I decided to write this guide because many of my clients who are looking to create a website have no proper idea about domains, hosting, WordPress, WooCommerce, and the difference between website builders like Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress. They often have a ton of questions and are left confused about what they need for their business model.
I can relate to this confusion—when I created my first website many years ago, I made the same mistakes. I used WordPress.com thinking it was the WordPress everyone was talking about, but in reality, it was a more limited version. The actual WordPress you want is WordPress.org, which is free and fully functional.
In this guide, I will break down and explain everything you need to know before launching your first website based on my years of experience.
What is a Domain and Hosting?
Domain
Simply put, a domain is your online business name. For my site, that would be Vincentsocialco.com (also called a URL or website link). It’s the online address where people can find your site.
Hosting
Hosting refers to the business you pay to store all of your website’s crucial data. A web host provides space on their servers where your website files are stored, allowing them to be accessed by people around the world.
You will need both a domain and hosting to publish your website.
Recommended Web Hosting Services for 2025
Based on my experience and research, here are my recommendations for reliable and speedy web hosting services:
- A2 Hosting
- Cloudways by Digital Ocean
- SiteGround
These hosting services only cost a few dollars a month for one website, and they offer excellent 24/7 customer service.
They also offer both domain registration and hosting services, which makes it convenient to manage everything in one place. However, if you are an Australian-based business, I highly recommend SiteGround, as they allow you to purchase .com.au domains directly.
WordPress and WooCommerce
WordPress
WordPress is a free website builder and the most popular platform, powering almost 46% of websites on the internet. It’s essential to note that there are two versions of WordPress:
- WordPress.com: Paid, with limited functionality.
- WordPress.org: Free, fully functional, and the one you want to use.
To create a website with WordPress, all you need is a domain name and hosting.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free, one-click install plugin available for WordPress that adds eCommerce functionality to your site. Once you install WooCommerce, it automatically adds an online store with user account logins, allowing users to create accounts and buy your products. You just need to add your products and payment details.
Why I Recommend WordPress
I always recommend WordPress to my clients because there are thousands of free plugins, like WooCommerce, that can help you do any task you need. There’s no limit to what you can do, and you can easily add future enhancements.
To install WordPress, you only need to buy a domain and hosting. WordPress itself is totally free.
Summary: Getting Set Up With Your First Website
Ready to get started? Here’s a summary of what you need to do:
- Choose a Web Host:
I recommend A2 Hosting, Cloudways by Digital Ocean, or SiteGround. These services cost just a few dollars a month and offer excellent customer service. - Choose a Domain Name:
This is your online address (e.g., www.your-domain-name.com). All the recommended hosting companies offer domain registration, so you can buy both in one place. If you sign up with SiteGround, they include a free domain for the first year, saving you an extra $10-$15. If you’re an Australian business, I highly recommend SiteGround because they offer .com.au domains. - Install WordPress:
WordPress is easy to install with all the above-mentioned hosting providers. They offer a one-click install for WordPress, and once it’s installed, you can start managing your website content.
Congratulations! You are ready to start building your website.
what are Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, and all these platforms?
They are website-building platforms that offer both domain registration and hosting services. This makes them convenient, as you can manage everything in one place. However, you can also purchase a domain from a different provider and connect it to these platforms with a simple DNS update.
If you’re using one of these builders, you don’t need to buy domain and hosting separately. But if you already have a domain with another company, don’t worry—it can easily be connected to these platforms.
On the other hand, the hosting companies I mentioned earlier—Cloudways, SiteGround, and A2 Hosting—also provide both domain registration and hosting services. If you choose WordPress, all you need to do is buy a domain and hosting from one of these providers and use their one-click WordPress installation.
For Australian businesses, I highly recommend SiteGround because they also offer .com.au domains, making it easier to cater to local markets.
You’re All Set!
Now that you have a better understanding of how to set up your first website, you’re ready to start! It might seem like a lot at first, but don’t worry. Our free course, “Your First Website,” will guide you step by step through the process of building your site. Plus, we’ll teach you how to manage your website without spending a single cent.
If you’re short on time or prefer to leave it to a professional, you can always hire us or another web designer to build your website for you.
Good luck with your website, and let me know if you need any help!