DIY

So you want to DIY your website—awesome! Let’s get you started.

Quick Summary
For those who just need a simple outline and zero (or close to zero instructions)

#1—You need a domain name. I recommend purchasing this through Namecheap (or, if you use Dreamhost as your hosting company, they’ll give you your domain name free for the first year)
Affordable. Free privacy protection. Dependable.
#2—You need a webhost. I recommend Dreamhost.
Affordable. Dependable. Great 4 year intro price (see instructions below).
#3—Install WordPress
Don’t worry. It’s a couple clicks (take what you want and leave what you don’t) and then it’ll take care of itself.
#4—Go back to Dreamhost and under Websites > Manage websites click on the WordPress logo to log into your dashboard
#5—Customize as you’d like

(Optional)
#1—Theme: Kadence theme (free)
#2—Install Plugin:Kadence AI Starter templates (free)
#3—Choose:  “Pre-made Templates” (as opposed to AI) to see already made options you can customize (tip: filter the templates to see free options)

(Recommended Pages)
#1—Home
#2—About
#3—Blog
#4—Books/Writing
#5—Contact

(Recommended Plugins)
#1—Yoast SEO
Search engine optimization to found in online searches
#2—Contact from 7
Website contact form(s)
#3—WP Statistics
Track website statistics (visitors, popular pages, etc)
#4—UpdraftPlus
Free automatic backup system

(Recommended Changes)
#1—Go in under Users and add your name, nickname, and update your password
#2—Under Settings > General add a Site Title (ie your name) and description (optional)
#3—Under Settings > General, make sure to change to your time zone (and set the week start to Sunday – optional but…seriously, Monday?)
#4—Under Reading, set your homepage and blog pages

Common Questions
What is a domain name?
A domain name is what people will type in to find you on the internet (also referred to as URL or web address)

How do I pick a domain name?
Most people choose their own name or the pseudonym they’ll be (or want to) publish under.  

What do I do if my name is already taken?
That’s always a bummer but you do have options. Overall recommendation: Add “author” before or after your preferred domain name (ie. katrinagloverauthor.com or authorkatrinaglover.com)

Does capitalization matter in a domain name?
No.

Dreamhost Setup Instructions

Here are the setup instructions for the host we recommend (Dreamhost). We have been using and recommending them for over 2 years myself and find them to be competitively priced with great support. If you use the link below, you can get a great deal where you get 4 years for the price of 1 as an intro incentive. I highly recommend doing this! I also recommend adding an email plan, which is an extra fee per year (currently $20/yr) but you’ll have a professional email address to use that is attached to your domain (this will be required for an email list service like MailerLite).
 
Step-by-step instructions for setting up your Dreamhost hosting account.
  1. Use this link to get the 4 year deal
  2. Click any button that says “Get Started”
  3. Under “Web Hosting Launch”, click sign up now
  4. Select the option for domain that matches what you need
  5. On Right side, click on 4 year
  6. Uncheck DreamShield protection, keep Dreamhost email checked
  7. The total price due today should be right around $95.00 USD. This is your price for hosting for 4 years. You will not receive another hosting charge for 4 years but you will receive a yearly charge for the email plan (currently $19.99/year).
  8. Fill in your card and personal details on left
  9. Click “Submit Order”

Looking to setup MailerLite? Click here.