How I Built My Website: A Peek Behind the Curtain

So, a little while back, I wrote about my journey to creating my own little corner of the internet (shoutout to this post if you missed it). And guess what? A ton of you reached out asking for the nitty-gritty details. How did I actually build my website? What tools did I use? And, most importantly, how can you do it too?

Well, today’s your lucky day. I’m pulling back the curtain and giving you the full behind-the-scenes tour. My website is powered by Hugo, GitHub, and Netlify—a trio that’s lightweight, fast, and, best of all, budget-friendly. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned pro, this setup might just be your new best friend. Let’s dive in!

Why This Combo? (Spoiler: It’s Awesome)

Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. Here’s why I fell in love with this particular tech stack:

  1. Hugo: I wanted a static site generator that was fast, simple, and didn’t require a database. Hugo’s Markdown support and killer theme library made it a no-brainer.
  2. GitHub: Even if you’re flying solo, version control is a must. GitHub keeps everything organized and acts as a safety net for your content.
  3. Netlify: I needed hosting that was easy to use and offered continuous deployment. Netlify’s free tier? Absolute gold.

Step 1: Setting Up Hugo with PaperMod

Hugo

Why Hugo?

Hugo is a static site generator that turns Markdown files into a fully functional website. It’s blazing fast, and since it doesn’t rely on a database, it’s also super secure.

Why PaperMod?

I went with the PaperMod theme because it’s clean, minimal, and crazy customizable. Plus, the documentation is top-notch, which made tweaking it a breeze.

How I Did It:

  1. Installed Hugo: I followed the official Hugo installation guide to get it up and running on my machine.
  2. Created a New Site: I ran hugo new site my-website to generate the basic structure.
  3. Added PaperMod: I cloned the PaperMod theme into my themes folder and configured it in my config.toml file.
  4. Created Content: I started writing posts in Markdown using the hugo new posts/my-first-post.md command.

Step 2: Version Control with GitHub

GitHub

Why GitHub?

GitHub is a lifesaver for tracking changes, collaborating (even if it’s just with future you), and backing up your work. Plus, it plays really nicely with Netlify.

How I Did It:

  1. Created a Repository: I set up a new GitHub repository for my website.
  2. Pushed My Files: I used Git commands to push my Hugo site to the repository:
    git init
git add .
git commit -m "Initial commit"
git branch -M main
git remote add origin https://github.com/username/repo-name.git
git push -u origin main
  3. Tracked Changes: Every time I made updates, I committed and pushed them to GitHub. It’s like having a time machine for your website.

Step 3: Hosting with Netlify

Netlify

Why Netlify?

Netlify makes hosting and deployment a breeze. It automatically builds and deploys your site whenever you push changes to GitHub. Plus, it offers free SSL, custom domains, and more.

How I Did It:

  1. Connected GitHub: I logged into Netlify, connected my GitHub account, and selected my repository.
  2. Configured Build Settings: Netlify detected my Hugo site and automatically set up the build command (hugo) and publish directory (public).
  3. Deployed My Site: With every push to GitHub, Netlify rebuilt and deployed my site. It’s like magic, but better.

Tips and Tricks I Learned Along the Way

Building a website isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, but these tips made the journey a whole lot smoother:

  1. Learn Basic Git Commands: Even if you’re not a developer, knowing commands like commit, push, and pull will save you a ton of headaches.
  2. Customize Your Theme: Don’t be afraid to tweak your Hugo theme. PaperMod’s documentation was a lifesaver for me.
  3. Use Netlify’s Build Logs: If something goes wrong, Netlify’s build logs are incredibly detailed and will help you debug issues quickly.
  4. Test Locally: Use hugo server to preview your site locally before deploying. It’s a great way to catch errors early.

Why I’m Obsessed with This Setup

Looking back, I’m so glad I went with Hugo, GitHub, and Netlify. Here’s why:

  • Speed: Hugo generates static files, so my site loads in the blink of an eye.
  • Control: I own every aspect of my site, from the design to the content.
  • Automation: Netlify’s continuous deployment means I can focus on creating, not managing servers.
  • Cost: The entire setup is free (or very affordable), making it perfect for beginners.

Ready to Build Your Own Corner of the Internet?

If you’re itching to create your own website, I can’t recommend Hugo, GitHub, and Netlify enough. It’s a powerful combo that’s both beginner-friendly and scalable. And if you hit a snag, don’t sweat it—I’ve been there, and I’m happy to help!

Got questions or tips of your own? Shoot me an email. Let’s build something amazing together!

So, there you have it—the full scoop on how I built my website. It’s been a mix of fun, frustration, and a whole lot of learning. And now, it’s your turn. Go create something awesome! 🚀