I want a website! Where do I start?
I have run in to a countless number of people who are always asking- “What does it really take to own or start my own website?”
First, it is easiest for me to start with the technical side of a website, and explaining some of the things you’ll need to get up and running. There are some key items and technical terms you may have come across in your search to starting your own website.
Choosing a Domain Name
A domain name is nothing more than a ‘landing page’ for your website’s content. A billboard or name if you will- directing traffic to your website’s content.
A domain name will usually be related to your business/company or the idea/content you are representing. However, content or company name does not have the be the driving factor behind choosing a domain name. Many larger companies have done quite well for themselves generating a name for themselves and having no particular correlation to their domain name. Google, Ebay, Amazon… ring a bell? As long as your branding is consistent, your domain name can be whatever you want it to be. For someone with a personal website, you might choose something at random, simply to have something catchy or neat.
Your domain name ‘re-directs’ or points someone to your hosted content…
That content has to be hosted on some sort of…
Web Hosting Account
A web hosting account actually stores the web pages, content, files, etc… that you would like to present to your visitors. Hosting accounts vary in size and available features, but the primary purpose of a web hosting account is a central ‘storage’ location for your website’s files.
Last but certainly not least…
Content and Design
Once you have locked down a domain name and secured a hosting account for your files, the next process is determining what you would like to host on the website, and how you want to present the information to your visitors. With regards to personal websites, you may wish to display your photography, vent about politics, or just post general content on a particular topic. Whatever the content may be, you have to determine how you would like to present your information.
The technical side of designing a custom website from scratch requires fairly decent knowledge in basic web coding languages such as HTML, CSS, PHP, and others. You might choose to run or install a blog script, code something through the use of a web design program, or utilize some other form of integrated template system.
While it may seem easiest to utilize a blog script, try learning a web design program, or utilizing a template- recent customers have come across limitations to a template or blog that they did not realize at first glance. A truly custom website, for most, provides a way for someone to express their content without limitations to how the information is displayed as well as more functionality with useful codes that add a unique appeal to a website.
As always, MonkeyBlast.com is always here to help answer any and all questions. Please feel free to contact us regarding your desire to create a website. We offer more than just a design process; we offer complete service from original logo concepts to complete online representation. We love helping local businesses succeed online!