Get Set Up to Build Websites with AI
Seven steps to finish before your 1-on-1 training session, so we can start building on day one. Do them in order. Each one builds on the last. All you need is a Mac or Windows computer and a bank card for the one paid item: Claude Pro at US$20 a month. Everything else is free.
How the Website Workflow Works
A simple step-by-step view for small business owners.
You
You tell Claude what you want changed, in plain English.
Claude
Claude writes or updates the website files on your computer.
Local project folder
Your real website files live in a folder on your computer.
GitHub
Claude saves ("pushes") the updated files to your GitHub repository.
Vercel
Vercel spots the GitHub update and publishes the new version.
Live website
Your updated website goes live online.
Supporting tools
Simple version: You tell Claude what to change. Claude updates the files on your computer. It pushes those changes to GitHub. Vercel sees the new changes and publishes them. Your live website updates online.
- Use the same email address for every account you create below.
- Write down each login as you create it (or save it in a password manager).
- Every service sends a confirmation email. Click it straight away.
Create your Claude account
claude.ai ~5 min US$20/moSign up at claude.ai with your business email and choose the Pro plan. Pro includes Claude Code, the tool we'll use to build and manage your website.
Done when you can log in at claude.ai.
Download the Claude desktop app
claude.ai/download ~5 minDownload the app for Mac or Windows, install it, and sign in with the account from Step 1.
Done when the Claude app opens on your computer and you can see the Code section in it.
Create your GitHub account
github.com ~5 min FreeGitHub keeps a safe, versioned copy of your website files. Your GitHub login also becomes the key that opens most of the other tools. Sign up with the same email.
GitHub will ask you to set up two-factor authentication. Choose the authenticator-app or SMS option, and save the recovery codes it shows you.
Done when you can log in at github.com.
Install GitHub Desktop
desktop.github.com ~5 min FreeThis small app connects your computer to GitHub so Claude can save ("push") your website files there. Install it, choose Sign in to GitHub.com, and log in. You won't use this app day to day. Installing and signing in once is the whole job.
Done when GitHub Desktop shows you as signed in.
Create your working folder
~1 minMake one folder where all your website work will live. For example: Documents → My-Business-Websites. Claude will do all its work inside this folder.
Done when the folder exists and you know where it is.
Create your four connected accounts
~10 min All free to startThree of these offer a "Continue with GitHub" button. Always use it, so there's one login to remember.
Vercel
vercel.comPuts your website live on the internet. Choose the free Hobby plan.
Continue with GitHubCloudflare
cloudflare.comManages your domain name (your .com address).
Same email + strong password. No GitHub option here.Resend
resend.comLets your website send emails: order confirmations, contact-form messages.
Continue with GitHubSupabase
supabase.comYour database. It stores orders, bookings, and sign-ups.
Continue with GitHubDone when you can log in to all four.
The five-minute proof
~5 minOpen the Claude app, go to Code, and open your folder from Step 5. Then type this and press Enter:
Claude will ask permission before it runs commands. Approve them. It may also offer to install the GitHub CLI: approve that too, as it lets Claude create repositories for you. The first time, it may walk you through connecting to GitHub. Just follow its instructions.
Done when Claude says the push succeeded and you can see setup-test in your repositories at github.com.
You're ready for training when…
- The Claude app opens Code inside your working folder
- setup-test is visible in your GitHub account
- You can log in to Vercel, Cloudflare, Resend, and Supabase
Bring to your session
- Domain login. If you own a domain name, the login for where you bought it (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Crazy Domains…)
- Existing website login. WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, your web host… whatever runs your current site
- Your brand. Logo file, brand colours, and a handful of good photos
- No new domains yet. Don't buy one beforehand; we'll choose and buy it together