You can build a website through three main methods— using no-code platforms like Wix or Squarespace ($60-$300/year), using WordPress for more flexibility ($100-$500/year), or hiring a professional ($1,000-$120,000+). Most beginners choose no-code platforms because they require zero coding skills and can be set up in 30 minutes to one day. WordPress powers 43.6% of all websites on the web, making it the most popular choice for those who want more control and scalability.
Most professionals building their first website feel overwhelmed by the choices, confused by the jargon, and uncertain about whether they’re making the right decisions. I get it. I felt that same uncertainty when I built my first site. The gap between “I should have a website” and “I have no idea where to start” is real.
Key Takeaways:
- No coding required: Modern website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress use drag-and-drop interfaces that require zero knowledge of HTML, CSS, or JavaScript
- Cost ranges dramatically: DIY websites cost $60-$300/year (realistic $200-500 with add-ons), freelancers charge $1,000-$15,000, and agencies charge $8,000-$120,000+
- Start with five essential pages: Home (clear value proposition), About (your story), Portfolio (your work), Contact (ways to reach you), and Resume/CV (credentials)
- Choose your platform based on goals: Wix/Squarespace for simplicity and speed, WordPress for flexibility and long-term growth, professional help when you need complex functionality or lack time
Building Your Platform for Meaningful Work
Building a website isn’t just a technical task— it’s about creating a platform for your work, your ideas, and the career you’re building. But here’s the thing— everyone assumes you already know how to do this.
And it’s not that the technical work is impossibly hard. The hardest part of building a website isn’t the technical work— it’s deciding which approach is right for your specific goals, timeline, and budget.
Here’s what this guide delivers— clarity on the full process plus help choosing the right approach for your situation. Not just “how to build,” but “which path makes sense for you right now.” Because there are three main paths (no-code builders, WordPress, hiring a professional), and the right choice depends on where you are and what you’re building toward.
Before diving into how-to steps, let’s figure out which path makes sense for you. That decision shapes everything else.
Which Path Is Right for You? Three Ways to Build a Website
There are three main ways to build a website in 2026— use a no-code platform like Wix or Squarespace (easiest and fastest), use WordPress for more flexibility and control, or hire a professional to build it for you. The right choice depends on your goals, budget, timeline, and how much control you want over your site as it grows.
No-code builders like Wix and Squarespace are the easiest for complete beginners— you can create a website in 30 minutes to one day with zero coding skills. According to Reddit users aggregated by HostingAdvice, most cite Wix as the easiest website builder, with many reporting they built their first website in about a day using drag-and-drop tools.
WordPress is more powerful but requires a steeper learning curve. As WebsiteSetup.org reports, WordPress powers 43.6% of all websites on the web and holds 61.7% of the CMS market share, making it the most flexible option for long-term growth. But Reddit users note that WordPress is “quite technical for a beginner” compared to Wix.
Decision Matrix: Comparing Your Three Options
| Factor | No-Code Platforms | WordPress | Hire Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Speed, simplicity | Flexibility, growth | Complex needs, limited time |
| Cost | $60-$300/year | $100-$500/year | $1,000-$120,000+ |
| Timeline | 30 min – 1 day | Few days | Weeks to months |
| Technical Level | Zero coding needed | Some learning curve | No work for you |
| Control | Limited customization | High control | Depends on contract |
| Scalability | Limited | Highly scalable | Depends on build |
Path 1: No-Code Platforms (Wix, Squarespace, Hostinger)
This is the fastest route if you want to get something live quickly. According to SiteBuilderReport, Squarespace is the best overall personal website builder, Wix is the most customizable DIY option, and Hostinger offers budget-friendly hosting. You’ll spend $60-$300 per year, and you can complete setup in 30 minutes to one day.
The limitation— less customization than WordPress, and it’s harder to migrate platforms later if you outgrow the builder. But for getting started, this is the path of least resistance.
Path 2: WordPress
Choose this if you plan to write regularly, need specific functionality (thousands of plugins available), want full ownership and control, or plan to scale significantly over time. According to Emergent, self-hosted WordPress costs $200-400+ depending on traffic, with more powerful tools and flexibility than no-code platforms.
The learning curve is real. Reddit users are right— WordPress IS more technical for complete beginners. But if you’re building a platform for ongoing content and growth, it’s worth learning.
