Building a Website

By Jade Balle

  • Overview

    Building a website can be fun, but it can also be a headache if you don't know what you're doing. The best method if you're just starting out is to use templates to put up a basic website. Then you can change and update your site as needed. Proper planning and production can be the difference between a website that gets lost in cyberspace and one that grows and flourishes.

    • Step 1

      Decide on a domain name related to your business. (The domain name is the address people will type into their browser to reach your site, usually ending in suffixes.com, .org or .net). Narrow it down to three strong possibles and include keywords related to your business.

    • Step 2

      Sign up for a free email address, obtain an 800 number (so that customers and business contacts can call you) and get a post office box. These will all be listed on your site, with the possible exception of the free email. You will receive a new email address related to your domain name.

    • Step 3

      Find and visit an online web hosting service that has convenient, easy to use templates such as eTurnKeys (see Resources below).

    • Step 4

      Pick a template from the library of web designs that best represents your business.

    • Step 5

      Do a search on the web hosting service's site to see if your desired domain names are taken. When you have decided on a name, pay any setup fees and continue the set-up process.

    • Step 6

      Begin laying down the basic details of your site in the template provided, such as the headline of your homepage, the type of product you're selling or publicizing and what visitors should know about you.

    • Step 7

      Write web content for the following four links: About Us, About Our Products (or Services), Contact Us, Frequently Asked Questions. You can build new links as you go along, but make sure you at least have these from the beginning.

    • Step 8

      When you have your website constructed (it usually can go live in 24 hours or less depending on the web hosting service you chose) insert your final text for the four links described above. Tweak text on an ongoing basis and check your new email addresses regularly.

    • Step 9

      Publicize your site by emailing your friends and family, placing text and banner ads and writing informative articles related to your products. Post these articles on article submission sites such as Ezine Articles (see Resources below).
    • Skill: Moderate
    • Ingredients:
    • Web hosting service that offers template tools
    • Domain name
    • Microsoft Word
    • 800 number
    • Free email address
    • P.O. Box
    • Tip: Pick a domain name that's directly related to your busines, and that people will understand. Try to keep it to under 20 characters.
    • Warning:
    • Don't drop thousands of dollars on advertisements until you do thorough research about the effectiveness of Internet advertising options. Also, be sure that there is a market for your products in the first place.
    • Don't do big business with fly by night Internet companies that do not have reviews, testimonials or a Better Business Bureau membership.

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