*Disclaimer: affiliate links ahead. I only recommend products that I have used! For a comprehensive website hosting guide, keep reading.
If you’re a small business owner or freelancer trying to build your first website, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and confusion. Hosting? Domain names? SSL certificates? It can all sound a bit overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog post, I’ll share a website hosting guide that you can use. I use Hostinger for this current website, and I like it a lot. You can view my side-by-side comparison with another popular platform, Pressable, here.
With Hostinger, getting your website online is much easier than you think. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly platforms out there, offering fast, affordable hosting with a clean dashboard and built-in tools to make your life easier.
Whether you want to create a portfolio, blog, or business website, this guide will walk you through each step and introduce you to Hostinger Horizon, built to make your website setup smoother than ever.
1. Choose the right Hostinger hosting plan
Visit Hostinger and explore the different hosting plans. For most small business owners and freelancers, the Premium Web Hosting plan strikes the right balance between affordability and features. (Tip: Look out for Black Friday sales!)
It includes:
Hosting for up to 100 websites
100 GB SSD storage
Free domain for one year
Free email accounts
Free SSL certificate
If you’re starting with just one site, the Single Web Hosting plan is a budget-friendly choice that still gets the job done.
2. Create your Hostinger account
Once you’ve selected and purchased your plan, you’ll be prompted to create a Hostinger account using your email or Google login. From here, you’ll access hPanel—Hostinger’s user dashboard, where you manage everything, from domains and email to your site files. I like the interface since it’s easy to see everything at a glance. This is what my hPanel interface looks like:
3. Turn your ideas into web apps with Hostinger Horizons (AI-powered)
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Another cool thing that launched in March 2025 by Hostinger is something called Hostinger Horizons. It’s a AI tool designed especially for:
Solopreneurs and freelancers with ideas but no coding skills
Entrepreneurs who want to build tools or SaaS products without hiring a developer
Early adopters looking to create AI-driven digital solutions quickly
Describe your idea in a few sentences (e.g. “A personalised invoicing tool for freelancers” or “A food-tracking app using meal photos”)
Refine and adjust through an AI chat interface — no code, just conversation.
Launch your web app with a single click.
You can even upload sketches or images to guide your idea, and Horizons supports 80+ languages with real-time previews in a sandbox environment.
Want to create a fitness tracker? A productivity tool for ADHD? A niche learning app? If you can imagine it, Horizons can help you build it—without the tech stress.
4. Register or connect your domain
If you’re using Hostinger’s free domain offer, search for and register your preferred website name during the setup process.
Already have a domain from somewhere else, like GoDaddy or Namecheap? You can connect it easily:
Log into your domain provider
Change the nameservers to:
ns1.dns-parking.com
ns2.dns-parking.com
Wait up to 24 hours for it to take effect
5. Build your website
Hostinger gives you two beginner-friendly options to build your site:
Option A: Hostinger Website Builder
Perfect for service providers, solo creatives, or one-page sites.
Drag-and-drop interface
Dozens of ready-made templates
No coding required
Mobile-friendly by default
Option B: WordPress (1-click install)
Great if you want a blog, more flexibility, or advanced features.
Go to Create or Migrate Website
Choose WordPress
Fill in your site details and click Install
You can then choose a theme, install plugins, and start customising.
6. Secure your website with SSL
Every site needs to be secure, especially if you’re handling contact forms, emails, or online payments. Hostinger includes a free SSL certificate with most plans.
To activate:
Go to hPanel → Security → SSL
Click Install next to your domain
Once installed, your website will show https:// and a padlock in the browser—an essential trust signal for customers.
7. Set up your professional email address
Having a professional email like hello@yourbusinessname.com makes you look credible and trustworthy.
To create one:
Navigate to Emails → Email Accounts
Set your preferred address and password
Access your inbox directly or connect it to Gmail/Outlook
8. Add your content and go live
Whether you’re using WordPress or the Website Builder, you’ll want to include a few basic pages:
Home – Who you are and what you offer
About – Your story or mission
Services – What you do
Contact – How clients can reach you
Once your pages are in place, preview everything on both desktop and mobile, and then hit ‘publish’!