Path 3: Hire a Professional
According to Elementor’s cost analysis, hiring a freelancer costs $1,000-$15,000 upfront, while agencies charge $8,000-$120,000+ depending on complexity. Ongoing maintenance runs $500-$5,000 per year.
This makes sense when you need complex functionality, have limited time, or want professional results from day one. The tradeoff— expensive, and you’ll have less control over ongoing changes unless you build that into the contract.
Here’s what people get wrong— they think there’s a universally “best” platform. There isn’t. Only what’s best for your specific situation right now. And you can change platforms later if needed— it’s not a permanent commitment.
Whichever path you choose, there are fundamental components every website needs. Let’s break down what you’re actually working with.
What You Actually Need—Domain, Hosting, and Platforms Explained
Every website needs three fundamental components, and understanding them prevents expensive mistakes.
Think of it this way— your domain is like a street address, hosting is the physical land where your house sits, and the platform is the tool you use to design and build the house.
Here’s why this matters: many beginners buy their domain immediately (because it feels like progress), then discover their hosting provider would have included it for free. Or they choose the wrong hosting type for their platform and have to migrate everything later. Understanding what you’re actually paying for makes the decisions clearer.
Domain Name Explained
Your domain is your website’s address— the URL visitors type to find you. According to WebsiteSetup.org, domain names cost $10-20 per year through domain registrars. Here’s an important tip— don’t buy your domain name immediately.
Wait until you’ve chosen your hosting provider, as many offer free or bundled domain registration. Rowdy Ferret Design warns that buying your domain too early can create migration hassles when top hosting packages bundle them anyway.
Web Hosting Explained
Hosting is where your website files are stored and made accessible online. WebsiteSetup.org reports hosting costs $2-10 per month, or $150-600 annually according to Elementor.
Here’s what matters— all-in-one builders like Wix and Squarespace include hosting in their plans. With WordPress, you purchase hosting separately.
Platform/Builder Explained
This is the tool you use to create pages, add content, and design layout. Modern builders use drag-and-drop interfaces— no coding required. SiteBuilderReport confirms that website builders require no previous coding experience.
How They Work Together
Your domain points to your hosting location. Hosting stores your platform and website files. The platform generates the pages visitors see. All-in-one builders package everything together (simpler but less flexibility). The WordPress route means buying domain plus hosting, then installing WordPress (more steps but more control).
The technical jargon can be intimidating, but these concepts are simpler than they sound. I promise. Once you understand what you’re actually paying for, the decisions get clearer.
Now that you understand the components, let’s walk through the actual process of building your website.
The Step-by-Step Process (No-Code Platform Route)
Building a website with a no-code platform like Wix or Squarespace is the fastest and easiest option for beginners. The process takes 30 minutes to one day— sign up for a platform, choose a template, customize your design, add your content, and publish. No coding skills required— everything happens through drag-and-drop interfaces.
According to Reddit users, most cite Wix as the easiest website builder, with many reporting they built their first website in about a day using drag-and-drop tools.
Step 1: Choose Your Platform
According to SiteBuilderReport and Emergent, here are your top options:
- Wix: Most customizable, easiest according to Reddit users
- Squarespace: Best overall design templates (180+ templates available per Squarespace)
- Hostinger: Budget-friendly option
- SITE123: Guided onboarding for complete beginners
- Carrd: Ultra-simple single-page sites
Step 2: Sign Up and Select a Plan
Start with a free trial or basic plan to test. Annual billing saves 20-50% versus monthly according to Squarespace. Budget $60-$300/year for personal sites (though realistic costs run $120-$200/year for most people). Domain is often included in paid plans.
Step 3: Choose a Template
Select based on your industry or purpose— portfolio, consulting, creative, etc. Templates are fully customizable, just a starting point. Preview the mobile version before selecting.
Step 4: Customize Your Design
Use the drag-and-drop editor to move elements, change colors, add images. Many platforms now include AI tools to generate design from prompts— Squarespace’s AI Blueprint tool generates sites from descriptions.
Don’t get lost in customization. Good enough beats perfect. You can always refine later.
Step 5: Add Your Content
Start with five core pages (we’ll cover what makes each effective in the next section). Write in your own voice— authenticity matters more than polish.
