How to Choose the Right Website Setup for Your Hosting Account

Overview

There are several ways to build and run a website with your Have Freedom Hosting account.

The best option depends on what you're trying to accomplish, how much control you want, and how comfortable you are managing a website.

For most customers, one of these approaches will make the most sense:

• Install WordPress or another application.

• Upload an existing website.

• Build a website from scratch.

• Move an existing website from another hosting provider.

• Use a website or application hosted by a third party.

You don't have to be an expert to get started. The important thing is choosing an approach that fits your needs.

Option 1: WordPress

WordPress is one of the most common ways to build a website.

It's a good choice if you want to create:

• Business websites

• Blogs

• Portfolios

• Personal websites

• News or content websites

• Online stores

• Community websites

• Other content-driven websites

WordPress provides an administration area where you can manage your website without manually editing every file.

If you want to use WordPress, you can typically install it through:

cPanel → Software → Softaculous Apps Installer

Softaculous can automate much of the installation process.

Option 2: Upload an Existing Website

If you already have a website, you don't necessarily need to rebuild it.

You can upload an existing website to your hosting account using:

cPanel → Files → File Manager

or FTP.

Your website files need to be placed in the appropriate document root for your domain.

For a typical primary website, this may be:

public_html/

Additional domains and subdomains may use different document roots.

Option 3: Build a Website From Scratch

If you know HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, or other web technologies, you can build your own website and upload the files to your hosting account.

For example:

public_html/
├── index.html
├── about.html
├── contact.html
├── css/
├── js/
└── images/

This gives you a high degree of control over the website.

It also means you're responsible for maintaining the code, applications, dependencies, and security of the website.

Option 4: Move an Existing Website

If your website is currently hosted somewhere else, you can move it to Have Freedom Hosting.

A typical migration may involve:

1. Backing up the existing website.

2. Backing up any databases.

3. Creating the necessary domain configuration.

4. Uploading the website files.

5. Importing databases if required.

6. Configuring the website.

7. Testing the new copy.

8. Updating DNS when you're ready to switch.

9. Testing the live website again.

Website migrations can vary considerably depending on how the website was built.

A simple HTML website may only require transferring files.

A WordPress website may require both files and a database.

Option 5: Use a Third-Party Service

Not every website needs to be hosted directly on your Have Freedom Hosting account.

You might use a third-party service for:

• Website building

• Online stores

• Landing pages

• Documentation

• Customer portals

• Specialized applications

In these situations, your domain may simply use DNS records to point visitors to the external service.

Your Have Freedom Hosting account can still be used for other services, such as email, depending on your configuration.

How to Decide

If you're unsure what to use, consider what you're trying to accomplish.

"I Want a Normal Business Website"

WordPress is often a good starting point.

"I Already Have Website Files"

Upload the existing website using File Manager or FTP.

"I Know How to Code"

Building your own website gives you the most direct control.

"I Already Have a Website Somewhere Else"

Consider migrating it rather than starting over.

"I Want an Online Store"

WordPress with an e-commerce application can work well, or you may prefer a dedicated e-commerce platform.

"I Don't Want to Manage the Website Myself"

A hosted website-building service may be more appropriate.

Understanding Your Hosting Account's Role

Your hosting account provides the environment where your website and related services can operate.

Depending on your plan and configuration, this may include:

• Website storage

• Databases

• Email accounts

• DNS management

• SSL/HTTPS

• Application installers

• File management

• FTP access

Your website itself may be made up of several components.

For example:

Domain
   ↓
DNS
   ↓
Hosting Account
   ↓
Website Files
   ↓
Application
   ↓
Database

Not every website requires every component.

A simple HTML website may only need website files.

A WordPress installation requires additional components such as a database and server-side application support.

WordPress vs. a Custom Website

Neither approach is automatically better.

WordPress

Advantages:

• Easier to manage without coding

• Large ecosystem of themes and plugins

• Good for content-driven websites

• Easy to expand

Considerations:

• Requires regular updates

• Plugins and themes need to be maintained

• Poorly maintained installations can become security risks

Custom Website

Advantages:

• Complete control over the code

• Can be highly customized

• Doesn't require a large plugin ecosystem

• Can be very lightweight

Considerations:

• Requires more technical knowledge

• You are responsible for maintaining the code

• Security and compatibility are your responsibility

Start Simple

You don't need to build everything at once.

For a new website, a sensible starting point might be:

1. Connect your domain.

2. Choose how you want to build the website.

3. Create or install the website.

4. Configure HTTPS.

5. Create email accounts if needed.

6. Test the website.

7. Add additional features as you need them.

You can expand your website later as your needs grow.

Keep Your Website Organized

Regardless of how you build your website, keep its files and applications organized.

Avoid randomly placing files throughout your hosting account.

Know:

• Which domain a directory belongs to

• Which application uses a directory

• Where your backups are stored

• Which databases belong to which websites

• Which DNS records are associated with your services

This becomes increasingly important if you host multiple websites under one account.

Keep Backups

Your hosting account should not be the only place your website exists.

Maintain backups of important:

• Website files

• Databases

• Configuration files

• Media

• Other important website data

A backup is especially important before:

• Major website updates

• Installing plugins or applications

• Changing DNS

• Migrating a website

• Making significant configuration changes

Need Help Choosing?

If you're not sure how you should set up your website, Have Freedom Hosting Support can help you determine what approach makes sense for your hosting environment.

When asking for help, explain:

• What kind of website you're building

• Whether you already have a website

• Whether you know how to code

• Whether you're using WordPress or another application

• Whether the website is being moved from another provider

You don't need to know the technical terminology. Just tell us what you're trying to accomplish, and we can help point you in the right direction.