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Create a photography website in 4 easy steps (2024)

Jörn Brien
By Jörn Brien Tech journalist with 20+ years of experience Latest update:

As seen in:

Top 3 website tools for photographers

As a photographer, you need an attractively designed website to present your images and services in the best possible light.

Creating a professional-looking photographer website is easier than you might think!

All you need is basic computer skills – and this guide.

You only need to pay a small rent for your virtual studio. For 5 to 10 euros per month, you can welcome guests to your online portfolio around the clock.

You can even create a photographer website for free. Read this guide to find out whether it’s worth it for you.

Let’s get started! Let’s develop the perfect website for your photography business!

Fotografen-Website erstellen

Step 1

What makes a good photographer’s website?

Checkliste für eine Webseite erstellen

To show customers your photos and corresponding services in the best light, you need an attractively designed website with plenty of space for your online portfolio.

Your photographs should be at the centre of the homepage. You can present a selection of your images in the form of a gallery or an album – and sell them via your own online shop.

Visitors to your photographer website are interested in your inspiration, your career and your vision. Offer them the opportunity to get in touch with you.

What do you want to achieve with your photography website?

Before we start designing your website, think about what you want to achieve with your photography website.

What goals do you have in mind?

Goals and requirements for a website for photographers:

  • Presentation of your photographs (e.g. in the form of galleries or albums)
  • Overview of your services, specialisms or studio equipment
  • Presentation of your training and skills
  • Possibility to contact you (form/chat)

The following photographer homepage examples may help you find ideas:

3 examples of successful photography websites

Beispiel Fotografen-Website Markus Braumann

Powerful images

Berlin photographer Markus Braumann lets his pictures do all the talking. The homepage of the website created with WIX* shows a selection of his work.

In three main menu items – “People”, “Moments” and “Product” – Braumann has published a large number of his works. These can be called up and clicked through in gallery form.

The contact page contains an e-mail address and telephone number. Braumann has refrained from including a form. There is also no personal or career information on the website itself.

The personalities portrayed, such as footballer Serge Gnabry or singer Lena Meyer-Landrut, testify to the photographer’s experience and skill.

Beispiel für Fotografen-Website Sean Tucker

Image and sound

Sean Tucker is a British photographer and filmmaker. On his homepage, created with the Squarespace* construction kit, Tucker welcomes his visitors with high-quality and impressive portraits.

The images can be viewed in a gallery and clicked through.

The menu on the left-hand side of the page features other forms of Tucker’s work, such as street photography and film documentaries.

Tucker has integrated an online store where he sells art prints, books and magazines. On his “About me” page, Tucker briefly reveals some information about himself and his career.

At least there is a photo of Tucker. Visitors to his homepage should probably use the photographs and videos to get an idea of who he is.

Beispiel für Fotografen-Website Meerfreiheit

Visual language

Photographers Mareike Suhn and Christian Geisler relied on Jimdo* to create their website (“Meerfreiheit“). In addition to high-quality photos, you will also find descriptive texts.

The two photographers attach great importance to portraits of special people and good food.

An overview of their work can be found in their portfolio. Suhn and Geisler provide more information about the creation of the images in an integrated blog called “Logbook”.

There is also a gallery format on “Meerfreiheit” where visitors can call up and click through the photos.

Have you already got an idea of what you should consider for your photographer website? No? Then I have more inspiration for you here.

Functionalities that are useful on a photography website:

Fotografen-Website Galerie

For you as a photographer, it is very important that your images take center stage when creating a homepage.

You can present a selection of your most important works in the form of galleries or albums. The website builder providers presented here, such as WIX*, offer you corresponding functions.

You can also subdivide your portfolio page, for example to separate your portrait or baby photos from jobs such as advertising or objects.

You can add your name, a title and a short descriptive text to the photos on your homepage.

Fotografen-Website Angebot

If you offer your photography skills professionally, it is advisable to set up a separate section for services on your homepage.

Here you can present individual offers, such as portrait, wedding or advertising photography, with the corresponding scope and prices.

Illustrate the whole thing with meaningful photos of your own so that potential customers can get an idea.

You can also integrate additional tools such as an appointment calendar, a contact form and a payment option on your offer pages.

For example, interested parties can book a photo shoot with you and pay online straight away.

Fotografen-Website Über mich

It doesn’t matter whether you want to present your art on your photography website or advertise the services of your photo studio. Visitors to your website want to find out more about you and your skills.

You can write more about your training, your career and possible exhibitions or certificates. Keep your CV clear, concise and well-structured so that visitors have a quick overview.

Add a friendly or creatively designed photo of yourself or your studio here.

You can also add a contact form here or a button that leads to your contact page.

Other functionalitites that can be useful for a photographer’s website:

  • Password-protected albums to send clients the preselection and final images
  • Blog area and/or newsletter function for your marketing
  • Domain name for photography website plus email address
  • SEO functions (ensures better findability and presentation on Google)

We have now clarified which functions and content you should plan for your photography website.

Let’s move on to the next step. You can also add individual features later.

Not sure yet? Below, I’ll go into more detail about the pros and cons of the different creation methods and providers for creating your photography website.

Step 2

Which methods are most suitable for creating a photographer’s website

Before you start creating your photography website, you should choose the most suitable method.

You can choose from these 3 methods:

MethodMethod description
1. Website builderBest suited for beginners
Modern website builders allow even beginners to create a high-quality website directly in the browser. Instructions and recommended tools
2. WordPress
(or other CMS)
For the realisation of more complex projects
You can also create coaching websites with WordPress. The most popular content management system (CMS) for creating websites offers a high degree of flexibility and independence, but getting started is more complex. More about website creation with WordPress
3. Have a web design createdConvenient, but significantly more expensive
The providers differ greatly in terms of service and costs. You can have a simple website created from around EUR 1,000, with prices going upwards. Tips on having a website created
Note: This is primarily about creating a website with a website builder. As a beginner, this is the safest way to achieve a professional result.

Website builder – how to easily create a high-quality website for photographers

Website erstellen mit WIX
You can edit your website for photographers directly in the browser

If you want to create a high-quality photographer website with little effort, a modern website builder is the right choice.

You can easily create your own photographer website yourself, whether you are a hobby photographer or a professional. Basic computer and Internet skills are all you need. You don’t need to be able to program.

The website builders offer numerous modular design templates created by web designers. You can edit and customize these directly in the browser using drag & drop.

The design templates also offer functions especially suitable for photographers, such as the option of displaying photos in galleries or albums. You can also easily integrate an online store and a password-protected customer area.

To present your offer and portfolio with your photographs on your website, use short, concise texts and – logically – expressive images.

All website builder providers also allow you to expand your website with additional functions such as a blog. This is a particularly popular option for hobby photography websites.

A virtual assistant helps you to create and publish your photography website.

You can use your own domain with a corresponding email address with all of the website builder providers presented here. Think about the name for your photography website in advance.

With WIX* and Jimdo*, you can publish free websites for photographers – albeit with a very limited range of functions. However, you can use this option to try out and test the building blocks without risk.

After publishing your website, the website builder will also help you with search engine optimization (SEO) and email marketing, for example.

How to design your photographer website with a website builder:

  1. Choose a website tool that works for you (overview below)
  2. Decide on a suitable template for your photographer website
  3. Edit the design so that it meets your expectations
  4. Add photos and text
  5. Publish your photographer website

Advantages and disadvantages of a website builder

  • Very easy to get started, no programming knowledge required
  • Website is online in no time
  • Professionally created design templates enable professional results
  • Affordable monthly rates
  • Free tariffs or trial versions to try out
  • Expandable with add-ons such as an online store or blog
  • Support team to help with any problems
  • Reaches its limits with complex websites
  • Limited range of functions in the basic tariffs
  • Expansion of the range of functions is subject to a fee
  • Tied to one provider

Conclusion: A website builder is the right choice for simple, creative and professionally designed photographer websites.

With all the tools presented here, you will find the standard functions you need to optimise your photography portfolio and present yourself in the best possible light.

Squarespace: the website builder for design lovers

Squarespace-Templates
The elegant Squarespace themes are particularly popular with designers and photographers

Squarespace makes it very easy to create a really slick design for a new website.

Once you’ve decided what kind of website you want and what your main goals are, the website builder presents you with a corresponding template. Editing is also easy.

Squarespace is the right choice for:

  • Creatives such as designers or photographers
  • Local companies that need a stylish website – with a blog and online shop
  • Anyone who simply wants a professional, good-looking website

What I really liked about Squarespace:

  • Easy to use and easy to get started thanks to the setup wizard
  • Variety of stylish and mobile-optimised templates for all industries
  • AI-supported text creation
  • Access to millions of images
  • Strong blog and online shop functions

What I think could be improved:

  • Important add-ons like Email inbox or translations plugin are available but can cost extra

Get started with Squarespace – save 10%

SQUARESPACE offers various packages starting from €11/month. They also offer 14-day free test.

Tip: Enter the code “PARTNER10” when registering to save 10% during the first year!

The best website tools for photographers

How would you like to create your website? Here you will find a detailed comparison of all the providers I have tested:

  • 1 Best design templates

    Test score

    8.7

    2024

    Very good

    Pros and Cons

    • Particularly stylish & mobile-optimised design templates
    • Templates for every industry
    • Integrated marketing and analysis tools
    • Access to over 40 million images
    • Comparatively few add-ons (or cost extra)
    • Email inbox costs extra (via Google Workspace)

    Pricing

    • Squarespace Personal
      • With your own domain
      • from 11,00£ / month
      • Test 14 days free of charge
    Visit site
  • 2 Most flexible solution

    Wix Homepage Baukasten

    Test score

    8.2

    2024

    Very good

    Pros and Cons

    • Website builder with the greatest design freedom
    • 800+ high-quality designs, 300+ app extensions
    • AI assistant for website and content
    • Several image databases integrated
    • Range of functions can be overwhelming at first
    • Email addresses only via Google Workspace (costs extra)

    Pricing

    • WIX Free
      • Permanently free of charge
      • Wix.com branding
      • No own domain
    • WIX Premium
      • Advertising free
      • With your own domain
      • from £7.50 / month
      • Test 14 days free of charge
    Visit site
  • 3 Very easy to set up

    Jimdo Logo

    Test score

    7.1

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Website wizard that gets your page up and running in just a few minutes
    • Attractive & mobile-optimised designs
    • Functions rather limited to basics
    • Few possibilities for extension

    Pricing

    • JIMDO Free
      • Permanently free of charge
      • Jimdo branding
      • No own domain
    • JIMDO Premium
      • Advertising free
      • With your own domain
      • from 9,00£ / month
    Visit site
  • 4 Very easy to set up

    Ionos Logo

    Test score

    6.8

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Very easy to set up
    • Best results for simple websites
    • AI assistant facilitates creation
    • Image database with 17,000 photos
    • Email inbox included in the tariff
    • Rather not ideal for more complex websites
    • Other providers offer more choice in design templates

    Pricing

    • IONOS MyWebsite Now
      • Free from advertisements
      • With your own domain & email
      • from 1£ / month
    Visit site
  • 5 Tip for smaller sites

    Webador

    Test score

    6.3

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Very simple and beginner-friendly creation
    • Designs optimised for mobile devices
    • Free support
    • Attractive Pro tariffs
    • Selection of design templates is limited
    • Functionality not as extensive in comparison (no app store)

    Pricing

    • Webador Free
      • Permanently free of charge
      • No own domain
      • Webador banner on the page
    • Webador Pro
      • Incl. domain and email inbox
      • Incl. online shop
      • from £8.50 / month
      • Test 3 months free of charge
    Visit site

Have you chosen your preferred tool? Then let’s register your desired domain!

A domain is the basic prerequisite for your photography website to be found on the Internet.

If visitors enter the main domain you have chosen (e.g. https://my-photography-homepage.co.uk) in the address bar of their browser, they will land on your website.

So choose the name for your photography website carefully. Other photographer websites can provide you with inspiration.

If you have already registered a main domain, you can link it to the website builder of your choice later. You can skip ahead to planning your website at this point.

I advise you to choose your own domain because you can also use it for your email communication. This looks more trustworthy and professional to potential customers.

Your email address could look like this: contact@my-photography-website.co.uk.

There are small monthly costs for registering and using a domain. These are already included in the website builder tariffs.

Some website builders offer a free tariff that can be used for test purposes.

Here you get a so-called subdomain instead of a main domain, which can look something like this: https://my-photography-website.wixsite.com.

I recommend that you register and use a main domain, regardless of whether you want to create a professional or hobby photography website.

Want a domain available? Check with your chosen website builder right away!

Tip: You can find all further information about domains and domain registration in my detailed guide to domain registration.

Step 3

How do I plan my photography website?

Have you found the right provider and the right domain? Then let’s start planning your photographer website.

Answer the following questions:

  1. What content and functions do visitors to your website expect?
  2. Where can you place this content and functions as sensibly as possible?
  3. What should the logical structure of your website look like?

Plan your website structure with the help of a sitemap

Sitemap Fotografen-Website
Websites for photographers are best planned in advance with a sitemap

A sitemap helps you to visualize and define the logical structure of your website.

You can use a sheet of paper or your computer to create your sitemap:

  • Level 1: Homepage
  • Level 2: 5-7 main menu items (e.g. Gallery, Vita, Services, Contact)
  • Level 3: Detailed pages to divide up extensive website topics

You should only add further levels if you are planning a complex website. This is not necessary for a simple photographer’s website.

When you start designing your website in the website builder of your choice, you can transfer the structure you have created here.

Always needed: Legal and mandatory information

The legal notice on your photography website should include your name, address, telephone number and email address. For professional service providers, additional information such as the VAT ID number or the responsible registration court may be required.

You can use online tools to help you create your legal notice and privacy policy.

Step 4

How do I design my photographer homepage?

Dieses Bild hat ein leeres Alt-Attribut. Der Dateiname ist 05-website-gestalten-1200x450.gif

Let’s start with the design of your website.

With a website builder, you work with design templates, also called themes. This ensures that the different pages of your website have a consistent design. The layout also remains the same.

You will find many templates specially developed for photography websites in the website builders. These can be customised to make your website distinctive and unique. You can add a logo and change colours and fonts.

The themes are so diverse and flexible that you will always find a template for your website that meets your wishes and ideas.

You can do your own research in the theme libraries of the individual providers here:

  • (website templates)
  • (Website > Website Templates section)
  • doesn’t have a theme library, instead a setup wizard will give you suitable design suggestions.

Now that you’ve found your theme, I’ll show you how to customise it in the next step.

Customise your design template – on Wix, Squarespace and Jimdo

Fotografen Portfolio erstellen mit WIX
You design your photography website in the website builder of your choice

Once you have decided on a template that matches your photographer website, you can start designing the pages.

Start with the website structure. Take the prepared sitemap and add the main menu items to your website (gallery, services, CV, etc.).