Step 6: Set Up Essential Features
Add a contact form, social media links, analytics to track visitors, and basic SEO settings (page titles and descriptions).
Step 7: Preview and Test
Check the mobile version— 94% of users access sites via mobile according to Being Boss. Click all links and buttons. Test your contact form. Ask a friend to review.
Step 8: Publish
Click the publish button. Connect your domain (if you have one) or use the free platform subdomain initially.
The biggest mistake beginners make is spending weeks tweaking design instead of launching. Get it live, then improve it based on real feedback.
The WordPress route involves a few more technical steps but gives you significantly more control and flexibility. Here’s what that process looks like.
The Step-by-Step Process (WordPress Route)
Building a website with WordPress gives you more flexibility and control than no-code platforms, but it requires a steeper learning curve. The process involves choosing a hosting provider, installing WordPress (usually one-click), selecting a theme, customizing your site, and publishing. WordPress powers 43.6% of all websites and holds 61.7% CMS market share according to WebsiteSetup.org, making it the most popular choice for those who want scalability and full control.
According to Reddit users, WordPress is “quite technical for a beginner” compared to Wix, but users prefer it for “more functionalities and powerful plugins” when they need room to grow.
When to Choose WordPress Over No-Code
Choose WordPress if you plan to write regularly (WordPress has the best blogging tools), need specific functionality (thousands of plugins available), want full ownership and control, are comfortable with some technical learning, or plan to scale significantly over time.
Here’s what people get wrong— WordPress doesn’t require coding, but it does require learning a new system. If you’re just creating a simple portfolio and won’t update it often, stick with Wix. But if you’re building a platform for ongoing content and growth, WordPress is worth the learning curve.
Step 1: Choose a Hosting Provider
Look for WordPress-optimized hosting from providers like Hostinger, Bluehost, or SiteGround. According to Elementor, hosting costs $150-600/year for a hosting plus domain bundle. Look for “one-click WordPress installation” feature. Many hosts bundle a free domain for the first year.
Step 2: Install WordPress
Most hosts offer one-click installation that takes about 30 minutes according to WebsiteSetup.org. You’ll receive login credentials for your WordPress dashboard.
Step 3: Choose and Install a Theme
Free themes are available in the WordPress theme directory. Premium themes ($50-100 one-time) offer more design options. Popular lightweight choices include Astra and GeneratePress. Preview the theme on mobile before selecting.
Step 4: Install Essential Plugins
Start minimal— add plugins only when you need specific functionality:
- SEO: Yoast SEO or Rank Math
- Contact Form: Contact Form 7 or WPForms
- Security: Wordfence or Sucuri
- Backups: UpdraftPlus
- Page Builder (optional): Elementor for drag-and-drop editing
Step 5: Customize Your Design
Use the WordPress Customizer for colors, fonts, and layout. Create pages and navigation menu. Add widgets to sidebar or footer. If using a page builder plugin, drag-and-drop works similar to no-code platforms.
Step 6: Add Your Content
Create your core pages (see next section for what to include). Write blog posts if applicable. Add images and media.
Step 7: Test and Publish
Check mobile responsiveness. Test all forms and links. Set up basic SEO settings (page titles, meta descriptions). Remove “coming soon” mode and publish.
If you’re launching a consulting practice and plan to publish weekly articles about your methodology, WordPress’s blogging tools will serve you better than a basic no-code builder. That extra complexity has a purpose.
Regardless of which platform you choose, every professional website needs the same core pages and content. Let’s talk about what makes each page effective.
Essential Pages and Content for Your Website
Every strong personal website should include five essential pages— a home page with a clear value proposition, an about page with your story and background, a portfolio or work samples page, a contact page with easy ways to reach you, and a resume or CV page with your professional credentials. These pages establish your professional presence and help visitors understand who you are, what you do, and how to connect with you.
According to Leadpages, your personal home page should include a concise introduction or value proposition, your professional summary or bio, portfolio, and contact information— not just a generic greeting.
Home Page
Your home page needs to communicate who you are and what you offer in the first five seconds. Include a specific headline— not “Welcome to my website,” but something like “Career transition coach helping professionals find work that matters.” Add a brief value proposition, clear next steps or call-to-action, and a professional headshot (builds trust according to Leadpages).
