Want to use simple prompts to build a functioning website?

If so, this Bolt AI website builder tutorial is for you.

Watch me build an accounting firm website using simple prompts all powered by AI. By the end, you'll know exactly how to get started.

Getting Started: How to Build Website with Bolt

Bolt simplifies the website creation process by leveraging artificial intelligence. Here's how to get started:

Step 1: Input Your Project Requirements

Begin by telling Bolt what you want to create. In our case, we'll input: "I want to build a five-page website for an accounting firm." This simple prompt is enough for Bolt to understand your needs and start generating your website.

Step 2: Review the Initial Structure

Bolt will quickly generate a basic 5-page structure for your accounting firm website. Typically, this includes:

• Home
• Services
• About
• Team
• Contact

This structure covers the essential pages most accounting firms need, providing a solid foundation for your site.

Step 3: Troubleshoot Initial Errors

Sometimes, you might encounter errors during the initial generation. Don't worry - this is normal and easily fixable. If you see an error message, simply copy it and ask Bolt to resolve the issue. The AI will quickly address the problem, ensuring your website preview is up and running.

Enhancing Your Multi-Page Website Builder Experience

Once you have your basic structure in place, it's time to elevate your website design and functionality.

Step 1: Improving Website Design with AI

To take your website to the next level, provide Bolt with more specific design instructions. For example, you could say:

"This is a great start. I'd like to improve the design now. I want to optimize for conversion and build trust through the design. Make the website pop more and overall improve the design so it would impress someone who is a designer themselves."

This prompt encourages Bolt to enhance the visual appeal and user experience of your site.

Step 2: Optimizing for Conversion and Trust-Building

Bolt will implement various elements to boost conversion rates and build trust. These might include:

• Adding trust indicators on the homepage
• Incorporating call-to-action buttons
• Improving the layout for better user flow

Step 3: Adding Animations and Visual Elements

To make your website more engaging, Bolt can add subtle animations and visual enhancements. These might include:

• Hover effects on buttons and links
• Scroll animations
• Dynamic background elements

Step 4: Ensuring Mobile Responsiveness

Bolt automatically creates a mobile-responsive design, including a dropdown menu for easy navigation on smaller screens. This ensures your website looks great and functions well on all devices.

Customizing Your Bolt Website Design

While Bolt does an excellent job of creating a professional website, you may want to add your personal touch. Here's how you can customize your site:

Step 1: Modifying Text Content

You can easily change the text on your pages by either:

• Asking Bolt to modify specific content
• Directly editing the text in the code editor

For example, you could change "Your trusted partner in financial success" to "We are the best firm to work with" by editing the HTML directly.

Step 2: Incorporating Design Inspiration

If you have specific design ideas in mind, you can:

• Provide screenshots of websites you like
• Describe specific design elements you want to incorporate
• Ask Bolt to emulate certain styles or themes

Step 3: Tweaking Color Schemes and Themes

To further customize your site, you can:

• Specify a color palette for your brand
• Ask Bolt to adjust the overall theme
• Modify specific elements like buttons or headers

Deploying Your AI-Generated Website to Netlify

Once you're happy with your website, it's time to make it live. Bolt makes this process incredibly simple:

Step 1: Click "Deploy"

In the top right corner of the Bolt interface, you'll see a "Deploy" button. Click this to start the deployment process.

Step 2: Review Deployment

Bolt will deploy your website to Netlify, a popular hosting platform. You'll receive a link to your live site.

Step 3: Troubleshoot Any Issues

If you encounter any problems with your deployed site, such as pages not loading correctly, simply describe the issue to Bolt. It will help you resolve any deployment problems quickly.

Step 4: Add Custom Domain (Optional)

If you want to use your own domain name, you can transfer the site to your Netlify account and set up a custom domain.

Bolt vs Traditional Website Builders

When comparing Bolt to platforms like Squarespace, there are several advantages to consider:

• Speed: Bolt can create a fully functional website in minutes
• Customization: The AI adapts to your specific needs and preferences
• Cost-effectiveness: No need for expensive templates or plugins
• Ease of use: No coding knowledge required

However, it's worth noting that traditional website builders might offer more granular control over certain elements. The choice between Bolt and other platforms depends on your specific needs and technical expertise.

See our take on Bolt vs Bubble here:

The Future of AI Website Design

As we've seen with our accounting firm website project, AI-powered website builders like Bolt are revolutionizing the way we create and design websites. They offer a powerful combination of speed, customization, and ease of use that's hard to match with traditional methods.

While Bolt is already impressive, the potential for AI in website design is just beginning to be realized. We can expect to see even more advanced features and capabilities in the future, further democratizing web design and making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical skills.

Ready to take your web design skills to the next level? Sign up for No Code MBA and learn how to create stunning websites and apps without writing a single line of code. Our comprehensive courses cover everything from AI-powered tools to traditional no-code platforms. Join us today and start building the future of the web!

Want to build webapps with Bolt? Click here to learn how to do this.​

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is Bolt suitable for beginners with no coding experience?

Yes, Bolt is designed to be user-friendly and doesn't require any coding knowledge. It uses natural language prompts to understand your needs and generate a website accordingly.

Can I use Bolt for e-commerce websites?

While this example focused on an accounting firm website, Bolt can be used for various types of websites, including e-commerce. You would need to specify your e-commerce requirements when describing your project to the AI.

How much does it cost to use Bolt?

Pricing for Bolt may vary. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Can I transfer my Bolt-created website to another hosting provider?

While Bolt deploys to Netlify by default, you should be able to export your website files and host them on another provider. However, this process might require some technical knowledge.

How does Bolt handle SEO?

Bolt creates websites with basic SEO best practices in mind. However, for more advanced SEO strategies, you might need to make manual adjustments or use additional tools.