Check how your website will look by clicking on the preview button. Also pay attention to the view on your cell phone.

Use text and images to convince your visitors

Your photographs should take center stage on your homepage. Present your photographer portfolio on your website in a gallery or album.

The photos should look high quality and reflect you and your style. Also use your own images to illustrate your services.

Spice up your images and your services with meaningful but short texts. Don’t forget: website visitors tend to be put off by texts that are too long.

How exciting! Your photo website is going online!

You’re just a few moments away from publishing your self-made website. The site is as good as finished. Exciting, isn’t it?

With one click on the “Publish” button you could put your site online immediately.

But wait! Take a few more minutes to check a few important things.

Work through the short checklist. Then you’ll be on the safe side as far as the functioning of your website is concerned.

Check these 4 points before publishing:

  • Functionality: Are all links active and do the interactive elements work?
  • Browser: Is everything right with the display of your site in Chrome, Safari and Firefox as well as on mobile phones?
  • Feedback: Have friends and family tried out your website? Did they notice anything else? What do they think of the name of your photography website?
  • Google search: Have you completed the SEO settings (page title, preview texts)? You can also find these in your website builder.

Congratulations! Your photography website is live!

Now just click the “Publish” button and you’ve done it: your website is online. You have successfully developed the website. Congratulations on your work. You should be proud of yourself!

What do you think of your photography website? Do you like the name? Is everything as you imagined it? How did you like my tutorial?

I look forward to your feedback in the comments section.

Questions and answers

What else do you need to consider when creating your photography website?

Creating and operating a photography website doesn’t cost much. How much the website actually costs depends on the method you use to create it and how extensive you want it to be. If you use a website builder such as WIX* or Jimdo*, you can get started for just a few euros per month. The costs for domain and web hosting are already included in the tariffs of the construction kits.

For a photography website – including domain and web hosting – you pay a few euros per month if you create the website yourself. The easiest way to do this is with a modular system. You will incur one-off costs if you commission an external service provider to create the site or individual website content. The modular systems also offer the option of operating a website free of charge. However, you should only do this for test purposes.

It is possible to create and – permanently – publish a photography website for free. Website builders such as WIX* and Jimdo* have their own free plans for this. However, you do not have your own main domain. The providers also display annoying advertising. This does not look professional and is primarily recommended for testing purposes.

Creating your own photography website is not difficult. Quite the opposite! If you use a website builder such as WIX* or Jimdo*, you only need basic computer skills. The flexible design templates available with these systems make website design child’s play. You can find all the information you need in my step-by-step guide to creating a website for beginners.

In short: it depends. With the help of a website builder, a simple photography website can be ready within a day. Creating a more complex website can take several days or even a few weeks. If you want to have your photography website created from scratch by an external service provider, it can take even longer.

Follow these 7 tips to optimize the creation of your photography website:

  1. Decide on the type of photography website
  2. Choose a provider
  3. Create a sitemap to visualize the website structure
  4. Choose a template that suits you
  5. Ensure high loading speed and optimal display on cell phones
  6. Use short, precise texts and meaningful images
  7. Integrate an imprint and privacy policy into your pages

Yes, the EU’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) also applies to photographers’ websites. This means that as a photographer operating a website, you must comply with the relevant provisions. This includes informing your visitors in a privacy policy if you collect and process personal data.

Of course, you can also create a website for photographers with WordPress. For beginners, however, I recommend using a website builder such as WIX* or Jimdo*. These allow you to create websites quickly and easily with the help of a setup wizard. There are also lots of flexible design templates – including some that have been specially developed for photographers.

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Create a portfolio website in 4 easy steps (2024)

Jörn Brien
By Jörn Brien Tech journalist with 20+ years of experience Latest update:

As seen in:

Top 3 website tools for portfolio websites

Whether you are a graphic designer, media designer, UX designer, web designer or game designer:

Creative professionals often need an appealing portfolio website to showcase their work and skills for client acquisition or when applying for a new job.

But what are the best practices for creating a high-quality website for your portfolio?

In this guide, I’ll show you step by step how to put a successful design portfolio online.

And I’ll show you inspiring examples of creative portfolio designs.

Ready to get started? Then follow me to my website studio!

Portfolio-Website erstellen

Step 1

What requirements do I have for the portfolio website?

Checkliste für eine Webseite erstellen

A high-quality online portfolio is important for you as a creative to demonstrate your expertise as a designer.

Your portfolio should therefore naturally stand out with a distinctive design. The focus here is on your work examples, which you present attractively.

Perhaps you will find one of these 7 examples of portfolio websites by different designers that inspires you in particular?

Examples of successful portfolio websites

Beispiel-Website Art-Director Luke Oeth

Portfolio in tile design

US art director Luke Oeth has a whole range of exciting campaigns, branding projects and product designs in his portfolio.

Oeth has chosen a tile-based design for his portfolio website (created with Squarespace*). Clicking on one of the thumbnails takes the visitor to a subpage with further graphics and a detailed description.

In addition to his e-mail address and telephone number, Oeth has only included a link to his LinkedIn profile. The successful implementation of the responsive design is striking.

Beispiel-Website Grafikdesigner Aron Mayo

Sociable and typo-friendly

Australian graphic designer Aron Mayo is currently Brand Design Director at Linktree, but is open to side projects, according to his website.

On his portfolio website, created with the Squarespace* homepage construction kit, he offers space for his main areas of activity and experience as well as a selection of his work.

In addition to large images, there are short descriptions of the projects. A link opens detailed project descriptions on a subpage.

The largest button (“Get in Touch”) leads directly to the e-mail contact. There are also links to Mayo’s Instagram and Dribbble presence.

Beispiel-Website UX-Designerin Sophie Brittain

Projects with password protection

New York-based UX designer Sophie Brittain proves that the WIX* website builder can be used to create stylish portfolio websites.

On the website, Brittain presents three selected portfolio examples with large-format images and a short description. The more detailed presentation or case study can then be accessed via a corresponding link.

Access is password-protected so that Sophie does not run the risk of sharing confidential details or protected visuals.

Beispiel-Website Grafik-Designer David Milan

Brightly colored and taciturn

US graphic designer David Milan‘s online portfolio, which was also created using the WIX construction kit*, features an almost endless overview of brightly colored images and GIFs.

Clicking on one of the graphics opens the image in its own image gallery. There is no description. Only a descriptive file name is displayed.

More recommendable for copying: You can easily navigate from graphic to graphic with Pfeilicons – and the works can also be rated (heart symbol) or shared. Milan has dispensed with an “About me” page; he lets his work speak for itself.

Beispiel-Website Produktdesigner Roee Ben Yehuda

Innovative Navigation

The Israeli product designer Roee Ben Yehuda has created various graphic designs in addition to wood and ceramic works and 3D models.

Roee dedicates a separate subpage to each of his works. In addition to large-format photos and GIFs, he has also included videos. The descriptions, on the other hand, are rather brief.

The website navigation is innovative, with a menu item in each corner of the screen and the content in the middle.

The designer has integrated a form for making contact. There is also an online store where you can purchase some of his work directly.

Roee created the portfolio with *.

Beispiel-Website UX-Designerin Kelly Batchelor

Detailed portfolio presentation

British UX designer Kelly Batchelor presents her UX design portfolio on her website.

The site is dominated by the various projects Batchelor has worked on, including a UX design course at the University of Reading.

Clicking on the individual project images takes you to detailed subpages with the corresponding case studies.

An “About me” page contains a short CV with a photo, a detailed CV for download and links to her blog on Medium, Instagram and Behance.

Beispiel-Website Grafik-Designerin Sabrina Eder

Chic and legally flawless

German graphic designer Sabrina Eder relies on Jimdo* instead of Squarespace or WIX – and the results are quite impressive.

On the homepage of her portfolio website, Eder describes herself and her field of work. The information is accompanied by an eye-catching large GIF and a large picture of the designer.

The video and graphic design portfolios, including brief descriptions, are each housed on their own subpage.

The online portfolio of media designer Eder is the only one of the sample homepages presented here that has an imprint, a privacy policy and an option to make cookie settings – which is of course also more important in the German or European environment.

What do you want to achieve with your website?

As with the briefing for a creative project, we also start with the goals when creating your portfolio website. So first think about what you want to achieve with your online portfolio.

The sample portfolio pages may have already given you some inspiration. You can find more ideas here:

These could be goals for you:

  • Presenting yourself and your skills
  • Present your references for customers or clients
  • Enable contact to be made
  • Blog or news section to provide information about new projects, awards, exhibitions or professional news

Based on these goals, you can now define the content and functions that are most important to you and that should definitely not be missing from your portfolio for graphic or media design or UX design & co.

These aspects are particularly important for a portfolio website

Beispiel für Portfolio-Referenzen

Whether you are a graphic designer, media designer, product designer or UX designer: presenting your references is the most important reason to publish your own portfolio website.

In this section of your site, you can take center stage with large-format images of your work.

Also tell us something about the project in question: what were the particular challenges and how did you solve them creatively?

Also make it clear which of your skills helped you in particular.

Did you create the work in a team with others? Then make it clear what your specific contribution was to the end result. Many clients are also interested in how you organized your approach and the design process.

In addition to your own assessment, reviews or comments from customers or colleagues can also underline your performance!

Beispiel für eine Portfolio-About-Seite

As a creative professional or freelancer, you want to communicate yourself and your knowledge and skills visibly to the outside world.

This allows potential customers and clients to get to know you better and understand what kind of projects they can use you for.

To build closeness and trust, you can also share a few personal details here, such as what you like or what you do in your free time.

Perhaps you would also like to publish a photo of yourself here to make the whole thing a little more personal?

The “About me” page is also the perfect place to make direct contact.

Beispiel für eine Portfolio-Startseite

A distinctive and high-quality design is particularly important for the credibility of a designer portfolio.

After all, the website will be your digital flagship and should showcase your design skills!

However, you don’t have to design your online business card yourself from scratch. Website builder providers such as * or * have specialized in high-quality templates for portfolio websites.

Thanks to their high flexibility and adaptability, it will be easy for you as a creative to design a unique website.

Other functionionalities that can be useful for a website for creative portfolios

  • Blog to give visitors insights into your own work
  • Member area for selected presentations
  • (Local) SEO functions improve findability on Google
  • Link social media accounts, e.g. Instagram or Dribbble
  • Domain name plus email address (contact@design-portfolio-website.de)

If you are clear about the most important content for your designer portfolio, let’s move on. You can add individual features later.

Step 2

Which tool do I use to create my portfolio website?

You can start creating the website for your portfolio right away. But first you need to decide which method you prefer.

These 3 methods are generally possible:

MethodMethod description
1. Website builderBest suited for beginners
Modern website builders allow even beginners to create a high-quality website directly in the browser. Instructions and recommended providers
2. WordPress
(or other CMS)
For the realisation of more complex projects
The most popular content management system (CMS) for creating websites offers a high degree of flexibility and independence, but getting started is more complex. More about website creation with WordPress
3. Have a web design createdConvenient, but significantly more expensive
The providers differ greatly in terms of service and costs. You can have a simple website created from around EUR 1,000, with prices going upwards. Tips on having a website created
Note: In this article, I will focus on the creation of online portfolios with a website builder.

Website builder – the convenient way to an attractive online portfolio

Beispiel Homepage-Baukasten Squarespace
With Website builder such as Squarespace, you can create high-quality design portfolios directly in your browser

If you want to create a stylish website to present your portfolio online, I advise you to choose a modern website builder.

Here you will find portfolio templates created by professional web designers that you can easily customize and publish using drag & drop – directly in your web browser.

The templates are so flexible that you can design them entirely according to your wishes. This allows you to create a creative and unique design for the presentation of your media or graphic design portfolio.

The great thing is that the modular system takes you by the hand and guides you through the individual steps. You don’t need any programming skills or a large budget.

All of the website builders I present here offer you high-quality and creative design templates that are suitable for presenting a portfolio.

You can bring your designer portfolio to life on the web with images and explanatory text in particular.

The modular systems also offer you support with search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing so that customers and potential customers can find you online.

Free portfolio websites – presenting designs with compromises

You’ve probably heard of platforms like Dribble or Behance. Designers, photographers and illustrators can set up a free account here to present their design portfolios.

One of the advantages is that you can meet like-minded people there, make contacts and get likes. You can also get inspiration for your future work.

An account on one of these portfolio platforms specializing in graphic or UX design is certainly a good way to communicate and find inspiration.

But: I still advise you to have your own professionally designed website, which you can create easily and inexpensively with a website builder. Your self-designed portfolio site will give you your own domain and email address, make it easier to be found by search engines and help you build your own brand.

How to design your portfolio website with a website builder:

  1. Find a provider that suits you (see the overview below)
  2. Choose a suitable template for your portfolio website
  3. Customise the design to your ideas
  4. Add suitable graphics and explanatory texts to your portfolio design
  5. Put your design portfolio online

Advantages and disadvantages of a website builder

  • Very easy to get started, no programming knowledge required
  • Website is online in no time
  • Professionally created design templates enable professional results
  • Affordable monthly rates
  • Free tariffs or trial versions to try out
  • Expandable with add-ons such as an online store or blog
  • Support team to help with any problems
  • Reaches its limits with complex websites
  • Limited range of functions in the basic tariffs
  • Expansion of the range of functions is subject to a fee
  • Tied to one provider

Conclusion: You’re doing everything right with a website builder if you want a creative and professionally designed website for your portfolio.

All of the providers presented here offer you the standard functions for presenting content and work examples in an attractive, varied and responsively optimised way.

Squarespace: the website builder for design lovers

Squarespace-Templates
The elegant Squarespace themes are particularly popular with designers and photographers

Squarespace makes it very easy to create a really slick design for a new website.

Once you’ve decided what kind of website you want and what your main goals are, the website builder presents you with a corresponding template. Editing is also easy.

Squarespace is the right choice for:

  • Creatives such as designers or photographers
  • Local companies that need a stylish website – with a blog and online shop
  • Anyone who simply wants a professional, good-looking website

What I really liked about Squarespace:

  • Easy to use and easy to get started thanks to the setup wizard
  • Variety of stylish and mobile-optimised templates for all industries
  • AI-supported text creation
  • Access to millions of images
  • Strong blog and online shop functions

What I think could be improved:

  • Important add-ons like Email inbox or translations plugin are available but can cost extra

Get started with Squarespace – save 10%

SQUARESPACE offers various packages starting from €11/month. They also offer 14-day free test.

Tip: Enter the code “PARTNER10” when registering to save 10% during the first year!

What are the best tools for creating a portfolio website?