Generic greetings kill home pages. Be specific about your positioning.
About Page
Your About page tells your story and builds connection. Network Solutions reports it’s typically the second most-viewed page on personal sites. Include your background, credentials, why you do this work, and what makes you different.
Write in first person, conversational tone. This is where personality matters most. Don’t write a boring third-person bio. Tell your actual story in your own voice.
If you’re building a platform for meaningful work, your About page is where you make that clear. This isn’t just credentials— it’s your “why.” What led you to this work? What do you care about? Your story creates connection with the people you’re meant to serve.
Portfolio/Work Samples Page
Show, don’t just tell. Demonstrate your skills and expertise with actual examples of your work. For writers— writing samples. For designers— project images. For consultants— case studies or client results. For career professionals— projects you’ve led.
Quality over quantity— 3-6 strong examples beat 20 mediocre ones.
Contact Page
Make it easy for people to reach you. Include a contact form and/or email address. Optionally add phone number, social media links, or office hours/availability.
Don’t hide contact information— it signals you’re accessible. Network Solutions emphasizes that hiding contact info hurts credibility. Test your contact form to ensure it works.
Resume/CV Page
Present professional credentials and experience. This can be an embedded page or downloadable PDF. It complements your narrative About page with structured credentials. Keep it updated— nothing worse than an outdated resume on a live site.
Optional But Valuable Pages
Add these as you grow:
- Blog: If you plan to publish regular content (highly recommended for thought leadership and SEO)
- Services: If you offer specific services or consulting (include clear descriptions and pricing if applicable)
- Testimonials: Social proof from clients or colleagues
- Speaking/Media: If you do public speaking or have been featured in media
If your About page still describes you as “exploring career options” but you’ve been running your consulting practice for a year, update it. Your website should reflect current work, not outdated positioning.
With your pages planned, there are a few critical technical considerations that separate amateur websites from professional ones. Let’s make sure you get these right.
Critical Technical Considerations (Mobile, Testing, and Mistakes to Avoid)
Mobile responsiveness is non-negotiable in 2026— over 94% of smartphone users access websites via mobile devices according to Being Boss, and non-responsive designs cause high bounce rates and lost traffic. Modern website builders include mobile optimization by default, but you must test your site on actual mobile devices before launching. Beyond mobile, consistent navigation, working contact forms, and clean design separate professional sites from amateur ones.
Here’s what people get wrong— they spend weeks perfecting desktop design and never check mobile. Test on your phone before you show anyone. Most of your visitors will see the mobile version first.
Mobile Responsiveness (Critical)
Being Boss reports that over 94% of smartphone users access sites via mobile, so non-responsive designs frustrate users and tank traffic. Modern platforms include responsive design by default, but you must test anyway.
Check that text is readable without zooming, buttons are easy to tap, images scale properly, and navigation works on small screens.
Navigation and Consistency
Keep navigation simple and consistent across pages. Visitors should know where they are and how to get anywhere else. Nielsen Norman Group research confirms that consistency in page templates builds trust. Don’t bury important pages (contact, about) in complex menus.
Forms and Functionality
Test every form before going live. Ensure you actually receive form submissions. Check all links work. Verify all buttons and calls-to-action function.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
According to Nielsen Norman Group, 508 Agency, and Being Boss, here are the mistakes that hurt credibility:
Choosing trendy over brand-appropriate design: That gorgeous minimalist template might look amazing in the gallery, but if you’re a warm, relational career coach, it’ll confuse visitors about who you actually are. Templates should match your professional positioning, not just look cool.
Not planning for scalability: If your “simple portfolio site” might become a content hub in six months, choose a platform that can grow with you. Migrating platforms later is painful.
Poor search functionality: If you have a blog or many pages, ensure search works properly. Nielsen Norman Group found that bad search functionality reduces usability and frustrates visitors who know what they’re looking for.
Fixed font sizes and image-based content: These hurt both accessibility (users can’t adjust text size, screen readers can’t read images) and SEO (search engines can’t index text in images).
If any of these sound like mistakes you’re about to make, pause and reconsider. These aren’t just aesthetic issues— they actively push visitors away.
