check all links, test forms, checkout if applicable.

Step 8: Go Live

• Once you are happy with the site, click the “Go Live” button.
• Pay your hosting fees.
  
• If you changed the domain, wait for DNS propagation (may take a few hours).

Step 9: Ongoing Maintenance

• Regularly update content (blog posts, product listings, news).
• Back up your theme/design before major changes.
• Monitor site analytics (traffic, page performance).
• Keep images optimised (file size) for speed.
• Review SEO periodically and update as needed.

Quick‑Reference Checklist

• Plans written (purpose, audience, pages)
• Template chosen
• Branding (logo, colours, fonts) set
• All pages added and structured
• Text and images inserted on each page
• Functional modules configured (store, booking, etc)
• Domain registered
• Hosting active then domain transferred (if applicable)
• SEO settings applied
• Site previewed & tested on desktop + mobile
• Maintenance schedule set