What are the steps to creating a web site?

Here are the four basic steps to follow, and some sage advice at the end.

1. First, a website needs a place to live so you’ll need a domain name. These are very easy to register online. Typically a .com (dot com) domain name is what most look for such as, www.mycompany.com. But there are several other extensions that can be registered as well such as .org, .net, and so on. For many of my Canadian clients I prefer a .ca extension if the client wants to appeal to Canadian visitors.

2. Next you need to find a hosting service. A web host is basically a computer that keeps your website files. When someone types in your domain name into a web browser a request is made to the host computer to share those files with the visitor. There are several good hosting companies available so shop around. I personally like Host Gator which provides unlimited hosting for about $10. bucks a month.

3. Once you’ve got your domain name and hosting nailed down, you’ll want to get busy on your new web design. If it’s a personal website you’re developing there are lots of free website solutions online. Some of these you’ll find within your hosting account. These templates are fun since they don’t require any coding knowlege at all, and anyone can put up a website. I don’t recommend this route if you’re website is for your business. Why? Well the fact is that businesses require targeted traffic in order to get customers from their websites. This is a skill that you’ll likely want to hire a professional web designer for.

4. The last step is to publish or upload your new website to the internet. Basically all you’re doing is transferring the files you created to your hosting account. If you’re using one of the do it yourself websites in the previous point, you won’t likely need to do this step, usually just hit a “Publish” button.

Well I hope these basic steps will be helpful to you. Be sure to do some research and shop around for a place to buy your domain names, and hosting account. I like to use. www.sibername.com, and HostGator.com. If you can, find a domain name that has an important keyword in it.

I hope this little article will help.

For more tips and suggestions about web design, visit Murray McFadgen’s site. Need help on how to choose the right web designer niagara. Give Murray a call.