As the Web 3 revolution progresses, so does the use of Web3 websites. Concurrent advancements have made it possible for anyone to create and release their own Web3 crypto website to the public for free. Let’s take a look at how to make your first Web3 website with no cost at all in this article.
1. Getting a free NFT Domain
In the past, you had to pay for an NFT domain if you wanted to create a Web3 website. However, I have some exciting news!
Blockchain.com, in partnership with Unstoppable Domains, recently announced on June 13 that it would offer free NFT domains to everyone as part of its efforts to improve Web3 identity. Its new program assigns each user a unique blockchain domain name, allowing anyone to ditch their long wallet addresses in favor of a more memorable one. This means that people will be able to craft highly customized versions of their Web3 personas, for F-R-E-E!.
In order to claim it, you have to do some simple steps stated below. The most time-consuming one would be to wait for a call on the waitlist. However, we couldn’t ask for more when it is completely free.
First, go to their website and sign up for the waiting list by providing an email address and confirming its use on your current device. Signing up with iOS is preferable if you have multiple device types because developers give them priority when releasing updates.
In the coming weeks, you will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your free domain on Blockchain.com. Make sure to also check the Blockchain.com Wallet app, as that is where the exchange says the feature to claim a free domain will also be made available.
Here’s what you need to do after being eligible for the waitlist.
What if you don’t want to wait?
If you don’t want to wait for Blockchain.com to call for a waitlist (as it feels like an indefinite state), you can purchase an NFT domain through a number of different blockchain-based paid domain name service (DNS) systems. Some well-known DNS like Unstoppable Domains, Handshake, Decentraweb (DWEB), and Ethereum. If you do, I strongly recommend Unstoppabledomain.com, which is a partner of blockchain.com, the interface is mobile-friendly and sells domain names for an average of $20 each, pretty cheap compared to the ordinary Web 2.0 ones.
It’s pretty simple for every platform. I will demonstrate the process through Unstoppable Domain (as I said, it’s cheap and easy to use). First, go to their website and type in the custom name you want for your website, then choose the domain based on what you want.
Then, decide your payment method (via two traditional payments are credit card or PayPal; or via cryptocurrency and the Crypto.com app). Lastly, enter your payment information, and you’re good to go! The domain will be put to use immediately, and you can embark on the next step now.
2. Mint the Domain
On Blockchain.com app
This is automatically processed on Blockchain.com platform. The only thing you have to do after successfully creating your custom domain is to wait up to 10 minutes to let it mint on the Polygon network.
On Unstoppable Domain
To use the domain from Unstoppable Domain, you have to mint it manually on the blockchain after purchasing it. However, it’s free, and it won’t take you much time to do it.
- Step 1: Go to the main menu of Unstoppable Domains and select “Domains” and then “My Domains” from the drop-down menus.
- Step 2: You can find a list of available Web3 domains that have been bought here. Click on “Free Mint”.
- Step 3: Follow the instruction (minting explanation, email confirmation, etc) until you reach the popup said “Minting process started”. The process should only take a few minutes and your domain is now in good use!
The entire minting procedure shouldn’t take more than ten minutes, and you can monitor its progression using the “Track Progress” button. When you’re done, the ”Free Mint” option next to your Web3 domain will transform into the ”Manage” button under the “My Domains” section.
3. Build Your Web3 Website
If you do not have an existing website
As you want to build a grand new Web3 website on this NFT domain, I strongly advise you to use their Web3 website builder on the Unstoppable Domain.
- Step 1: Click “Domains” → “My Domain” → “Manage” to get started.
- Step 2: Click the “Create Website” → ”Page Type” to proceed to the next step. Depending on your needs, you may choose a suitable purpose for your website. After that, clicking on it will take you to a directory of suitable website layouts.
- Step 3: After settling on a format you like, feel free to improvise! The drop-and-drag features make these very user-friendly. Users have complete control over the layout, including the positioning of texts, images, columns, links, and buttons.
- Step 4: When you’ve finished customizing your site, you can send it to the Internet Protocol File System (IPFS) by selecting the “Publish to IPFS” button. The process should take about fifteen minutes, and users can check on the status of the transfer at any time.
After that, congratulations! Your Web3 site has now successfully gone live.
If you have a Web3 website already (containing IPFS)
In case you already have a website and would like to host it on the NFT domain, this is the easiest way to create a Web3 website.
After going to “Manage” menu, select the third option – “Custom website linking” then hit “Link Website.”
The homepage then displays a text box where you need to paste an existing IPFS hash. Please be aware that standard HTTP websites cannot use this method.
Once you’ve copied the IPFS hash, you can hit ”Launch Website” to see the results. A Web3 wallet (like MetaMask) login and confirmation of the transaction may be required. Your Web3 site should be operational once the setup is finished. Now, visiting the NFT address should take you to the IPFS-connected site.
If you have a traditional website already (containing HTTP)
If you want to link the NFT domain with Web2 website, you will need to save the website file first in order to upload it later. It’s pretty simple. Then, you will head to Unstoppable Domain to perform the uploading process:
- Step 5: Click “Domains” → “My Domain” → “Manage”
- Step 6: Clicking the “Upload Website Files” option found in the listing options.
- Step 7: Upload the file (note that there is a 20MB cap on uploads), and your website will automatically upload to the Unstoppable Domain.
4. View your Web3 website on the popular Internet browser
If you have read the article on NFT Domain (if you haven’t, I urge you to do it), you would know that NFT domains aren’t supported by Chrome or other prevalent browsers. Therefore, you will need to take additional steps in order to view it on these popular ones.
The simplest one is to use the Chrome extension. However, note that the extension currently only supports the .crypto, .zil, and .eth domains in the Chrome browser. I believe that they will also support the .blockchain in the near future as well, so don’t worry about it.
- First, head on over to the Chrome Web Store and look for the “Unstoppable extension” there.
- Select Add to Chrome > Add to confirm.
- And that’s all it takes. Once Web3 support has been added, try accessing a Crypto site through Chrome. It should be opened after the extension is added completely.
Conclusion
This article has covered everything you need to know to get your first Web3 website up and running without spending any money. If you’re into crypto, and you’ve got a great idea for Web 3.0, you should check out Satom services. We offer comprehensive solutions to bring your vision to life. Feel free to contact us at hello@satom.vc.