Beginner to build the whole process: from scratch to build a personal website guide


First, why learn to build your own personal website?


Whether you are a student wanting to show your work, a newcomer to the workplace to build your own resume page, or you want to experience Internet entrepreneurship, having your own personal website is an efficient and free way to show yourself. Although there are many content platforms on the market like Zhihu, WeChat, etc., only a personal website - you can 100% grasp the content structure, appearance, data and traffic, and continue to build your personal brand equity.


Therefore, the "newbie website building process" is not only a skill to learn, but also the first step to transform yourself from a "content contributor" to a "content owner"!



Second, the whole process overview: a chart to read and understand the necessary stages of building a personal website


1. 明确目标与需求  ➡️  2. 选购域名与主机  ➡️  3. 网站架构与内容策划
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4. 网站系统安装部署  ➡️  5. 主题美化&功能扩展  ➡️  6. 内容发布&优化
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7. 网站测试与上线  ➡️  8. 运营维护&安全升级




Detailed step-by-step breakdown


1. Define the goal and type of website


Why the first step to "think clearly"? Different goals determine each of your subsequent decision points!

- Pure blog/writing: focus on content structure and search optimization.

- Showcase: aesthetics and visualization.

- Resume site: keep the page simple and clear.

- Community of interest/project introduction: emphasize interaction or function expansion


Suggestion: Use a table to make a plan and list out your main needs and desired presentation format.


Objective Type Main content Recommendation system Later Expandable Functions
Blog Writing Article-based WordPress Comments, Submissions, Tag Cloud
Portfolio Images, videos Hugo/Hexo Photo albums, light blogs
Resume homepage Single page static HTML+CSS templates Download Resume, Contact Form
Info Station Multi-Type Content WordPress/Jekyll Search, membership system



2. Choice of domain name and hosting


Choose a unique and simple domain name (e.g. yourname.com), prefer .com/.cn, avoid complex spellings.


Hosting choice depends on budget and goals:

- Recommended for newbies with domestic host (such as AliCloud / Tencent Cloud standard type), stable speed, good service

- Limited budget can try foreign Hostinger, Bluehost (part of the host with a free domain name and SSL certificate)

- Note that the selection of "one-click installation of WordPress" and other CMS hosts, labor-saving and efficient!


3. Website architecture and content planning


Regardless of the final system, the website structure should be thought out in advance and the core pages should be organized:


- Home: general introduction and core highlights

- About Me/Contact Us: to enhance the sense of trust

- Content areas (e.g. category, portfolio, article pages): clear hierarchy for easy navigation

- Others (subscription, comments, FAQ): to meet user interaction needs


Write a good draft of the content and prepare pictures in advance, which will help the process to be efficiently connected later.



4. Website system installation and deployment



System type Suitable for groups Brief Characteristics Installation Difficulty
WordPress Beginner - Advanced Foolproof installation, many themes and plugins, multi-language
Hexo/Hugo Pure static site Extremely fast, suitable for writing and front-end display ★★★
Typecho Lightweight and niche Simple and safe, distinctive features
Building SaaS platform Zero code for beginners Cloud-based visual drag-and-drop, hosting-free O&M 0



Traditional CMS one-click installation process (take WordPress as an example):

1. Login to the hosting panel, directly "Auto Install Application"/"One Click Deploy WordPress".

2. Visit your domain name and enter the initial settings

3. Choose a minimalist theme, everything as the navigation guide to operate can be



5. Theme beautification and functionality expansion


- Theme that is the face value of your website, WordPress and other platforms come with a large number of free themes, installation and use.

- Commonly recommended plug-ins:

- SEO optimization: Rank Math/Yoast SEO

- Commenting system: Disqus, smooth speech, etc.

- Statistical analysis: Google Analytics, Baidu Statistics plug-in

- Security: Wordfence, Tencent cloud security



6. Content publishing and SEO optimization


- Publish content according to website structure, add alt descriptions to images, and pay attention to subheadings, directories, and anchors in articles.

- The main page title/description accurately reflect the theme, add slogans or keywords.

- Be sure to open https, enhance search engine and user trust

- After the release, take the initiative to submit the site to Baidu, Google and other major search engines webmaster platform.




7. Website testing and launching


- Check the display effect of each end (PC, tablet, cell phone)

- Check that links have no dead links, forms are available, comments are normal, and pictures are clear.

- Try to register, comment, leave a message, all the processes in the station "new user experience" once.



8. Operation and maintenance and security upgrade


- Regularly update the content to prevent the site from becoming old

- Regularly backup site files and databases, and enable automatic protection plug-ins.

- Monitor traffic fluctuations and handle comments or feedback in a timely manner

- Pay attention to the CMS theme/plug-in security updates, to ensure that the site is stable and healthy growth.




Fourth, the newbie FAQ table


Question Recommended Answers
How much does it cost to build a website for a year? Domain name 50-80 yuan/year, hosting 150-500 yuan/year, CMS free of charge
How many years is suitable for domain name registration? It is recommended to register directly for 2~3 years, to save the trouble of renewal + to prevent cybersquatting
Is it good to choose the same platform for hosting and domain name? Simplify the management, especially for newbies, it is recommended to be consistent, and can be migrated and upgraded later.
Are free website building tools reliable? It is not recommended to use it for a long time, the function is limited and easy to advertise or be blocked and controlled.
How long does it take for a new website to be indexed by Baidu? Usually within 1-2 weeks, active submit sitemap can speed up!
Must I have real name authentication/record? Domestic hosts must, according to the policy requirements of the operation




V. Website construction process PNG simplified diagram


(It is recommended to use visual flowchart tool to generate PNG illustrations, a map contains: target analysis → choose domain name host → system installation → page structure → content filling → test on-line → operation and maintenance)




Sixth, conclusion: your exclusive website from now on!


Build a personal website is not difficult, as long as the phases step by step, keep in mind the basic ideas, you can certainly own your own Internet position. In this article, the whole process to protect you from blind spots and stepping on the pit. Launch your first website, and let your talent, works, and opinions shine in the digital world!



Reference Recommendation:

- Milkman Website Building Notes - Full Process for Newbies

- ProcessOn-Website Development Full Process

- CSDN-Website Building Exhaustive Fact Sheet

- WordPress Official Website Building Guide