Pre-Launch Testing Checklist
Before you publish:
- View on mobile device
- Test contact form (send yourself a test message)
- Click every link and button
- Check page load speed
- Review on multiple browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
- Ask a friend or colleague to browse and give feedback
You’ve built your site, tested it, and you’re ready to launch. But launching is just the beginning— here’s what comes next.
After Launch—Maintenance, Updates, and Evolution
Launching your website isn’t the end— it’s the beginning. Websites need regular maintenance including content updates, security patches (for WordPress), backups, and evolution as your work grows. Budget 1-2 hours per month for basic maintenance, or hire help for ongoing management if needed. The best websites evolve with your career rather than staying static.
Your first website doesn’t have to be perfect or permanent. Launch something good enough, learn what works, and improve as you go.
Regular Content Updates
Update your portfolio and work samples as you complete new projects. Keep your resume and credentials current. Add blog posts if you’re building thought leadership. Update photos and testimonials. Stale content signals an inactive professional.
Technical Maintenance
For WordPress— update plugins, themes, and WordPress core monthly. For all platforms— check that contact forms still work, monitor site speed and uptime, renew domain and hosting annually, and run regular backups (automated if possible).
Evolution Over Time
Your first website doesn’t have to be your forever website. Add pages and features as needs grow. Platforms can be migrated if you outgrow your initial choice. Your messaging and positioning will evolve— that’s good.
The best websites evolve with your career— update your portfolio as you complete new projects, add blog posts when you have insights to share, and refresh your messaging as your work develops.
When to Get Help
Consider professional help if technical maintenance overwhelms you, when you need functionality beyond your platform’s capabilities, or for major redesigns or migrations. According to Elementor, ongoing maintenance costs $500-$5,000 per year when hiring professional help.
Connection to Your Larger Work
Your website is a platform for building your personal brand on social media and establishing professional presence. It should serve your career goals and meaningful work. A good website reduces friction in connecting with opportunities and audience.
Let’s talk about the biggest question most beginners have— how much is this actually going to cost?
Real-World Costs—What You’ll Actually Pay
DIY website costs range from $60-$300 per year for basic plans, but realistic total costs including essential features run $200-$500 annually when you factor in premium templates, plugins, email services, and security tools. Hiring a freelancer costs $1,000-$15,000 upfront plus $500-$5,000/year for maintenance, while agencies charge $8,000-$120,000+ depending on complexity according to Elementor’s comprehensive cost analysis. Here’s what you’ll actually pay based on which path you choose.
Many sources quote $60/year as the cost of a website, but that’s the absolute minimum with no custom domain, basic features only, and zero add-ons. Realistically, budget $200-400 for your first year. Here’s what cost comparison articles don’t tell you— the quoted minimums assume you want nothing beyond the absolute basics. Add a custom domain, premium template, and contact form plugin, and you’re closer to $300-400/year. Budget for that reality, not the marketing minimum.
Cost Breakdown by Route
| Cost Category | No-Code DIY | WordPress DIY | Hire Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Year | $200-$400 | $250-$800 | $1,500-$125,000+ |
| Ongoing Annual | $150-$300 | $200-$600 | $650-$6,000 |
| Setup Time | 30 min – 1 day | Few days | Weeks-months |
| Your Time Investment | Low-Medium | Medium | Very Low |
DIY No-Code Platform Costs
Platform subscription runs $60-$300/year (most personal sites— $120-$200/year). Domain registration costs $10-20/year according to WebsiteSetup.org (often free first year). Optional premium template— $0-$100 one-time. Optional stock photos— $0-$200/year. Optional email service— $0-$120/year.
Realistic first-year total— $200-$400. Ongoing annual— $150-$300.
DIY WordPress Costs
Hosting plus domain bundle— $150-$600/year according to Elementor. Optional premium theme— $50-$100 one-time. Optional premium plugins— $0-$300/year. SSL certificate— free (included with modern hosts). Optional security plugins— $0-$300/year.
Realistic first-year total— $250-$800. Ongoing annual— $200-$600.
Hiring Professional Costs
Elementor reports freelancers charge $1,000-$15,000 upfront, while agencies charge $8,000-$120,000+ upfront. Ongoing maintenance— $500-$5,000/year. Hosting and domain— $150-$600/year.
Total first year— $1,500-$125,000+ depending on scope. Ongoing annual— $650-$6,000.
