Let’s back this train up a little bit and go over website basics. What is a domain? What is hosting? What is WordPress?
What is a domain? Step one is getting a domain name. You know, it’s the address for the website, like www.wackyjacquisdesigns.com or www.jacquilayne.com … Just like your phone number, its unique to you and only you – so pick one that is easy to spell and easy to remember.
What is hosting? Step two is getting web hosting (usually you can get step 1 and 2 in one place). Web hosting is a service that allows you to have a website or webpage on the internet. A web host is a business that provides the tools and services needed for the website or webpage to be viewed in the Internet. Websites are hosted, or stored, on special computers called servers. When your visitors want to visit your website/blog, all they will need to do is type in your website address (the domain) in to their browser. Their internet source will then connect to your server and your webpage will show up.
What is WordPress? Step three will be installing WordPress. WordPress is an online, open source website creation tool written in PHP. But in English, it’s probably the easiest and most powerful blogging and website content management system you can use to have your own website without having to know ANY coding, unless you want to create your own themes.
HOW TO PURCHASE HOSTING AND YOUR DOMAIN
I recommend StableHost for purchasing your hosting and domain (use coupon code WJD40 to get 40% off), yes they can be purchased together and will make life easier for you. You can purchase your domain and hosting at different places but you will need to change the nameservers on your domain to point to your hosting.
Go to www.stablehost.com and click “Web Hosting”
Select the “Starter” package and click “Sign Up Now”
Here is when you select the domain or use a domain you have already purchased.
Select the domain you want (this might take a few tries is your domain is already taken)
Select how often you want to pay for your hosting (monthly, every 3 months, once a year … you get it). You don’t need to add any of the addons or select the hosting location.
Review your check out, fill out the rest of the contact info (if it has added another year of your domain you can remove it and pay it yearly) — don’t forget the WJD40 coupon code to save 40%.
Once you have completed your order, you will receive an email when everything is set up and you are ready to install WordPress.
On to lesson 2