The first step to launching a new website is deciding who (or what) will build it. This process of website development includes all tasks related to creating a functional, responsive, and optimized site — from code and content to images, video, and interactivity. In 2025, you have three main options:

Hire a freelancer or agency.

Hiring a web developer remains the best way to ensure your site is professional, fast, and aligned with your goals. Typical prices range from $500 to $10,000 depending on size and features. Popular platforms to find vetted professionals include Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal. Many small agencies now also specialize in rapid site deployment using WordPress, Webflow, or Shopify, depending on your needs.

Learn to code (with AI help).

Learning web development can be empowering, especially with today’s tools that blend education with AI assistance. Try:

Use a website builder or AI site generator.

Website builders are now smarter and faster than ever. Most offer drag-and-drop design tools, mobile optimization, SEO guidance, and integrated hosting. The top website builders in 2025 include:

Your domain name is your website’s address, and your host is where your website files live. In 2025, many site builders include both, but you can still manage them separately if desired.

Top domain providers: Namecheap, Google Domains, and Cloudflare (great for added security and speed).

Recommended hosting services:

Before designing, define your website’s purpose and conversion goals. Do you want visitors to sign up for classes, join your mailing list, or book private sessions? Focus on 2–3 top goals and design every page to guide users toward them — a technique known as conversion funneling.

Consider using tools like Figma or Miro to visually map your content flow. This helps organize ideas before moving into development.

Modern web content should be authentic, accessible, and SEO-optimized. Keep user experience (UX) front and center:

Publishing your site depends on your chosen platform:

• Freelancer/Agency: They’ll typically handle deployment and optimization. Ensure they integrate Google Analytics 4 and basic SEO before launch.
• DIY Developers: Use FileZilla or GitHub deployment via Vercel or Netlify for modern hosting workflows.
• Website Builders: Simply connect your domain and publish directly through your platform’s dashboard.

Websites evolve just like your teaching or business. Use analytics tools such as Google Analytics 4 or Plausible to track engagement. Update content regularly, improve SEO, and explore emerging tech like AI-generated content assistance and PageSpeed Insights for performance optimization.

Remember: your website is your digital identity. Keep it current, user-focused, and purposeful — every click should bring your visitors closer to your goals.