As an author, you need an online presence. You need a website that showcases your work, promotes your books, and allows readers to connect with you. But, how do you go about setting up your website? Do you go with a free hosting service or do you self-host? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of self-hosting your author website and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
What Is Self-Hosting?
Self-hosting is the process of hosting your website on your own server. This means that you are responsible for the setup, maintenance, and security of your website. It also means that you have full control over your website and can customize it to your liking.
Why Self-Host Your Author Website?
Self-hosting your author website comes with many benefits. Here are just a few:
1. You Have Full Control Over Your Website
When you self-host your website, you have full control over how it looks and functions. You can customize it to your liking and add any features you want.
2. You Have More Flexibility
When you self-host your website, you can choose the hosting provider that best suits your needs. This allows you to have more flexibility when it comes to features, pricing, and customer service.
3. You Have Better Security
When you self-host your website, you are responsible for the security of your website. This means that you can take the necessary steps to ensure that your website is secure and protected from hackers and other malicious actors.
What Are The Downsides Of Self-Hosting?
Self-hosting your author website also comes with some downsides. Here are a few to consider:
1. It Can Be Expensive
Self-hosting your website can be expensive. Depending on the hosting provider you choose, you may have to pay for hosting, domain names, and other services.
2. It Can Be Time-Consuming
When you self-host your website, you are responsible for the setup, maintenance, and security of your website. This can be time-consuming and may require technical knowledge.
3. You May Need To Hire Professionals
If you don’t have the technical knowledge or time to manage your website, you may need to hire professionals to do it for you. This can add to the cost of self-hosting your website.
How To Self-Host Your Author Website
Now that you know the pros and cons of self-hosting your author website, let’s go over how to do it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose A Hosting Provider
The first step in self-hosting your website is to choose a hosting provider. There are many hosting providers to choose from, so you’ll want to do some research to find the one that best suits your needs.
Step 2: Purchase A Domain Name
Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider, you’ll need to purchase a domain name. This is the address of your website and it should be easy to remember and spell.
Step 3: Set Up Your Website
Once you’ve purchased a domain name, you’ll need to set up your website. This can be done using a content management system (CMS) such as WordPress or Joomla.
Step 4: Install The Necessary Plugins
Once your website is set up, you’ll need to install the necessary plugins to make sure your website is secure and functioning properly.
Step 5: Publish Your Website
Once you’ve installed the necessary plugins, you’ll need to publish your website. This can be done using an FTP client or a web hosting control panel.
Conclusion
Self-hosting your author website can be a great way to have full control over your website and customize it to your liking. However, it can also be expensive and time-consuming. Before you decide to self-host your website, make sure you weigh the pros and cons and consider the steps outlined in this article.