Here you can find a detailed comparison of all the providers I tested:

  • 1 Best design templates

    Test score

    8.7

    2024

    Very good

    Pros and Cons

    • Particularly stylish & mobile-optimised design templates
    • Templates for every industry
    • Integrated marketing and analysis tools
    • Access to over 40 million images
    • Comparatively few add-ons (or cost extra)
    • Email inbox costs extra (via Google Workspace)

    Pricing

    • Squarespace Personal
      • With your own domain
      • from 11,00£ / month
      • Test 14 days free of charge
    Visit site
  • 2 Most flexible solution

    Wix Homepage Baukasten

    Test score

    8.2

    2024

    Very good

    Pros and Cons

    • Website builder with the greatest design freedom
    • 800+ high-quality designs, 300+ app extensions
    • AI assistant for website and content
    • Several image databases integrated
    • Range of functions can be overwhelming at first
    • Email addresses only via Google Workspace (costs extra)

    Pricing

    • WIX Free
      • Permanently free of charge
      • Wix.com branding
      • No own domain
    • WIX Premium
      • Advertising free
      • With your own domain
      • from £7.50 / month
      • Test 14 days free of charge
    Visit site
  • 3 Very easy to set up

    Jimdo Logo

    Test score

    7.1

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Website wizard that gets your page up and running in just a few minutes
    • Attractive & mobile-optimised designs
    • Functions rather limited to basics
    • Few possibilities for extension

    Pricing

    • JIMDO Free
      • Permanently free of charge
      • Jimdo branding
      • No own domain
    • JIMDO Premium
      • Advertising free
      • With your own domain
      • from 9,00£ / month
    Visit site
  • 4 Very easy to set up

    Ionos Logo

    Test score

    6.8

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Very easy to set up
    • Best results for simple websites
    • AI assistant facilitates creation
    • Image database with 17,000 photos
    • Email inbox included in the tariff
    • Rather not ideal for more complex websites
    • Other providers offer more choice in design templates

    Pricing

    • IONOS MyWebsite Now
      • Free from advertisements
      • With your own domain & email
      • from 1£ / month
    Visit site
  • 5 Tip for smaller sites

    Webador

    Test score

    6.3

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Very simple and beginner-friendly creation
    • Designs optimised for mobile devices
    • Free support
    • Attractive Pro tariffs
    • Selection of design templates is limited
    • Functionality not as extensive in comparison (no app store)

    Pricing

    • Webador Free
      • Permanently free of charge
      • No own domain
      • Webador banner on the page
    • Webador Pro
      • Incl. domain and email inbox
      • Incl. online shop
      • from £8.50 / month
      • Test 3 months free of charge
    Visit site

How can I publish my portfolio for free?

With your own website, you have many advantages such as full control of the design, your own domain and email address as well as SEO support.

However, there is nothing to stop you from creating an additional account on Dribbble or Behance and presenting your work there, too.

Free portfolio websites tools

Dribbble-Beispiel

Community for designers

Dribbble is one of the largest portfolio platforms for designers and creatives and works like a social network for portfolios of graphic or UX designers.

On Dribbble, self-created designs, illustrations, animations or logos can be published free of charge as so-called “shots”. Other users can then view, comment on and like them.

Dribbble and its competitor Behance thus serve as places of inspiration and exchange. Creative professionals can also find clients here.

A free profile on Dribbble is certainly useful for presenting examples of your design portfolio. However, I recommend that you have your own website with your own domain, email address, SEO options and much better opportunities to build your brand.

  • Free opportunity to present your own media design portfolio

  • Large community for exchange and job offers

  • Some features only in the Pro version

  • No own website (domain, e-mail, SEO)

Behance-Beispiel

Free portfolio platform

Like Dribbble, Behance is an extremely popular community platform for designers and creatives with several million users.

Even more so than Dribbble, Behance allows designers to build up and present their own portfolio – for example, to refer clients to it.

Behance also offers the option of publishing work exclusively and charging money for it.

As with Dribbble, the same applies to Behance: having your own website (domain, email, SEO) ultimately promises more success and helps you to build your own brand.

  • Free platform for portfolios of graphic or UX designers
  • Exchange with a large design community and earning opportunities
  • No own website (domain, e-mail, SEO)

Found the right tool? Then register a matching domain

When creating an online portfolio for your (graphic) design projects with a website builder, you can also choose a free plan, such as those offered by WIX* or Jimdo*. In this case, however, you will have to accept some restrictions.

The most important one is that you don’t get your own domain with the free versions, but only a so-called subdomain, such as

https://designers-portfolio.wixsite.com

In contrast, your chosen main domain could look like this:

https://designers-portfolio.com

That looks much more professional, doesn’t it?

You can also use your domain for email communication. Your address could then be used for info@designers-portfolio.com, for example.

Have you already checked whether your desired domain is still available? You can check directly with a website provider of your choice:

(If you already have a domain for your planned site, you can go straight to the next step. The domain can be connected later in your construction kit)

By the way: In my step-by-step guide to domain registration, I’ve covered the topics of domains and domain registration in more detail.

Step 3

How do I plan my portfolio website?

Once you have selected your favourite website builder provider and registered your desired domain, we can start planning your website.

Because defining a structure for your online portfolio speeds up the practical implementation enormously 🙂 .

Plan the structure of your portfolio with a sitemap

Sitemap für Portfolio-Website
Sample sitemap for a portfolio website – so you can plan your page structure.

Think again in detail about which functions and content should not be missing on your website:

Which content and functions belong on which of your pages (“About me”, “References”)?

To plan your portfolio effectively, I recommend creating a sitemap and visualizing your website structure.

You can simply draw your sitemap on a sheet of paper. Or you can use your computer.

You can structure your various pages hierarchically into several levels. A flat hierarchy with 1-3 levels is typical for a design portfolio:

  • Level 1: Homepage
  • Level 2: Main menu items such as “About me” or “References” – maximum 5 to 7
  • Level 3: Detailed pages for the division of extensive topics (e.g. individual “References”)

For more complex websites, additional levels can be included. However, I would advise you to keep the structure simple (and therefore flat) when designing your portfolio for graphic design & co.

Once you have planned the website structure, you can transfer it when creating your website in your chosen modular system by creating the individual pages and moving them into the correct order in the page overview.

With most website builders, the pages are then automatically transferred to the main menu of your website so that they are directly linked.

A one-page design that only consists of the homepage can also be an elegant solution for a design portfolio. In this case, of course, you don’t need a sitemap for planning, and you won’t need a navigation menu on the website later on.

Step 4

How do I design an attractive portfolio website?

The preparation is largely complete and we are already on the home straight: Let’s start designing your website now!

Website builder providers use templates (themes) to ensure that all pages of your website have a standardised design.

The ready-made themes are very versatile and flexible, giving you plenty of creative freedom. A logo and expressive images of your work, individual colour palettes and fonts give your website a unique look within the theme structure.

You can do your own research here in the theme libraries of the individual providers:

  • (website templates)
  • (Website section > Website Templates)
  • doesn’t have a theme library, instead a setup wizard will give you suitable design suggestions.

Now that you’ve found your theme, I’ll explain how to customise it in the next step.

How to customise your web design template for online portfolios on Squarespace and co

Beispiel Bilder Texte Squarespace
You can customize the design of your portfolio website (images, text and links) in the website builder

Website builders such as Squarespace or WIX guide you through the website creation process for your graphic or UX design portfolio. Once you have decided on a template, it’s time to design the site.

The structure you created in the ‘Sitemap’ section is used to set up the website structure. According to this plan, add pages such as “About me” or “References”.

Copy the prepared texts and images into the appropriate places. Check that all pages also look good on a cell phone (mobile view).

Convince with texts and images

For a convincing website to present your portfolio, you need perfectly designed media and images as well as expressive texts.

If you use photos, they should of course look high quality and make an authentic impression. You should only use stock photos for illustrative purposes or for general topics.

Don’t forget to add informative text to your work. But keep it short and get to the point quickly. Long texts tend to put website visitors off.

The most exciting moment: Your portfolio goes online!

Your website is as good as finished. Just a few more moments and you can put your self-designed portfolio website online. Isn’t that exciting?

You’re just one click on the “Publish” button away from putting your site live.

But take a little time to check a few important points. Then you can be sure that your website is working properly.

Check these 4 points before you publish your site:

  • Are all functions active? Do the links and interactive elements work?
  • Does your website display correctly in all major browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) and mobile?
  • Have you asked friends and family to try out your website? If not, do it now!
  • Have you checked all SEO settings (page titles, preview texts) in your website builder?

Congratulations! Your portfolio website is now online!

Now click on the “Publish” button – and your website is live. You have successfully played through the “Create a design portfolio” game. Good work! Congratulations to you! You can be proud of yourself!

Has your website turned out the way you imagined it? Did my guide help you? Why don’t you tell me about your experiences in the comments section?

Questions and answers

What else do you need to consider when creating a portfolio website?

You can create your own website for just a few euros a month. If you use a website builder such as Squarespace or WIX, you pay between 5 and 25 euros per month to create and publish a website. Domain and web hosting are already included. The actual costs vary depending on the provider and the functions selected.

The costs for a portfolio website are generally ongoing. Monthly costs are incurred for web hosting and the domain. These costs are already included in the tariffs of website builder providers. One-off costs may be incurred for external service providers who create the web design, texts or photos for the website, for example. Website builder providers such as Squarespace or WIX also offer free tariffs that are suitable for trying out website design options and functions.

Yes, it is possible to create a website for design portfolios free of charge. Website builder providers such as WIX or Jimdo offer free tariffs. This allows websites to be created and published permanently free of charge. However, there are some restrictions. Instead of a main domain, there is only one subdomain and advertising is displayed on the website.

Website builders offer the necessary support and numerous design templates, thanks to which even beginners can create simple websites. Programming knowledge is not necessary. However, you should have basic computer and internet skills.

My detailed guide to creating a website for beginners explains how easy it is to create a website.

If you use a website builder, you can create and publish a simple website within a day. The more content is already prepared, the faster the website can be created. A rough idea of the design and a sitemap are also helpful.

However, if you are developing a complex website yourself, it can take considerably longer.

These 7 tips can help you create a website for portfolios:

  1. Think about what you need from your portfolio
  2. Decide on the right provider
  3. Plan your website structure and create it in a sitemap
  4. The design of the website should match your portfolio
  5. Check whether the website loads quickly and is optimized for mobile viewing
  6. Images are extremely important for an online portfolio, texts complement the overall picture
  7. Observe the data protection guidelines

A portfolio website is used to present the work, projects and services of a designer, artist or other creative person online. And it does so in an appealing and clear manner. As an important part of online marketing, a website helps to strengthen an image or brand. A well-designed portfolio invites communication. In addition, this type of online presence can be used to attract new customers or clients.

In principle, any creative person or artist can create an online portfolio to showcase their skills and work. Below are a few examples of those for whom an online design portfolio could be particularly worthwhile:

  • UX designer portfolios
  • Portfolios of graphic designers
  • Product designer portfolios
  • Portfolios of media designers
  • Portfolios of game designers
  • Portfolios of communication designers

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School website design: 4 simple steps (2024)

Jörn Brien
By Jörn Brien Tech journalist with 20+ years of experience Latest update:

As seen in:

Top 3 tools for educational websites

A school needs a website to be found on the Internet.

Perhaps you are unsure whether and how you can create a homepage for an elementary school or a website for a secondary school yourself?

Don’t worry! With this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to create a successful website for all types of schools and educational institutions. I’ll cover the recommended content, web design and important legal guidelines for school websites, such as data protection and accessibility. For example, every school website needs an imprint. A privacy policy also belongs on every school website.

Creating a solid school website does not have to tear a big hole in the school budget. It is possible for as little as 10 euros or even less per month. I also discuss free methods of website creation.

Programming knowledge or special design skills are not necessary to go online with a competitive school website. However, confidence with computers and the Internet is an advantage.

Want to get started with creating a website for your school? Then follow me to class!

Schulhomepage erstellen

Step 1

What requirements should the school website fulfill?

Checkliste für eine Webseite erstellen

In Germany, schools are not obliged to create a website. However, having their own website makes a good impression on parents, pupils and the public – and can also make administrative work much easier.

Strict guidelines apply to school websites in terms of data protection regulations and accessibility. I’ll explain in detail later what you need to consider with a school website in terms of GDPR and the like. Don’t worry: it’s not that complicated to adhere to the rules!

Just this much: An imprint and a privacy policy are mandatory for every school website.

If you manage to create a really good website, you can even take part in a school website award – and draw attention to your school nationwide.

Why don’t you take a look at these three school websites first? Perhaps they can inspire you when it comes to designing your own site:

What requirements should the school website fulfill?

Gute Schulhomepage Realschule

Excellent

The website of the Ferdinand-von-Miller secondary school in Fürstenfeldbruck not only impressed me with its minimalist design. The school’s professionally designed homepage has won the prestigious “CSS Design Award”.

This makes it ideal for inspiration. On the “About us” page, visitors can find out more about the school, the team and the educational concept.

The “School life” section contains a digital edition of the school newspaper “Happy News”. A separate section at the top of the homepage is reserved for very important information. A password-protected internal area ensures secure communication with parents and pupils.

Schule Jungfernheide Homepage

Clear and comprehensive, but with points deduction

The website of Berlin’s school an der Jungfernheide proves that a professional and modern-looking school website can also be created using a website builder (in this case WIX*).

Here you will find extensive information about the school as well as links to important documents such as registration forms and excuse slips. An informative blog about school life is also integrated, as is a forum where pupils and teachers can exchange information.

There is also an internal area that is not accessible to outsiders. Important points of criticism: the contact details are only directly accessible from the homepage. And: an imprint seems to be completely missing on the homepage of this school.

You can and should do better!

Gute Schulwebsite EB Schule

Imaginative and likeable

Duisburg’s Elsa Brandström School welcomes visitors to its website with a welcome video. Important for fulfilling the guidelines and user expectations: the school website’s contact and legal notice – including privacy policy – are easily accessible in the main menu.

But back to the school website and its functionalities: The website, which was also built using the WIX website builder*, has an “Events calendar”. There is a blog section under “News”.

The school and teaching team present themselves and their guiding principles in detail on the “Our school” page. Also useful: The Friends’ Association has integrated a Paypal donation button on its subpage.

Conclusion: This self-created school website also deserves an award.

What do you want to achieve with your school website?

Just like the school curriculum, we break down the website design project into small, clear learning units. Before we get started, it’s important to determine what goals you want to achieve with your online presence.

Once this has been clarified, you can build on this to identify the most important functionalities of your future website. You may have already discovered some of them on the example websites. If not, I’ll give you a few more ideas here.

These could be goals for you:

  • Provide information about the school/school activities (concept, projects, events)
  • Introduce the teaching team and school facilities
  • Offer opportunities for making contact
  • Provide materials for pupils and parents
  • Communicate news and dates in your own news area
  • Relieve secretariat and administration

Functionalities that should definitely be available on a school website:

Beispielseite Schulinfo Website

Like a good company website, the school homepage is initially used to present the institution to the outside world. On an “About us” page, the principal and teachers can introduce themselves. Details of the school profile can also be presented here.

