How Do I Upload My Website Files?

Uploading your website files may seem intimidating, especially if you're not from a tech background. But don’t worry! This simple, step-by-step guide will help you easily upload your files and get your website live.

Step 1: Choose a Hosting Provider

Before uploading your website, you need a hosting provider. Think of it as renting a space on the internet where your website will live. Some popular hosting providers include Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator.

Common Issue: "I don’t know what hosting is!"

A hosting provider is a service that stores your website’s files and allows them to be viewed by anyone online. When you buy a domain (like www.yourwebsite.com), your hosting provider links that domain to the files you upload.

Step 2: Log Into Your Hosting Account

After you’ve signed up for a hosting plan, you’ll receive login details. Use these to access your hosting dashboard.

Common Issue: "I can’t find the login details."

Your hosting provider will usually send these details to your registered email. Check your inbox or spam folder. If lost, most hosts have a 'Forgot Password' option.

Step 3: Access the File Manager or FTP

Once logged into your hosting account, you need to access the File Manager or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This is where your website’s files will be uploaded.

• File Manager is like your computer’s file explorer but on your hosting server.
• FTP is another option if you prefer using an FTP client like FileZilla.

For simplicity, we’ll focus on using File Manager since it’s beginner-friendly.

Step 4: Open the Public_HTML Folder

In File Manager, locate the public_html folder. This is the main directory where your website files should go.

Common Issue: "I can’t find the public_html folder."

If you don’t see it right away, navigate to the root directory or the home folder of your account. Most hosting services label this folder as public_html or www.

Step 5: Upload Your Website Files

Now that you're in the public_html folder, click the Upload button, usually located at the top of the page. Select all the files from your website’s folder on your computer.

Common Issue: "I’m not sure what files to upload."

If you’re using a website builder like WordPress or any CMS (Content Management System), your files might already be in a folder. You need to upload the entire folder containing your HTML, CSS, JS, and other relevant files.

Step 6: Check Your Website

Once your files are uploaded, visit your domain (www.yourwebsite.com) to ensure everything is live and working.

Common Issue: "My website isn’t showing up!"

• Ensure you uploaded the files to the correct folder (usually public_html).
• Check if your domain is linked correctly to the hosting.
• Wait a few minutes or clear your browser cache; sometimes changes take a little time to appear.

Step 7: Troubleshoot Common Errors

• File Not Found Error: This often happens when the homepage file (usually named index.html or index.php) is missing or named incorrectly. Double-check the file names.
• Slow Website: If your site takes too long to load, you may need to compress your files or optimize your images for faster performance.

Conclusion: Take it Slow and Double-Check

The process of uploading website files may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s quite manageable when you follow the steps carefully. If you face any issues, don't hesitate to contact your hosting provider's support team—they're there to help!

By following this guide, you should be able to get your website live quickly, even if you're not tech-savvy. Good luck!