Custom Website Build & Automation Checklist

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

By Casey Builds It · YouTube Video Ak0pynSHnAI

1. Understanding the Switch

Consider the reasons for moving away from WordPress and embracing custom development.

• Evaluate reliance on WordPress plugins for website functionality.
• Explore the benefits of building a website from scratch.
• Understand how AI tools can speed up custom web development.
• Consider the flexibility offered by custom-built solutions.
• Assess the time savings from website automation.

2. Core Technology Stack

Identify the key technologies used for custom website development and hosting.

• Choose a code editor with AI capabilities (e.g., Cursor).
• Select a cloud hosting platform (e.g., Google Cloud).
• Plan for hosting on a service like Google App Engine.
• Integrate necessary databases for your website.
• Determine backend management strategies without plugins.

3. Building Your Custom CMS

Outline the process of creating your own Content Management System.

• Design the structure of your custom CMS.
• Develop features for managing website content.
• Implement a media library for uploaded assets.
• Build functionality for downloadable lead-generation tools.
• Create a feature for suggesting website builds or improvements.

4. Automating YouTube Content Workflow

Set up tools to automate the process from YouTube upload to blog post creation.

• Develop a tool to process uploaded YouTube videos.
• Automate the generation of video descriptions.
• Automate the creation of YouTube comments.
• Automate the generation of video thumbnails.
• Automate the creation of YouTube Shorts from videos.
• Configure automatic publishing of blog posts to your CMS.

5. API Integration and Troubleshooting

Learn to connect external services and resolve integration issues.

• Connect custom APIs to your website or tools.
• Troubleshoot authorization errors during API integration.
• Use AI tools to get instant fixes for coding issues.
• Practice debugging code in real-time.
• Document API connection processes and potential errors.

6. Custom Admin Dashboard Features

Develop essential features for managing your website's backend.

• Build a functional media library.
• Integrate a system for lead generation tool downloads.
• Implement a feature to suggest build improvements.
• Ensure secure access to the admin dashboard.
• Test all dashboard functionalities thoroughly.

7. Deployment and Hosting

Configure your website for reliable hosting and deployment.

• Set up your project on Google Cloud.
• Configure Google App Engine for hosting.
• Deploy your custom-built website code.
• Monitor website performance and uptime.
• Establish a process for updating the hosted website.

8. Post-Build Evaluation

Review the benefits and outcomes of building a custom website.

• Assess the achieved level of website customization.
• Measure the reduction in build times.
• Quantify the hours saved through automation.
• Compare the flexibility against a WordPress setup.
• Consider future automation possibilities.

Build a more flexible, automated, and customized website with AI and cloud tools.