How to Start Your Own Website in 5 Steps
By Darrel Hawes | August 30th, 2008If you want to launch your own website but are unsure what to do first, pay attention to the following list.
The first course of action is to get a domain name. There is a great deal of misinformation on this subject, so you may want to peruse the following criteria before settling on a domain name.
The domain name should end with a .com.
A domain name that is easy to spell.
Easy to say over the phone or in person.
Free of numeric characters and dashes.
The domain name should be catchy, easy to remember.
Accurately describes what you offer for sale.
Of course, there are a couple of exceptions you should know. For example, if your site is a personal blog (whether business-oriented or not), then it is common practice to use your name even in those cases in which it is not easy to spell.
One other potential exception is that of a descriptive name. Although it is normally preferable to have a descriptive domain name, many examples exist where this is not the case. Consider Google: one might initially think a better name would be TheBestSearchEngine.com. Put some thought into identifying your target audience and what appeals to them.
Second, locate a reliable web host and sign up one of their plans.
Third, build your site. You will need to decide if you want the traditional “static” type site or if you want the newer blog format.
The fourth step is to put up content on your site. If you selected a blog format for your site, you will be pleased at how simple this step is.
Fifth, it is recommended that you construct a set schedule for getting out the word about your site. It is not much good to have a website that no one reads! Several methods of promoting your site exist, including marketing with articles or video, tell-a-friend scripts, the use of press releases, marketing on forums, and posting on blogs.
Having your own website might seem intimidating at first, but it is one of the most beneficial means at your disposal for promoting your business.
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