If you’re creating your own website, you have a few issues to deal with. To create a website, you will require a domain name, your site materials, web hosting, site-building software and some time and space to learn how to put your site together the way you want it. Website building isn’t particularly difficult, but getting it right can be an issue and a half. It’s a good idea to have some support on hand when you need it.
Web Hosting and Getting A Domain Name
You need a unique site name and preferably one that really stands out. Made-up names are often the simplest, using words which mean something special to you. The best way to do your research is with your name application to a web host, which will give you a definite yes or no answer. You can also use names like .org, .net, or other suffixes if allowed, but remember that the .com names are the most common and most popular.
In most cases you’ll have to pay a web host for your name, registration and a full service (unlimited pages) site. You’ll also see terms related to your allocated space, site features, and other site options like guestbooks, RSS feeds, etc.
The good news- It is possible to get very cheap web hosting for a good full service site. A good deal can be as low as around $5 a month!
Site Building
Building your website can be very easy, particularly if you use templates, which are ready made page structures. That said, uploading files, pictures and other materials needs to be learned thoroughly. It’s quite possible to find yourself floundering around trying to get a media player to work, or trying to figure out what’s gone wrong with the sound when you’ve got it working.
Be patient, be sure to watch the tutorials, check out the steps involved in each part of loading a page, editing and using the site builder tools. Do things one step at a time, until you’re fluent using the site builder.
Website Content
You’ll have an agreement with the web host that specifies materials you can’t post online. When you’ve signed that agreement, you really do have to play by the rules. The web host would be within their rights to take down your site if it breaks them. You may not have intentionally done anything wrong, but if someone complains about a picture, the web host has to make a judgment call on the complaint. Generally speaking, if the web host doesn’t think there’s a problem, there’ll be no action. If they do, however, you’ll get an email telling you to remove the site materials.
Getting Support
This is important- If you’re having trouble with your site, you can make it a lot worse if you don’t get some help. Don’t guess, ask. All web hosts have support for site owners, and you can usually get things straightened out pretty easily.
You’ll find having your own site a lot of fun. It’s a big world online, so make the most of it.
