So you finally decided to create your own website, but you're completely clueless how to go about it.
No worries, in this article I will provide easy-to-follow, comprehensive, and effective guide on how to start a website.
7 VERY DETAILED STEPS TO CREATING YOUR OWN WEBSITE
Note: If you already have your own domain, skip to step 3.
Step 1: Get A Domain Name
Okay, first thing first! AÃ, domainÃ, is the name or URL of your site like yourname.com or ozwebdesigns.com.au Ã, Naming a website is like giving a name for your new pet.
So, the very first thing you need to do is to get your own domain name through reliable registrars.
Where To Purchase Domain Name?
I am currently using Crazy Domain, Namecheap and Dreamhost, but I'd definitely recommend you to useÃ, Website Hosting Company.
Prices range fromÃ, $10-$12Ã, per year. They provide wide range of features and excellent customer service as well. I've been with them for almost 2 years now.
Click Here to Register WithÃ, Website Hosting Company
See if a domain is available:Ã, You can useÃ, checkdomain.comÃ, to determine if your chosen domain name is still available.
Don't worry if it's already taken. By simply adding one or two words at the beginning and end, you can still retain your desired name.
Some pointers to review before buying a domain:
1.Ã, Your domain name will play a crucial role to your website's identity.Ã, It's therefore important that you choose a domain that will complement the purpose of your website.
2.Ã, Your domain must be search friendlyÃ, so that people will be able to find and remember your website easily.
3.Ã, Your domain should contain relevant keywords.Ã, "Search Friendly" also means that you should incorporate your best keywords on your domain name. You want to make it easier for search engines (and people as well) to find out the purpose of your website. For example, you're doing aÃ, photography..you might want to name your site like one of the following:
4.Ã, Your domain should be short but descriptive.Ã, Some people argue that long and descriptive domain name is better than the short one. I would suggest that youÃ, make the domain as short as possible and make it as descriptiveÃ, as possible.
Step 2: Purchase A Reliable Web Host
Now that you have your domain name, it's time to select a web host to get your site up and make it accessible online.
Why do you need a web host?Ã, You must have a "place" or a space in order to publish your website online and to keep it up and running. Your web host also provides the storage to upload your web files.
Remember, you will most likely be working with that web host for a very long time; thus, it is vital you explore the many options available today before making a decision.
Some general guidelines on how to choose a web host:
First, do not be tempted with exceptional offers that seem too unrealistic. There are many web hosting companies today that are not competitive enough to help you in the long run. They will try to lure you in by promising great deals and offers.
Secondly, choose established, credible, and reliable web hosts. This way, you can significantly decrease your risk of wasting your money, time, and energy.
I'd recommendÃ, Website Hosting Company,Ã,. Prices ranges from $2.99 per month - it depends on your chosen package. These three have always been top-rated. I've tried them for my previous clients and never really had any problems.
Click Here to Get A Web Hosting WithÃ, Website Hosting Company
Step 3: Connect Your Domain To Your Web Host
In order to make your site work, your domain should point correctly to your web hosting account. You can do this by inserting your name servers info to your domain registrar account.
Your web host should provide the details of your name servers (or DNS) via email or you can view it somewhere on your control panel.
For example, your domain is registered with Namecheap while your web hosting is purchased from Website Hosting Company will send you an email with the name servers included or you could find this info on your control panel. It could look like this:
ns1.websitehostingcompany.com.au
ns2.websitehostingcompany.com.au
Once you get the details of your DNS (name servers), go to Website Hosting CompanyÃ, account (your domain registrar) and configure your name servers. If you register your domain name on Website Hosting Company,
Step 4: Install The Right CMS
Alright, so here's the fun part! We are "actually" now going to build your siteÃ, (using the right CMS). What is CMS anyway? CMS or content management system is a content manager that will allow you to publish, modify or design content, etc.