Need help setting up your website on Hostinger?
If this website hosting guide feels a bit overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many freelancers and small business owners struggle with the technical parts of launching a website, even with a beginner-friendly host like Hostinger. Apart from web design, you also need to ensure that the site is SEO-friendly (Learn why is SEO so important here) and reaches the right audience.
💬 That’s where I come in. I help freelancers, creatives, and small businesses set up clean, high-performing websites using Hostinger—without the stress.
If you’d like a hand getting your website live, just contact me here or message me on Instagram @writedesignproductions. I offer affordable setup packages that get you from blank screen to launched site, fast.
Having a professional website can be a game-changer for your business or freelance career. With Hostinger (and especially the new Horizon upgrade), you get the tools and speed you need to grow online, without needing to be a developer. I hope this website hosting guide helps you out slightly!
If you’ve been putting it off, now’s the time to take action. Pick a name, choose your plan, and launch something great. And if you need help? You know where to find me.
(Disclaimer: I earn a little through affiliate links, so clicking on them really helps me out! )
So now that you’re ready to build your WordPress site — whether it’s for blogging, showcasing your work, or selling something you made with love — let’s talk about one of the first things you’ll need: web hosting.
There are tons of hosting options out there, but to keep it simple, I’ll share two that I think are great, depending on your budget and needs. One is what I personally use (Hostinger), and the other is a premium option that’s super beginner-friendly (Pressable — read till the end, and I’ll give you a 15% off code too!). Depending on your hosting service, the cost of a WordPress website in 2025 can vary quite a bit. Getting clear on what’s included will help you make the right decision.
🧾 TLDR: Quick Comparison – Hostinger vs Pressable
Choose Hostinger if you’re on a budget, don’t mind handling updates and plugins yourself, and prefer having complete control over your site setup.
Choose Pressable if you’re a beginner, short on time, or want everything taken care of — including backups, security, and performance — without lifting a finger.
Both are good options, but your choice depends on how hands-on you want to be and how much time you’re willing to spend managing your site. (Read on to find out about costs…)
✅ What I Use to Keep Costs Low: Hostinger (A Budget-Friendly Option for WordPress Websites in 2025)
When I first started my website, I didn’t want to spend too much, but I still wanted it to look good and load fast. After researching several options, I went with Hostinger, and it’s been a solid choice.
Here’s what you get with Hostinger:
Hosting from $2.99/month (super value!)
A free domain name if you sign up for a year
Free SSL certificate (helps protect your site and gives you that little lock icon 🔒)
A dashboard that’s easy to use (no tech headache)
One-click WordPress install — no coding needed
Why I like it:
It’s affordable, simple, and works. If you’re building your first blog or website for your business, this is a low-risk way to start without knowing all the technical stuff. Hostinger’s interface is pretty much drag and drop, but I like that it also gave me the flexibility to manage my site on WordPress. This was important as I wanted to add other great plug-ins to help me track my SEO, affiliate links, etc. So you have a choice of using Hostinger mainly for website creation and management or managing it on WordPress.
However! Some Features Are Missing in Hostinger…
I still like Hostinger and continue to use it for my own website. It’s affordable, reliable, and a great choice if you’re comfortable figuring things out as you go.
But if you’re a complete beginner — especially if you’re a busy business owner trying to DIY your site — I now realise there are a few things that Pressable does better, which could save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Here are three features that make Pressable a better choice for beginners:
Fully managed setup: Pressable handles all the behind-the-scenes work, such as updates, performance, and security. With Hostinger, you must manage these or learn how to install the right plugins.
Daily backups are included by default.Pressable automatically backs up your site daily, with one-click restores if anything goes wrong. Hostinger only offers daily backups on higher-tier plans or as a paid add-on.
