How to Acquire a Custom Domain and Hosting Alternatives for WordPress or GitHub Pages

Offering a custom domain to your client can provide a more professional and personalized image for their website. If they don’t have an IT team available to manage a WordPress site or a project hosted on GitHub Pages, there are alternative solutions that simplify the process. In this article, we’ll explain how to purchase a custom domain, set up the website, and offer hosting alternatives that are simple and efficient.

Step 1: How to Purchase a Custom Domain

Choose and Buy the Domain

The first step is to acquire a custom domain. This can be done through online domain registrars. Here’s a simple process:

1. Choose a Domain Name
   • The domain name should be easy to remember, reflect the client’s brand, and be related to their niche or business. Examples: www.businessname.com or www.yoursite.com.
   • Check the availability of the domain using a search tool, such as:
     • GoDaddy
     • Namecheap
     • Google Domains
2. Register the Domain
   • After checking the availability of the desired name, follow the instructions to purchase the domain on the registrar’s website.
   • During the purchase, you can also add extra services, such as WHOIS privacy (to keep your information private) and personalized emails (e.g., contact@yoursite.com).
3. Configure the Domain’s DNS
   • Once the domain is acquired, you’ll need to set up the DNS entries to point to the hosting server where your website will be hosted (whether it’s WordPress or GitHub Pages).

Step 2: Alternative Hosting for WordPress Without an IT Team

If your client wants to use WordPress but doesn’t have an IT team to manage the installation process, there’s a simple and cost-effective solution: managed WordPress hosting. This option makes it easy to run the site as the hosting provider handles the installation, updates, and maintenance of WordPress.

1. Managed WordPress Hosting

These hosting services offer technical support, daily backups, and performance optimizations for WordPress, meaning less manual work for the client. Here are some options:

• Bluehost: Officially recommended by WordPress, easy to use, and offers one-click WordPress installation.
• SiteGround: Another reliable option, with specialized support and WordPress optimization features.
• WP Engine: Premium WordPress hosting, ideal for sites requiring more performance and security.

These providers have easy-to-set-up plans and support custom domain use. The client can either purchase the domain directly with the hosting or point it to the hosting server after buying it from another registrar.

2. Setup Steps:

1. Choose and Buy Hosting: Go to one of the provider’s websites and purchase the plan that best suits your client’s needs.
2. Install WordPress: With the chosen hosting, WordPress can be installed automatically with a single click.
3. Configure the Domain: In the hosting control panel, configure the purchased domain to point to the WordPress site.
4. Set Up the Site: Now, the client can log in to WordPress, set up content, themes, plugins, etc.

This is one of the fastest and most efficient solutions for WordPress sites without requiring a dedicated IT team.

Step 3: Hosting Alternative for GitHub Pages

If the client is looking for a more technical solution with less maintenance, GitHub Pages could be an excellent alternative. It is ideal for static sites, such as portfolios or blogs, and setting up a custom domain is simple. The advantage of GitHub Pages is that it is free and doesn’t require an IT team to manage the server.

1. How to Set Up GitHub Pages with a Custom Domain

GitHub Pages allows you to host a site directly from a repository on GitHub. Here are the steps to set up a static site and use a custom domain:

GitHub Pages Step-by-Step:

1. Create a GitHub Repository:
   • Create a repository on GitHub (e.g., username.github.io or username.github.io/repository-name).
2. Add Website Files:
   • Add your static files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to the repository.
3. Set Up the Page:
   • Go to the repository’s settings, and under “GitHub Pages”, choose the branch where the content is stored (usually main or master).
4. Add the CNAME File:
   • Create a file named CNAME in the repository and add the custom domain name (e.g., www.yoursite.com).
5. Configure DNS:
   • In the domain registrar, add DNS records.
     • For the main domain (without www), set A records to point to GitHub’s IP addresses.
     • For the subdomain (www), set a CNAME record to point to username.github.io.

DNS Configuration in the Domain Registrar:

• A Record for the main domain: 185.199.108.153 185.199.109.153 185.199.110.153 185.199.111.153
• CNAME Record for www:
  • Name: www
  • Value: username.github.io

After the DNS configuration, the website will be accessible via the custom domain.

Final Considerations

Choosing a hosting platform and setting up a custom domain depends on the client’s specific needs. If they want something simple but powerful, GitHub Pages might be a great choice for static websites. On the other hand, if they require more dynamic functionality, WordPress with managed hosting would be more suitable, especially if there’s no IT team to manage the server.

Remember that GitHub Pages is best for static sites (without databases or complex functionality), while WordPress is more suited for dynamic sites like blogs, e-commerce stores, and portals with user areas. Both options can be configured with custom domains, providing a professional online presence.