With entrepreneurs in every sector using membership website builder tools to create a new revenue stream, you might wonder, “How do I create a GoDaddy subscription website?”
After all, GoDaddy is one of the most prominent players in the world of web hosting and domain registration. They also include a website builder.
But how do GoDaddy website owners create a subscription website?
First Off, Can I Build A Subscription Website Using GoDaddy’s Website Builder Alone?
No, you cannot build a subscription website using GoDaddy alone.
GoDaddy is a widely recognized domain registrar and hosting company that offers users the ability to create and manage websites. However, when it comes to building a subscription site on GoDaddy, WordPress becomes an essential tool. Here’s why:
The Power of WordPress
WordPress is a powerful content management system (CMS) known for its flexibility, robustness, and extensive plugin ecosystem. It currently powers over 40% of websites on the internet. WordPress allows you to create and manage all types of websites, including subscription-based ones.
Limited Functionality of GoDaddy’s Website Builder
Although GoDaddy has its proprietary website builder, it lacks the functionality needed to run a full-fledged subscription website. It offers basic website design tools, but when it comes to managing a complex project like a subscription site, it falls short.
WordPress Plugins for Subscription Sites
WordPress has a plethora of plugins for managing subscription sites, such as MemberPress, Paid Memberships Pro, and WooCommerce Subscriptions. These plugins provide an array of features, including payment handling, subscriber management, and content restriction based on subscription levels.
Versatility and Customizability
WordPress allows for a great degree of customization, which is essential for subscription sites. You can tailor your website to your business needs, ensuring a unique and personalized user experience.
How Do I Create A GoDaddy Subscription Website Using WordPress?
You can create a GoDaddy subscription website using some pretty simple steps. (It’s simple because we’ve already narrowed down the intricate parts into something that’s easy to understand).
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how you can build your own subscription-based website using GoDaddy..
Step 1: Sign Up for GoDaddy
First things first, navigate to the GoDaddy website and sign up for an account. Click on the ‘Get Started’ button and fill out the required fields.
Step 2: Choose a Hosting Plan
Once your account is set up, you’ll need to choose a hosting plan. Visit the ‘Web Hosting’ section and select the plan that suits your needs.
Step 3: Pick a Domain Name
Next, you’ll need to select a domain name for your website. GoDaddy includes a free domain name with their hosting plans, so take advantage of this. Make sure the domain name is relevant to your business and easy for your potential customers to remember.
Step 4: Install WordPress
After setting up your hosting and domain, it’s time to install WordPress. GoDaddy makes this easy with their one-click WordPress install. Navigate to your dashboard and select ‘Manage WordPress’, then click ‘Install Now’.
Step 5: Choose a WordPress Theme
With WordPress installed, you now need to choose a theme for your website. WordPress has thousands of free and premium themes to choose from. Choose a theme that aligns with your brand and is conducive to a subscription model.
Selecting a WordPress theme is a crucial step in creating a website. It sets the tone for your website’s design and functionality. GoDaddy, a popular hosting provider, offers a variety of WordPress themes to enhance your website. In this document, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to select a WordPress theme on GoDaddy.
Step 1: Log in to your GoDaddy Account
The first step in selecting a WordPress theme on GoDaddy is to log in to your GoDaddy account. To do this, go to your GoDaddy dashboard and enter your login credentials.
Step 2: Navigate to the WordPress section
Once you have logged in, locate the WordPress section on your GoDaddy dashboard. It can be found under the “Website” tab. Click on the “Manage” button next to the WordPress section.
Step 3: Access the Themes page
From the WordPress section, click on the “Themes” tab. This will take you to the themes page where you can see all the available themes for your website.
Step 4: Choose a theme category
GoDaddy offers different categories of themes to make it easier for you to find a theme that suits your requirements. Choose a category that aligns with your website’s purpose or industry. Some of the popular theme categories on GoDaddy include business, portfolio, blog, e-commerce, and magazine.
Step 5: Explore theme options
Once you have selected a theme category, click on the “Explore” button to view all the available themes in that category. Each theme comes with a brief description and preview image, allowing you to preview the theme’s design and features.
