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Your first site, step by step

From a blank page to a site you can share. Follow these five steps. No code needed.

Let’s build your site 5 steps · Go at your own pace

A LITTLE PREPARATION

Before you start

Have your site name, a short description, contact details, and a few images ready. You can add more later.

You need a DutchBSD Workspace account.

Create an account if registration is open. Follow the verification email, then sign in and open MakeSite. Already have an account? Sign in to continue.

Create an account Sign in

Registration closed?

STEP 1 / 5

Choose a template

A template is a ready-made design. Choose one that fits your site.

The template gallery. Select a design to see more.
The template gallery. Select a design to see more.Enlarge
  1. Open MakeSite and select Add site.
  2. Look through the templates. Use Search or Filters to narrow the list.
  3. Select View template on a design you like.

Checkpoint: You see a full preview of the template.

STEP 2 / 5

Preview the design

Check the design before you start. You can change the text and images later.

A template preview. Use this template opens an editable draft.
A template preview. Use this template opens an editable draft.Enlarge
  1. Open the pages and check the layout.
  2. Open the small arrow to check screen sizes and light or dark colors. Use Starting content and Color palette beside the preview to choose your starting design.
  3. Select Use this template. MakeSite opens your draft in the editor.

Open the preview controls

Expanded preview toolbar. The small arrow is below the controls.
Expanded preview toolbar. The small arrow is below the controls.Enlarge
  1. Select the small arrow below the top bar to show or hide these controls.
  2. Select Mobile. Text wraps and the menu becomes a button. Open it and check every page.
  3. Switch Light and Dark. Check that text and buttons stay easy to read.

These controls affect only the preview. Starting content and Color palette beside the preview set the design for your new draft.

Checkpoint: Your draft is ready to edit. It is not live yet.

STEP 3 / 5

Make it yours

Start with the content your visitors need most: what you do and how to contact you.

The editor. Select a section on the left to change its content.
The editor. Select a section on the left to change its content.Enlarge
  1. Select a page or section. Replace the sample text with your own text.
  2. Add your images and check your contact details and links. Use Appearance to change the available colors.
  3. Check the preview on Desktop and Mobile. Wait until the editor shows Saved.

See the whole page

Open the small arrow below the top bar. Selected section highlights what you are editing. Full page shows the complete layout. Check Desktop and Mobile before you review.

Preview controls do not save site colors. Use Appearance to change your website. The sidebar sun and moon change MakeSite itself.

Checkpoint: Your content is saved in the draft. Visitors cannot see these changes yet.

STEP 4 / 5

Review your site

A review link lets you check a saved version before you publish it.

Choose your MakeSite address before creating a review link.
Choose your MakeSite address before creating a review link.Enlarge
  1. Open Site address. Enter an available name for your MakeSite address and wait for Saved.
  2. Select Review site. Wait for the review to open. If a review already exists, select Open review.
  3. Check every page, image, menu, and link. If you change the draft, create a new review before you publish.

Checkpoint: You have checked the version you want visitors to see.

STEP 5 / 5

Publish site

Publishing makes the reviewed version available to visitors.

The publishing checklist shows what remains before a site can go live. This example is not published.
The publishing checklist shows what remains before a site can go live. This example is not published.Enlarge
  1. In the review, select Continue to publishing. Complete the items listed under Before publishing.
  2. If payment is required, follow Pay and continue. A workspace owner or administrator may need to arrange this.
  3. Select the approval checkbox and then Publish site. Wait for Live, then select Open live site.

Keep it simple Use your MakeSite address to get started. You can connect your own domain later.

You’re live: Your site is live. Open its address and check it once more.

A FEW USEFUL ANSWERS

Need a hand?

I cannot create an account. What now?

Registration may be closed. If you already have an account, sign in. Otherwise, contact the person who invited you to MakeSite. You can read this guide without an account.

I did not receive the verification email.

Check your spam folder and the email address you entered. Sign in and use the option to send the verification email again, if shown.

My changes are not saved.

Keep the editor open. Check your internet connection. Select Try again if it appears, and wait for Saved before you leave the page.

Why can I not publish yet?

Read the message under Before publishing. You may need a current review, a MakeSite address, or payment. Follow the action shown next to the message.

My site address is still being prepared.

MakeSite sets up the secure connection for its own addresses. Keep the publishing page open and follow its status message. Use Check status or Get help publishing when offered.

Do I need my own domain?

No. Start with the MakeSite address you chose in step 4. To connect your own domain later, open the Publish page and follow the domain instructions shown there.

How do I change my site after publishing?

Open the site from Sites. Edit the draft and wait for Saved. Review the latest version, then publish the update. Saving a draft does not update the live site.

Ready to make it real?

Start with one page. Make it useful. You can build on it later.

Open MakeSite

Screenshots show an example site in the local MakeSite portal. Your content and available options may differ.