As a solo indie game developer with limited experience in programming and absolutely no knowledge of websites, domains, or hosting, the idea of creating a website seemed daunting. But I knew it was necessary. I needed a central hub where I could share updates about my current game (Feed the Beaver), document my journey, and connect with my audience. So, I decided to take the plunge and build my first website from scratch.
Here’s how I managed it—with no prior knowledge, minimal resources, and a lot of determination.
Starting From Zero
When I first looked into building a website, I had no idea how domains or web hosting worked. Terms like DNS, SSL, and WordPress might as well have been in another language. But after a day of Googling, asking questions, and experimenting, I started to piece it together.
What I learned is that creating a website requires two main things:
- A Domain – This is your website’s address (like example.com).
- Web Hosting – This is the service that keeps your website live and accessible online.
Initially, I thought I’d need to buy these separately from different providers. But after looking into various web hosting services, I realized many of them were either too expensive, overly complicated, or just didn’t feel trustworthy.
Choosing Namecheap
After researching for hours and weighing my options, I found Namecheap. It offered an affordable, all-in-one solution for domains and web hosting. Instead of juggling multiple services, I could keep everything in one place. This decision simplified the process and saved me both time and money.
It’s worth noting that this is not a promotion—I’m just sharing what worked best for me as someone with zero experience.
Learning WordPress Step-by-Step
With hosting and a domain sorted, the next challenge was actually building the website. I chose WordPress because it’s widely recommended for beginners, and there are countless tutorials available online.
Even with all the guides, it wasn’t easy. I spent hours figuring out how to install WordPress, set up pages, and choose a simple design that would work for my needs. My goal was to create a straightforward website with:
- A section about my games
- A section about me
- A blog page for updates and posts
I also wanted a way for people to subscribe to updates, so I looked into newsletter systems.
Adding a Newsletter System
Creating a newsletter was a key feature I wanted on my website. Inspired by industry insights from people like Chris Zukowski I knew having a direct connection with my audience would be invaluable.
Most standalone newsletter services were either expensive or required using external platforms, which I wanted to avoid. Fortunately, WordPress plugins came to the rescue. With a little more research, I found a plugin that let me set up a newsletter system directly on my website.
Now, I have a fully functional site where people can subscribe, stay updated, and read my blog posts.
Looking Ahead
Building this website has been a challenging but rewarding experience. It’s not the most visually stunning site—it’s simple, and I still have a lot to learn about design—but it works. It’s accessible, functional, and serves its purpose: to be the hub for my game development journey.
I plan to post detailed blogs every month (or even twice a month) where I dive into the challenges I face as a developer and share how I overcome them. Whether it’s game mechanics, art, or creating this very website, my goal is to be transparent and provide value to readers who might be facing similar challenges.
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