There is also space for a school chronicle or information about the school’s namesake. Visitors to the website may also be interested in the school’s concept, guiding principle and values.

If you wish, you can also introduce the parents’ or pupils’ representatives and the booster club here. Links to partner institutions, sponsors or the house rules are also in the right place here.

Beispielseite Schulwebsite Aktuelles

Pupils and parents in particular naturally want to know what is happening at their school. It is therefore important to set up an area on the school website where news or information about projects or events can be posted regularly.

The “News” or “Latest news” section can take the form of a blog. Don’t forget to add meaningful photos – in compliance with data protection regulations, of course. More information on the rules to be followed when publishing photos on a school website can be found in the section on data protection.

To ensure that teachers, parents and pupils don’t lose track of things over the course of the school year, I recommend integrating an event calendar. For example, you can enter open days, vacation times, exam dates or special events.

Beispielseite Schulwebsite Kontakt

An easily accessible contact page with up-to-date information, such as the opening hours of the school secretary’s office and the contact details of important contacts in the team, reduces the administrative workload.

In addition to telephone numbers and email addresses, the contact page should also include the school address, possibly with an integrated map and/or information on how to get there and local public transport.

Many schools have started using a form on the website to enable sickness notifications. This reduces the number of phone calls or e-mails the secretary has to deal with in the morning.

It is best to answer frequently asked questions, such as those about school registration or graduation options, in a separate FAQ section.

Functionalities that can also be useful on a homepage for schools:

  • Own domain name plus own e-mail address(es) (kontakt@meine-schule.de)
  • Blog area for insights into school life, perhaps as an online school newspaper?
  • Integration of a map and/or travel information
  • Local SEO functionalities (search engine optimisation) for findability on Google and Google Maps
  • Area for the support organisation with a donation button

Have you selected the functionalities that should definitely not be missing on your school website? You can start with the most important ones first. Individual features can be added later!

Next, you will learn about the most important methods and providers for creating school websites.

Step 2

Which methods are suitable for creating school homepages?

Before you start creating a website for your school, you should choose your favourite method.

there are 3 different methods available to you:

MethodMethod Description
1. Website builderBest suited for beginners
Modern website builders allow even beginners to create a high-quality website directly in the browser. Instructions and recommended providers
2. WordPress
(or other CMS)
For the realisation of more complex projects
The most popular content management system (CMS) for creating websites offers a high degree of flexibility and independence, but getting started is more complex. More about website creation with WordPress
3. Have a web design createdConvenient, but significantly more expensive
The providers differ greatly in terms of service and costs. You can have a simple website created from around EUR 1,000, with prices going upwards. Tips on having a website created
Note: I am focussing here specifically on website creation using a website builder. I give you detailed tips on the topics of creating a WordPress website and having a website created in my detailed guide “Creating a website for beginners“.

Website builder – the first choice for creating a simple school website

Wix Seite Schulhomepage
Creating school homepages directly in the browser – this is possible with WIX and other website builder providers.

If you want to create a simple but professional-looking website for a school or other educational institution, I would advise you to use a modern website builder.

Like a good teacher, such a system guides you through the program and ensures that you end up with a successful result.

You don’t need any programming skills or a large budget. However, you should be confident with PCs and the Internet.

Then you can simply drag and drop the design templates for your school website – which were created by professional web designers – into your web browser to customize and finish them.

All of the modular providers I have presented offer special templates for the education sector. However, you can also choose templates from other areas. The important thing is that you add the functionalities you want.

The school website will be a success thanks to the texts and images you provide.

The website builder systems also offer support with marketing and search engine optimization (SEO).

Whether you can win a school competition with your website also depends on the design.

This is how the design of school websites works with the website builder:

  1. Find a suitable provider (see the overview below for guidance)
  2. Select a suitable template for your school website
  3. Customise the design (are all functionalities on board?)
  4. Add text and image material
  5. Don’t forget the imprint adapted to a school website
  6. press the “Publish” button and put your school website online

Advantages and disadvantages of a website builder

  • Very easy to get started, no programming knowledge required
  • Website is online in no time
  • Professionally created design templates enable professional results
  • Affordable monthly rates
  • Free tariffs or trial versions to try out
  • Expandable with add-ons such as an online store or blog
  • Support team to help with any problems
  • Reaches its limits with complex websites
  • Limited range of functions in the basic tariffs
  • Expansion of the range of functions is subject to a fee
  • Tied to one provider

Conclusion: A website builder is the right choice when it comes to creating a simple and professionally designed school website. Even beginners will quickly achieve success.

Standard functionalities such as school profile, news or contact are included with all the providers presented here.

Extensions such as a diary or your own blog area can also be added to your school website.

Alternatively, you can also create your school website with WordPress. This is particularly useful if you are very technically savvy or have complex requirements for the site.

IONOS MyWebsite: My #1 recommendation (8.4/10 points)

Website mit IONOS KI erstellen
With IONOS, website creation is particularly easy thanks to AI support

With IONOS “MyWebsite”, even beginners with no prior technical knowledge can easily create professional-looking websites in no time at all.

This is possible thanks to the clear operation and the support of convenient AI functionalities.

If you don’t want to use AI texts and images, you should prepare this content and have it ready when you create your website.

The comparatively low costs are a big plus point.

IONOS “MyWebsite” also impresses with its high level of data protection and German support. The only major drawback is that the “MyWebsite” system is not suitable for complex websites.

What IONOS „MyWebsite“ is particularly suitable for:

  • Individual entrepreneurs such as coaches or brokers
  • Local companies such as craft businesses or medical practices
  • Anyone who wants to create a simple website without any prior technical knowledge

What I liked best about IONOS “MyWebsite”:

  • Setting up and editing is easy and straightforward
  • The AI assistant is a great help when creating the website and filling it with content (text and images)
  • Legal certainty thanks to server location in Germany (keyword: GDPR)
  • Tariffs are affordable
  • Email address and domains are included in the tariff

What I think could be improved:

  • Designs/templates could have more creativity and quality
  • For complex websites you should choose another provider

 

Start with IONOS MyWebsite

IONOS offers various website plans starting at just 1£/month for the first 6 months.

The best website tools for educational websites

Here you can find a detailed comparison of the best tools I have tested:

  • 1 Very easy to set up

    Ionos Logo

    Test score

    8.4

    2024

    Very good

    Pros and Cons

    • Very easy to set up
    • Best results for simple websites
    • AI assistant facilitates creation
    • Image database with 17,000 photos
    • Email inbox included in the tariff
    • Rather not ideal for more complex websites
    • Other providers offer more choice in design templates

    Pricing

    • IONOS MyWebsite Now
      • Free from advertisements
      • With your own domain & email
      • from 1£ / month
    Visit site
  • 2 Best design templates

    Test score

    8.0

    2024

    Very good

    Pros and Cons

    • Particularly stylish & mobile-optimised design templates
    • Templates for every industry
    • Integrated marketing and analysis tools
    • Access to over 40 million images
    • Comparatively few add-ons (or cost extra)
    • Email inbox costs extra (via Google Workspace)

    Pricing

    • Squarespace Personal
      • With your own domain
      • from 11,00£ / month
      • Test 14 days free of charge
    Visit site
  • 3 Most flexible solution

    Wix Homepage Baukasten

    Test score

    7.6

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Website builder with the greatest design freedom
    • 800+ high-quality designs, 300+ app extensions
    • AI assistant for website and content
    • Several image databases integrated
    • Range of functions can be overwhelming at first
    • Email addresses only via Google Workspace (costs extra)

    Pricing

    • WIX Free
      • Permanently free of charge
      • Wix.com branding
      • No own domain
    • WIX Premium
      • Advertising free
      • With your own domain
      • from £7.50 / month
      • Test 14 days free of charge
    Visit site
  • 4 Very easy to set up

    Jimdo Logo

    Test score

    7.1

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Website wizard that gets your page up and running in just a few minutes
    • Attractive & mobile-optimised designs
    • Functions rather limited to basics
    • Few possibilities for extension

    Pricing

    • JIMDO Free
      • Permanently free of charge
      • Jimdo branding
      • No own domain
    • JIMDO Premium
      • Advertising free
      • With your own domain
      • from 9,00£ / month
    Visit site
  • 5 Tip for smaller sites

    Webador

    Test score

    6.8

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Very simple and beginner-friendly creation
    • Designs optimised for mobile devices
    • Free support
    • Attractive Pro tariffs
    • Selection of design templates is limited
    • Functionality not as extensive in comparison (no app store)

    Pricing

    • Webador Free
      • Permanently free of charge
      • No own domain
      • Webador banner on the page
    • Webador Pro
      • Incl. domain and email inbox
      • Incl. online shop
      • from £8.50 / month
      • Test 3 months free of charge
    Visit site

Have you chosen your preferred tool? Then it’s time to register your desired domain!

When creating your school website, you can also use the free tariffs of website builders. However, these come with restrictions.

This includes the fact that you only receive a so-called subdomain with the free versions. This looks something like this:

https://myschoolwebsite.wixsite.com

I therefore recommend that you use a main domain if you want to create a good school website. A main domain could look like this:

https://myschool.com

That looks much more trustworthy, doesn’t it?

Another advantage is that you can use an address like contact@myschool.com for email communication.

Is your desired domain still available? The best way to check is to surf directly to your preferred provider:

(You already have your own main domain? Then you can simply skip this step. You can connect the domain to your website later in your website builder)

By the way: You can find detailed information on the topics of registration and choosing a provider and name for domains in my step-by-step guide to domain registration.

Step 3

How do I plan my school homepage?

Have you chosen your favourite domain and website builder? Then let’s start planning your school website. Whether it’s a primary school, secondary school or grammar school doesn’t matter at this point.

Organising the website structure – at least roughly – will speed up the creation of your website enormously.

Thorough preparation of the layout ensures that you achieve your goal of a professionally designed school website most efficiently. You have my word.

Create your website plan based on these points:

  1. Certain content and functionalities should not be missing on your school website. What are they?
  2. Place these contents and functionalities on the individual pages such as “School profile” or “Contact” as sensibly as possible.
  3. Create a sitemap for your school website to determine the logical structure.

I have written down ideas on which content and functionalities should be found on certain areas of websites in my detailed guide to website planning.

Create a sitemap: How to plan your website structure effectively

Sitema Schulhomepage
Sample sitemap for a school website. Your own sitemap makes it easier for you to plan the page structure.

I recommend that you visualize your website structure in a sitemap. This will allow you to plan it effectively.

Simply write down the sitemap on a piece of paper. You can also use your computer for this.

Programs such as the site map creator from Canva* can be used to create professional sitemaps that can help you optimize the navigation on your homepage, for example.

Example structure for your sitemap:

  • Level 1: Homepage
  • Level 2: 5 to 7 main menu items (“School profile”, “News”, “Contact” etc.)
  • Level 3: Detailed pages on which you can divide up extensive topics (“Collegium”, “Offer”)

More complex websites can contain even more deeply nested pages (level 4 or lower). However, this is not usually recommended for a classic school website.

You can simply transfer the structure you have developed when creating your homepage in the modular system.

When creating a multilingual website, make sure to create several parallel sitemaps. Don’t forget to set up a button in the page header so that you can switch between the different languages.

Legal matters and mandatory information

Personal data of pupils and, in particular, photos and videos may only be published on a school website with the written consent (of the parent or guardian).

A complete imprint for the school website is essential. The privacy policy is just as important if a school operates a website.

The respective education ministries of the federal states provide specific information on this.

Step 4

How do I make my school website stylish and easy to use?

But now let’s finally get down to designing your new school website!

All website builder providers work with templates, also known as themes. This ensures that all your pages have a professional and standardised design.

The website builders offer you a whole range of ready-made themes or templates. You can customise these templates so that your website looks as unique as possible. For example, you can add a logo or expressive images of your school. You can also change the colours and fonts to suit your requirements.

Don’t worry, the website builders are so versatile and flexible that you will always find a template that matches your ideas or at least comes close to them.

You can do your own research in the theme libraries of the individual providers:

  • (Website > Website Templates section)
  • does not have a theme library, instead a setup wizard will give you suitable design suggestions.
  • (Website templates)
  • (Website > Website builder > All themes)

Now that you’ve found your theme, I’ll explain how to customise it in the next step.

How to customise your web design template for schools on WIX, Jimdo, Squarespace and more

WIX Seite Schulhomepage Bild-Text
You can customize the design of your school website (images, text and links) in your website builder

The website builders help you to create a website for your school. As soon as you have chosen your design template, you can start designing it.

Use the sitemap that we have created as described above to set up the website structure. Add pages such as “School profile” or “Contact” according to this plan.

You can insert your prepared texts and photos in the places provided.

Make sure that you check your school website to ensure that it also looks good on mobile devices.

Convince your website visitors with text and images

A convincing design includes expressive images and texts – this will convince visitors to your school website and put an exclamation mark on the public and the competition.

Note that information is often better absorbed via images than via (long) texts. This is even more true on the Internet. I advise you to use your own photos, preferably taken by a professional photographer. Stock photos from a catalog should only be used for general topics – or in an absolute emergency.

The texts should be kept as short and comprehensible as possible. Website visitors generally have little time or inclination to read through long texts.

The most exciting moment: Your school goes online!

In just a few more moments, you’ll be able to publish the school website you’ve created yourself. Exciting, isn’t it?

In fact, with website builders like WIX* or Jimdo*, all you have to do is click on the “Publish” button. Then your site goes live.

However, I advise you to take a few minutes now to check a few important points. This will ensure that your school website really works as it should.

4 points you should check before publishing:

  1. Make sure that all functionalities are actually active on your website. Pay particular attention to the interactive elements and click through all the links. Have you created an imprint for your school website?
  2. Call up the preview of your website in various browsers such as Chrome, Safari or Firefox. The display should fit in each of these browsers. Don’t forget to check the mobile display on your mobile phone.
  3. If you haven’t already done so, you can now ask friends or family to put your website through its paces.
  4. Now adjust the SEO settings in your website builder. Pay particular attention to page titles and preview texts and how they are displayed on Google.

Congratulations! Your school website is now online!

If you’ve ticked off all the points on the checklist, you’re ready to click the “Publish” button! Wow, good work! Congratulations. You’ve done it and you can be proud of yourself.

Do you like your school website? And what did you think of these instructions? I look forward to your comments on your experiences.

Questions and answers

What else do you need to consider when creating a school website?

If you use a website builder such as WIX* or Jimdo*, creating a website costs between five and 25 euros per month. How high the costs actually are depends on the provider and the chosen tariff.

Creating a school website with WordPress also only costs a few euros per month for hosting and domain. However, there are additional costs for high-quality design templates or plugins.

