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 from WordPress

Consider why a custom build might be better than relying on WordPress plugins.

• Evaluate reliance on WordPress plugins for website functionality.
• Explore the benefits of custom web development for flexibility.
• Consider AI's role in accelerating custom website builds.
• Assess if your current workflow can be streamlined with automation.

2. Planning Your Custom Website Architecture

Outline the core components of your custom website.

• Define the purpose and features of your website.
• Choose a cloud hosting platform (e.g., Google Cloud).
• Select a hosting service within the cloud platform (e.g., Google App Engine).
• Plan your database structure and connection methods.
• Design the backend management system.
• Determine how to handle media and content storage.

3. Leveraging AI for Development

Integrate AI tools into your development process.

• Utilize AI coding assistants (e.g., Cursor) for faster development.
• Use AI to troubleshoot authorization errors.
• Employ AI for generating code snippets and solutions.
• Experiment with AI for generating website content elements.
• Use AI to screenshot issues for quick analysis.

4. Building Your Custom CMS and Admin Dashboard

Develop a backend system tailored to your needs.

• Build a custom Content Management System (CMS) from scratch.
• Create an admin dashboard for managing website content.
• Implement a media library within the dashboard.
• Add features for lead generation tools.
• Develop a build suggestions feature.
• Ensure all features are built without relying on pre-made plugins.

5. Automating Content Creation and Publishing

Set up tools to automate your content pipeline.

• 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.
• Configure automatic blog post creation from video content.
• Publish blog posts directly to your custom CMS.

6. Integrating APIs and External Services

Connect your website to other services.

• Connect custom APIs to your website backend.
• Implement authorization flows for API connections.
• Troubleshoot API connection errors.
• Test the real-time process of API integration.

7. Deployment and Hosting on Google Cloud

Deploy and manage your website using Google Cloud.

• Configure hosting on Google App Engine.
• Set up database connections within Google Cloud.
• Manage the backend infrastructure.
• Monitor website performance and uptime.

8. Streamlining Workflow and Saving Time

Focus on the efficiency gains from custom builds and automation.

• Identify repetitive tasks in your content workflow.
• Implement automation tools to reduce manual effort.
• Measure time saved through automated processes.
• Explore opportunities for further workflow optimization.
• Apply learnings to other personal or business projects.

Build a flexible, automated website tailored to your needs.