1.1 Introduction to configuring a static website using a custom domain registered with Route 53. With AWS you can host a static website for about 50 cents a month for the first year. With AWS you can host a static website for about $2 to $3 per month after the first year. That is a good deal. It will still cost you a minimum of $12 per year for a domain name of your choosing. Dot com domain names go for $12, and other domain names cost more.
The instructions for creating a website are detailed. There is a steep learning curve while you learn the AWS terminology. There is no technical support unless you pay for it. I read the instructions 4 or 5 times. You should print out the instructions before setting up a website. You will also need to keep the browser with the instructions open while creating the website. I would divide the process into two days. The first day to create an AWS account, and register a domain name. The second day to setup the storage area.
AWS charges for all services you use. They offer a multitude of services, but you only need two services to get started. You will be using Amazon Route 53, and Amazon S3. Amazon Route 53 is where you create and manage the domain name for the website. Amazon S3 is a storage area where you keep the files and folders for your website. Amazon S3 storage areas are called buckets.
1.2 First you need to setup a free account with AWS. Do this by going to https://aws.amazon.com/free . Here you will create an account with a password for the root user. You need an email address, a mobile phone number, and a credit card. Follow the instructions.
1.3.1 You must select a domain name for your website. I suggest checking the https://www.godaddy.com/ website to see if the name is available first. Do not buy the domain name on godaddy.com, just check to see if it is available.
1.3.2 Print out the instructions for Amazon Route 53 to register a new domain name. https://docs.aws.amazon.com/Route53/latest/DeveloperGuide/domain-register.html . Or google Register a new domain – Amazon Route 53.
1.3.3 Sign into the AWS management console https://console.aws.amazon.com . Under All services, look for the Networking & Content Delivery heading. Select Route 53. Follow the instructions you printed out for registering a new domain name. This ends day one.
1.4.1 Day two. Print out the instructions for Configuring a static website using a custom domain registered with Route 53. https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonS3/latest/dev/website-hosting-custom-domain-walkthrough.html Or google Configuring a static website using a custom domain registered with Route 53. Bookmark this page.
1.4.2 Sign into the AWS management console https://console.aws.amazon.com . Under All services, look for the Storage heading. Select S3.
1.4.3.1 You will need an index.html document to upload to storage in S3. There is a sample page in the instructions Configuring a static website using a custom domain registered with Route 53 (Bookmarked in 1.4.1) Open notepad and copy and paste the html code from Step 6: Upload index and website content. Save the notepad file as “index.html”. You must use the quote marks or the file will save as index.html.txt. Make a note of where the index.html page is stored. You will need it later.
1.4.3.2 I have a help note for Step 6: Upload index and website content. On number 6 where the index.html file is uploaded, use the Objects tab.
1.4.4 Follow the instruction carefully. I have two notes of caution for Step 10: Add alias records for your domain and subdomain. When you add an alias record for your root domain (example.com), be careful on number 4. Select the Wizard to Create record.
On the second part of Step 10, To add an alias record for your subdomain (www.example.com), the directions are for Quick create. (It is a repeat of Step 10 number 4 instructions, except for adding the www to the Record name subdomain.)
1.5 If all directions were followed carefully, you should be able to test the website in your browser.
1.6 Costs should be very minimal as described in the opening paragraph. You can keep track in AWS Cost Explorer. Open the Management console, https://console.aws.amazon.com . Under the heading AWS Cost Management is the AWS Cost Explorer.
Uploading files and folders to your website using Amazon S3.
2.1 Open the Management Console https://console.aws.amazon.com and select S3 from the favorites list. Click into your bucket. Select the objects tab. Click the orange Upload button, and follow the directions.
