Help!

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  doitlikeagirlcan · Member · May 5, 2021 at 9:38 pm

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  I recently bought a domain name for my non-profit but am not sure I understand hosting or how to create an actual site ?

  Thanks!

  KR

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  supernovia · Staff · May 5, 2021 at 11:01 pm

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  Hey KR! We’re happy to help you get started.

  A website on the most basic level is a collection of files and scripts (software in our case) that lives on a publicly-accessible computer somewhere. That computer is your server, and it’s usually provided by a hosting service. When you’ve got a hosting service, you will point your domain to it.

  So to set up a website, generally you’ll need a host, and you’ll need some kind of script or software. And you’ll need to take care of that, or have someone manage it for you.

  WordPress is free software that is built to be added upon and customized in virtually infinite ways. You can run a free copy of the WordPress software on your own if you’re comfortable with the technical end of things.

  And WordPress.com combines hosting, software, and management for you. We provide direct support with all of our paid plans:
  https://wordpress.com/pricing

  And we have LOTS of resources for getting started, including tutorials, webinars, an option to purchase a 1:1 screenshare, or even a Do It For Me service for creating the site.

  For what it’s worth: there are other software providers out there that will let you run your site on their services, but some of them can be a bit tricky if you want to change providers. WordPress.com allows you to import and export as needed.

  Does that help? We’re happy to answer any questions you have. We also have a video guide here that may help. It’s just a little bit older currently, but it covers the basics:
  https://wordpress.com/learn/the-movie/