Introduction

Deploying your website doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor. Thanks to platforms like GitHub Pages, Vercel, and Netlify, you can take your project live without spending a dime. In this guide, we'll explore step-by-step instructions to help you deploy your website for free.

Deploying with GitHub Pages

Step 1: Set Up Your Repository

Create a new repository on GitHub and push your website's files there. Here's a quick start example:

git init
git add .
git commit -m "Initial commit"
git branch -M main
git remote add origin https://github.com/username/repo.git
git push -u origin main

Step 2: Enable GitHub Pages

Go to your repository settings and scroll down to the Pages section. Select the branch you want to deploy from and save your changes.

Step 3: Access Your Live Site

Your website will soon be live at https://username.github.io/repo.

Deploying with Vercel

Step 1: Sign Up and Connect Your Repository

Sign up on Vercel and import your GitHub repository. You'll need to authorize Vercel to access your GitHub account.

Step 2: Configure Deployment Settings

Choose the project settings and framework configuration if needed. Vercel auto-detects the framework for most popular technologies.

Step 3: Deploy Your Site

Click 'Deploy' and your site will be live at a unique Vercel URL. You can customize the domain later if needed.

Deploying with Netlify

Step 1: Connect to Your Git Repository

Log in to Netlify, click 'New site from Git', and select your repository.

Step 2: Build Settings

Configure build commands and settings if necessary. If your site is a static HTML/CSS project, this step can often be skipped.

Step 3: Deploy Your Site

Once configured, deploy your site with a click. Your site will be live at a Netlify domain, customizable later.

FAQ

What is the best platform for static sites?

GitHub Pages is often preferred for static sites due to its simplicity and integration with GitHub.

Can I use a custom domain?

Yes, all three platforms allow custom domain use for free.

Is there a limit to the size of the website?

Each platform has specific limitations, usually around build minutes or bandwidth, but they are generally lenient for small to medium projects.

Conclusion

Whether you choose GitHub Pages, Vercel, or Netlify, each offers a straightforward path to free website deployment. Evaluate your project needs and choose the platform that fits best.