Are you in need of showcasing your products or service to the entire world? Do you need to attract more customers for your business? If the answer is Yes, then its time you owned your own website.
I would quickly take you through the three (3) easy steps you must take to get a website up and running.
And what's even better is there is no web design or technical experience needed unless you really want to learn the basics of HTML, CSS, PHP, etc
1. Reserve Your Domain Name (e.g oluwaseun.com)
Think of your domain name as your website's home address. Take your time on this step because whatever you choose will represent your brand.
Also, try to choose a name that is short enough so you can get matching usernames for Twitter, YouTube and other Social Media accounts. Branding is everything -- don't rush this step!
2. Select Your Web Hosting Company
The web host is the company that houses your site and provides you with space to create web pages, any scripts you can install (forums, shopping carts, blogging, etc.), email addresses, security and so much more.
3. Start Building!Hosting companies can overwhelm you with their features, but the majority of them offer the same services. Always start with the cheapest monthly plan because upgrading later is very easy. Click here to register with one of the best hosting companies I know . They have a great package.
How you create your site will depend on the kind you want to make. For example, if you want to create a blog, you can take advantage of the built-in templates that come with the blogging (WordPress) platform.
No coding experience is necessary. All you do is search for the theme you want to use, activate it, make your customizations and your website is ready to go.
If you don't want to use WordPress, you can build using a more manual method or web design software like Dreamweaver. For help on building a website, write me through my contact page.
Static HTML vs. Dynamic Websites
There are basically two kinds of websites you can create.
1) Static HTML (Content is uploaded and displayed "as is")
2) Dynamic (WordPress, Joomla, Blogger, etc.) Dynamic means information is pulled from a database so you can display your website content by date, category, etc. Think blogs.
Static HTML sites are not that popular these days. In order to create them, you have to learn HTML, use templates or buy some kind of software like Dreamweaver, Artisteer, etc.
In 2004, WordPress revolutionized the way we build websites because there is no software to buy. You simply install the WordPress script from your web host, launch the admin panel, choose a theme design and begin writing your content.
Because WordPress is dynamic, you can add functionality very easily using plugins. These are scripts (many of them are free) that you install to help you do so many things (collect visitor feedback, build surveys, add social media icons, and more.)
No longer do you have to spend time uploading complicated scripts just to add shopping carts, comments, and all other kinds of functionality to your website.
