How to Host a Static Website on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Storage

Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offers a robust and cost-effective way to host static websites. Using Google Cloud Storage, you can easily serve your HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and media files directly from the cloud. This guide will walk you through the steps to set up your static website on GCP, including how to use a host discount code to save on costs.

What You Need to Host a Static Website on GCP

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• A Google Cloud account.

• A project created on GCP.

• Basic knowledge of Google Cloud Console and Cloud Storage.

Step 1: Create a Google Cloud Project

1. Go to the Google Cloud Console (https://console.cloud.google.com/).

2. In the top bar, click on the Project dropdown, then click New Project.

3. Give your project a name and set the billing account (if not already set).

4. Once created, navigate to the Cloud Storage section under Storage.

Step 2: Create a Storage Bucket

1. In the Google Cloud Console, click on Storage > Browser.

2. Click Create Bucket.

3. Choose a Globally Unique Name for your bucket (e.g., my-static-website-bucket).

4. Set the Storage Class to Standard and choose a Location.

5. Click Create.

Step 3: Upload Website Files

1. After the bucket is created, click on the Upload Files button.

2. Upload your static website files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, etc.).

3. Organize the files as needed, such as having an index.html file as the root file.

Step 4: Make Your Website Public

1. Click on the uploaded files in the Storage Browser.

2. Click the three dots next to each file and select Edit Permissions.

3. Under the Permissions tab, click Add members.

4. In the New members field, type allUsers and set the role to Storage Object Viewer.

5. Click Save.

Now your website files are publicly accessible.

Step 5: Configure Bucket for Static Website Hosting

1. In the Google Cloud Console, go to the Cloud Storage Browser and click on your bucket.

2. Select the Properties tab, then scroll down to the Static website hosting section.

3. Enable Static website hosting and set the Main page (e.g., index.html) and Error page (e.g., 404.html).

4. Click Save.

Step 6: Access Your Website

Your static website is now live. You can access it using the following URL format:

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http://storage.googleapis.com/your-bucket-name/index.html

However, if you want a custom domain (e.g., www.yoursite.com), you’ll need to set up a DNS record and point it to your GCP storage bucket.

Save on Hosting Costs with Host Discount Code

To help you save on GCP hosting costs, you can use a host discount code at checkout. Websites like Host Discount Code offer a variety of discounts for cloud hosting services, including Google Cloud Platform. Be sure to check the available codes to reduce your overall cost on storage and other GCP services.

How to Use a Host Discount Code for GCP:

1. Visit the Host Discount Code website.

2. Look for Google Cloud Platform hosting discounts.

3. Copy the discount code.

4. Go to Google Cloud’s billing page and paste the discount code when prompted during checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a custom domain for my static website hosted on GCP?
Yes, you can set up a custom domain by creating a DNS record that points to your GCP storage bucket.

2. What file types can I upload to GCP Storage for hosting?
You can upload any file types that are needed for your website, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and image files (PNG, JPG, GIF, etc.).

3. Is Google Cloud Storage free?
Google Cloud Storage offers a free tier, but for larger websites or high traffic, you may incur charges. Always check pricing details on the GCP website.

4. How can I add HTTPS to my GCP-hosted static website?
To enable HTTPS, you can set up Google Cloud Load Balancer with SSL certificates, or use a service like Cloudflare to manage SSL for free.

5. How do I update my website files on GCP?
You can update your website by simply uploading new versions of your files via the Cloud Storage Browser or using the gsutil command line tool.

By following these steps, you can have your static website up and running on GCP with minimal hassle, all while saving money using a host discount code.