Overview
This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide for creating a free GoDaddy website using their online website builder, covering account setup, template selection, customization, product sales configuration, and publishing.
Initial Setup and Account Creation
- Start by clicking the provided link for the best available GoDaddy deal.
- Choose "Start for Free" and sign in or create a new account with email, Facebook, or Google.
- Fill in personal information and proceed to website setup.
Website Template and Category Selection
- Select "Start with a basic website" and continue.
- Choose a website category (e.g., photography) and name your site accordingly.
- Add contact information and continue to the next step.
Business Information and AI Customization
- Provide details about your business for AI-assisted website creation.
- Specify desired features (e.g., gallery, e-commerce, call-to-action, social links, newsletter, About Me section).
- Let GoDaddy generate the initial site version.
Navigating the Website Builder
- Access the Website, Theme, and Settings tabs.
- Note: Free plan allows only a single page; additional pages require a paid plan.
Theme Customization
- Change the site theme, color palette, and fonts as desired.
- Adjust primary and secondary fonts under advanced options.
- Customize button styles and layouts as needed.
Logo and Header Customization
- Edit website name and upload or create a logo using GoDaddy’s logo builder.
- Choose business personality traits to refine logo options.
- Update the header with a new image, add image descriptions for SEO, and configure headlines, paragraph text, and promotional banners.
Section Management and Customization
- Each website component (e.g., About Me, Gallery) is a section; identify sections by blue borders.
- Customize colors and layouts for each section.
- Reorder or duplicate sections as needed.
- Add new sections (e.g., restaurant, real estate features) to personalize the site.
Image Gallery Configuration
- Remove default images and upload custom ones for your gallery section.
- Choose and apply gallery layout options, such as slideshow with thumbnails.
Social Media and Newsletter Integration
- Add social media usernames to display corresponding icons and links.
- Edit newsletter signup form headlines, descriptions, thank you message, and coupon codes.
- Manage newsletter subscribers via GoDaddy's dashboard.
Contact Form Customization
- Edit contact form fields (e.g., name, email, message, attachments).
- Add or remove form fields based on business needs.
Free E-Commerce Options
- Add a PayPal section to sell products or services at no cost.
- Customize item details, prices, descriptions, and images.
- Alternatively, configure the call-to-action button to use a pay link for receiving payments.
Site Settings and Publishing
- View and manage domain settings; note free sites use a GoDaddy-branded domain.
- Update site information, social links, favicon, and Google SEO settings.
- Upload a custom favicon for branding.
- Publish the website and view it live via the provided link.