But you need to ask yourself first:Ã, What kind of website do you want to run? Is it a brochure site? A portfolio? An online store? or a blog? Here's some guide:
WordpressÃ, (Free): This platform is free to install. If you're a blogger or someone who wants to showcase their work and servicesÃ, <i style="font-weight: inherit;">(portfolio, brochure-style websites), then this one is for you. There are many other great CMS out there but this one is probably the best and it's also the most popular one, which I always use for my clients. It has so many beautiful features and plugins that will make your life much easier. Here's an example of a Wordpress site (my portfolio):
PrestaShopÃ, (Free) orÃ, OpencartÃ, (Free): Obviously, these are for online stores. So if your main purpose is to sell goodies, this CMS platform is for you. Here's an example of a shopping cart site:
Question: How Do I Install A CMS on my website?
If you're using one of the hosts I've recommended, they should have "FREE 1-Click Installation" included somewhere on your cPanel. Here are the list of tutorials (don't worry, it only take few minutes to set it up!):
Step 5: Select A Theme & Design
Yay! You've just built your site! How does it feeel? Whooooop! But of course, you also want to make it pretty to attract your users, right?
You'll need to select a theme that matches your site's purpose.
For example, if your target audience are girls, you want to install a girly theme on your site.
You have two options here..
You can either hire someone to do the designing or do it yourself. If you have the know-how and technical knowledge on how to design a website, then you can design a website in no time. If you are not confident enough with your design expertise, you can opt to ask web designers to create your website from top to bottom.If you decided to do it yourself.. read on:
You can search and use ready-made themes to install on your website and familiarize yourself with your CMS' dashboard/control panel so you get the hang of how it works.
If you're using Wordpress, you can go through the internet and find themes perfect for your website's goal and function. Some are free while others come with a reasonable price. Here's a list for you:<ul class="shortList bulletcircle">
Premium:Ã, Theme Xplore
Free:Ã, Wordpress Official
Ã,
Step 6: Add Content
A design will be fruitless if you do not have content. You can use videos, images, and texts as part of your website's content. As expected, content should be relevant to your website. It should be search-friendly as well. Make sure that you own the rights of the content you use to avoid future problems. You can also hire people to add content for your website.
Or... As I've said, researching and reading lots of tutorials and experimenting with your chosen CMS will help you get the hang of it.Step 7: Get Noticed! Make Your Site Search-Friendly
No matter how impressive the design and content of your website, they will all boil to nothing if no one's going to visit your site in the first place. There are many ways to promote your website and to increase its visibility. Here are some examples:
Use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques to increase the Page Rank (PR) of your website.
Use the social media as well to engage more people.
Another way to promote your website is to use email marketing, mobile marketing, affiliate marketing, ads, pay-per-click advertisement, and many others.
No worries, in this article I will provide easy-to-follow, comprehensive, and effective guide on how to start a website.
7 VERY DETAILED STEPS TO CREATING YOUR OWN WEBSITE
Note: If you already have your own domain, skip to step 3.
Step 1: Get A Domain Name
Okay, first thing first! AÃ, domainÃ, is the name or URL of your site like yourname.com or ozwebdesigns.com.au Ã, Naming a website is like giving a name for your new pet.
So, the very first thing you need to do is to get your own domain name through reliable registrars.
Where To Purchase Domain Name?
I am currently using Crazy Domain, Namecheap and Dreamhost, but I'd definitely recommend you to useÃ, Website Hosting Company.
Prices range fromÃ, $10-$12Ã, per year. They provide wide range of features and excellent customer service as well. I've been with them for almost 2 years now.
Click Here to Register WithÃ, Website Hosting Company
See if a domain is available:Ã, You can useÃ, checkdomain.comÃ, to determine if your chosen domain name is still available.
Don't worry if it's already taken. By simply adding one or two words at the beginning and end, you can still retain your desired name.
Some pointers to review before buying a domain:
1.Ã, Your domain name will play a crucial role to your website's identity.Ã, It's therefore important that you choose a domain that will complement the purpose of your website.