If you have a website created by a designer or company, you should expect to pay between 1,000 and 10,000 euros. Here too, the costs depend on various factors such as scope and functionality as well as the individual design and your own requirements.

The costs for a school website can be both one-off and ongoing. One-off costs are incurred, for example, if a web designer is commissioned or external service providers create photos or texts. Web hosting and the domain must be paid for on a monthly basis. Hosting and domain costs are already included in the tariffs of the website builder providers.

The free tariffs of providers such as WIX* or Jimdo* are suitable for familiarizing yourself with the topic of website design and trying out functions.

When creating a school website with WordPress, there are also ongoing costs for hosting and design. Professionally created designs or additional functions may incur one-off costs.

 

In principle, it is possible to create a website suitable for schools free of charge. Website builder providers such as WIX* or Jimdo* offer free tariffs. Programming knowledge is not necessary. Free website design and publication is therefore permanently possible.

However, there are restrictions on the functions, such as a sub-domain instead of a main domain, and an advertising notice is displayed on the website. The same applies to the provider wordpress.com – not to be confused with the CMS WordPress – which can also be used to create school homepages.

 

How difficult it is to create your own website, whether for an elementary school or a secondary school, for example, also depends on your technical skills. However, thanks to the use of a website builder and the design templates it contains, even beginners can create simple websites.

I have described how to create your own website quickly and easily in my detailed guide to website creation for beginners.

How long it takes to create a school website varies greatly depending on the size, scope and complexity of the website and the method chosen. If you use a website builder, you can create and design a simple website for secondary schools or other types of school within a day. It is helpful to prepare the content and create a sitemap.

Developing a complex website from scratch yourself or having it developed by external service providers, on the other hand, can take several weeks.

7 tips for creating a good school website:

  1. Think about the type of school website you want to create
  2. Choose the most suitable provider for this type of website
  3. Create a sitemap to plan your website structure
  4. Create a design that fits the school profile
  5. Make sure the website is optimized for mobile devices and loads quickly
  6. Prepare meaningful images and short, exciting texts
  7. Don’t forget to observe the data protection guidelines for your school website

Since the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), school websites must also comply with additional rules when it comes to data protection. For example, the publication of photos of pupils on a school website requires the consent of their parents or legal guardians. In addition to a correct legal notice, a complete privacy policy and a so-called “cookie banner” must also be included on every school website.

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How to create a blog: 4 easy steps for beginners

Jörn Brien
By Jörn Brien Tech journalist with 20+ years of experience Latest update:

As seen in:

Top 3 WordPress blog hosts

You want to start your own blog or become a blogger. Whether it’s a personal blog to earn money from blogging or a company blog.

But you’re still not sure how and where you can create a blog and how you can blog at all. You ask yourself questions like:

What’s the right topic? Which blog platform is best? Is it possible to create your own blog for free? How do I design my blog?

I’ll go through all the points with you step by step and answer your questions.

With my detailed blog creation guide, you can publish your first blog post today.

Are you ready? Then let’s get started!

Blog erstellen für Anfänger

Step 1

How can I find the right topic for my blog?

If you want to start a successful blog, the right topic is the first and most important decision you need to make.

A blog is an online diary or journal – usually kept by one person. In contrast to a conventional website, the posts on a blog, the blogposts, appear in chronological order. The blog can be part of a homepage.

Blog content often reflects a personal opinion and is written from a first-person perspective. An important role is played by the comment function, which enables direct contact with users.

In my opinion, it is precisely this personal connection to the author of the posts that is one of the main reasons why blogs continue to enjoy great popularity. So yes, blogging is still relevant.

That’s why your blog topic should also suit you and your interests and knowledge. Then you can write successfully and authentically.

Why blog? There are many good reasons!

Whether it’s the fun of publishing texts, the desire to start your own blog to earn money or to increase your own reach on the internet.

The reasons to start blogging are just as varied as the topics you can choose from.

The most important advantages of a blog at a glance:

  • Open to all: anyone can write a journalistic blog and present themselves as an expert on a topic
  • Personal : It appears less anonymous to readers than a normal website, as there is usually a single person behind it
  • Up-to-date: By regularly publishing new posts, you can motivate readers to visit again and again
  • Interactive: You can build a closer connection with your readers through the exchange in the comments
  • Simple : You don’t have to design a complex website structure for a blog
  • Google-friendly: Topic-related blog posts can help you build reach through SEO
  • Inexpensive: You can run a professional blog for just a few euros a month and create a personal blog completely free of charge

What do you want to achieve with your blog?

Earning your own money is one of the main motivations for starting your own blog. In this respect, blogging will always be relevant. A few years ago, financially independent bloggers were still considered a rarity. Now there are more and more people making a living from blogging.

The career portal Indeed reports an annual income of almost 40,000 dollars for the average blogger. Even if you won’t rise to such heights in the first few months. One thing is clear: blogging can be financially rewarding.

With the right strategy, you can increase your company’s turnover with blogging. It doesn’t matter whether you have an insurance agency, a bookshop or an online shop.

I’ll show you all the methods for earning money with your blog and becoming financially independent in the long term later on.

The internet has completely shaken up society and the business world. Today, you no longer need to place expensive adverts, radio or television commercials to draw attention to your company.

On the Internet, you can attract new customers even with a small budget. An effective tool is the company blog, which you can use to blog yourself and promote your company website.

With the right strategy, which I will explain in the next few chapters, you can attract new potential customers, build trust and highlight your expertise and products.

Google loves regular and good content. With a little effort, you can quickly increase the number of visitors to your website significantly.

Are you an expert in your field and want to share your knowledge? Perhaps you are a coach or marketing professional and want to win new customers? Then writing a blog is just the thing for you!

Blogging allows you to share your expertise with others. Your readers will thank you with attention, Google with good rankings. You can make a name for yourself with in-depth articles on your speciality.

You expand your network and meet new interesting people. These people may later become clients or customers.

And who knows? Maybe your blog posts will one day form the basis for your own book?

As the number of websites grows – there are currently over 17 million domains with a .de extension alone – so do the hurdles to achieving a top position in the Google rankings.

In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult for small companies, associations or self-employed people to become visible in the search engines.

Creating a blog is one of the website optimisation measures that even beginners can easily implement.

However, a blog is not a visitor magnet per se. But if you stick to a few rules, you can boost your website’s SEO score with a blog.

Tips for blogging: I’ll show you later how to write blog posts that Google will love. But first I’ll clarify the question of how to start a blog in the first place and where you can blog. And whether it’s possible to create a weblog for free.

Blogs started out as online diaries. Today, many people still use blogs to share their thoughts and creative moments – and to exchange ideas about them.

You may find it a little strange that, in theory, people all over the world can read your personal words.

Blogs offer a solution to this. You have the option of blogging in a truly private way by publishing your entire blog or individual parts or articles with password protection. Then only the people you give the password to will have access.

You can use this principle to set up entire members-only areas on your blog. Another option for earning money by creating a weblog.

How to find a blog topic that suits you

Most bloggers give up their blog after just a few months. The main reasons: The chosen topic no longer really interests them, success doesn’t materialise quickly enough, or the work with the blog becomes too much.

So before you start blogging, you should think carefully about which topic you are so passionate about that you would want to spend years on it.

Already have a rough idea?

Great! But maybe you should refine your topic?

If you are interested in travelling or food, for example, then a restriction such as “travelling by train” or “food from India” could be more promising: Your ideal topic should be neither too general, nor too specific.

If you don’t have an idea yet, no problem. In principle, you can start a blog for any topic.

However, there are a few criteria that speak in favour of the suitability of a particular topic.

Answer the following questions about your blog topic:

  • Am I an expert? Do I have something to say or share on the topic?
  • Am I enthusiastic about the topic? So much so that I will stay on the ball?
  • What is the reader potential? How many people are interested in my topic? Do other blogs already exist? What is my specific niche? Or is my topic perhaps too specialised?
  • Is the topic broad enough? Is the chosen topic diverse enough to write 100 or more articles about?
  • Is it lucrative? Can I earn money with the topic? (Of course, this only applies if blogging is to become a financial mainstay rather than just a hobby)

Finally, I suggest a little exercise to help you find a topic:

Write down your favourite topic and let your thoughts run free. Write down ideas for blog posts that absolutely have to be written on this topic.

If you have difficulties, this shows that the topic is perhaps not so suitable after all.

If you come up with ten or more ideas in a short space of time or would like to start writing straight away, this is a good sign. The topic suits you!

Step 2

Which blogging platform is best for me?

Methode der Website-Erstellung wählen

Wondering where you can create your own blog? There are various services where you can start and publish your blog.

In this section, I’ll introduce you to the individual blog platforms in detail.

I’ll also help you find the tool that’s best for you.

There are basically three different types of blog platforms

  1. Free tools such as Blogger.com or Tumblr
  2. Website builders such as Wix, Jimdo or Squarespace
  3. WordPress (self-hosted or at WordPress.com)

Tools or website builders that allow you to create your own blog for free are great for getting started, but quickly reach their limits when it comes to expanding.

If you’re serious about blogging, you should start your blog right away with a WordPress installation and your own domain.

Find the right blog platform for you

How do you want to create your blog? Find a detailed comparison of all the providers I have tested:

  • 1 Affordable WordPress

    Wordpress by IONOS

    Test score

    8.9

    2024

    Very good

    Pros and Cons

    • WordPress securely installed with 1 click
    • Control over functions and data
    • Huge range of extensions and designs
    • Automatic updates and backups
    • Using WordPress is more complicated than a website builder

    Pricing

    • IONOS WordPress
      • Fast server hardware
      • Incl. domain & email addresses
      • From £1 / month
      • 30 days money back
    Visit site
  • 2 Fastest WordPress

    Test score

    8.6

    2024

    Very good

    Pros and Cons

    • Professional managed WordPress hosting
    • WordPress pre-installed
    • Lightning fast server
    • Email and domain included
    • Automatic backups
    • Highly scalable server performance
    • More expensive than mass providers

    Pricing

    • WP Space “Pro”
      • Recommended up to 50,000 visitors/month
      • Free migration and setup
      • Free domain and email address
      • 14,99 € / month
      • 30 days free trial
    Visit site
  • 3 Pro WordPress hosting

    Test score

    8.4

    2024

    Very good

    Pros and Cons

    • Professional managed WordPress hosting
    • WordPress pre-installed
    • Very fast server
    • Automatic backups
    • Free WordPress migration
    • Server performance highly scalable
    • More expensive than mass providers
    • Functionality can seem overwhelming for beginners
    • Domain & email cost extra

    Pricing

    • Raidboxes “Mini”
      • Recommended up to 25,000 visitors/month
      • Free migration and setup
      • £15,00 / month
      • 14 days free trial
    Visit site
  • 4 Best design templates

    Test score

    7.9

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Particularly stylish & mobile-optimised design templates
    • Templates for every industry
    • Integrated marketing and analysis tools
    • Access to over 40 million images
    • Comparatively few add-ons (or cost extra)
    • Email inbox costs extra (via Google Workspace)

    Pricing

    • Squarespace Personal
      • With your own domain
      • from 11,00£ / month
      • Test 14 days free of charge
    Visit site

Not sure yet? I’ll go into the pros and cons of the different solutions in more detail below.

Is it possible to blog for free?

As already mentioned, it is generally possible to blog for free. You can use platforms such as Blogger.com and Tumblr or the WordPress.com private plan.

Before I created my first blog online, I also asked myself where the best place to blog was. I started my first blog at Blog.de, a service that no longer exists. Creating a blog there was free.

Website builders such as Wix, Jimdo or Squarespace also offer you the option of blogging for free. To do this, you choose one of the permanent (trial) versions.

If you choose one of these options, you can start your blog very quickly and at no cost. One advantage is that you have a community of bloggers around you to help you get started. And you can network with them.

However, you are limited in the long term.

You don’t have your own domain, usually no opportunity to earn money and there are also major hurdles when moving blogs.

This type of blogging is only recommended if you want to create a private blog and run it privately on a permanent basis.

Pros and cons of free providers

  • Free of charge
  • Often very easy to use
  • Community
  • No own domain possible
  • Limited flexibility in design
  • Only limited expansion options & plugins available
  • Povider can disappear from the market
  • Changing the provider not easily possible

My experience: Because of the restrictions and because I wanted to go higher, I gave up my first blog after a year and started a new blog based on WordPress.

You can avoid these problems.

If you plan to blog seriously, you need a professional setup. It’ s best to start with WordPress and your own domain.

The costs amount to a maximum of a few euros per month. Don’t worry, I’ll show you step by step how to start your WordPress blog.

You can use these platforms to create your blog

Wordpress-Beitrag erstellen

If you are serious about blogging

Over 40 per cent of all websites, including WebsiteWissen.com, use WordPress. It was even developed specifically for blogging.

WordPress itself is free of charge. You only need to budget a few euros a month for hosting to set up such a blog.

Beginners are best advised to use a WordPress web hosting provider such as IONOS WordPress, which already offers pre-installed WordPress.

Instructions for creating a blog: In the next few steps, I’ll show you in detail how it works.

WIX-Blog erstellen

The easy way to a blog

A website builder allows you to create a website without any prior technical knowledge – simply by dragging and dropping in your browser.

However, website builders are usually a little more expensive than WordPress hosting. They also make it less easy for you to change providers later on and prevent you from expanding and optimising your blog at will.

However, if your blog serves as an extension of a simple classic website or you want to blog privately, creating a blog using a website builder can make sense.

Squarespace* offers you particularly elegant blog designs. WIX* is the No. 1 home page builder and offers good blog features.

In my article on how to create a website, I present the website builders in detail.

Wordpress.com Übersicht

To try WordPress for free

WordPress.com (not to be confused with WordPress.org) is a paid hosting service. With WordPress.com, the WordPress CMS is conveniently pre-installed.

In contrast to a self-hosted WordPress, however, you are severely restricted in terms of the use of themes and plugins with WordPress.com.

The less attractive price-performance ratio also speaks against the use of WordPress.com. You only have real flexibility from the business tariffs (from 25 euros/month).

However, WordPress.com offers a permanently free trial version. Although you don’t get your own domain there, you can use the platform to start a blog for free on a trial basis. This way, you can also learn how to blog without obligation.

Blogger.com Beispielseite

The Google blog

Blogspot/Blogger.com is one of the oldest blog platforms and has been part of Google since 2003. Similar to a homepage construction kit, you can customise your blog with various design templates and images. Creating a weblog here is free of charge.

Thanks to the proximity to Google, you can start earning money through the uncomplicated integration of Google AdSense. However, you won’t earn more than a few euros a month at the beginning.

 

A Google account is a prerequisite for a blog on Blogspot/Blogger. However, I only recommend the platform if you want to blog privately.

Tumblr Blog erstellen

The social blog network

Tumblr, which is now owned by WordPress.com operator Automattic, is a free blogging community similar to Blogspot. Texts, images, videos and audio files can be published on the blogging platform.

