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YOUR WEBSITE, WEB HOST
AND DOMAIN
Where do I begin? That is the
common question that I hear from people wanting to begin an online
business. After doing some research, and you've decided what niche you
want into -- you need to look for a web hosting provider and a domain.
If you have the expertise with HTML,
FRONTPAGE, it's a piece of cake
-- because you can create before getting a hosting provider and domain.
However
if you, like many do not have that expertise -- don't fret, most web
host providers provide additional WYSIWYG (What you see it what you get) programs with
tutorials that can guide you through the process of putting up a
website.
So, if you are not technically in the know -- with HTML,
DREAMWEAVER or FRONTPAGE (FrontPage is slowly being phased out by
Microsoft and being
replaced with Microsoft Expression. You can go to my Amazon store and
get an upgrade for any FrontPage version for $89) than look for a web host that has a WYSIWYG
program so that you can get up and running quickly. If you are going to
use FrontPage make sure the web host offers FrontPage extensions -- if
not, go elsewhere. Note: Most web hosts still supply the FrontPage
extensions -- and yet others are deciding otherwise. So inquire as to
the future of FrontPage extensions on the server you are choosing to go
with-if you're still using FrontPage or wanting to use FrontPage.
GET A WEB
HOSTING SERVICE AND DOMAIN
You may be wondering which is better-
a paid web host or free web host. I personally would go with a paid web
host. Why? You will not have to contend with the free site ads -- which
can definitely interrupt the flow of your site. And, you never know when
the free service will begin charging, or for that matter, decide to
close shop. And with a paid web host, you have a more professional
looking site.
Now you need a web host and domain
name. As I said above, if you have no knowledge of html, FrontPage, etc. then I would advise
getting a web host and domain first. Why? Because if you have a
good web host, they will supply you with a WYSIWYG (What you see is what
you get) template in which you can create your own website. In most cases, the
hosting provider will have additional bells and whistles that you
may need (free and paid), as you grow.
Your basic Web Host should provide at a minimum the
following:
- Does it offer customer service 24/7?
- Enough bandwidth for increased traffic -- 2-3 gig
- Email Accounts -- At least 3, more is definitely
better, especially if you want to use autoresponders?
- Does it supply you with traffic stats?
- Does the hosting packages provide room
for your site to grow?
- Is the price reasonable?
- Does the company have a good record of
server uptime?
- Does it offer a variety of website
templates.
- Are the support people fast and
helpful and is the support reachable.
- For those not experienced with HTML do they offer a WYSIWYG
program to get you up and running quickly
- For those that have programming experience, is there asp, php
capabilities
Each
person has a different need. Think about your needs now and in the future. Does the service
allow expansion, and if you need to expand-is the service affordable. One final
thought on cost -- If you come across a great deal for a web hosting
service --
best to find out up front what the true cost will be after the deal
expires. Ask what the cost is in the second year of service for
all the services that is included in the deal. Don't
be afraid to send them an email or give them a call. Which brings me to
customer service.
Customer Service
is another issue
that must be addressed. You do not want to find yourself with a service
by
"Bubba, I can't tell you" -- who
claims he knows nothing, can't, or won't help you to resolve your problem. So, my
advice is to check the web hosting service out. Emailing or telephoning the
web host is a great way
to see if and how they answer your questions.
Webhosting
Service To Review
Lunarpages Web Hosting
--
LunarPages offer quality customer service, affordable hosting. They offer the
basic plan to the enterprise plan. For a complete list of everything offered, click on the link
and explore.
If you want to get up and running quickly, but don't want to do the work
yourself, Lunarpages have a plan for that as well, it's called LPQuickSite.
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Basic
Plan Includes:
-
1 Free domain for Life
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1500 Gig Storage
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15000 Gig Bandwidth
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Unlimited Email/FTP Accounts
- Blog, Forum & Photo Gallery
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Frontpage and Dreamweaver compatible
- 10 Add on Domains
- Online Control Panel
- Shopping Cart Included
- Fantastico Script Library- Fantastico Script Library is a collection of 37 commonly used scripts that can be auto installed in your control panel
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Business
Plan:
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4 Free Domain Names for Life
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Unlimited Storage
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15000 GB Bandwidth
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Shopping Cart
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Ecommerce Ready
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Unlimited Databases, Email, FTP Account
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Blog, Forum & Photo Gallery
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Spam Protection
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Microsoft FrontPage compatible
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Dreamweaver compatible
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and
more....
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YOUR DOMAIN NAME
If it is at all possible,
choose a domain with a ".com" extension. This is the most
commonly used extension and easier for people to remember. In my
case, I used the ".biz" mainly because the ".com" was
taken.
Your domain name should
have the following:
A name that is easy
to remember
BUILDING YOUR WEBSITE
If you want visits by the search engines be sure to include quality content on your website. The more content, the better the search
engines will like you. And, if you wanting to use Adsense, content is
necessary.
Let me emphasize,
that quality content will draw the search engines and
traffic to your website. Why do I emphasize "quality content"?
Quality content gives not only the traffic, but the creditability you need online.
Will you get rich overnight? No, but with hard work and persistence you can
begin making money with your website.
That's one nice thing about an affiliate website, you don't need your
own product, but you do need quality information. This will keep
you in good standing with the search engines, because you are offering
more than a site just chuck full of affiliate links.
And again,
while you are building your site, do not forget to add Google Adsense
to your stream of revenue possibilities. I
Your Web
Site Is Built -- Now It's Time for SEO Optimization and connecting to the World.
SEO and
Keywords
If you're interested in started an ecommerce site, check out the
article
"Ecommerce
Where Do I Begin"
Getting a Website up and
choosing a Website Hosting Service and Domain are easy to determine once you have the
knowledge!
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