What Do I Need to Start a Website?

Whether your website is for business or pleasure, many of the requirements are the same. Before setting up your website, it's important to first know your goals. If setting up a website for e-commerce, be familiar with your product so that you can tailor your website to suit your product and maximize your profits.

Domain

Before you can do anything, you must have a domain name (the URL where your website will be located). If your website is for business, choose a domain name that is relevant to your product. Godaddy.com is a popular website that sells domains.

Web Design

When starting a website, you'll need a web design. Unless you're design savvy, you may opt to hire someone to design your website. The hosting company may offer web templates.

Hosting Company

For your website to go live, you'll need someone to host it. Godaddy.com and Corecommerce.com are two popular hosting companies.

Content

What will you fill your website with? How many pages will you need? Know your product or content prior to designing your website.

Needs

Will you need an email account associated with your website? Email, bandwidth and hard drive are all important things to consider when looking at hosting companies. Also, if you plan to sell on your website, you'll need a shopping cart, if not already supplied by your hosting company.

Free Trials

Hosting companies like Corecommerce.com offer free trials, as much as 30 days. However, to take advantage you will need a domain name.

Resources

• What Do I Need to Start a Website?
• How to Set Up a Website