2.Ã, Your domain must be search friendlyÃ, so that people will be able to find and remember your website easily.
3.Ã, Your domain should contain relevant keywords.Ã, "Search Friendly" also means that you should incorporate your best keywords on your domain name. You want to make it easier for search engines (and people as well) to find out the purpose of your website. For example, you're doing aÃ, photography..you might want to name your site like one of the following:
4.Ã, Your domain should be short but descriptive.Ã, Some people argue that long and descriptive domain name is better than the short one. I would suggest that youÃ, make the domain as short as possible and make it as descriptiveÃ, as possible.
Step 2: Purchase A Reliable Web Host
Now that you have your domain name, it's time to select a web host to get your site up and make it accessible online.
Why do you need a web host?Ã, You must have a "place" or a space in order to publish your website online and to keep it up and running. Your web host also provides the storage to upload your web files.
Remember, you will most likely be working with that web host for a very long time; thus, it is vital you explore the many options available today before making a decision.
Some general guidelines on how to choose a web host:
I'd recommendÃ, Website Hosting Company,Ã,. Prices ranges from $2.99 per month - it depends on your chosen package. These three have always been top-rated. I've tried them for my previous clients and never really had any problems.
Click Here to Get A Web Hosting WithÃ, Website Hosting Company
Step 3: Connect Your Domain To Your Web Host
In order to make your site work, your domain should point correctly to your web hosting account. You can do this by inserting your name servers info to your domain registrar account.
Your web host should provide the details of your name servers (or DNS) via email or you can view it somewhere on your control panel.
For example, your domain is registered with Namecheap while your web hosting is purchased from Website Hosting Company will send you an email with the name servers included or you could find this info on your control panel. It could look like this:
Once you get the details of your DNS (name servers), go to Website Hosting CompanyÃ, account (your domain registrar) and configure your name servers. If you register your domain name on Website Hosting Company,
Step 4: Install The Right CMS
Alright, so here's the fun part! We are "actually" now going to build your siteÃ, (using the right CMS). What is CMS anyway? CMS or content management system is a content manager that will allow you to publish, modify or design content, etc.
But you need to ask yourself first:Ã, What kind of website do you want to run? Is it a brochure site? A portfolio? An online store? or a blog? Here's some guide:
Question: How Do I Install A CMS on my website?
If you're using one of the hosts I've recommended, they should have "FREE 1-Click Installation" included somewhere on your cPanel. Here are the list of tutorials (don't worry, it only take few minutes to set it up!):
Step 5: Select A Theme & Design
Yay! You've just built your site! How does it feeel? Whooooop! But of course, you also want to make it pretty to attract your users, right?
You'll need to select a theme that matches your site's purpose.
For example, if your target audience are girls, you want to install a girly theme on your site.
You have two options here..
You can either hire someone to do the designing or do it yourself. If you have the know-how and technical knowledge on how to design a website, then you can design a website in no time. If you are not confident enough with your design expertise, you can opt to ask web designers to create your website from top to bottom.If you decided to do it yourself.. read on:
You can search and use ready-made themes to install on your website and familiarize yourself with your CMS' dashboard/control panel so you get the hang of how it works.
If you're using Wordpress, you can go through the internet and find themes perfect for your website's goal and function. Some are free while others come with a reasonable price. Here's a list for you:<ul class="shortList bulletcircle">
Ã,
Step 6: Add Content
A design will be fruitless if you do not have content. You can use videos, images, and texts as part of your website's content. As expected, content should be relevant to your website. It should be search-friendly as well. Make sure that you own the rights of the content you use to avoid future problems. You can also hire people to add content for your website.
Or... As I've said, researching and reading lots of tutorials and experimenting with your chosen CMS will help you get the hang of it.Step 7: Get Noticed! Make Your Site Search-Friendly
No matter how impressive the design and content of your website, they will all boil to nothing if no one's going to visit your site in the first place. There are many ways to promote your website and to increase its visibility. Here are some examples:
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