This is the place that gets most people stuck, the technology of a website, especially if it’s your first website. It doesnʼt have to be that way. In fact, it can be very simple once you have the exact steps for setting it up. Let me first say, Iʼm not going to teach any code or programming. This is written just for you in plain English. No geek speak, I promise:)
1. Whatʼs In A Name?
Your domain name is the address for your new website. Itʼs what youʼll put on all of your marketing materials. Depending on the product or service you offer, you may also have to say the name of your website. Here are a few important things to remember when creating your name:
No extra characters like a hyphen – You donʼt want to have to say www.mydomain-myname.com each time you give your web address.
Keep it 3 words or less – There are some websites that have successfully used more words. If you must use more than 3 words, make sure theyʼre short words that roll right off your tongue.
Can you say it easily without spelling it – Beware of spelling words differently from how visitors would usually spell it. For example using kreative instead of creative is risky. You’ll have to spell it each time you say it. Also, you run the risk of your visitors going somewhere else because they cannot find your web address.
Youʼll want to use .com over .net, .org, or any other available options. If youʼre concerned that someone will register your domain name as a .net, then register both the .com and the .net versions. You can later forward the .net address to your main .com address. Non-profits use .org. If your website is not for a non-profit organization, stay clear of registering the domain name as a .org.
You can register your domain name at GoDaddy, NameCheap or any other location you so choose.
2. Storing Your Website Files
Once you have registered your domain name, youʼll want to setup a place to host all of your files for your website. Think of this as the actual home for your website, where the domain is the physical address. Your website is stored on a host server. At the time you get signed up with a host provider you do not need actual website files. Think of it as purchasing the house and then furnishing it how you want later.
When choosing your host provider look for the one that will provide lots of unlimiteds:
UNLIMITED -> domain names
UNLIMITED -> subdomains
UNLIMITED -> email addresses
UNLIMITED -> storage space
Youʼll also want a host provider who will give you all the support you need whether itʼs via phone or live chat. I use and recommend HostGator, however there are others such as BlueHost. Do your homework and select the one that comes closest to your needs.
You may be wondering why you cannot register your domain name and host server with the same company. You can, however if you host your website with GoDaddy for example, the technology and support may be limited. Some people have had a hard time when they wanted to move their domain name or hosting to another company. I highly advise you keep the two separate.
3. What Kind Shall It Be?
Once youʼve got an address and a host server, you can now decide what type of website you want. Do you want to:
Be independent from a web guy or web girl?
Freely update your own website and add pages as you choose?
Be able to blog on your website?
If your answer to each of these questions was “Yes”, you want a WordPress.org website. If you arenʼt sure what a WordPress website looks like, take a look at the site that led you to this free pocket guide. Itʼs in WordPress!
With a WordPress.org website you can put anything youʼd like on your website such as purchase buttons, videos, audios, and anything else youʼd like to add to it.
If you are interested in a WordPress website, contact your host server from Tip #2 and ask them to walk you through setting up a WordPress.org website. You may also choose to work with a web guy or girl who can get you setup fairly quickly.