Jetpack Premium included: Pressable comes with Jetpack Premium at no extra cost (worth over $100/year), which covers security scans, downtime monitoring, and other helpful tools for your site. Hostinger doesn’t include Jetpack, so you must add your tools for these features. (Side note: Jetpack Premium is a bundle of tools that helps protect your site with security scans, daily backups, and downtime alerts — plus it speeds up your site with image optimisation and includes some basic SEO features)
In short:
If you’re confident with basic website setup and like having more control, Hostinger is still a great, budget-friendly option. But if you’re starting and want something more hands-off, Pressable might be the better choice.
💡 Tip: You’ll save more if you choose a longer plan (like 2–4 years). That’s what I did!
🚀 And Now, Why Pressable Might Be Worth the Extra Cost (When You’re Weighing the Cost of a WordPress Website in 2025)
If you prefer zero hassle, Pressable’s managed hosting and premium features make it a strong contender — especially if you’re trying to figure out the real cost of running a WordPress website in 2025.
As I’ve already said, if you don’t want to deal with backups, updates, or security plugins and want someone to handle it all, Pressable might be your best friend. I would recommend this to beginner bloggers or business owners trying to DIY their websites.
Pressable is a fully managed WordPress hosting provider built by the same people behind WordPress.com and WooCommerce (the folks at Automattic).
Here’s what makes it awesome:
Starts at $25/month
They manage everything — speed, updates, security, daily backups
You get Jetpack Premium included (that’s usually $100+)
Free site migration if you’re switching from another host (This is super handy when you compare prices at the end of the year and want to switch hosts. Also, super tip: make sure you bookmark Black Friday deals!)
Invite your developer or designer to help — super handy if you’re working with someone.
Who it’s great for:
If you’re running a business or a serious blog or want peace of mind that your site is in good hands, this is for you. You won’t have to worry about a thing. So, if you are ready to try Pressable, I’ve got a present for you!
🎁 Here’s that discount I mentioned earlier: Use this link to get 15% off your first month – Try Pressable here
Need Help Deciding?
If you’re feeling confused by all the options, relax; I’ve got you.
The simplest way to figure something out is to hire someone who’s done it before.
I help small business owners and new bloggers set up WordPress websites that look great and work smoothly — without the overwhelm.
Want someone to walk you through it or even build it for you?
Let’s work together – reach out here: hello@writedesignproductions.com
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links.’ I will receive an affiliate commission if you click the link and purchase the item.
Although I am a proficient website designer (both back end and front end, which in simpler terms means – I can code a website and make it pretty using code.), I, too, love using pretty WordPress themes. Best of all, they are easy to use. Therefore, I am spilling my secret today: I use the world’s best WordPress theme (IMO). It’s Divi from Elegant Themes. This is the theme on this blog, but I also use it for client sites. This is one of the best WordPress themes for blogs, especially if you are looking for something easy to use. Let me tell you five reasons why I love using Divi so much! Divi reviews incoming – at only 5 minutes read.
(Disclaimer: I am a professional website designer, so even though I say it is EASY PEASY LEMON SQUEEZY, I know that for the average layman, there is still some fiddling and hand-wrangling. I’ll explain more below.)
1. Easy to use, drag and drop features
I love using Divi because many of its features are drag-and-drop. You can create and add a box, whether you need a text box, an image, or a piece of code! For instance, here I am adding a section on my website because I need to put in some code:
2. So many starter packs that you can choose from
Another nifty thing that will help you create a website fast is that they have so many different layouts. Whether you sell kitchenware, write a content blog, or even repair cars, there is a layout for you. Let me show you!
3. AI features so you can build with AI
You might notice in the image above that a column is called ‘Build with AI’. I must say, it is not foolproof. Using it can produce some strange results, but if you are very good with prompting, it will build a decent layout that you can improve later. You have to be very clear about what you want your website to do, and then the AI can make something of it. I also have to say this is an add-on feature you must pay for if you want to use it regularly. Whether you feel it is useful depends on how often you use it.
4. Great customer service
I have used other WordPress theme makers before with unfortunate service results. One WordPress theme, which I shall not name, promised a 30-day refund, which I could only get after much wrangling with my credit card service. After 6 months of using DIvi, I contacted Elegant Themes with many different questions, and they got back to me within a day. This fast, excellent customer service convinced me this is one of the best WordPress themes for blogs or businesses.