The special thing about Tumblr is that users can easily share content from other users via the reblogging function. It is therefore more of a social network than a home for professional bloggers.

The best choice for serious blogging: your own WordPress installation

Wordpress Editor Beispiel
With WordPress, you have full control over your blog

WordPress was designed as a blogging platform and is by far the leading solution in this area.

The high level of flexibility and the huge ecosystem of themes and extensions also make WordPress attractive beyond blogging.

For you, this means that you are doing everything right with WordPress as an “operating system for blogging“. And if you later want to turn your blog into a large online magazine or integrate an online shop, this is possible without any restrictions.

To set up your own WordPress blog, you need storage space on a server where you can host the installation. The software required for the WordPress installation itself – the WordPress CMS – is open source and free of charge. The web host costs around five to ten euros per month.

For beginners, I recommend choosing a host that offers a one-click installation for WordPress. Then you don’t have to worry about any technical questions regarding the installation. You simply start by setting up your WordPress website.

Pros and cons of your own WordPress installation

  • Inexpensive: Setting up a WordPress blog costs you nothing, fees only apply for hosting
  • Built for blogs: Many functions specifically designed for blogging, such as the comment field
  • Expandable: There is a large number of themes (design templates) and plugins (extensions) available
  • Help: Helpful community, numerous instructions (tutorials) available
  • Control: You have control over all data
  • Freely customisable: Your blog can be adapted very flexibly
  • Learning curve: More time required for familiarisation than with website builders
  • Effort: Administration more time-consuming, e.g. due to updates
  • Security: Vulnerability to hackers with outdated installations and plugins

Step 3

Which web hosts are ideal for WordPress?

The following sections are all about installing and setting up WordPress correctly. It can get a little technical.

But don’t worry: I’ll explain all the necessary steps for starting your WordPress blog in detail, so you’ll be able to jump over any minor hurdles with ease. Afterwards, you’ll be able to answer the question of how to start a blog yourself and will be all the more proud of yourself and the result.

I will also limit myself to a selection of special WordPress web hosts where the installation effort is limited to entering the most important data.

With modern web hosts, most technical aspects such as installing software, setting up databases or FTP uploads can be automated in the browser.

Web hosting terms you might come across

Due to the popularity of WordPress, some web hosts have been offering 1-click installations for some time now. With this function, WordPress can be installed quickly and easily – almost with one click. In fact, a few more clicks are required, such as entering the name of the website or username and password. However, the installation is completed within a few minutes and your WordPress blog is ready to go.

MySQL (Structured Query Language) is a database management system developed by Oracle that, like WordPress, is open source. It is probably the most popular database solution for WordPress sites and a prerequisite for installing the CMS. Data such as your blog articles and user login information is stored in such a database. Normally, a MySQL database is sufficient. However, you don’t need to worry about this with 1-click installations.

How can I recognise a good WordPress web host?

You need a good web host to set up your blog with your own WordPress installation. But which provider is the right one for your blog launch? The choice of providers for online storage space is huge and the differences are often not so easy to see through. I will therefore give you a few criteria that you can use as a guide.

For your purposes, it is crucial that the web host has customised its offering for WordPress. You can install your WordPress CMS with any web host. However, without a special WordPress package, it can be much more technically demanding to create a WordPress blog. You also bear more responsibility for the security of the server environment and the installation.

These are the criteria for a good WordPress web host:

  • WordPress is pre-installed
  • Server environment is optimised for fast loading times and the operation of WordPress
  • Integrated caching to improve loading times
  • Security functions such as malware and virus checks
  • SSL certificate integrated automatically and free of charge
  • Automatic updating of WordPress and WordPress plugins
  • Competent and easy to reachcustomer support
  • Server location in Germany or the EU (legal certainty and faster loading times)

Web hosting providers can basically be divided into two categories: the large providers, which are more geared towards mass production, and the professional providers, which specialise more in performance.

While the former offer solid services that get you safely to your destination – like a VW – the latter get you travelling faster – like in a Porsche. But you’ll have to pay more for this.

Blogging for beginners: To get started with blogging, I recommend the solid VW variant: .

The German web host offers a dedicated WordPress tariff that fulfils all of the above criteria. It’s also easy to set up and the price-performance ratio is particularly good.

If your blog has already been successfully launched, you value top performance and a few euros more per month won’t hurt you, then is the WordPress web host with the best performance.

Recommended WordPress webhosts

All recommended providers offer you secure and convenient hosting for your WordPress blog.

Step 4

How do I find the perfect name for my blog?

Domain für die Website finden

To create a blog, you need a name, of course. Ideally, this should include a domain with the same name under which your visitors can find the blog.

Here I give you tips on choosing a good blog name. I’ll also explain what you need to consider when choosing your own domain.

Criteria for a good blog name

  • Clear: The name makes it clear what the blog is about (e.g. “WebsiteWissen” = blog with advice and instructions on website topics)
  • Short: Easy to remember and not too long
  • Readable: Easy to read and easy to pronounce
  • Suitable: Appropriate for your target group (e.g. not too flippant for a financial blog or just funny for a younger target group)
  • Keyword: Ideally contains the main search term for your blog topic (for us: “website”)
  • Expandable: Names should be more general so that you can expand your topic if necessary (“WebsiteWissen.com” is more general than just “BlogErstellen.com”)

Also make sure …

  • that the name and the associated domain are still free
  • that you are not infringing any naming or trademark rights with the name

Ideas and inspiration for your unique blog name

It may not be so easy to find a name. Many names are already taken or the domain is occupied.

To help you come up with ideas, here are 3 ways to find a good blog name.

Approach 1: Association

Combine your topic with a descriptive term or a suitable association

Overall topic: Cooking & recipes/more precise definition: Traditional dishes

Combination: “Grandma’s recipe book” or “kitchen fragrance blog”

Approach 2: Reader promise

Combine your topic with a promise you make to your readers:

Topic: Create your own blog/promise: made easy

Combination: “EasyBlogger” or “Blogging for beginners”

Approach 3: Set yourself free!

Forget the direct reference of the name to the topic with which you want to start a blog. Choose a term that you like or one that you’ve made up.

Example: Our friend Luca named his surfing and camping blog “Milchplus” after a drink from his favourite film “Clockwork Orange”. It has nothing to do with surfing or camping, but it’s very catchy – and he started a successful blog with it.

To find other phrases or synonyms for a term, it can be helpful to use synonym dictionaries such as Thesaurus.com. If you have no idea what to call your blog, then maybe try a name generator like Looka.

Whether you need your own domain – and what you need to bear in mind

A domain is an address on the Internet, for example

https://yourblogname.com

The domain ensures that users can find your blog.

A subdomain is a part of a domain. It could look like this:

https://yourblogname.domain.com

With the free trial offer from WordPress.com, for example, you get a subdomain that would look something like this:

https://yourblogname.wordpress.com

A subdomain may be sufficient to create a private blog. However, I advise you to use your own main domain. Especially if you want to use the blog for your company website or to earn money.

A customised domain for your blog, such as yourblogname.com, looks much more professional. It also makes it easier for your users to remember the name.

If you use the blog for business purposes, you can communicate much more professionally via email thanks to your own domain. You can then set up your own address:(Your.Name@yourblogname.de).

Although a domain is not completely free, you don’t need to spend more than a few euros per year.

With a WordPress host such as , the domain costs are already included. If you already have a domain, you can also connect it there.

You should take some time to choose your domain. After all, the right Internet address is the basis for starting your own blog. You also want to keep this domain for a longer period of time.

Criteria for a good domain name:

  • The domain name should be as short as possible (maximum 20 characters)
  • The domain should not contain umlauts or special characters such as “ä” or “ß”
  • Avoid names that are difficult to understand or unusually spelt
  • Ask friends or acquaintances for their opinion on your choice

The letter combinations “http://” or “https://” can be found at the very beginning of a domain. HTTP, short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, is the technical protocol for transferring data on the internet in plain text.

HTTPS is basically the same protocol, but with the addition of a security component (Secure). These connections are encrypted using SSL certificates to secure the data transfer.

You can obtain an SSL certificate for your blog from your web host or domain registrar at the click of a button.

I am of the opinion that all blogs should have “https://”. Only then will readers perceive them as reputable. Most modern browsers only allow non-HTTPS domains to be accessed to a limited extent.

The subdomain “www” (World Wide Web) leads to the main page of a blog. However, it is not absolutely necessary. Your readers will normally find your blog with or without “www”. However, you should check this again when your blog is online.

The domain extension is almost as important as the domain name. Both your visitors and search engines use it as a guide.

Country-specific domains such as .co.uk or .us are an indication of the country in which you live or want to find your readers.

International domains such as .com or .org show whether your blog is intended to be commercial or whether you are running it for an organisation, for example.

Theoretically, you can use topic-specific domains such as .biz, .info or .london to draw even more attention to your blog topic.

Another option is the .blog domain extension, which was created especially for blogs. This allows you to directly signal to your readers that your site is a blog.

However, I recommend that you choose a .co.uk or .com domain.

The .com domain was created in 1985 for commercial websites and is used by over 150 million websites. This makes it widespread and the most popular domain extension on the web.

One argument in favour of .com is that there is a corresponding shortcut key on most smartphones. If your desired domain name is available, you can’t go far wrong with it.

The .blog domain can be a good alternative if your desired domain is already taken as .de or .com. One disadvantage is that the name may not fit so well later on if you want to develop your blog into more of a classic website or shop.

Especially if you want to run a personal or creative blog that focuses on your person, it may be worth using your name in the domain.

However, the blog is then permanently tailored to your person and tied to them. If you ever want to give up your blog, the associated domain would be useless for a potential buyer.

Your own name is also only useful in searches for your blog if someone is specifically looking for it. The name almost never contains search terms that correspond to the blog topic.

If you choose a domain with one or two main search terms, this can be an advantage for search engine optimisation. This advantage is lost if you use your own name as the domain.

How to register your blog domain

Ionos Domain suchen

Short and memorable names for popular domains such as .de or .com are quickly taken. You should therefore secure your desired domain as quickly as possible.

To avoid unnecessary detours, I recommend registering the domain where you want to host your WordPress installation.

If you decide to use a different WordPress host later on, you can transfer the domain. This means you are not tied to one provider.

Of course, it is important that your desired blog domain is available. You can check this here:

MarkenChk Screenshot

Preparing the domain registration for your blog also includes checking for possible trademark infringements.

Avoid using celebrity names or names of well-known brands. Also avoid typo domains.

Remember that trademark owners can demand injunctive relief and compensation if you are guilty of trademark infringement.

To be on the safe side, you should check your domain. 

You can also have your own domain protected as a word mark

Enough preparation! I’ll now explain step by step how to book your WordPress hosting package and domain using IONOS as an example.

Choose the right package: First select a suitable package on the IONOS website. To get started, I recommend the “WordPress Start” plan. You can upgrade to a higher plan at any time.

Select your domain: You can specify your favourite domain when booking the package. A domain is included in the price of IONOS. If you are still unsure, you can easily add the domain later.

Complete the details: Once you have selected your desired tariff and – optionally – the domain, you need to register. This involves entering your personal details, such as your address and payment details.

Possible additional offers: you can ignore them for the time being. You can always book them later if you are interested.

Let’s get started: Once everything has been filled in and sent, you will receive your access data by e-mail within minutes. You can start setting up your WordPress blog immediately.

Name and domain sorted out? Then it’s time to set it up!

Are you itching to get started? Do you finally want to get started with setting up your WordPress blog? I can understand that!

The good news is that now that you’ve booked your web hosting package and registered your domain, you can put the formalities to one side for now.

We’ll now turn our attention to the practicalities. In the next step, I’ll explain how to set up and configure your WordPress installation.

We’ll enter your blog together and I’ll guide you through the backend, your new control centre for all blog matters.

You’ll also install a few basic plugins with my guidance. You’re just a few steps away from publishing your first blog post.

Now it’s time to move on!

Recommended WordPress webhosts

All recommended providers offer you secure and convenient hosting for your WordPress blog.

I’d be delighted if you let me know what you think of this guide in a comment. Do you have any questions about creating your blog? Feel free to share your results.

Comment, ask, share!

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How to create a website: The complete guide for beginners

Jörn Brien
By Jörn Brien Tech journalist with 20+ years of experience Latest update:

As seen in:

Top 3 website builders for beginners

Are you planning to create your own website or a simple homepage, but don’t know exactly how and where to start?

You’ve come to the right place!

It doesn’t matter whether you want to use the website privately, for your company or for a club. The size of your budget doesn’t matter either.

In this article, I’ll show you the best and easiest ways to create a website – and discuss free and paid methods.

But don’t worry. You can get a professional website online for less than €10 per month.

With these detailed instructions, you’ll learn how to create a website – and have your self-made homepage online in no time.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Website selbst erstellen

Step 1

What type of website do I need?

Art der Website festlegen

In order to successfully create your website, you first need to understand what type of website you need.

Broadly speaking, there are three types of website:

  1. The classic website is particularly suitable for introducing yourself, your company or your organisation on the internet.
  2. A blog, on which you regularly publish up-to-date content, can be used privately or to earn money from writing as a topic blogger. A blog can also be a useful marketing tool for companies.
  3. An online shop is used to present and sell products on the Internet.

I will explain more about the individual types of website below.

Of course, mixed forms are also possible, such as a company website with a connected blog or a blog with an integrated shop.

However, I advise you to focus on the primary goal of your project at the beginning. This will allow you to choose the website tool that best suits your needs. Once your website is online, you can always expand it to include other areas.

Classic website

Screenshot Create Yourself

A classic website is the right choice if you want to present yourself, your organisation or your company on the Internet.

For most companies today, their own homepage is the most important figurehead in the digital sector. It is part of the basic equipment for marketing activities.

Interested parties and new customers can find out about you or your company, your goals and services or offers on your website.

Creating your own website or having one created also makes it possible to be found via search engines such as Google.

The classic website ranges from a digital business card or landing page with just one page to extensive websites with 20, 30 or more subpages.

A standard website is the right choice if …

  • you want to present yourself or your company professionally online
  • you want to advertise your offer effectively
  • you want to attract interested parties or new customers
  • you want your website to be online within a few hours
  • you want to limit the time and effort required for website maintenance

Blog

Screenshot Milchplus

A blog is a kind of diary on the Internet. Blog is short for web log, a combination of the terms web for internet and logbook.

Unlike a traditional website, a blog does not just contain a few static subpages. Instead, articles are published there regularly – usually in chronological order.

Another special feature of a blog is that the integrated comment function invites visitors to enter into dialogue with the author.

While blogs were originally mainly used by private individuals to write down their thoughts and experiences – in diary form with images or video material – the spectrum has now broadened.