Hidden Costs to Anticipate
Watch for additional features you didn’t initially plan for, premium plugins or integrations, professional photography if needed, copywriting help if writing isn’t your strength, and learning curve time (not money, but real cost for DIY routes).
Cost-Saving Tips
Start minimal— add features as you actually need them. Annual billing saves 20-50% versus monthly on most platforms according to Squarespace. Free themes and plugins are often sufficient for starting out. Many platforms offer student or nonprofit discounts. Don’t buy premium features until you’ve validated the need.
You have the knowledge, the process, and realistic budget expectations. Here’s how to take your first step today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a website without knowing how to code?
Yes. Modern website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress use drag-and-drop interfaces that require no coding knowledge according to WebsiteSetup.org and SiteBuilderReport. These platforms handle all technical aspects automatically, allowing you to create professional websites by simply choosing templates and customizing with visual editors.
How much does it cost to build a website yourself?
DIY websites cost $60-$300 per year for basic plans, though realistic costs including essential features like custom domains and premium templates run $200-500 annually according to Elementor. This includes platform fees, domain registration ($10-20/year per WebsiteSetup.org), and hosting ($150-600/year for WordPress). Hiring a freelancer costs $1,000-$15,000 upfront, while agencies charge $8,000-$120,000+.
How long does it take to build a website?
Technical setup using modern platforms takes 30 minutes to 1 day for beginners according to WebsiteSetup.org. However, the full process including content planning, design customization, and creating quality content typically takes several days to a few weeks. Reddit users report building their first website in about one day using drag-and-drop builders.
What’s the easiest website builder for beginners?
Wix and Squarespace are the easiest for complete beginners, offering simple drag-and-drop interfaces and AI-assisted design tools. Reddit users cite Wix as the easiest website builder. WordPress is more powerful but has a steeper learning curve than pure drag-and-drop builders according to SiteBuilderReport.
Do I need to buy a domain and hosting separately?
It depends on your platform. All-in-one builders like Wix and Squarespace include hosting in their plans and often bundle domain registration. With WordPress, you typically purchase domain and hosting separately according to WebsiteSetup.org (though many hosts bundle them together in packages).
What pages should a personal website have?
Start with five essential pages according to Network Solutions and Leadpages— home (with clear value proposition), about (your story), portfolio (your work samples), contact (ways to reach you), and resume/CV (your credentials). Optional pages like blog, testimonials, and services can enhance your site as you grow.
Is WordPress better than website builders like Wix?
It depends on your goals. Choose Wix or Squarespace if you want simplicity, speed, and minimal technical learning. Choose WordPress if you need more flexibility, custom functionality, or plan to scale significantly. WebsiteSetup.org reports WordPress powers 43.6% of all websites but Reddit consensus confirms it has a steeper learning curve than drag-and-drop builders.
Why is mobile responsiveness important?
Over 94% of smartphone users access websites via mobile devices according to Being Boss. Non-responsive websites frustrate users, increase bounce rates, and harm SEO rankings. Modern platforms include mobile responsiveness by default, but you must test your site on actual mobile devices before launching.
Your Next Step—Start Today
The best way to start building your website is to choose your path today— sign up for a no-code platform free trial if you want simplicity, research WordPress hosting if you want flexibility, or reach out to freelancers if you want professional help.
Don’t wait for perfect clarity about your life’s work before building your website. Start with where you are now, launch something good enough, and let it evolve with you. Millions of non-technical people have successfully built websites. You can too. Your first version doesn’t have to be perfect.
Immediate next actions:
If you’re choosing the no-code route— Sign up for a free trial on Wix or Squarespace today and explore templates. Spend 30 minutes seeing what’s possible.
If you’re choosing WordPress— Research hosting providers today. Compare packages. Sign up for one with one-click WordPress installation.
If you’re hiring a professional— Write down your goals and requirements today. Research freelancers on Upwork or contact agencies for quotes.
Building your website isn’t just a technical task— it’s about creating a platform for your work, your ideas, and the career you’re building. Take the next step. I believe in you.
Your website becomes the platform for building your personal brand on social media, finding your perfect career path, and connecting with the opportunities that matter. If you want support with discovering your career path, I’ve created resources to help. You can explore additional resources here.
The platform for your work is waiting. Take the next step.
