Domain - Every website needs a domain name. Grabbing yourself a catchy domain name that properly brands your business is something of an art form. You'll want to try and step into your customer's shoes and view your business the way you'd want an ideal customer to view it. What web address would they imagine your business having? Would they want to type in a long domain or a short domain. Would they like that you're a.org or would they expect to see a.com at the end of your address? Would they remember your domain name? Could you see them telling a friend about your site and being able to pronounce your domain? These are all great questions to ask yourself when selecting your domain name.
Hosting - Now that you've chosen your domain name and purchased it, you'll need a place to put it. It won't show anything but a parked page if you don't direct the domain to your website. Many great web hosts exist that can give you reliable hosting for less than $10 a month. You'll also be able to host as many websites as you want from one of these accounts. Two places that I recommend are Dreamhost and Hostgator. Once you get your hosting set up, be sure to change the DNS at your domain registrar to your new hosting company. Consult the support center at your hosting company for help with changing the DNS.
Type of Site - Now you have to determine what type of site you will have. Many websites can be handled by installing Wordpress to your site. Your hosting company will likely give you the ability to install Wordpress onto your site with a few clicks. Once you have it installed you can add all sorts of functions to it to get it to do what you want it to do. Just search for what you want your site to do and add the term Wordpress to your search. For example "auction site wordpress" or "classified ads wordpress" or "directory site wordpress" These search results will put you on the right path to getting your site the way you want it.
Content - Once you have your domain, your hosting, and a site management software installed, your new site should be live and online. Once you visit it you'll notice that it looks a little bare. You'll have to start adding content to it to make it a fully functional site. If you're making a video site, you'll want to add some videos. If you're running a blog, you'll want to add some posts. If you're running a dating site, you'll want to ask a few single friends to sign up and make a profile.
That's it, four easy steps to having your very own website ready to go!
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