Step 6: Install and activate a theme
If you find a theme that catches your attention, click on the “Install” button to install it on your website. Once the theme is installed, click on the “Activate” button to make it the active theme for your site.
Step 7: Customize the theme
After activating a theme, you can explore its customization options. Each theme may have different customization options available, such as theme settings, widgets, and customization options. Use the provided options to personalize the theme to match your website’s branding and style.
Step 6: Install a Membership Plugin
To create a subscription website, you’ll need a membership plugin. There are many available, but some popular options include MemberPress and Restrict Content Pro. These plugins allow you to create subscription levels, manage members, and collect payments.
To enhance your website with a membership feature, and allow visitors to access exclusive content or services, check out the following steps:
Step 1: Choose a Membership Plugin
Before you start the installation process, you need to choose a membership plugin that suits your website’s needs and is compatible with your GoDaddy hosting environment. Some popular membership plugins include MemberPress, Paid Memberships Pro, and MemberMouse.
Step 2: Install and Activate the Plugin
Once you have chosen a membership plugin, log in to your GoDaddy account, navigate to the “Plugins” section, and search for the plugin. Once you have found it, click on the “Install” button. Once the plugin is installed, click on the “Activate” button to make it ready for use.
Step 3: Configure Plugin Settings
Once the plugin is activated, you will be taken to the plugin settings page. Here, you can configure the settings to match your website’s requirements. This may include setting up membership levels, defining member privileges, and configuring payment gateways. Take your time to read the plugin documentation or refer to the plugin’s support forum for detailed instructions.
Step 4: Create Membership Levels
Membership plugins often provide the ability to create multiple membership levels. To create a membership level, go to the plugin’s settings page and click on the “Membership Levels” option. Provide a name for each level and set the desired privileges or benefits.
Step 5: Integrate Payment Gateways
To accept payments for membership subscriptions, you will need to integrate a payment gateway with your GoDaddy site. Most membership plugins support popular payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or Authorize.net. Follow the instructions provided by the plugin to integrate your chosen payment gateway.
Step 6: Create Membership Pages and Content
Once you have configured the plugin settings, it’s time to create membership pages and content. Depending on the plugin, you may have different options for doing this. Some plugins offer a built-in membership content builder, while others may require you to use custom HTML or shortcodes. Follow the instructions provided by the plugin to create your membership pages and content.
Step 7: Test the Membership Plugin
Before launching the membership plugin on your website, it’s recommended to test it thoroughly. Visit the membership pages and ensure that they are working properly. Verify that the membership levels and privileges are correctly applied. If you encounter any issues, refer to the plugin’s support forum or reach out to the plugin’s developer for assistance.
Step 7: Launch the Membership Plugin
Once you are satisfied with the test results, you can go ahead and launch the membership plugin on your GoDaddy site.
Log in to your GoDaddy account, navigate to the “Settings” section, and activate the membership plugin. Now, visitors can register as members and enjoy access to your exclusive content or services.
Congratulations. You have successfully created a GoDaddy subscription website.
Do you have to pay monthly for a GoDaddy website?
Yes, you have to pay monthly for a GoDaddy website.
GoDaddy is a web hosting company that offers various services for building and maintaining websites. One of the services they provide is hosting, which requires a monthly subscription fee.
The price you pay for hosting depends on various factors, such as the type of hosting plan you choose, the number of resources you need, and any additional features or services you may opt for.
When you create a GoDaddy website, you will be provided with a hosting plan that suits your specific requirements. This hosting plan typically includes features such as disk space, bandwidth, email accounts, and domain management tools. The monthly fee for this hosting plan covers the cost of maintaining the servers, providing technical support, and ensuring your website is accessible 24/7.
Additionally, there may be other charges associated with having a GoDaddy website. For example, if you purchased a domain through GoDaddy, you may need to renew it annually. This renewal fee is typically included in your hosting plan or purchased separately. Additionally, you may also require other services such as SSL certificates, website builder tools, or premium themes, which incur additional charges.
It is important to review the pricing structure and options offered by GoDaddy to determine the exact cost of having a website hosted on their platform. The price may vary based on factors such as the number of pages on your website, the amount of traffic you expect, and any additional services you choose.
Read next: Can I Sell Subscriptions On WooCommerce?
