Guide
How to make your website live
Last updated: 21 June 2026
“How do I make my site live?” usually means one thing: you have a finished website — HTML, CSS, images, or an export from a builder or AI tool — and you want it on the real internet, with a proper URL anyone can open. You don’t need a server, FTP, or a build pipeline. You can make it live for free in a couple of minutes. Here’s exactly how with MakeMySiteLive.
What you’ll need
- ✓Your finished website files, with an index.html as the homepage.
- ✓A way to create a .zip archive (built into Windows and macOS).
- ✓An email address to create a free account — no credit card.
Steps
- 1
Gather your site into one folder
Put every file your site needs — index.html, your CSS, JavaScript, and images — into a single folder. The index.html at the top is the page visitors see first.
- 2
Create a ZIP
Compress that folder into one .zip file. On Windows: right-click → Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder. On macOS: right-click → Compress. A single wrapping folder is fine — it’s detected automatically.
- 3
Create a free account
Sign up for MakeMySiteLive. Every account includes one permanent free full site, plus unlimited microsites for single HTML pages, so there’s nothing to pay to get your first project live.
- 4
Pick your address and upload
Create a site, choose a free yourname.makemysitelive.com subdomain, and upload your ZIP. It’s validated, scanned, and published as a new version.
- 5
Your site is live
Your website is online at your subdomain with free HTTPS in under two minutes. Share the link — or connect your own custom domain on a paid full site whenever you’re ready.
Frequently asked questions
What does “make my site live” actually mean?
It means publishing your website files to a public web address so anyone can open them in a browser. With MakeMySiteLive you do that by uploading a ZIP of your files — they’re hosted and served over HTTPS at a real URL in minutes.
How long does it take to go live?
Usually under two minutes. After you upload your ZIP it’s validated, scanned for malware, and published as a version, and your URL works immediately.
Is making my site live really free?
Yes — every account gets one permanent free full site with a free subdomain and free SSL. The free full site shows a small MakeMySiteLive badge. Unlimited microsites are included for normal single-file use; extra full sites and custom domains are paid.
Can I use my own domain instead of a subdomain?
Yes. On a paid full site you can point your own domain (like www.yourbrand.com) with a single CNAME record, and SSL is issued and renewed automatically. See the custom-domain guide for the steps.
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