Creative people, sportspeople and book or travel fans, for example, blog to regularly tell others about their projects or hobbies – and, in the best case scenario, to generate passive income through advertising revenue.

Companies can use the blog as a digital mouthpiece and position themselves as experts on their specialist topics, for example.

The blog can also be a sub-section of a larger traditional website.

A blog is the right thing if …

  • you have something to share on a regular basis
  • you want to present yourself as an expert in a subject area
  • you want to interact with visitors
  • you want to generate passive income

In this article, I’ll show you how to create your blog with WordPress.

Online shop

Online-Shop von Geschmack braucht keinen Namen

If you want to create a website primarily to sell products or services, you need an online shop.

Thanks to easy-to-set-up shop systems, you can benefit from the eCommerce trend even as a beginner and manage your online shop from your desk at home.

And you can cover a much larger catchment area online, e.g. the whole of Germany or Europe. You can also reach new customers through targeted online marketing.

It is important to build trust with potential customers. Attractive images and meaningful descriptions are essential for this.

Shopping platforms such as Amazon or Etsy are an alternative where you can offer your products.

Although you benefit from their wide reach, this also comes at a price: the providers charge high fees from the retailers and therefore make your online business less profitable than it would be with your own shop.

What’s more, the competition is always just a click away.

Creating your own online shop is therefore becoming increasingly important for sustainable success in eCommerce.

Your own online shop is the right thing if …

  • you want to sell your products online
  • you want to reach new buyers
  • you want to sell your products independently of large platforms such as Amazon, Etsy & Co

What are the best website building tools?

Find a detailed comparison of all the providers I have tested:

  • 1 Very easy to set up

    Ionos Logo

    Test score

    8.4

    2024

    Very good

    Pros and Cons

    • Very easy to set up
    • Best results for simple websites
    • AI assistant facilitates creation
    • Image database with 17,000 photos
    • Email inbox included in the tariff
    • Rather not ideal for more complex websites
    • Other providers offer more choice in design templates

    Pricing

    • IONOS MyWebsite Now
      • Free from advertisements
      • With your own domain & email
      • from 1£ / month
    Visit site
  • 2 Best design templates

    Test score

    8.0

    2024

    Very good

    Pros and Cons

    • Particularly stylish & mobile-optimised design templates
    • Templates for every industry
    • Integrated marketing and analysis tools
    • Access to over 40 million images
    • Comparatively few add-ons (or cost extra)
    • Email inbox costs extra (via Google Workspace)

    Pricing

    • Squarespace Personal
      • With your own domain
      • from 11,00£ / month
      • Test 14 days free of charge
    Visit site
  • 3 Most flexible solution

    Wix Homepage Baukasten

    Test score

    7.6

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Website builder with the greatest design freedom
    • 800+ high-quality designs, 300+ app extensions
    • AI assistant for website and content
    • Several image databases integrated
    • Range of functions can be overwhelming at first
    • Email addresses only via Google Workspace (costs extra)

    Pricing

    • WIX Free
      • Permanently free of charge
      • Wix.com branding
      • No own domain
    • WIX Premium
      • Advertising free
      • With your own domain
      • from £7.50 / month
      • Test 14 days free of charge
    Visit site
  • 4 Very easy to set up

    Jimdo Logo

    Test score

    7.1

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Website wizard that gets your page up and running in just a few minutes
    • Attractive & mobile-optimised designs
    • Functions rather limited to basics
    • Few possibilities for extension

    Pricing

    • JIMDO Free
      • Permanently free of charge
      • Jimdo branding
      • No own domain
    • JIMDO Premium
      • Advertising free
      • With your own domain
      • from 9,00£ / month
    Visit site
  • 5 Tip for smaller sites

    Webador

    Test score

    6.8

    2024

    Good

    Pros and Cons

    • Very simple and beginner-friendly creation
    • Designs optimised for mobile devices
    • Free support
    • Attractive Pro tariffs
    • Selection of design templates is limited
    • Functionality not as extensive in comparison (no app store)

    Pricing

    • Webador Free
      • Permanently free of charge
      • No own domain
      • Webador banner on the page
    • Webador Pro
      • Incl. domain and email inbox
      • Incl. online shop
      • from £8.50 / month
      • Test 3 months free of charge
    Visit site

Step 2

Which website tool is best for me?

Methode der Website-Erstellung wählen

Before you start creating your own website, you need to decide which method is right for you.

So: How do you create a website?

In simple terms, there are 5 different ways to create a website:

  1. Website builder – perfect for beginners
  2. WordPress (or other CMS)For blogs and more complex website projects
  3. Online shop system – To sell online
  4. Have a website created – Simple, but expensive
  5. Programming your own website – Only for professionals

I will explain methods 1-4 in more detail below so that you can decide which method is right for you.

Method 1: Website builder – achieves the best results for beginners

WIX Homepagebaukasten Beispiel
With a website builder like WIX, you can create and design your website using drag & drop

Modern website builders are usually the best choice for creating a standard website. Here you can quickly learn how to create a website.

While the modular systems were still slow and sometimes clumsy a few years ago, they are now very sophisticated and offer professional solutions for most typical use cases.

A large budget is also not necessary.

You don’t need to have any prior technical knowledge or master a programming language to programme the website.

This is because these tools are based on modular design templates created by professional web designers.

With just a few clicks, they can be customised to suit your project – using drag & drop and text editing, directly in your web browser.

The website should clearly present you and your services. You therefore need to provide your own texts and informative photos to create the website.

If you want to expand the functionality of the website later, you can also add blog and online shop functions with all website providers.

Once the website has been published, you can use the Website Creator to take care of search engine optimisation (SEO) and marketing.

A virtual assistant takes you by the hand and supports you with the structure and design of your new website.

How to create your website with a website builder:

  1. Decide on a provider that suits you (I’ll introduce you to the best website builders in a moment)
  2. Choose a suitable website design template (template/theme)
  3. Customise the design to your wishes or brand
  4. Customise the homepage with photos and text
  5. Publish your website

Advantages and disadvantages of a website builder

  • Very easy to get started
  • No programming knowledge required
  • Website is online in no time
  • Convenient operation via drag-and-drop editor
  • Professionally created design templates for websites
  • Favourable monthly rates
  • Free website creation via entry-level versions
  • Expandable with add-ons such as online shop or member areas
  • Generally helpful support
  • Reaches its limits with complex websites
  • limited range of functions in the basic tariffs
  • extension of the range of functions is usually subject to a charge
  • tied to one provider

Conclusion: With a website builder, you are in good hands with a website project of simple to medium complexity.

Only if you have particularly complex requirements for creating a website or are technically experienced would I advise you to use a CMS such as WordPress (method 2).

Which website builders can I recommend?

IONOS MyWebsite Screenshot

Attractive pricing

IONOS has recently caught up with the competition and offers a very flexible and powerful website builder.

The IONOS MyWebsite builder may take some getting used to for beginners, but there are many good templates for small companies and organisations.

The tariffs are favourable in comparison.

However, there is no free trial version for website building.

Squarespace Editor Beispiel

For design lovers

The high quality of the website templates speaks in favour of Squarespace. This is why the website builder for creating your own website is also popular with designers and photographers, for example.

However, Squarespace is somewhat more expensive than the other providers.

WIX Editor Screenshot

The popular all-rounder

WIX offers an intuitive and beginner-friendly solution, the largest selection of website templates and a huge number of additional apps.

That’s why WIX is the No. 1 on the market for website builders.

There is even a permanently free version that allows you to create and publish your website completely free of charge, as long as you can live with a discreet reference to WIX.

Jimdo Editor Screenshot

Particularly simple and streamlined

The provider Jimdo stands out in terms of ease of use. With the setup wizard, you can have a first version of your website online in just a few minutes.

A free version for creating a free website is also on board, but this is more suitable for testing purposes.

Method 2: WordPress – if you have bigger plans or want to blog

Wordpress Editor Beispiel
WordPress is the most popular CMS for creating blogs and websites

WordPress is the world’s most popular website CMS (content management system). It is used by over 40 per cent of all websites, especially for creating blogs. We also operate “Websitewissen.com” with the WordPress CMS.

Originally started as a blogging platform, WordPress has developed into a powerful tool for website creation.

WordPress is backed by a large community that takes care of the development of ready-made design templates, so-called themes, as well as plugins for functional enhancements.

Unlike a website construction kit, the structure of a website can be customised using widgets or plugins or even access to the HTML and CSS code.

And this is the big challenge when using WordPress. The great flexibility in creating your own website requires more time to learn the range of functions.

How to implement your website project with WordPress:

  1. Decide on a suitable web host – preferably a WordPress host with 1-click installation
  2. Configure the basic settings of your WordPress installation
  3. Choose a theme that suits you
  4. Customise the design to your wishes or brand
  5. Create the individual pages and link them in the menu
  6. Customise the layout of your website with photos and text
  7. Expand the functionality as required with plugins

Pros and Con of WordPress

  • WordPress itself is free - fees are only charged for website hosting
  • Numerous design templates (themes) and extensions (plugins)
  • Good native blog features plus comment function
  • Very large community and extensive tutorials
  • High flexibility and full control over your own data
  • Due to its widespread use
  • there are many service providers who can help with problems
  • Training period longer than with website builders
  • No customer support
  • Premium themes and plugins often come at a cost
  • Complex functions such as online shops are possible but difficult for beginners to master
  • Additional work for administration (setup & updates)
  • Outdated WordPress installations and plugins are vulnerable to hackers

In short: WordPress is the better choice if you primarily want to blog professionally or create a complex professional website.

WordPress itself is free and open source. However, the WordPress CMS must be hosted.

You therefore need a server on which you can run your WordPress installation.

For beginners, I recommend using a web host that offers pre-installed WordPress – otherwise the installation is quite technical.

To get started, I recommend the IONOS WordPress hosting tariff “Start “*, for example, which is completely sufficient for smaller websites or blogs. Here you only pay €2 per month in the first year, after which you pay €4 per month.

The tariff includes a site with up to 10,000 visitors per month, an email address as well as the domain and a free SSL certificate.

In addition, your website will always be updated to the latest WordPress version and scanned daily for malware or other security threats.

This is important because outdated WordPress versions and plugins are often exploited by hackers and misused for spam, for example.

The WordPress CMS is offered on both platforms, which appear very similar at first glance.

The WordPress CMS is managed by the WordPress Foundation and is further developed by a global community.

Who is behind WordPress.org and WordPress.com?

The WordPress Foundation, founded by WordPress inventor Matthew Mullenweg, offers WordPress for free and open-source download via WordPress.org.

It was also WordPress inventor Mullenweg who, together with like-minded people, founded the company Automattic to offer services related to WordPress and blogging.

Automattic launched the web hosting service WordPress.com in the same year.

WordPress.org vs WordPress.com

The key difference between the two platforms is that on the .org site, you can only download the software, i.e. the WordPress CMS, for free.

You have to take care of the hosting and installation yourself.

With your own installation, you are then free from restrictions and have full access to all plugins and themes from the community.

WordPress.com, on the other hand, is a paid hosting service that comes with the WordPress CMS pre-installed. You don’t have to take care of the domain, web space and installation yourself. Beginners can try out creating their own free website with a subdomain (myhomepage.wordpress.com).

Which is better – your own installation or WordPress.com?

Setting up and running your own WordPress installation requires a little technical understanding.

However, modern web hosting providers offer packages with pre-installed WordPress (similar to WordPress.com), so that self-hosted WordPress is also possible for beginners.

You will still need some time to familiarise yourself with the system. If you want to make good use of WordPress, you should take this time.

With WordPress.com, you are very limited in the free or low-cost website tariffs and, in my opinion, you cannot use the actual advantages of WordPress (i.e. use the numerous community themes and plugins).

You only have real flexibility with WordPress.com in the business tariffs from €25/month.

For comparison: your own 1-click installation hosted by IONOS* costs just €4 per month including your own domain and email address.

Conclusion

Anyone who decides in favour of WordPress usually wants to implement a more complex project or blog professionally. An own WordPress installation is the right choice for both – and it’s also cheaper.

WordPress.com’s free plan is only suitable for testing WordPress without obligation. However, you have to accept that you will only get a subdomain (myhomepage.wordpress.com) and that your website will be labelled WordPress.com.

1 wordpress.com has a free plan if you want to test WordPress first or create your website for free. However, the premium tariffs are too expensive in comparison.

2 For an ambitious project for which you need high performance and individual configuration options, I recommend Raidboxes.

Method 3: Online shop system – if you want to sell online

Shopify Beispiel
Shopify is your control centre for managing your webshop

If you want to expand a simple website with a simple online shop module, you can also achieve this with standard website builders.

However, if your focus is on eCommerce, a dedicated online shop system is the right choice for creating your online shop.

Similar to website builders, you can create a complex online shop with just a few mouse clicks. Free themes are available for this purpose.

The most popular provider of online shop systems is Shopify.

Shopify includes many functions that make it easier for you to set up an online shop.

Shopify is a comprehensive control centre for your shop. You can use it to manage everything related to a functioning online business, from inventory and accounting to marketing.

You can also set up a blog, start email marketing or attract customers with voucher codes.

As with the website builders, Shopify does not require any website programming. Programming skills are not required to create an online shop. Registration, setup and operation are simple.

There is a separate app store for expansion. The Shopify POS, with which you can manage sales in a physical shop, is interesting for users with a local location.

If you only want to try it out once, you can test it for 14 days free of charge.

How to implement your shop project with Shopify:

  1. Create a Shopify account
  2. Choose a suitable theme
  3. Customise your shop to match your brand
  4. Add products and product categories
  5. Configure the settings (payments, shipping, tax, notifications)
  6. Add pages with background information, blogs and legal information
  7. Put your online shop live

Pros and Cons of Shopify

  • Quick and easy setup and operation
  • Wide range of functions
  • Extensive selection of optional extensions
  • Good free themes and many premium themes
  • Customisable design
  • Simple and secure connection to common payment providers
  • POS system for in-store sales
  • No programming knowledge required
  • More expensive than a homepage builder
  • number of free themes rather limited
  • many extension apps are chargeable
  • multilingual shops not yet ideally solved
  • add-on necessary to be GDPR-compliant

To summarise: Shopify is the best choice if you want to build a truly comprehensive online shop. Otherwise, you can also use a – cheaper – website builder.

Method 4: Have a website created – convenient but expensive

Website erstellen lassen Vergleichsportal
You can find a suitable web designer on the BetterBusiness comparison portal, for example

If you don’t have the time or inclination to create your website yourself, you can also use a professional service provider.

There is a large selection of different service providers who create professional websites for small companies or organisations, e.g:

  • Local web designers or freelancers
  • Online service providers who look after many customers at the same time
  • Small and large advertising agencies

The prices for having websites created by web design service providers vary greatly

Depending on the level of experience or target group of the service provider – and depending on your wishes – the prices for having websites created can range from a few hundred to several tens of thousands of euros.It is important to know that web designers usually use one of the systems described above themselves (i.e. website builder, WordPress or shop system).

