Custom Website Build & Automation Checklist

Steps to ditch WordPress and build a custom site with AI and cloud hosting.

By Casey Builds It · YouTube Video Ak0pynSHnAI

1. Understanding the Switch

Consider the benefits of moving away from WordPress plugins.

• Evaluate reliance on WordPress plugins for website functionality.
• Explore custom web development for increased flexibility.
• Consider AI tools to accelerate custom development.
• Investigate cloud hosting platforms for scalability.

2. Custom Website Development Workflow

Outline the process of building a website from scratch.

• Plan the core features of your custom website.
• Choose a development environment (e.g., Cursor).
• Select a cloud hosting provider (e.g., Google Cloud).
• Set up hosting on a platform like Google App Engine.
• Integrate and connect necessary databases.
• Develop backend logic without relying on pre-made plugins.

3. AI-Powered Content Automation

Leverage AI to automate content creation and publishing.

• Develop a tool to process uploaded YouTube videos.
• Automate description generation for videos.
• Automate comment generation for videos.
• Automate thumbnail creation for videos.
• Automate YouTube Shorts creation.
• Set up automatic blog post creation from video content.
• Integrate with your website's custom CMS.

4. API Integration and Troubleshooting

Learn to connect external services and resolve issues.

• Identify necessary APIs for your website's functionality.
• Implement custom API connections.
• Troubleshoot authorization errors in real-time.
• Use AI tools to identify and fix bugs.
• Document API integration processes.

5. Building a Custom Admin Dashboard

Create a centralized management interface for your website.

• Design the layout for your custom admin dashboard.
• Implement a media library feature.
• Add functionality for downloadable lead-generation tools.
• Develop a build suggestions feature.
• Ensure all dashboard features are built from scratch.

6. Streamlining Workflow with Automation

Implement tools that save time and effort.

• Identify repetitive tasks in your content creation process.
• Build automation tools to handle these tasks.
• Test the effectiveness of automation tools.
• Measure time saved by automation.
• Refine automation scripts for optimal performance.

7. Evaluating Custom vs. Plugin-Dependent Sites

Assess the long-term value of a custom-built website.

• Compare the flexibility of custom code versus WordPress plugins.
• Analyze the speed of development with AI assistance.
• Consider the cost-effectiveness of custom builds.
• Evaluate the potential for unique features and automation.
• Determine if full customization aligns with project goals.

Build a faster, more flexible website with custom code and AI.