How to Create a Website (the EASY way)
Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (Updated Aug 2024)
Hi, I'm Ray. I created this website in 2014 to help non-technical, average people create their own website, without learning coding or hiring a programmer. (Just so you know, I still can't write a line of code today.)
Back then, my original guide was built on a different platform (Wordpress). In fact, I have moved this entire website to the platform that I'll show you below (Brizy).
With the evolution of better tools and technology, I now recommend this page for the majority of people, as it's MUCH easier to set up and maintain.
By following the steps on this page, you'll have a working website within the next few mins.
Some of the links to this page provides a small commission to me, at no extra cost to you! The tools I recommend here are tools that I've personally used and tested, and came to embrace after a lot of trial and error. This helps contribute to maintaining this site and sharing this guide. If you do end up using them, thank you for supporting this site, but no worries otherwise if you don't!
Some of the links to this page provides a small commission to me, at no extra cost to you! The tools I recommend here are tools that I've personally used and tested, and came to embrace after a lot of trial and error. This helps contribute to maintaining this site and sharing this guide. If you do end up using them, thank you for supporting this site, but no worries otherwise if you don't!
Some of the links to this page provides a small commission to me, at no extra cost to you! The tools I recommend here are tools that I've personally used and tested, and came to embrace after a lot of trial and error. This helps contribute to maintaining this site and sharing this guide. If you do end up using them, thank you for supporting this site, but no worries otherwise if you don't!
Deciding between Brizy Cloud vs Wordpress
Since I provide 2 Website Setup guides, I'll like you to make an informed decision on what to go for.
- Brizy Cloud (recommended) - Super easy, non-technical, you don't have to worry about hosting, site maintenance and upkeep.
- Wordpress - Need for hands on hosting, maintenance, troubleshoot plugin conflicts, website security. Open source and powers 1/4 of the world's websites.
I would compare using Brizy Cloud to using an iPad, and compare using Wordpress to assembling computer parts to set up your own computer.
It's a decision between "it just works" vs "full control".
Brizy Cloud | Wordpress | |
|---|---|---|
Ease of Use | Super easy to get started and continued updates. | Easy to get started, takes work to maintain and keep up. |
Speed | Hosting taken care of and with global CDNs = SUPER FAST website for your visitors! | Depends on Webhost and price you pay. But shared hosting can be slow. |
Cost | Only $49/year for ALL features. That's $4/mth. | There are some very attractively priced shared-hosting plans - about $4/mth. Wordpress itself is Open Source and free to use. Themes and Plugins have both free or paid options. |
Maintenance | You don't have to worry about it. | You have to take care of EVERY aspect of maintenance. Plugin conflicts, security, backups, website uptime etc. |
Security | Security is taken care of, you don't have to worry about it. | Very prone to hackers. You can install some security plugins. |
Features |
Brizy has the essential features to create websites quickly. Ecommerce features are on the way. |
Wordpress has the inbuilt blog and website functions, and can be extended via plugins (free or premium) to other functionality. |
Multiple Websites | 1 website: $79/ year (~$7/mth) 20 websites: $299/ year (~$15/mth) 100 websites: $379/ year (~$31/mth) | Depends on your Webhosting plan, but some offer multiple websites. |
Ownership | You rely on Brizy's platform to make edits. You can, however, export your site as HTML and host it elsewhere. | You fully own everything, the code, the files, relying on open source Wordpress. |
Recommendations
- Create Websites - Brizy Cloud: My recommendation for majority of newbies creating basic websites and blogs is go with Brizy Cloud as it's just so easy.
- Start a Blog - Wordpress: If you are looking to start a blog for the long term, my recommendation is to go with Wordpress - because despite some of the technical challenges, Wordpress is the best blogging platform right now, and you can follow my Wordpress Website guide on the details.
- Build an Online Store: If your main aim is to create an Ecommerce store, it'll probably make sense to do so on Shopify instead as it has all the Ecommerce specific tools and add-ons you may require. (Online Store Guide)
Table of Contents
The best way to make use of this guide is to click on the sections below which will navigate you to each areas, then come back here for more.
Prefer to follow through a video instead? Watch this here.
Step #1 - Sign up for a Brizy Free Account
To get started, simply go to Brizy Cloud, and click Account Login.
Select the account icon on the top right, and click "Sign Up".
Sign up for an account with your email and password. At this point, you’ll notice that you only need your email address, and no credit card is required.
Once you're signed up, click "Create New Project".
Select "Website & Landing Page"
Your website project is created. Simply click into it to edit.
Getting started is really easy, isn't it?
Step #2 - Start Creating Content
The basic structure of Brizy can be understood via:
- Layouts - layouts are prebuilt pages that are themed consistently for various website designs (e.g. Business, Food, Health & Beauty) that Brizy has created, to help you get started in the shortest possible time. These have been professionally designed, and require very little time on your part. Everything is editable.
- Blocks - Blocks are building blocks within a page. Think of them as sections within your webpage. The great thing about Brizy blocks is that they are really pre-built, provide inspiration and much easier to get started.
1) Create Pages with Blocks
Simply start by adding a block.
