How to Host a Website on AWS (Step-by-Step Guide)

Hosting a website on the cloud is no longer just a choice, it’s a smart strategy. Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the most trusted cloud platforms, offers scalable, secure, and cost-efficient options to host websites of all kinds.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to host a static website on AWS using Amazon S3, and extend its capabilities with Route 53 for domain management and CloudFront for better performance and security. This step-by-step approach is perfect for beginners and professionals alike.

Why Choose AWS for Website Hosting?

Before diving into the steps, here’s why AWS is a solid choice:

• Scalability: Easily handle traffic spikes without worrying about server limitations.
• High Availability: Your content is delivered with minimal downtime.
• Global Reach: Leverage AWS’s global infrastructure for faster load times.
• Integrated Tools: From DNS (Route 53) to CDN (CloudFront), everything connects seamlessly.

Steps to Host a Static Website on AWS

Let’s go through how to host a website on AWS using Amazon S3 for storage, Route 53 for domain setup, and CloudFront for secure content delivery.

Step 1: Register Your Domain (with Route 53 or Any Registrar)

Before building your site, it’s best to secure your domain name. This ensures:

• Your website has a custom URL (like www.mywebsite.com)
  
• You can name your S3 bucket to match your domain
  
• Future setup (like HTTPS and DNS) is easier
  

You can:

• Buy a domain directly from AWS using Route 53, or
  
• Use another provider (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.)
  

If you use Route 53, AWS automatically creates a Hosted Zone, which makes domain linking simpler later on.

Step 2: Set Up an AWS Account

Go to aws.amazon.com and sign up. After verification, you’ll gain access to the AWS Management Console, where all cloud services are managed.

Step 3: Create an S3 Bucket

Now, we’ll store your website files using Amazon S3.

1. Open S3 from the AWS Console.
   
2. Click Create bucket.
   
3. Name the bucket exactly the same as your domain (e.g., www.mywebsite.com).
   
4. Uncheck “Block all public access” to make your site publicly visible.
   
5. Click Create bucket.
   

This bucket will serve as the base for your hosted website.

Step 4: Upload Website Files

Prepare your website files (like index.html, style.css, images, etc.). Then:

1. Open your bucket in S3.
   
2. Click Upload.
   
3. Add your files and click Upload again.
   

Make sure index.html is present; this will be your homepage.

Step 5: Enable Static Website Hosting in S3

Now, let’s turn your bucket into a functioning website.

1. In the bucket, go to the Properties tab.
   
2. Scroll to Static website hosting and click Edit.
   
3. Choose Enable, and enter:
   
   • Index document: index.html
     
   • (Optional) Error document: error.html
     
4. Save changes.
   

You’ll see a website endpoint URL; this is your temporary AWS-hosted site link.

Step 6: Make Your Site Public

To allow everyone to view your website:

1. Go to the Permissions tab of your bucket.
   
2. Click on Bucket Policy.
   
3. Paste this code (replacing your-bucket-name):

{

  "Version": "2012-10-17",

  "Statement": [{

    "Effect": "Allow",

    "Principal": "*",

    "Action": "s3:GetObject",

    "Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::your-bucket-name/*"

  }]

}

4. Save the policy.
   

Now your website files are publicly accessible.

Step 7: Connect Your Domain Using Route 53

To link your domain to the S3 website:

1. Go to Route 53 > Hosted Zones.
   
2. Choose your domain.
   
3. Create a new Record:
   
   • Type: A – IPv4 address
     
   • Alias: Yes
     
   • Target: Select the S3 static website endpoint
     
4. Save the record.

Now your domain (like www.mywebsite.com) will point to your S3-hosted site.

Step 8: Add HTTPS and Speed with CloudFront (Optional but Recommended)

S3 doesn’t support HTTPS on its own, but you can add it using Amazon CloudFront:

1. Create a new CloudFront distribution.
   
2. Set your S3 bucket as the origin.
   
3. Request a free SSL certificate from AWS Certificate Manager.
   
4. Link your custom domain to CloudFront in Route 53.

This adds security (HTTPS) and makes your website load faster globally.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to host a website on AWS, you’re equipped with the tools and steps to get your site live in the cloud. AWS makes it easy to scale, secure, and manage websites with confidence.

And when you’re ready to go further, whether it’s optimizing performance, ensuring long-term stability, or planning for future growth, exploring AWS consulting can be a valuable next step.