> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.verbosec.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Starhost Quickstart: Deploy Your First Website Fast

> Create your Starhost account, add your first site, and deploy it live with a custom domain and free SSL certificate in just a few steps.

Getting your first site live on Starhost takes only a few minutes. This guide walks you through creating your account, adding a site, uploading your files, and connecting a domain — everything you need to go from zero to a live HTTPS website.

## Deploy your first site

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create your Starhost account">
    Go to [mystarhost.com](https://mystarhost.com) and sign up for a free account. Enter your email address, choose a password, and verify your email to activate your account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a new site">
    Once you're logged in to your dashboard, click **Add New Site**. Give your site a name — this is just for your reference inside the dashboard. Then choose the hosting plan that fits your needs. You can always upgrade later.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload or connect your site files">
    Choose how you want to deploy your files:

    * **Drag-and-drop** — Upload your files directly from your browser.
    * **FTP/SFTP** — Connect your FTP client using the credentials provided in your site settings.
    * **Git integration** — Link your GitHub or GitLab repository for automatic deployments on every push.

    See the [Deployments guide](/starhost/deployments) for full details on each method.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure your domain">
    By default, your site is accessible on a free Starhost subdomain (for example, `yoursite.starhost.io`). To use your own domain, go to **Site Settings → Domains** and click **Add Domain**. Follow the DNS instructions shown in your dashboard.

    See the [Domains guide](/starhost/domains) for step-by-step DNS configuration.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Your site is live over HTTPS">
    Once your domain is verified, Starhost automatically provisions a free SSL certificate. Visit your site at `https://yourdomain.com` — you should see the padlock icon in your browser confirming the secure connection.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  You don't need a custom domain to get started. Use your free Starhost subdomain to test and build your site, then connect your own domain whenever you're ready.
</Tip>

## What's next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Domains" icon="globe" href="/starhost/domains">
    Connect a custom domain and update your DNS records.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Deployments" icon="cloud-arrow-up" href="/starhost/deployments">
    Explore FTP, Git integration, and deployment rollbacks.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>