This lesson gets you set up so that when Module 1 starts, you are not fumbling with account settings. You are building.
Work through the section for your platform. Skip the rest.
Go to sites.google.com and sign in with your Google account. Click the + to create a new site. Give it a working title — you can change it later. Under Settings, connect your custom domain if you have one.
Go to squarespace.com and start a free trial. Choose any template — you will customize it completely. Under Domains, either purchase your domain through Squarespace or connect one you already own.
Go to wix.com and create a free account. Skip the ADI wizard and choose Edit Template instead — you want control. Under Domains, connect or purchase your domain.
Go to showit.com and start a trial. Connect your domain under Site Settings. If you plan to blog, connect your WordPress subdomain during setup.
There are two versions — make sure you know which one you have before you start.
If you signed up directly at wordpress.com, that's the hosted version. Connect your domain under Upgrades → Domains. You'll need at least the Personal plan (~$4/mo) to use a custom domain.
If you signed up through a hosting company like Bluehost, SiteGround or Kinsta, you're on the self-hosted version. Install WordPress through your host dashboard and choose a minimal theme like Kadence or Astra. Do not spend time customizing the theme yet.
Go to webflow.com and create an account. Start a new project. Under Project Settings → Publishing, connect your custom domain. You will need a paid plan to publish to your domain.
Go to shopify.com and start a free trial. Complete the onboarding steps. Under Settings → Domains, connect or purchase your domain.
Need help connecting your domain? Each platform has a step-by-step guide — Google yours: "[platform name] connect custom domain."