Tuesday 5 October 2010

Setting up your own website

How to set up your own website

Step 1 - choose a domain name

A domain name is the web address of your website .

It is beneficial to choose a domain name that is the same name as your business or gives people an idea of what you sell.

Step 2 - find a web hosting company

Web hosting companies charge from £0 to over £30 per month depending on how much space you require, security levels, if you require database support, and many other things. See this link for the pros and cons of free web hosting: http://www.walkerwebsites.co.uk/hosting.htm

Step 3 - build the website

Many people build websites using Macromedia Dreamweaver or Microsoft FrontPage depending on their preference.

To begin with, you should plan out your website on paper, to determine the layout of the website and how all pages will link together.

Start with the homepage and then work your way through the website.

Customers should be able to get a feel for the website layout and content by looking at the home page.

You should create a contact page that is clearly linked from all pages, the home page in particular.

You should also create a page that details the background and nature of your company.

See this link for a website health check: http://www.walkerwebsites.co.uk/newsletter/checklist.htm

Step 4 - go live

An ftp program can be used to 'upload' files and images. Many are free (www.download.com)

step 5 - submit your website to search engines

You can submit your site to Google using this link: http://www.google.co.uk/addurl/

See this link for more on promoting your website: http://www.walkerwebsites.co.uk/promotion.htm

step 6 - update your website regularly

If the information on your website stays the same then customers will be less inclined to return again. Also, search engines take more notice of websites that are regularly updated.

Good luck. If you need any further help or advice, you can contact Jane Walker at info@walkerwebsites.co.uk or telephone 0777 169 1194.

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