This also makes sense. That way, you can update the website you have created yourself later on.

The providers of website builders usually also offer the option of booking a web designer who specialises in their builder via their platform.

No matter which type of service provider you choose: You should have an idea of exactly what you want. This is the only way to properly assess a web designer’s offer.

Ask yourself whether everything you need is included and what follow-up costs you will incur, e.g. for website hosting, the domain or subsequent updates.

Even if you have your website created, you may be faced with tasks such as the delivery of text and image material.

Comparison portals such as “BetterBusiness” can help you narrow down your requirements and compare offers.

This is how you proceed if you want to have a website created:

  1. Make a note of your wishes and requirements. (How should your website be designed? How much content do you have? Is your site multilingual? What other functions do you need? What budget do you have available?)
  2. Find a suitable web designer for you. Comparison portals such as BetterBusiness can be helpful here.
  3. Look at the experience, portfolio and technical skills of your candidates.
  4. Agree the terms and conditions. (Do images and texts have to be supplied? What do subsequent changes cost? What is the schedule?)
  5. Ask to see interim results for approval so that you can influence the outcome.

Pros and cons of hiring a webdesigner

  • Less time required
  • No need to deal with the details of the modular system or CMS
  • Creative and modern design with high implementation quality if you find a good designer
  • Good advice on what content and functions are really needed and how they should be used
  • Significantly higher costs than when creating the website yourself
  • Subsequent changes and extensions are subject to a charge – especially if you don’t know exactly what you need at the beginning
  • Professionalism and quality of a provider can often not be properly assessed as a layman
  • Possible waiting times – good web designers often have a lot to do
  • Cheap offers are usually “off the shelf” and offer little flexibility

Tip: You can also utilise the advantages of a website builder if you want to have your website created by professionals. Ask the service provider which construction kit or CMS they work with.

On the BetterBusiness comparison portal, you go through a short questionnaire and then receive non-binding offers from certified web designers.

Step 3

How do I find the right domain for my website?

Domain für die Website finden

A domain is an Internet address, e.g: https://websitewissen.com

Users can reach your website on the Internet via the domain.

A subdomain is part of a (main) domain and could look like this, for example:

https://websitewissen.hauptdomain.com

You can get such a subdomain with the free tariffs for website creation from the website builder providers, e.g. Jimdo:

https://yourpage.jimdo.com

A subdomain can be sufficient for private websites. However, if you want to use the website as a company, association or for a blog, I advise you to use your own main domain.

Your own domain, such as your-company-name.com, is easier to remember and looks much more professional.

It also allows you to communicate professionally by email with customers and business partners using your own address(contact@your-company-name.com).

Although your own domain is not completely free, it doesn’t cost the earth either.

The costs for the domain and hosting are often already included in the paid tariffs of the website builder providers. You can also link an existing domain there.

What do I need to consider when choosing a domain?

Choosing the right domain is an important part of creating a successful website.

You should therefore take your time when choosing a name. After all, you want to keep this domain for as long as possible.

The domain name is only one of many factors for ranking in search engines. However, domain extensions and keywords can have a positive influence.

Criteria for a good domain name:

  • Choose a short domain name (no longer than 20 characters)
  • Avoid special characters
  • Avoid words that are difficult to understand or unusual spellings
  • The domain name should match your business
  • Protected brand and company names are taboo (copyright infringement)
  • Take your time and test your favourites on friends & acquaintances

A domain can be changed at any time afterwards. However, this involves a lot of effort and can cost you customers and places in the Google ranking.

Which domain extension you choose is an important decision. The domain extension provides important guidance for both Internet users and search engines.

There are three types of domain extensions:

  1. Country-specific domain (.co.uk, .us, etc)
  2. International domain (.com, .net, .org)
  3. Topic-specific domain (.biz, .info, .london)

I recommend that you choose your domain extension from areas 1 and 2. If you run your business in the UK, for example, .co.uk or .com are the best choice. They are the most common and easy to remember.

The .com domain was created in 1985 for commercial websites. Today, it is the most popular domain extension on the internet with over 150 million registered domains.

This means that short and easy-to-remember domain names are in short supply. However, .com is ten times more popular than the .net domain.

The fact that there is a .com shortcut key on the mobile phone keyboard also speaks in favour of .com. You can’t go far wrong with .com if your desired domain name is available.

A country-specific domain extension such as .de makes sense if you are mainly targeting users in your country.

You can also register your domain with multiple domain extensions if they are still available. Then there is no risk of confusion.

Using your own name (e.g. joern-brien.com) can be an effective method. I myself use such a domain for my homepage. I present my service portfolio there.

For private homepages or websites of highly personalised businesses or topics, it is advisable to choose a domain with your own name. This applies, for example, to solopreneurs such as coaches or designers.

On the other hand, this clearly ties the homepage to your own person. This can become a problem if you want to sell the website or business at a later date. Such a domain is then useless for a successor.

In most cases, your own name does not contain any search terms related to the topic of the website.

A domain with the main search terms still has advantages in terms of search engine optimisation (SEO). If a domain consists only of your own name, you give away this advantage.

The “www” stands for World Wide Web and refers to the main page of a domain. This refers to a system of websites that can be accessed via the Internet, which was developed in 1989.

The subdomain “www” in front of a domain name is not mandatory. A domain can be written with or without “www”. Your website builder or WordPress host usually creates both spellings.

Your visitors will find your site with or without entering “www”. However, I recommend that you check this again after registration.

http://” (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the technical protocol for transferring data on the web in plain text.

With “https://” (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), a security component has been added to the http protocol. SSL certificates are used to establish an encrypted connection for data transfer.

The SSL certificate is registered and set up for you by all the providers presented here.

Nowadays, domains should only be operated with “https://” in order to be perceived as reputable by visitors.

How to register your domain

WIX Domaincheck Screenshot

It makes sense to register your desired domain as early as possible. That way you’ll have it for sure.

It’s easiest if you register the domain with the provider where you want to use the website builder or host the WordPress CMS.

You can also transfer the domain if you decide to use a different provider later on.

Check with your preferred provider to see if your desired domain is still available:

MarkenChk Screenshot

Before you register a domain, you should check the domain name for an infringement of trade mark rights.

A trade mark is infringed if there is a risk of confusion. The trade mark and domain do not have to be identical. In the same industry, a high degree of similarity is sufficient.

You should avoid using names of celebrities or well-known companies and brands. You should also steer clear of misspellings (typo domains).

The owners of a trademark can demand injunctive relief and compensation if a trademark infringement has occurred.

Check your domain in a search engine for trade mark rights.

You can also register your own domain as a trade mark, preferably as a word mark. 

WIX Domain kaufen Screenshot

I will explain how to purchase and register a domain using the WIX homepage builder as an example.

It works in a similar way with other providers or web hosts.

Once you have registered with WIX, you can start with the free plan without having to worry about a domain.

You publish your website on a WIX subdomain, but you can switch to one of the premium plans with an integrated domain at any time.

After creating your website, WIX offers you the option of buying a new domain or connecting an existing domain. You can also carry out this process in the “Domains” section of your account.

Firstly, check whether your desired domain is still available. If so, you can register it.

The costs for the first year are included in the price of the Premium plan.

You then assign the purchased domain to your website. If you have previously published a WIX website with a subdomain, WIX will automatically redirect from this to the new domain.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions around website creation

Do you have any further questions? Then feel free to write them in the comments below and I’ll answer them as soon as possible. Please don’t be shy: no topic is too specific, no question too daft!

A simple website with a handful of subpages can be created within a day using a website builder – if the preparation is right.

When using a CMS such as WordPress, you should allow two to three days.

The prerequisite is that images and texts are already available for insertion. I recommend working with a homepage template that roughly corresponds to the desired website structure.

The more complex a website is to be, the longer it will take to set up. Interactive functions such as the connection of database interfaces, for which there are no ready-made components, take a lot of time.

Extensive content, which may also need to be translated into different languages, is also time-consuming. For example, the first version of our self-developed website “WebsiteWissen.com” took us over six months.

You can create a good website with these 7 tips:

  1. Clarify in advance what type of website you want to create
  2. Select a provider that is suitable for this type of website
  3. Follow a proven page structure (use a sitemap)
  4. Decide on a design style that suits your brand
  5. Pay attention to mobile presentation (responsive design) and fast loading times
  6. Keep texts short and to the point
  7. Use authentic images and illustrations

Thanks to the availability of various website builders, creating your own website is now possible even for beginners. My detailed instructions will help you create your website.

Simple one-pagers can be created and published with just a few clicks using prepared templates. It is not necessary to programme the homepage, but you should have basic PC and Internet skills.

The website builder providers cover most standard use cases such as classic websites, blogs or online shops. Plugins and add-ons are available for more complex requirements. Programming knowledge is only required for particularly powerful or complex websites.

The cost of having a website professionally created by a freelancer or agency can range from around €1,000 to several tens of thousands of euros – depending on the size and complexity of the website as well as the expertise and reputation of the web designer. However, beginners can also create their own website using a website builder. You can then create and operate it for less than 10 euros per month.

It is not easy to calculate exactly how much a website costs. How expensive it will be also depends on your own requirements. In short: the more complex a website is and the more work that has to be put into it, the more it costs to create. You can have a cheap website if you create it yourself.

You can have a website created – either by a freelancer (local or online) or by an advertising agency. You can find specialized web designers, e.g. B. on specialized comparison portals. Outsourcing website creation to a service provider can save time and stress, but of course costs money.

It is cheaper to create the website yourself. This is very easy with a website builder. This also makes it possible to make subsequent changes yourself. The providers of homepage builders also provide experts on their portals who can help with the creation of websites.

Creating your own completely free homepage is possible with some website builder providers. These are permanent test versions that can also be published.

In this case, however, there is no separate domain and advertising information is sometimes displayed. However, this is often sufficient for private use.

These builder providers offer free website creation (with limitations):

  • WIX: permanently free homepage (subdomain, advertising banner for WIX)
  • Jimdo:  permanently free homepage (subdomain, reference to Jimdo)
  • WordPress.com: permanently free homepage (subdomain, advertising, WordPress branding, no plugins)

You can also create a free homepage with your own WordPress installation. However, web hosting is required to put the site online. However, you can book this for just a few euros a month.

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KompoZer WYSIWYG Website-Editor

Downloads, extensions & background

KompoZer is a free software to create and manage websites.

The program works on the WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) principle, which means you create the website through a graphical user interface without having to write HTML or CSS yourself.

Due to the user-friendly file management and an easy-to-use WYSIWYG web editor, it is comparable to well-known, commercial high-end programs.

Latest update:

Kompozer Screenshot
KompoZer Logo
By KompoZer Web

Find all downloads and extensions here

The active development of KompoZer has been discontinued.

On this page you can read about the project and its features and download KompoZer or install the KompoZer extensions.

Also, this page offers an overview of the KompoZer functionality and screenshots.

However, if you are starting a new website project, we recommend using a more modern website editor oder content management system.

Where can I download KompoZer?

Unfortunately, KompoZer is no longer being developed. However, the program can still be downloaded and used.

Here you can find download links for the latest releases:

Download

Download the latest versions of KompoZer here:

KompoZer extensions

If you use Firefox, you can’t download the extensions normally, because Firefox considers the .xpi file as an extension for Firefox and wants to install it. To save the extension, right-click on the link and select “Save target as”.

Installing extensions

All extensions can be installed via menu Extras – Add-ons.

Extensions for KompoZer 0.8b3

Extensions for KompoZer 0.7.10

What is the history of the KompoZer editor?

KompoZer was an open source HTML editor developed starting in 2005 to fix bugs in a previous editor called “Nvu”. Nvu was developed by Daniel Glazman, the lead developer of KompZer was Fabien Cavanaze, who nannntained online Kazé.

KompoZer belonged to the category of WYSIWYG editors. One could use the software to create websites and make changes to them without knowing HTML or CSS. Advanced users could also edit code with the software.

Simple and free

KompoZer was intended as a simple and free alternative to paid software such as Microsoft Frontpage. The program offered time savings by creating complex HTML structures at the touch of a button.

No longer developed

In 2010, the last KompoZer update was uploaded. In 2011, Kazé announced that he was discontinuing further development of the open-source software due to time constraints.

However, since the software has not been further developed for today’s HTML and CSS requirements, such as smartphone-optimized webdeisgn, its use is no longer up-to-date and not recommended.

What are the most important features of KompoZer?

KompoZer was a complete solution for web design. With user-friendly file management and an easy-to-use WYSIWYG web editor, it was comparable to well-known high-end commercial programs.

KompoZer was simple in design, so that even users with no prior knowledge of HTML, could design an attractive and professional looking website.

  • WYSIWYG editing was almost as easy as writing in a word processor.
  • Reliable HTML code displayed on all popular web browsers.
  • Switching between WYSIWYG editing and source code editing.
  • TAB display of multiple pages allowed fast page switching.
  • Additional functions for tables and forms.
  • The web editor was available for Linux, Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh operating systems.

KompoZer was based on Gecko, the rendering standard for Internet standards such as XHTML, HTML and CSS, which is also used in Mozilla applications. Its support for XML, CSS and JavaScript, offered the best development tool on the market. Its XUL-based programming makes it extremely easy to customize and extend KompoZer.

KompoZer is an independently working program with a small file size and high speed.

FAQ

Questions and answers around Kompozer

Kompozer is a free and open-source WYSIWYG HTML editor that allows users to create and edit web pages visually without the need for coding skills.

Kompozer is available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. Since the development of Kompozer has been discontinued it may not be compatible with newer versions of your operating system.

Yes, Kompozer is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to create and edit web pages. It also provides a range of helpful features such as CSS stylesheets, site management tools, and built-in file transfer capabilities.

No, Kompozer was last updated in 2010 and does not support HTML5 or CSS3. However, it still provides a range of useful features for creating and editing web pages with HTML and CSS.

While Kompozer can be used to create basic websites, it may not be suitable for building complex sites with advanced functionality. However, it is a useful tool for creating simple websites or making minor edits to existing sites.

No, Kompozer has not been updated since 2010, and the original development team has disbanded. However, it is still available for download and can be used for basic website creation and editing.

Yes, Kompozer is a free and open-source software, meaning that it can be downloaded and used without any cost.

Kompozer supports a range of file formats including HTML, XHTML, and CSS. It can also handle files from other web editors, as well as import and export files in a variety of formats.

Yes, Kompozer allows users to customize the interface by rearranging the toolbar, enabling or disabling various features, and changing the appearance of the interface through themes.

Kompozer does not have built-in support for scripting languages like JavaScript, but it allows users to insert custom code snippets into their pages, including scripts. However, users need to have coding skills or use a dedicated code editor for more complex coding tasks.

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