5. Anyone can use it!
Whether you are a SME trying to save some costs and not hire a designer, or maybe you’re a student or a stay-at-home mother. I love that Divi allows you to build your website without hiring anyone. Not everyone can afford professional design services, so this is a low-cost, easy entryway to creating a fantastic website.
Closing thoughts I am always interested in helping small businesses grow. As a small business owner, my heart lies in what I do. I recommend that small businesses always spare a budget for website design services because they take the guesswork out of everything. Good website design aside, there is also search engine optimisation(SEO) and social media to think about. With all these marketing tools, doing it alone can be daunting when you have customers to entertain!
So, if you ever need website help, I am just an email away. I offer a free consultation before I recommend my services. Contact me now at hello@writedesignproductions.com.
So, you’ve got an idea. Maybe you want to start a blog, sell your handmade crochet creations, or create a simple site for your freelance services. Whatever your goal, you’re probably wondering: can I really build a website in a weekend?
Yes. You can.
If you’re new to WordPress, don’t worry. This post is designed for WordPress beginners who want to build a website quickly, without coding, and without going down the YouTube rabbit hole for hours. By Monday, you’ll have a live website you can share.
Step 1: Establish your site
Start by heading to wordpress.com and clicking Get Started. Follow the prompts to create your account.
You’ll be asked to choose a site name—this is what visitors will see at the top of your homepage. Make it clear and memorable. You can also add a tagline (e.g. “The cosiest handmade crochet in Singapore”) to give your site more personality.
By default, you’ll get a free URL like yourgroovysite.wordpress.com. But if you want to look professional, claim your own custom domain, like yourgroovydomain.com. WordPress includes a free domain for the first year when you sign up for a one-year or multi-year plan.
Step 2: Clarify your website purpose
Before diving into colours and buttons, clarify what you want to share with the world. Are you writing articles? Promoting your services? Selling something? All of the above?
Jot down your goal, sketch a rough homepage layout, and list the pages you need (e.g., Home, About, Blog, Contact). This will give structure to your build and help you avoid decision fatigue later.
Tip: If you don’t want to do this alone, talk it out with a friend. But remember—your website is yours. It doesn’t need to please everyone.
Step 3: Pick a theme that works for you
WordPress automatically assigns you a clean default theme when you sign up. This is fine for starting out, but you can customise it with your own logo, colours, and fonts later.
If you’re ready to invest in a more powerful design tool, I recommend Divi by Elegant Themes. It’s a drag-and-drop theme I use for client sites, and it gives you complete control over how your site looks.
⚠️ If you’re a beginner, avoid switching themes too often. It can break your layout or undo your hard work.
Step 4: Add content and start blogging
Now comes the exciting part. Go to your WordPress dashboard’s “Posts” section, click Add New, and start writing. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just start.
You can also build out static pages like About Me, Portfolio, or Services. These give visitors more insight into who you are and what you do.
Ensure your homepage tells visitors what your site is for—and links to your blog or products.
Step 5: Where to get help
Building your first website can feel a little overwhelming—but you’re not alone. WordPress has a fantastic beginner-friendly support page that walks you through everything from setup to publishing your first post. Check out their official guide here:
If you’d rather skip the fiddly parts, I offer affordable WordPress setup services tailored for beginners and small businesses. Whether setting up your domain, picking a theme, or optimising for SEO—I’ll help you build a website that looks good and works well.
Effective budgeting is the cornerstone of managing multiple income streams and expenses, making it a vital tool for solo entrepreneurs and multi-side hustlers. For those juggling personal expenses alongside earnings from various gigs or businesses, a well-crafted budget serves as a roadmap to financial clarity. It enables you to track income and spending across diverse streams, uncover patterns, and identify opportunities to optimise your financial resources. By staying on top of your expenses, you can avoid overspending and ensure your efforts in managing multiple streams of income remain sustainable.
