Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Host Your Website on Hostnet NL

Hosting your website might seem complicated at first, but platforms like Hostnet NL make the entire process smooth and easy—even for beginners. Whether you’re launching a personal blog, a business website, or an online store, Hostnet NL provides all the necessary tools to get your site online quickly.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to host your website on Hostnet NL step-by-step, even if you’ve never hosted a site before.

Types of Hosting Plans

Hostnet NL offers multiple hosting options such as shared hosting, VPS, cloud hosting, and email hosting. Beginners typically start with shared hosting because it’s affordable and easy to manage.

Domain Registration Options

You can register a new domain directly with Hostnet or transfer an existing domain. This keeps everything under one dashboard for convenience.

SSL Certificates and Security Tools

Security is essential.

Choosing a Domain Name

Pick a domain name that represents your brand well. Make it simple, clean, and memorable.

Selecting the Right Hosting Plan

Choose a plan that fits your website’s needs—traffic, storage, memory, and future growth.

Creating Your Website Files

Whether your site is built with HTML/CSS, a CMS like WordPress, or a custom platform, ensure all your files are ready to upload.

Step 1 –

Create a Hostnet NL Account

How to Sign Up

Visit Hostnet’s website and click Register. Enter your email, name, and password.

Account Verification

You may need to verify your email or phone number before proceeding.

Step 2 –

Register or Transfer Your Domain

Checking Domain Availability

Use Hostnet’s domain search tool to find an available domain name.

Pointing Domain to Hostnet

If your domain is hosted elsewhere, update your nameservers to point to Hostnet NL.

Step 3 –

Choose and Purchase our Hosting Package

Shared Hosting vs VPS

Shared hosting is perfect for beginners. VPS is best for those expecting higher traffic.

Add-ons You May Need

Backups

Extra storage

Malware scanning

Email hosting

Step 4 –

Accessing Your Hosting Control Panel

Navigating the Dashboard

Hostnet offers a user-friendly dashboard where you can manage domains, hosting, emails, and billing.

Setting Up FTP Accounts

Create an FTP account to upload files using third-party software like FileZilla.

Step 5 – Uploading Your Website Files

Using FTP (FileZilla or Others)

Open FileZilla

Enter FTP host, username, and password

Connect

Upload your website files into the public_html folder

Uploading via File Manager

If you prefer browser-based uploads, use Hostnet’s built-in file manager.

Step 6 –

Creating Databases (If Needed)

MySQL Setup

For sites like WordPress, create a MySQL database and user.

Linking Database to Website

Add database credentials inside your config file (e.g., wp-config.php).

Step 7 –

Installing CMS (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)

One-click Installation

Hostnet NL offers one-click installation for popular CMS platforms.

Manual Installation

Upload the CMS files and complete installation through your browser.

Step 8 –

Configuring DNS Settings

Updating Nameservers

Update nameservers to point your domain to Hostnet’s hosting.

DNS Propagation Time

DNS updates may take up to 24 hours, but often complete sooner.

Step 9 –

Setting Up SSL Certificate

Free vs Paid SSL

Hostnet offers free Let’s Encrypt SSL as well as premium SSL certificates.

Enforcing HTTPS

Activate HTTPS redirection to secure all website pages.

Step 10 –

Testing Your Website

Checking for Broken Links

Use online tools to ensure all links and pages work correctly.

Speed and Performance Tests

Test your website speed using GTmetrix or Google PageSpeed Insights.

• Backup your site regularly
• Use caching tools to improve performance
• Enable security plugins and firewalls
• Keep CMS and plugins updated

Also Read:

DNS Not Updating

Wait a few hours for propagation or check your nameserver entries.

File Upload Issues

Ensure your files are placed in public_html.

Website Loading Slowly

Optimize images, enable caching, and use a CDN.