You can choose to start from a blank block, or use one of the elegantly designed pre-built blocks as inspiration.
Voila! You have a block to start working with.
Edit Text
To edit text, simply point your cursor at any text element and type away.
You can change typography, font colors, bold, italicize, etc.
Add Elements
Think of "Elements" as text, images, but also video, icons etc.
To add an element, simply click on the "plus" icon on the top left, and select an element.
Simply drag and drop the element onto the page.
Change Global Fonts
Changing fonts globally for consistency on your site is super easy.
Click on the "Brush" icon.
Select each font type (e.g. Heading 1, Heading 2). Change the font type, size, weight accordingly.
That's it! Your site will be updated globally throughout your website for these various font types.
Change Global Colors
Changing colors throughout your site is super easy as well.
Checking the global colors will update various parts of your website, like buttons, icon colors etc.
Rearranging Blocks
As you add blocks to your page, rearranging the order of the blocks is also super easy.
Simply select the "Drawer" icon on the left, and drag and drop the blocks to rearrange them on the page.
Headers & Footers (Pro)
To add Headers or Footers, add another block.
Select "Header" or "Footer" in the category section on the left.
Note that these are Brizy Pro features, and you'll need to upgrade to utilize them.
Saving or Publishing the Page
To save or publish the page, go to the bottom right corner, and choose to either "Save Draft" or "Publish Page" accordingly.
Back to Brizy Dashboard
To return back to the dashboard, click on the icon at the bottom left of the page.
2) Create Entire Websites with Layouts
The fastest way you can create entire websites with Brizy is via "layouts".
Instead of adding a block, select the layout tab.
You can scroll through all the layouts available, or filter by category.
Most layouts are Pro features, which you will need to upgrade, but it's totally worth it, as it allows you access to Pro features, Headers and Footers, Pop Ups and integrations, hosting and more.
To use the Pro layout, click on "Get Brizy PRO".
You can scroll through the layout pack to see the beautifully created pre-built pages that you can use once you have upgraded.
I have since upgraded to Brizy Pro and I can make use of these layouts.
Select the page. Make sure to click "Replace global styling" so all the fonts, colors that you see in the example will carry over to your website.
Then click "Import This Layout".
Just like that, the layout for that page is imported.
You can easily make edits to any part of the page as well.
I can easily add additional pages thereafter.
I chose the same layout pack, and selected the About page this time.
Once again, I can edit text on the page easily.
I can also replace images on the page easily, rearrange blocks, delete blocks or elements as I like.
Step #3: Decide and Purchase a Domain Name
So far, you have been putting together the elements into a website.
If you want to publish your site as "yoursitename.com", you’ll have to purchase your own domain name.
And that happens outside of Brizy.
I personally purchase and maintain ALL my domain names on Namecheap. I no longer use domain names hosted by other providers, as I find it best to consolidate all my domain names within Namecheap.
I like domain names ending with ".com". E.g. MyName.com or MyCompany.com. Other great options include ".org", or ".net".
To search for a domain, type into the search field below.
Once you have purchased a domain name that you like and is currently available, I’ll show you how to connect that to the website you created.
Search for a domain to see what's available.
You can only purchase what's not already taken by others. Click "Add to cart".
Click "Checkout".
Confirm your order.
The great thing about Namecheap is they provide "WhoisGuard" (or Domain privacy) for free. Other registrars may even charge you a fee.
Create a Namecheap account to check out.
Once you have purchased your domain, you should see it in your Namecheap account.
To manage your domain, select "Manage".
Select "Advanced DNS".
This is where you create an "A" Record and a "CNAME" Record to connect your domain name.
Don't worry, it's quite easy to do so.
Step #4: Publish Your Website to Your Domain
In your Brizy Cloud dashboard:
Click on "Publish".
The thing I love about Brizy, is even though they provide the technology to create your website, they do not hold you hostage unlike other providers like Squarespace, Wix and Weebly. They offer 4 options in publishing, and include an option to export to html.
For the purposes of this guide, I will focus on publishing your site to Brizy Cloud, hosted by Brizy.
To do so, click on "Custom Domain".
Brizy is super generous in providing 1 free (really free) domain hosted by them, entirely free. Did you say free? Yes it really is.
Type in the domain name you have purchased on Namecheap (or any other registrar).
You will be provide instructions on pointing your domain name to the website that you have created.
Now, let's go back to the Namecheap window.
Create 2 records, exactly as what it shows on your Brizy page.
- "A" record
- "CNAME" record
It may take couple of hours for records to be updated. In my experience, however, it can be as quick as 5 mins.
Step #5: Create Additional Pages
You’ve now created your homepage.
To create additional pages, simply check out the video below on creating additional pages.
And the process of creating this page is the same as before.
You can also customize the name, description (for SEO purposes) and slug of the website.
For example, i like to change the About page to /about, and the Contact page to /contact.
Creating Menus
Check out the video below on creating a menu in Brizy Cloud (pro feature only)
Step #6: Upgrade to Brizy Pro (it's worth it)
While it is tempting to stay on the side of free, you’ll see very quickly why it is worthwhile to invest in Brizy Pro.
