Although millions of websites are being created every day, there are still people that are unsure just how to start one, especially when it comes to setting up web hosting. They may be a small business owner wanting to test the waters with finding new customers online. Or maybe the stay-at-home Mom that wants to try her hand at selling her crafts through a website. Or possibly the retiree who wants to be able to start a site dedicated to his family tree.
Web Hosting
Before getting web hosting, you need to register a domain name. Make a list of possible domain names that you would like to use. Go to a domain name registrar and use their domain lookup tool to see which domains are still available. Once you have found a domain name that you are happy with and is not being used by someone else, go through the domains registration process and lock up your domain for the next 1 to 5 years.
Once you have your domain name, you will next need to find web hosting in order to make your site “live”. There are many levels of web hosting that can be chosen. It is recommended not to go with free web hosting as many times these types of hosting plans are filled with third party advertisements, and will make your site look amateurish and unprofessional.
Unless you are planning to start a high-traffic eCommerce site with numerous pictures and videos that may need a dedicated server, getting a smaller, economical website hosting plan should suffice for now. You can always upgrade to a bigger plan later if you need to.
Other Things To Consider Regarding Web Hosting
Ease of use. Not all web hosting providers are the same. Some cater to programmers, and so their administration and cpanel styles may be confusing to the average internet user. That being said, most hosting services have easy-to-use controls that just about anyone can work with. The point is that yo should see a demo of the admin or cpanel first.
Space you are given. Be sure that you know how much space you have on the web host for your site. Video and pictures can take up a lot of the available memory.
Bandwidth. Along with the space you have for your site, you should also know how much bandwidth you will be getting each month. It’s also recommended to find out what happens if bandwidth gets exceeded. Does it automatically get bumped up to the next bandwidth tier, or does the site become unavailable until more bandwidth is set aside for it?
Whatever reason you have for wanting a website, you already have the skills to start one today. The process of making a site and getting it online used to be beyond the scope of most people. That’s just not the case anymore. Web hosting companies have gone out of their way to simplify the steps so that anyone can create a website.