How to Host a Domain Using Godaddy

Although perhaps best known as a domain name registrar, GoDaddy also offers several different types of hosting plans, including Linux and Windows-based hosting plans and free hosting plans for users who are willing to have ads display on their sites. A variety of paid hosting plans are also available for users who do not want to host an ad-supported site.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Form of online payment
• Computer with Internet access

Prepare to Host a Domain

1. Start by reading the information GoDaddy provides on its hosting plans. From the "Hosting & Servers" menu, choose "Hosting Plans." Scan the summary provided on that page for a quick overview of the differences between hosting plans.
2. Choose the platform you will be using to host your site. You can choose Linux or Windows. Contact GoDaddy customer service at [phone] if you do not know how to choose between Linux or Windows.
3. Choose a term for your hosting service. You may choose an introductory term of a month or two, or you may choose a term of one or two years.

Set up the Domain

4. Access the GoDaddy home page (see Resources below). This is the site where you'll be setting up a domain hosting account. Set aside about 2 hours for the process.
5. Guide the mouse over the "Hosting and Servers" tab to view a list of options. Choose "My Hosting Account" from the drop-down menu.
6. Select the link "Setup a New Account." You will be guided to an area where you can begin registration.
7. After entering your personal information in the fields provided, click on "Create a New Account" at the bottom of the page.
8. Choose the level of membership you want and proceed to Checkout.
9. Type in your credit card number to pay for your purchase. Take note of any confirmation information provided. Prepare for a 48 hour delay until the site is fully available.
10. Call [phone] for get help during the set up process or access the GoDaddy support forum (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• If you are having GoDaddy host an ad-supported site for you and it does not display properly, make sure you are not using HTML code that specifies absolute positioning. This will conflict with the placement of the ads.
• Seek out the security symbols to ensure you are using the real GoDaddy Web site and not a page sent to you by phishers. Look for the Trust icon and Confirmed symbol, both found at the bottom of each page.

Who Can Help: