Decided to create a website? Do not register a domain name until you have a website strategy plan. Beginners make the mistake of purchasing a domain before they have started to design their site.
1. Plan your website
What type of web site will you be creating? An informational site, personal, generating money? You might want to create a blog and not to worry about the domain.
2. Finding your Niche
Write down your interests, have expert knowledge in or maybe a hobby. If your hobby is fishing, narrow it down to small mouth bass fishing, ice fishing or deep sea fishing (or something else within that theme). Research keywords you will use for your theme.
3. Choosing a Web Design Software
If you are on a limited budget, make a free website. Many places online will allow you do that. Whether you use paid design software or free, read the fine print before signing up or buying to verify you will be able to have the creativity you want.
4. Create Web Pages
This takes planning on your part. Start with the homepage and then 2 or 3 pages. You do not need to make the site many pages before you go live. Not sure of a good design, take a look at different sites. Don't look at the content, but look at the design, colors, navigation. What do you like? Can you make it more visitor friendly?
5. Choosing a Web Hosting Company
There are many affordable hosting companies online. Take a look at 2 or 3. Start out with a basic package. When you decide you need to build more pages in your site and need more space, upgrade your plan. They will more than happy to do that for you.
6. Registering a Domain Name
While seeking web hosting, see what they offer (if any) for buying a domain name. Many host companies include a free domain for life as long as you stay with them for hosting.
7. Going Live
The moment has come! Uploading your website will not be difficult but do take the time to read and watch the videos (if available) your hosting company provides.
8. Generating Traffic
You need to get visitors to your site. Let the 3 big search engines know you are online. Submit your URL to Google, Yahoo and MSN. These basic steps in creating a web site does not have to be done within a day or two. Create a website that will work for you.
Take your time, be creative and most of all, have fun with it!
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