Web hosting, bandwidth, domain names and code – where to start?! We understand that getting a website set up for the very first time can be a little on the overwhelming side for those not experienced. Choosing what’s going to work best for your needs takes into account numerous factors, but we’ve tried to make it easier with this handy guide.
The first thing on the list is a web hosting plan.
Web hosting is essential when wanting to set up a website because it acts as the place that stores the files, images and documents that make up your website. This space is basically a partition of a server (or large computer) that the Internet can have access to. Plans come in all different sizes, and they have varied features depending on your specific needs. If you aren’t planning on anything extravagant for your first website, then the more basic shared web hosting packages will probably suffice.
>> Read more in the Different Types of Web Hosting Explained.
>> Learn more about Digital Pacific’s Web Hosting Plans.
Are you debating between web hosting in Australia versus overseas? You might want to have a quick read-through of the benefits in hosting locally as opposed to internationally before making your final decision.
>> Take a look at these 5 Reasons to Choose Australian Web Hosting.
Choosing a domain name is the second essential step.
The domain name acts like an address to your web hosting account so that when a Web user enters the address, your information (website) is accessed and displayed. There are no real rules to choosing a domain name, but a little forethought can go a long way.
>> Take a look at these tips for Choosing the Right Domain Name.
With so many people getting online than ever before, you might find that your preferred domain name has already been taken. If it has, don’t worry! It just means you might have to get a bit more creative.
>> Take a look at these Creative Ways to Choose a Domain Name.
>> Learn more about domain registration through Digital Pacific.
The biggest step in getting online is deciding how to build the website.
This all depends on your personal website needs, your knowledge and your budget if you decide to have someone else do the dirty work for you.
>> Read more in How to Build a Website.
If your needs are basic, and your coding knowledge limited, there are the possibilities of using an easy Sitebuilder or installing a content management system. A CMS is generally constructed so that individuals can make updates and changes without having to deal with any sticky code.
>> Read more about
Content Management Systems – The 12 most popular requested by our customers.
>> Read more about
Drupal, Joomla! and WordPress – Which CMS to Choose?
If you do know a bit of code and are willing to sit down and do the work, then it might be worthwhile checking out some great tools that can help with the process.
>> Read more about these Awesome Tools for Coding Websites.
Finally, you will want to put the finishing touches on your site just before it goes live.
Did you forget to insert your keywords? Did you check the way it looks in different Web browsers? There are a million and one things to look at when dealing with a website, and if you want to make the best impression possible, you will want to go over all of them. However, it might not be possible to do that, so at least look at the big ones, such as spelling and grammar of the content, navigability, links and buttons.
>> Read more about 10 things you should do before your website goes live.
Of course, we can add numerous items to this guide, but these are the important ones for those that have never been online before and just want a way to make it happen quickly. After you have this all covered, you can start looking at other activities associated with having a website, such as website marketing and SEO.
As always, you can give our sales team a call (1300 MY HOST) if you have any questions on getting set up for the first time. We are always happy to help!