A budget isn’t just about numbers—it’s a decision-making tool. For example, if you notice a steady overspend on a specific expense, reallocating funds or making strategic adjustments can help mitigate the impact on your finances. With the right budgeting strategy, solo entrepreneurs can fine-tune their operations, track progress against financial goals, and make informed decisions to keep everything running smoothly.
Cash flow management, often a challenge for those with fluctuating incomes, is another area where budgeting excels. By mapping out when your income streams flow in and out, you can better anticipate lean periods and plan accordingly. For instance, you might set aside funds during peak earning months to cover expenses during quieter times. This approach ensures that you maintain control, even when dealing with unpredictability.
By adopting a proactive and structured approach to budgeting, solo entrepreneurs and side hustlers can achieve better control over their finances, paving the way for growth and financial stability. Here are five essential tips tailored for those managing multiple income streams:
Tip 1: Define your financial goals
Setting clear financial goals tailored to your unique situation is key to an effective budget. As a solo entrepreneur, your objectives might include building a financial safety net, saving for future investments, or funding new ventures. Whether short-term (like saving for an equipment upgrade) or long-term (such as achieving a specific income target), your goals should be specific, measurable, and adaptable.
Review these goals regularly. Income streams from gigs or freelance work can fluctuate, so staying flexible and reassessing your goals ensures they remain achievable and relevant. This process keeps your financial plan aligned with your ambitions, no matter how many hats you’re wearing.
Tip 2: Track every expense with precision
When juggling multiple income sources, it’s easy for expenses to slip through the cracks. Categorise your spending—personal, business-related, or specific to a side hustle. This makes it easier to spot trends and unnecessary outflows. Use tools like financial software or spreadsheets tailored to your needs to automate and simplify the process.
For example, platforms like QuickBooks or FreshBooks can track and categorise your expenses seamlessly. If you prefer a more personal approach, updating a detailed spreadsheet weekly can provide a clear snapshot of your financial health. With this clarity, you’ll have a solid foundation for optimising your income streams and minimising waste.
Tip 3: Build flexibility into your budget
For solo entrepreneurs, adaptability is non-negotiable. Income levels can vary month-to-month, so creating a flexible budget that accounts for these shifts is crucial. Allocate a portion of your budget as a buffer for unexpected expenses or income fluctuations. Regularly reviewing and updating your budget will ensure it remains responsive to changes, helping you navigate uncertainties with confidence.
For example, if one stream of income slows down, your flexible budget allows you to reallocate funds from a more stable source or cut back temporarily on discretionary spending. This agility not only keeps your finances intact but also helps you seize new opportunities when they arise.
Tip 4: Consolidate and prioritise income streams
Managing multiple gigs or side hustles can lead to fragmented finances. By consolidating your income streams into a single tracking system, you gain a clearer view of your overall earnings and their impact on your goals. Identify your most profitable streams and prioritise activities that maximise returns with minimal effort. This approach not only saves time but ensures your efforts are focused on what truly drives your financial success.
Tip 5: Leverage tools to simplify your finances
Simplifying your financial processes can make budgeting less daunting. Tools like our Budgeting Template for Solo Entrepreneurs are designed specifically for individuals with multiple income streams. It allows you to track earnings, categorise expenses, and forecast monthly finances effortlessly. By adopting tools tailored to your lifestyle, you can focus on growing your ventures instead of getting bogged down by spreadsheets.
Elevate your budgeting with our digital template
If you’re ready to take control of your finances, our Budgeting Template for Solo Entrepreneurs is here to help. Designed for individuals managing multiple income streams, this easy-to-use template simplifies the process of tracking income and expenses. It’s more than just a budgeting tool—it’s your gateway to understanding where your money is going and how to optimise it.
Features include:
Income tracking across multiple sources
Expense categorisation
Monthly forecasting
Whether you’re running a single side hustle or juggling several gigs, this template equips you with the clarity to make smarter financial decisions. To enhance your financial strategy and make budgeting less of a chore, visit our website and download the template today. Start managing your finances with ease and pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future.
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