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Setting up your own website; hot tips for the small business on domain names, hosting and web design

Setting up a website may seem a daunting prospect when you have got so much else on your plate to deal with, but it needn’t be that complicated. I have written this practical no nonsense guide to talk you through the basics of domain names, web hosting, web design and show you how to get started.

How to set up a website

There are 3 simple steps;

register a domain name, such as www.mybusiness.co.uk;
find a hosting provider to rent you the webspace to house your website;
produce a design for your website.

1. How do I register a domain name?

The first thing you’ll need to do is check that the name you want is available. You can do this online and there are lots of companies that also let you register your domain name online. Registration is typically less than £5 a year for a .co.uk domain. Many designers or hosting providers will sort this out for you. I include this as part of my standard package to save you the hassle.

2. How can I get webspace?

Webspace is space on a computer owned by a hosting company. Your hosting provider will connect your webspace with your domain name so that anyone who types your domain name into their browser will arrive at your website. Prices vary so shop around. I include 3 months FREE hosting as part of my standard package and then offer you the option to continue hosting at a comptetitive market rate from just £1.99 per month.

3. How do I sort out the design?

There are four key options. Here they are with a list of pros and cons for you to consider;

Design Option	Pros	Cons
1. DIY using a software package such as Microsoft Frontpage	Save on agency or freelancer costs	You may have to purchase software Potentially time consuming Do you have the skillset or, if not, the patience to learn? You are on your own if you run into problems
2. DIY using an off the shelf site builder package	Relatively cheap option Template driven so it is easy to pick it up	Design will not be original and may carry a reference to the package on each page of your site Package may not be able to deliver all your requirements
3. Appoint a web design agency	Team of specialists likely to deliver professional results Good option for complicated requirements	Likely to be most expensive solution
4. Appoint a freelance web designer	Professionally designed site but likely to be cheaper than agency and able to work within your budget.	For more complicated sites check freelancer’s skill set can cope with your needs. Unlike an agency this is a ‘one man band’

I pride myself on offering affordable web solutions to small businesses and individuals. Take a look at my prices and demos while you are here and why not contact me to discuss your own requirements?

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