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“Follow the plan outlined here and you can create your own website from scratch without writing any code for less than $300.”
I know what you’re thinking…
Can you really create a site like Netflix with WordPress?
Yes!
In fact, WordPress is the best way to build this site.
Here’s why.
Why you should use WordPress
First, you can get your website online extremely fast if you use WordPress. You only need to gather a few tools to make the site, and I’ll share those tools in a moment.
Next, there are pre-made solutions, so you don’t need to hire any expensive developers. This makes it way cheaper than a custom platform.
Lastly, you don’t need to write any code. You’ll need to learn how to use the tools shared here, but none of them require programming or overly technical steps.
Sound good?
Let’s move on to the tools you need to create the site.
How to build a site like Netflix
Through the rest of this guide, I’ll show you each tool you need and explain why it’s needed. By the end, you’ll have everything required to make a video streaming site like Netflix.
I’m sure you’re excited to see what the site will look like, but the very first thing you need is a domain name.
Get a domain name
You probably already know this, but you need a catchy and brandable domain name for your site.
If you’re having trouble finding an awesome domain name, follow this guide before moving on. I’ve got some great tips and tricks for scoring cheap and memorable domain names there.
Signup for hosting
You need hosting to power your website.
When a visitor arrives at your domain, the host will deliver your site’s files to their browser, which will then render them as a usable website.
In other words, no hosting means no website.
When it comes to hosting a WordPress site, there are tons of quality options, but I recommend Nexcess for anyone new to this.
Nexcess is a much nicer and faster service than the bottom-of-the-barrel hosts, yet it doesn’t have the high costs associated with most premium web hosts.
It’s an excellent middle-tier host, and given the fact that they include services like daily backups with the hosting, it’s much friendlier for beginners than cheaper, barebones alternatives.
In fact, they automatically create a WordPress site for you when you signup, so there are no technical steps required.
Click here to create your site with Nexcess.
These first few steps can be completed in a matter of minutes, and then you can move on to the exciting part…
Install the SKRN theme
At this point, you have a WordPress website at the domain you chose. It’s a great start, but you still don’t have anything that resembles Netflix.
To add the design and remaining features, all you need is the SKRN WordPress theme.
With SKRN, you get every feature required for a streaming service. Visitors can signup for monthly subscriptions, browse your content library, and watch shows with the built-in video player.
Memberships are completely customizable, so you can create as many different tiers at whatever prices you want. You can also offer a free trial to get customers hooked before their first payment.
Here’s what the homepage can look like for new visitors:
And here’s an example pricing page using SKRN:
SKRN also includes some Netflix-like engagement features for your customers. Members can favorite videos, create watchlists, and leave detailed reviews.
The style showcased in the screenshots will be similar on your website, but with the drag-and-drop page builder included, you can completely customize any of these layouts.
SKRN is customizable and perfectly adapted to streaming membership sites. While it’s my first recommendation, there is one other theme I think you should check out too.
SKRN alternative
The developers behind SKRN, Progression Studios, have made a second theme with all the same features.
Vayvo has every feature in SKRN and works the same way, so you can choose whichever one matches your taste in style best.
Launch your site
Let’s review now everything you need to create your site.
- Domain name so you have a URL to host your site
- WordPress for managing and running your website
- Nexcess to get your site online
- SKRN to add the video streaming design and memberships
With these tools in place, you can begin filling your media library with content to prepare for launch.
If you Google “how to create a site like Netflix,” you’ll find other solutions that are WAY more complex and expensive. Lots of people will insist you need a development team and expensive cloud hosting architectures, but it’s not necessary when you first launch your site. You will only need infrastructure like that if you have a huge number of subscribers. So here’s my advice.
Use the approach outlined above, and you can get a beautiful streaming site online this week for less than $200.
When you’re making thousands of dollars every month, then you can reinvest your profits to hire developers and get a custom app that can support tens of thousands of members. In my opinion, it doesn’t make sense to risk a large investment before you get your first subscriber, and the WordPress version of the site will work great.
If you still have questions about making a website like Netflix, feel free to post in the comments section below.
