Getting Started

Where To Begin?

The hardest Part of creating a website is where to begin. “Should I start from scratch? should I use software? Should I use a service to make my web site for me?” These are just a few of the questions that might plague you. We hope this article helps you feel a little more comfortable and helps you get started!

Choosing the Right Method

One of the first choices you must make is which method you use to construct your site. We must assume that you have content for your web site and that you’ve decided that a website is a feasible option for you or your business. Once you have the content and are willing to put in the right resources, then you can begin.

Three Options…

There are three main methods to choosing how your website will be built.

HTML (Code Only)

Pure HTML (using only code in programs like Microsoft® notepad) is free; however, it requires a lot of skill to produce anything that is worth the time. Totally building and running your website by HTML script only is not recommended.

WYSIWYG

WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Programs offer design views to web construction. Some of these programs offer you to edit HTML along side the design view. Programs like Expression® Web offer simple or complex web creation with support from online sources. We definitely recommend this for novice web builders looking to save some money. Learn more by reading What is a WYSIWYG?

“Web Design Services”

The third and most expensive choice is having your website professionally created. This is the best choice for people who have the money but not the time. These services will create whatever you want. A good option for an interactive website possibly with e-commerce integration.

Choosing a Domain Name

This is the most important choice you must make to create a successful website. A domain name is the web address of the main directory of your website(where the home page is located).

For Example:

Registering a Domain

To register a domain name you must use a “Domain Registrar”. But first you must find a domain name that is not taken or is for sale. Visit our Links section for more resources relating to getting a domain name. There, we list domain registrars and other services to help you. Also; see Getting Your Own Domain.

Web Hosting

Finding a web hosting service should be one of the last things you do. Once you have a website ready with content, then you can begin launching it for the whole world to see. Unless you are creating a website with interactive forms or pages (such as “asp” or “php”; if you don’t know what these are then you don’t have to worry about it).

Visit Links to find a hosting provider and see how much space on the internet you’ll need.

More Info About Web Hosting

Because this article is about first steps, we’ve decided to place much more information about web hosting on its own page called “Web Hosting 101“.