Unless you are simply creating a one-page website, you’ll see that you’ll need to sign up for Brizy Pro to access the Headers and Footers modules.
But make no mistake - Brizy is FAR more generous than most website builders out there (see this guide for comparison on features and pricing), and continue to evolve with not only the best features but one of the best usability for beginners to pick out in the market.
I have embraced Brizy fully, and have moved most my websites to Brizy, and will only build websites on Brizy going forward, for a variety of reasons as shown in this guide here.
When adding a "Header block", select "Get Brizy PRO".
You'll be presented with 2 options:
- Brizy PRO Personal - $49/year + GST
- Brizy PRO Studio - $99 /year + GST
This means for ONLY $4/mth, you get to maintain 3 websites with Brizy!
Not sure which option to go for?
Simply, if you are building 1-3 websites, the Personal plan will suffice. If you want unlimited sites (yes unlimited), go for the Studio plan.
For more details, check out the FAQs section.
Pop Ups
With Pro, you get so much more than just Headers and Footers.
You also get Pop Ups (if you pay for a service like Optin Monster or LeadPages, it’s at least another $14-27 /mth) but you get it included in Brizy Pro - all in that 1 price.
And since it is native in Brizy, it’s super easy to use it within your Brizy website.
That's It - You Have a Working Website!
With the steps above, you will get your website up in no time!
To make it easier to follow through, you can watch the Video walkthrough of the guide instead.
Have fun!
Everything else from here is a bonus, but check them out for additional helpful tips!
Create Your Logo
When you have a website connected to your domain name, chances are at this point, you will realize you need a logo for your website.
I don't know about you, but I'm not that technical in designing a logo myself.
Here are some options that you can consider.
Create a Logo Yourself
One of the great options for online design tool is Crello. They have a logo generator as well, and if you need a quick and simple option, you can create one with Crello. This can be done fairly easily, but bear in mind you will only have a square logo in PNG format as output, and the designs are more limited.
Use a Logo Generator
If you want something consistent, professionally designed which includes YOUR design inputs via an online tool, and get high resolution logo files in multiple color variations and sizes, social profiles, business cards, email signatures check out Looka. It's worthwhile if you will like your brand to be consistent and recognizable.
Selling Products on Your Website
Brizy is currently incredibly great and super easy at adding and building up website content.
At this moment, it does not have Ecommerce capabilities (it's in the works), but you can easily add that with other tools.
I'll fill you in when Brizy has updated its Ecommerce capabilities, likely some time in 2021.
Selling Physical Products
Selling Digital Products
To sell digital products (like ebooks, audio files, any files that needs to be delivered digitally), one of the best (and easiest to use) tools you can use is Sendowl.
Creating Pop Ups in Brizy Cloud
Brizy Cloud is an amazing website builder, but also has great pop up / lead generation capabilities.
Why Create Pop Ups?
Popups are a really good way to offer website visitors additional information, tools, and continually engage them.
By offering something of value (e.g. a discount code, a free course) - you can continue to engage website visitors via channels like email even after they leave your page.
Make sure though to only be useful, relevant and never be spammy.
How to Create Pop Ups in Brizy?
Simply select from one of the pre-built popups or start from scratch.
Every element of the pop up is easily editable - text, images, buttons, forms.
Decide on the trigger conditions of the pop up. On page load, on page exit intent, etc..
Choose what pages the pop up should appear. All pages, select pages, and even exclude specific pages from displaying the pop up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Since I receive numerous questions on starting a website on Brizy Cloud, I've put together this FAQ section that can help you with the most immediate queries.
There are 2 costs associated with setting up your website:
- Your domain name (typically $12/ year) or so if you go for a .com, .net, or .org
- Brizy Cloud subscription ($79/ year or $279 / year)
That's only $1/mth for your domain name, and $7/mth for your website!
The great thing is you can get started immediately for free.
Sign up for a free Brizy Cloud account and play around with the website builder. You can create test sites like mytestsite.brizy.site. If you want to have it on your own domain, e.g. myname.com - you'll have to upgrade to the paid option.
The $79 / year option lets you host 1 website with Brizy Cloud, which should be more than sufficient if you only need 1 website to start with.
When you get hooked to building websites (it's really fun ;)), then you might want to upgrade to the $279/ year option to host 20 websites. It's up to you.
This detailed guide here is aimed at providing step-by-step help, and if you follow every step, you'll be able to set up your site in no time! You can see that at no point is there any coding required!
Currently, I do not provide any service of setting up a website. But this could be something I would consider in the future.
Wasn't this easy? Or do you need more help?
I created this guide to make it as simple as possible to not only create, but also maintain a website. After more than 15 years of trial and error and evolving technologies, I am convinced that Brizy is one of the very best options (in my book, the very best) to create, maintain and build multiple websites at an affordable price.By following through this guide, you will already have received step by step instructions on how you can create your own website - the sky’s the limit!However, if even this is daunting for you, and you need a bit of help, I’ve now created a service where I can help you get started in the shortest time possible.This will include 2x 1 hour consultation discussion to get you started. If you are interested, following through the link here.
Help with signing up with Brizy Cloud Pro and Namecheap account
I help you with a standard website for $500
