When you first think about starting a business online, many people stay in the wishing mode because they are unsure of where or how to start. Well, the first phase is getting an idea, and the second phase is getting a website. Which, of course, means you need to build yourself a website, or if you are rich, have someone build it for you.
Anyway, the website and all it's component parts, if you are new to the game, can be very confusing. You're a babe in the woods, so to speak. That's where I was when I first started. I knew strictly the basics: Such as: What is a website?
I did not know that you had to buy your domain separately (sometimes) from your web hosting service, or what to look for in a web hosting service. Gee, there's a lot of them out there. Hopfully, for those starting out, I can give you some information that will help you get off the fence - so you too can start your own online business.
Getting A Website-What Do I Need?
By Vickie J. Scanlon
When I started, the lines were blurred to whether you needed a website or not. Some affiliate companies created web pages that you could use without creating your own website. However, Google has changed that – Duplicate content.
Duplicate Content Defined
Duplicate Content - as defined by Google "substantive blocks of content within or across domains that either completely match other content or are appreciably similar."
So what are the alternatives? Create a website or a blog. If you want a long-term presence I would first go with a website. But if you are not sure if your interest has an audience, maybe a blog can be your starting point.
Let’s assume you want a website. If this is the case, you will need to purchase a website and a domain (If you purchase a web hosting package sometimes you get the domain free, either for life or for the first year, it depends upon the web hosting service). But before I go any further, let me define website and domain, so you understand the difference.
Website – is the entire compilation of web pages, images, sound, video that appear to be put under one address on the Internet.
Domain – is your identifier, your address on the Internet where people will find your website. The text name must be unique and should identify your site, for all who visit.
Yes, you need both. If you are lucky, you can get a domain for free for life or some web hosting services offers something unique, like SEO submission or tools to create ezines, logos, etc. For a quick list of some of the minimum requirements a web host should offer, you can go to my web page Website Information. Though not exhaustive, it will give you a start point.
The needs and wants are different for individuals, sole proprietors and companies, so you can imagine, or already know how difficult it is to decide which web hosting service to go with. So how do you get started?
Webhosting Service-Things To Consider
Before you go shopping for a web hosting service you should have done a little homework. Things to consider:
1. The purpose of your website
2. Average amount of money you want to spend for the web hosting service. (In most cases, if you’re a sole proprietor, cost is at the top of the list).
3. What services does your Webhosting service need to provide to compliment your business: shopping cart, php, WYSIWYG software.
4. What software do they support
5. Support after the initial install.
My first advice, don’t go with the free web hosting service. With the free service you will have a website-but they will use ads on your website to pay for those free services. This takes away from the professionalism of the site and revenue from you.
Now that you have everything etched out in your mind or on paper, do some research. Make a list of the different web hosting services you want to consider, keeping in mind the standard features they offer on their different packages, and the price range of their packages.
And then, go to the list of what you may need in the future. You may not need to incorporate them into your cost now, but it’s nice to know that need be, they can be made available to you.
To conclude, look around, read the testimonials, make your comparisons. And before you put down your hard earned cash send them an email or call them. Why? It’s always wise to find out whom you will be working with on a daily basis. And, most importantly, there is no need to find out after the fact that they lack knowledge, experience or could care less about your problem. Yeah, I’m talking about customer service.
About the Author:
Vickie J Scanlon -- Visit her site at: My Affiliate Place for free tools,
articles, ebooks, how to info, tech accessories, software, computers for personal or affiliate business use. Looking for weekly articles-sign up to my blog to get the latest articles in your email or through rss.
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