Table of Contents
A super easy tutorial on how to build a decentralized website on the Ethereum blockchain, paired with quick explanations of Web3 and blockchain technology.
Blockchain technology has brought about several possibilities and changes in how we view and use the web. It works as an immutable (synonyms: fixed, unchangeable, unshakeable) record of transactions that do not require to rely on any external authority like banks, governments, large corporations to validate the authenticity and integrity of data.
Developers are already using this technology to advance the web and creating what we can refer to as Web3 or the decentralized web. Web3 is a more open web. It is NOT controlled by large corporations which have previously benefited by using and selling things like our data, information and content. And so this is what leads to many of us calling it a ‘decentralized’ web.
In this quick guide, I’m going to cover the main aspects of building a truly decentralized website on blockchain. If you’re interested in web3, you’ll find this helpful. Let’s get into it!
How to build a decentralized website, step-by-step
1. A wallet with Ethereum
To do anything on the decentralized web, you need a wallet like Coinbase Wallet or MetaMask, and some Ethereum. If you don’t have a digital wallet set up yet, you will greatly benefit with this beginner guide on setting up a MetaMask wallet.
You must note, anything you do on the decentralized web involves a transaction, and gas fees (transaction fees). I used Coinbase Wallet and bought Ethereum using GBP.
Interested in RPCs? Press the following button to check out a list of over 200+ RPC networks to add your MetaMask wallet.
2. Buy an ENS domain name
An ENS domain is your property on the decentralized web. Whether it’s a business, brand, service you want to start – one of the first things we’ve all done in Web2 has been to search for and purchase a domain.
In the latest version of the internet, i.e. Web3, our blockchain domain is basically your NFT and it means that it belongs to you and is unique. As long as you hold this NFT, you are the owner, which means there won’t be renewal fees as is the case with traditional domains.
In a nutshell, it is like a domain name and your bank details (so people can send you crypto). I bought my ENS domain name (ntkris.eth) for $73.08 ($26.10 domain + $46.97 gas fees).
👉🏼 Here’s in detail how to buy an ENS domain.
3. Write code for your website
I wrote basic code for my website using React, TailwindCSS and NextJS, and pushed the code to a GitHub repo.
4. Set yourself up on Fleek
Fleek helps you deploy decentralized websites to IFPS. It helps you build websites and apps on the new Open Web: permissionless, trustless, censorship resistant, and free of centralized gatekeepers
Now what you have to do is connect your GitHub account, select your repository and Fleek does the rest. Your decentralized website will be accessible on a link provided by Fleek.
5. Connect your ENS domain
To connect your ENS domain name to Fleek you need to process a transaction on the blockchain.
The transaction is free but you need to pay gas fees. I paid $22. Once done, you can access your ENS domain (ntkris.eth) using the browser on a wallet, or by adding .link to the end (ntkris.eth.link).
Conclusion: Exciting but expensive
The decentralized web is exciting because it cannot be censored. At the moment it’s also expensive. But I’m optimistic about this technology and believe the cost will come down.
And folks, here’s how to build a decentralized website on the Ethereum Blockchain. Do you think this helped you out? Share it with a friend!