Here's a simple, modern, no-fluff guide to setting up your hosting, domain, and business email the right way — using AWS Lightsail, IONOS, and Namecheap (or any combo that suits you best).

🚀 Step-by-Step Setup for Hosting, Domain & Email
🌐 1. Register Your Domain (Recommended: Namecheap or IONOS)
Go to https://www.namecheap.com or https://www.ionos.com

Search for your domain (ideally .com, short, brandable)

Register it (usually ~$10–$15/year)

✅ Pro Tips:

Turn on auto-renew

Enable WHOIS privacy (free with Namecheap)

🖥� 2. Set Up Hosting with AWS Lightsail (Fast + Affordable VPS)
Go to https://lightsail.aws.amazon.com

Sign in with your AWS account

Click "Create Instance"

Choose OS: Linux/Unix

Choose App: WordPress (or LAMP, Node.js, etc. depending on your stack)

Pick a region closest to your target audience

Select the plan (starts at $3.50/mo)

Launch instance

Once it's ready:

Connect via SSH from the browser

Access WordPress or upload your custom site

🔀 3. Point Your Domain to Lightsail
Go to your domain registrar (e.g. Namecheap)

Add a DNS A record pointing to your Lightsail public IP:

Type: A

Host: @

Value: Your Lightsail static IP

TTL: Automatic or 30 mins

🛑 Don't forget to make your Lightsail IP static!

✉️ 4. Set Up Professional Email ([email protected])
You've got options:

Option 1: Free with Zoho Mail
Go to https://zoho.com/mail

Choose "Forever Free Plan"

Verify your domain

Set MX records in Namecheap or IONOS DNS panel

Option 2: Paid via IONOS (Great UI + Reliable)
IONOS email starts at ~$1/month

Comes with easy domain & MX setup if domain is also on IONOS

🔒 5. Add SSL for Security (HTTPS)
In Lightsail, go to Networking

Add HTTPS port (443) to your firewall

Install Let's Encrypt SSL:

bash
Copy
Edit
sudo apt install certbot
sudo certbot --apache
Or use Bitnami SSL Script

📬 Optional: Set Up Email Forwarding (if you only want to receive)
If you just want to receive business emails:

Use ImprovMX or ForwardEmail.net

Point MX records accordingly

🔧 Summary Setup Flow:

Task   Tool   Cost
Domain   Namecheap / IONOS   $10–$15/year
Hosting   AWS Lightsail   $3.50–$10/month
Business Email   Zoho (Free) / IONOS (Paid)   Free–$1/mo
SSL   Let's Encrypt   Free