Starting a side hustle is an exciting journey, but one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face is building a professional, functional, and customizable website. Your website is the foundation of your business, serving as a digital storefront, marketing tool, and customer engagement hub. That’s why choosing the right website platform is crucial.
For side hustlers who want full control, flexibility, and scalability, WordPress + Bluehost is the ultimate combination. Whether you’re selling products, offering services, blogging, or creating a membership site, this duo provides the perfect foundation to grow your business.
In this guide, we’ll explore why WordPress + Bluehost is the best option for your side hustle, how it compares to other website builders, and how to set up your website step by step.
Why Your Website Matters for Your Side Hustle
No matter what type of side hustle you’re starting, your website will play a key role in:
- Establishing credibility – A professional website makes you look legitimate and trustworthy.
- Attracting new customers – With the right SEO strategies, your website can bring in organic traffic.
- Selling products or services – Whether it’s physical products, digital downloads, or coaching services, your website becomes your online storefront.
- Building your brand – Your website is a space to showcase your personality, expertise, and unique selling points.
- Growing your audience – Through blogs, lead magnets, and email marketing, your website helps build a community around your business.
With so much riding on your website, choosing a powerful, reliable, and scalable platform is a must. That’s where WordPress + Bluehost comes in.
What is WordPress?
WordPress.org is the world’s most popular content management system (CMS), powering over 43% of all websites on the internet. It’s an open-source platform that allows full customization, unlike website builders like Wix or Squarespace.
Why Choose WordPress for Your Side Hustle Website?
- Complete Customization – You have full control over your website’s design, layout, and functionality.
- Unlimited Scalability – Whether you start small or grow into a big business, WordPress can handle it.
- SEO-Friendly – WordPress makes it easy to optimize for search engines, helping your site rank higher in Google.
- E-commerce Ready – With plugins like WooCommerce, you can sell products, offer memberships, or even create a subscription-based business.
- Affordable – Unlike expensive website builders, WordPress itself is free—you only need to pay for hosting and domain registration.
- Thousands of Plugins & Themes – Customize your website with thousands of free and premium plugins and design themes.
- Ownership & Control – Unlike hosted platforms (like Shopify or Wix), WordPress gives you full control over your site and data.
What is Bluehost?
Bluehost is one of the top web hosting providers recommended by WordPress. Hosting is what makes your website accessible on the internet, and Bluehost offers a reliable, secure, and affordable solution for side hustlers.
Why Choose Bluehost for Hosting?
- One-Click WordPress Installation – Setting up WordPress on Bluehost is super easy with its one-click installation feature.
- Affordable Pricing – Plans start as low as $2.95/month, making it budget-friendly for new entrepreneurs.
- Free Domain for the First Year – Get a free domain name for the first year, saving you money upfront.
- Free SSL Certificate – Ensures your website is secure and trusted by Google.
- Fast Loading Speed – Bluehost’s optimized hosting ensures your website runs smoothly and loads quickly.
- 24/7 Customer Support – Get help anytime through live chat or phone support.
- Automatic WordPress Updates – Bluehost handles core updates, so your site stays secure.
WordPress + Bluehost vs. Other Website Builders
| Feature | WordPress + Bluehost | Wix | Squarespace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Very Easy | Easy |
| Customization | Unlimited | Limited | Moderate |
| SEO Features | Advanced | Basic | Good |
| E-commerce | WooCommerce | Basic Store | Built-in Store |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive | Expensive |
| Ownership | Full Ownership | Limited | Limited |
| Best For | Bloggers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, online stores | Beginners, hobbyists | Designers, creatives |
If you want full control, scalability, and long-term growth potential, WordPress + Bluehost is the best choice.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up WordPress with Bluehost
Step 1: Choose a Bluehost Plan
Visit Bluehost and select a plan that suits your needs. The Basic Plan is perfect for new side hustlers, while the Plus Plan is great for businesses that need more storage and email features.
Step 2: Register Your Domain
Bluehost offers a free domain for the first year. Choose a domain name that represents your brand and is easy to remember.
Step 3: Install WordPress
Once you sign up for Bluehost, log into your dashboard and use the one-click WordPress installation. It takes just a few minutes!
Step 4: Choose a WordPress Theme
Pick a free or premium WordPress theme that aligns with your brand. You can find great themes in the WordPress theme directory or from premium providers like ThemeForest or Elegant Themes.
Step 5: Install Essential Plugins
Enhance your site’s functionality with must-have plugins like:
- Yoast SEO – Helps optimize your content for search engines.
- WooCommerce – Adds e-commerce functionality if you plan to sell products.
- Elementor – A drag-and-drop page builder for easy customization.
- WPForms – Allows you to create contact forms.
- MonsterInsights – Connects your site to Google Analytics for tracking performance.
Step 6: Customize Your Website
Edit your pages, add your branding, upload images, and write compelling content that represents your business.
Step 7: Launch Your Website!
Once everything is set up, preview your site, test all links, and go live! Share it with your audience and start marketing your side hustle.
How to Maximize Your WordPress Website for Success
- Optimize for SEO – Use the Yoast SEO plugin to improve your Google rankings.
- Start a Blog – Share valuable content to drive traffic and establish authority.
- Set Up Email Marketing – Use a tool like Mailchimp or ConvertKit to capture leads.
- Use Social Media – Promote your site through Instagram, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.
- Monitor Performance – Use Google Analytics to track visitor behavior and improve your site.
Conclusion: Why WordPress + Bluehost is the Ultimate Side Hustle Solution
Choosing WordPress + Bluehost for your side hustle website is a smart investment that gives you full control, flexibility, and growth potential. Unlike limited website builders, this combination allows you to scale, optimize, and monetize your online business effectively.
🚀 Ready to launch your website? Get started today with Bluehost and take the first step toward turning your side hustle into a profitable business! 💻✨