How to Host a Website on GitHub Pages Free (Custom Domain Setup Included)

How to Host a Website on GitHub Pages Free (Custom Domain Setup Included)

How to Host a Website on GitHub for Free

Introduction to Hosting on GitHub

  • Alex introduces the tutorial on hosting a website using GitHub Pages, emphasizing that it can be done for free with a custom domain.
  • Viewers are instructed to create a GitHub account at github.com if they do not already have one.

Creating a Repository

  • After logging in, users can create a new repository by selecting "Create" and naming it (e.g., "website demo").
  • Users can upload files directly through the browser by dragging them into the repository; Alex mentions using an HTML template called "spectral" from HTML5 up.net.

Uploading Files

  • Alternative sources for free templates are provided, including templatesjungle.com and techex's GitHub IO 100 template bundle.
  • Users can upload up to 100 files via the browser; for more than 100 files, it's recommended to use the GitHub Desktop application.

Configuring GitHub Pages

  • After uploading files, users need to commit changes and navigate to settings under "Pages" to configure their site.
  • The default workflow is used for deploying static content; users should check the actions tab for deployment progress.

Setting Up Custom Domain

  • Instructions are given on how to set up a custom domain under settings and pages; Alex uses his domain "ideas spot site" as an example.
  • Important IP addresses must be added in the DNS manager of the domain registrar (e.g., Namecheap), where A records will point to these addresses.

Finalizing Domain Configuration

  • Users should also add CNAME records pointing www subdomains back to their main domain name.
  • DNS changes may take time; checking progress can be done at dnshcheck.org.

Ensuring Security and Completion

  • Once DNS checks are successful, users should ensure HTTPS enforcement is enabled for security purposes.
  • The tutorial concludes with confirmation that the website is live at its custom domain, showcasing free hosting capabilities with an HTML template.

Additional Resources

Video description

Master the art of hosting your website on GitHub Pages with a custom domain for that extra professional polish! In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the entire process, from setting up your GitHub repository to configuring DNS records and seamlessly integrating your personalized domain. Elevate your online presence and impress visitors with your own custom domain on GitHub Pages. Some free templates to use here: https://html5up.net/ https://technext.github.io/100-template-bundle/ https://templatesjungle.com/ Another example using Cloudflare pages and static WordPress here: https://youtu.be/62hasINWHuY?si=mjSv_ZLL-7NI_rai More tips and tutorials at: https://ideaspot.com.au/ 0:00 Tutorial goals 0:28 Create Repository 0:42 Add files 1:47 Set up page 2:44 Github Custom Domain set up