Web Hosting & Website Builder
Create stunning websites using GreatHost's drag-and-drop web editor with AI assistance. No coding knowledge required!
Web Editor Overview
GreatHost's web editor is a powerful drag-and-drop website builder that allows you to create professional websites without writing code. The editor features AI assistance to help you build and customize your site.
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Drag & Drop
Simply drag elements onto your page and arrange them as needed
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AI Assistant
Get help with design, content, and layout suggestions
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Responsive Design
Your websites automatically work on all devices
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Live Preview
See your changes in real-time as you build
💡 Important: The web editor is designed for visual website building only. For code-based development, use our Node.js hosting option which includes a built-in IDE.
Creating Your First Website
Access Web Editor
From your dashboard, click "Create Website" or navigate to the web editor from the main menu.
Choose a Template
Select from available templates or start with a blank canvas for complete creative freedom.
Customize Your Design
Use the drag-and-drop interface to add and arrange elements on your page.
Get AI Assistance
Use the built-in AI chat to get help with design decisions, content creation, and layout optimization.
Preview and Publish
Use the live preview to see how your site looks, then publish when you're satisfied.
Web Editor Interface
The web editor consists of several key areas:
Elements Panel (Left)
Browse and search through available elements like text, images, buttons, forms, and layout components. Simply drag these onto your canvas.
Design Canvas (Center)
Your main workspace where you build your website. Drop elements here and arrange them as needed.
Live Preview (Right)
See exactly how your website will look to visitors in real-time as you make changes.
AI Chat (Bottom)
Communicate with the AI assistant for design help, content suggestions, and technical guidance.
Available Elements
The web editor provides various element categories:
Basic Elements
- Text: Headings, paragraphs, and formatted text blocks
- Images: Photo galleries, single images, and image carousels
- Buttons: Call-to-action buttons with various styles
- Links: Navigation and external links
Layout Elements
- Containers: Sections and dividers for organizing content
- Columns: Multi-column layouts for complex designs
- Grids: Responsive grid systems
- Spacers: Add spacing between elements
Interactive Elements
- Forms: Contact forms, surveys, and data collection
- Navigation: Menus and navigation bars
- Social Media: Social media integration and sharing buttons
- Multimedia: Video players and audio elements
Using the AI Assistant
The AI assistant can help you with various aspects of website creation:
Design Assistance
- Suggest color schemes and layouts
- Recommend element placement
- Provide design best practices
- Help with responsive design decisions
Content Creation
- Generate text content for your pages
- Create compelling headlines and descriptions
- Suggest improvements to existing content
- Help with SEO optimization
Technical Guidance
- Explain how different elements work
- Troubleshoot design issues
- Provide tips for better user experience
- Help with website structure and navigation
💬 AI Chat Tips: Be specific with your requests. Instead of "make it better," try "suggest a color scheme for a tech startup website" or "help me create a contact form."
Domain Management
Once your website is ready, you can configure a custom domain:
Access Domain Settings
Navigate to the "Website Domain" page from your dashboard or website management panel.
Add Your Domain
Enter your custom domain name (e.g., yoursite.com) in the domain configuration.
Configure DNS
Update your domain's DNS settings to point to GreatHost's servers. Instructions will be provided.
Verify and Activate
Once DNS propagation is complete, your custom domain will be active and pointing to your website.
⚠️ DNS Propagation: DNS changes can take up to 24-48 hours to propagate worldwide. Be patient if your domain doesn't work immediately.
Website Management
Editing Existing Websites
To modify an existing website:
- Go to your dashboard and find your website
- Click "Edit" to open the web editor
- Make your changes using the drag-and-drop interface
- Use the AI assistant for help with modifications
- Preview your changes before publishing
Website Lifecycle
Active Website
Your website is live and accessible to visitors via your assigned URL or custom domain.
Cancellation
Click "Cancel" to suspend your website and stop any associated costs.
Automatic Deletion
Cancelled websites are automatically deleted after a few days to free up resources.
Best Practices
Design Tips
- Keep it Simple: Clean, uncluttered designs work best
- Consistent Branding: Use consistent colors, fonts, and styling
- Mobile-First: Always check how your site looks on mobile devices
- Fast Loading: Optimize images and avoid too many heavy elements
Content Guidelines
- Clear Headlines: Make your purpose obvious immediately
- Scannable Text: Use bullet points and short paragraphs
- Call-to-Action: Include clear next steps for visitors
- Contact Information: Make it easy for people to reach you
SEO Basics
- Page Titles: Use descriptive, keyword-rich titles
- Meta Descriptions: Write compelling descriptions for search results
- Alt Text: Add descriptions to all images
- Internal Links: Link between your pages appropriately
Limitations & Alternatives
⚠️ Code Editing: The web editor is designed for visual building only. You cannot directly edit HTML, CSS, or JavaScript code.
For Code-Based Development
If you need to write custom code, consider these alternatives:
- Node.js Hosting: Includes a built-in IDE for full code editing
- External Development: Build locally and upload via file manager
- Static Site Generators: Use tools like Jekyll or Hugo and upload the output