Bring your vision online. How do you create your own website?

This post walks you through the many possibilities, which hosting packages work best for personal projects, and what to keep in mind as you get started.

Why having your own space online makes sense

Many people start by sharing content on social media. But if you're looking for full control and long-term independence, your own hosted website is the smarter move.

Building your own website gives you:

• Creative freedom: You control the design, features, and content.
• Independence: No third-party ads or algorithms controlling your reach.
• Professional appeal: Your own domain shows you mean business.
• Data control: You maintain full control over your website content and your visitors' data.

Inspiration: What can you host?

The possibilities are endless. Here are just a few ways you can bring your personal project to life:

• Photo or art gallery: Showcase your best images, illustrations, or creative works on your own website.
• Personal blog: Share stories, adventures, travel experiences, or reflections.
• Wedding or event site: Capture unforgettable moments and share them with loved ones.
• Family chronicle or family tree: Document your history and preserve memories.
• Personal portfolio: Highlight your creative work in design, music, writing, or crafts.
• Online resume: Build a modern, interactive CV for job searches or client work.
• Community project: Set up a forum, members-only area, or shared resource hub.

Which hosting packages are best for personal projects?

Shared hosting, website builder packages, and WordPress hosting are great options for personal sites. They're affordable, user-friendly, and include everything you need:

• Custom domain: Register your dream domain directly with Green.ch.
• Website package: All-in-one hosting, domain, email, and drag-and-drop site builder. Learn more
• Web hosting: Ideal for classic websites or CMS platforms like Joomla or Drupal. Explore options
• WordPress hosting: Optimized for performance and ease of use. See details
• Email hosting: Use your domain for professional email communication. More info

Our security features

• SSL certificate: Free Let's Encrypt SSL included with every hosting plan.
• Backups: Daily automated backups included, easy to restore anytime.
• DDoS protection: The integrated DDoS protection defends against overload attacks, ensuring your website stays accessible even during an attack.

And if your project grows, you can always upgrade to a larger hosting plan or switch to your own server.

Tips for getting started

To make sure your project is a success, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the right domain: Keep it short, simple, and easy to remember. Check availability and register it with Green.ch.
• Design smart: Use mobile-friendly templates that look great on any device. With Green's website builder, you can choose and customize a design in just minutes. It's incredibly easy and actually fun.
• Plan your content: Map out the structure of your site (pages, categories, posts). Here's a helpful guide for your structure.
• Stay secure: Keep your CMS, themes, and plugins updated. With Green's WordPress hosting, updates and backups are handled automatically.
• Improve visibility (Search Engine Optimization): Use clear, descriptive URLs, meta descriptions, and relevant keywords. Read our SEO basics to boost your reach.
• Set up email: Create custom email addresses like yourname@yourdomain.ch. Instructions here

Don't forget the legal side

Even if your website is just a personal project, some legal basics still apply in Switzerland:

• Imprint/contact info: Since April 1, 2012, websites are required to include an imprint. This means it must be clearly stated who is responsible for the site.
• Privacy policy: Especially if you use forms, analytics, or newsletters, you must comply with the new data protection law.
• Copyright compliance: Only use content you own or have permission to use.

More info from SECOOnline presence checklist for SMEs (only in german)

Creating your own website is fun and easy

Building your own space online has never been easier. With the right hosting plan and a bit of planning, you can bring your vision to life and build a platform to share your passions with the world.