What is Google Cloud Storage Bucket?
Google Cloud Storage Bucket is a cloud-based storage service that can also be used to host static websites. It is best suited for websites built with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and images. Since there is no server involved, it is fast, secure, and easy to manage.
Creating a Google Cloud Account
To get started, you need a Google Cloud account. New users receive free credits, which makes it easy to test website hosting without spending money. After logging in to the Google Cloud Console, you can create a new project for your website.
Setting Up a Storage Bucket
Inside the project, create a storage bucket with a unique name. This bucket will act as the root directory for your website. Choose the appropriate region and storage class based on your needs, then complete the setup.
Uploading Website Files
Upload all your website files, including the index.html file, CSS, JavaScript, and images. After uploading, enable public access so that users can view your site from the browser.
Making the Bucket a Website
Google Cloud allows you to configure the bucket as a website by setting a main page and an error page. Once this is done, the bucket starts working like a regular website hosting environment.
Connecting a Custom Domain
If you want to use your own domain, you can connect it by updating DNS records. This step helps you use a professional domain name instead of the default Google Cloud URL.
Cost and Billing Overview
Google Cloud Storage is cost-effective for small websites. Charges are mainly based on storage usage and bandwidth. For low-traffic websites, the monthly cost is usually very low. You can also set billing alerts to control expenses.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a static website on Google Cloud Storage Bucket is a practical choice for beginners and developers. It offers good performance, scalability, and transparent pricing without the complexity of traditional hosting.
