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Getting Started: Deploying Your New Website

Introduction

Welcome to your new academic website! In this guide, we will walk through the deployment process. We use a modern stack that combines GitHub (where your code lives) and Vercel (where your website lives).

By the end of this guide, you will have a live URL (e.g., your-lab.vercel.app) that you can share with colleagues and students.

Create Your Repository

First, we need to create a copy of the template in your own GitHub account. This ensures that you own the code and can make changes without affecting the original template.

  1. Open the GitHub Repository link sent to your email.
  2. Look for the green button labeled "Use this template".
  3. Select "Create a new repository".
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4. Name your repository (e.g., smith-lab-website) and make sure it is set to Public (unless you have a paid GitHub Pro account, in which case Private is fine)

5. Click "Create repository from template".

Connect to Vercel

Now that the code is in your account, we need to connect it to Vercel to make it accessible on the internet.

  1. Go to Vercel.com and sign up (or log in). Pro Tip: Sign in with GitHub to make this step automatic.
  2. On your dashboard, click the "Add New..." button and select "Project".

Environment Variables (Crucial Step)

This is the most important step. Your website needs specific "keys" to talk to your content management system (Sanity).

  1. In the "Configure Project" screen, click on "Environment Variables" to expand the menu.
  2. Add the following variables (these were included in your purchase email):
NEXT_PUBLIC_SANITY_PROJECT_ID = "your_project_id_here"
NEXT_PUBLIC_SANITY_DATASET = "production"
SANITY_API_TOKEN = "your_secret_token_here"
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Final Launch

Once your variables are added:

  1. Click the large black "Deploy" button at the bottom of the card.
  2. Wait about 1–2 minutes. Vercel is building your site, optimizing images, and compiling your content.

When it finishes, you will see a celebration screen with a screenshot of your new site!

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Next Steps

Congratulations! Your site is live on a Vercel subdomain (e.g., your-lab.vercel.app).

Now that your site is online, the most important next step is to connect your professional address so colleagues can find you easily.

  • Connect Your Domain: Learn how to point your .com or .edu domain to your new website in just a few clicks.