How to Build a Website

Building a website is easier than ever. You just need an idea, and you can have a website built within a couple days. Building a website is a good way to keep in touch with friends and family. You can also build a website for commercial use or virtually any other reason you can think of.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Figure out what you want your website to be about. You'll need to decide on the overall theme of the website and what it will entail. Completely dissect your idea and make sure that it is entirely feasible. If this is your first website, try to keep it basic.

2. Pick a domain name. Go to Networksolutions.com and search until you find a domain name to your liking. The domain name you select should be related to your idea and overall theme of the website you want to build. Take your time in figuring out your domain name, as it will have a wide ranging impact on the future of your website. You can see if the domain name is available by entering into the box on the main page of Networksolutions.com. If it's available, you can purchase it right there. There is an annual fee to own a domain name. If it's not available, select another name.

3. Find a web host for your domain name. The message boards at Webhostingtalk.com are a good place to look for the right web host for you. Look for a history of customer satisfaction and a performance guarantee when searching for a web host. Godaddy.com is a popular, reputable host with affordable packages. Compare prices and packages of several companies and purchase the web hosting plan that is right for you.

4. Hire someone to design your website. A good place to find a freelance website designer is on Elance.com. You can post your job with the specifications that you require, and freelance web designers will make bids on your project. Once you find the right freelance web designer, be sure you explain everything you want included on your website. As the designer is building your website, have her send you progress reports and screen shots so that you can make sure the website is on the right track.

Tips & Warnings

• If you decide to try to design the website yourself, htmlgoodies.com is a good place to learn some of the basics of html design.

• Provide the web designer with drawings or links to other websites that are similar to the design you want for your site.

• Be sure that you don't make the scope of your website too large. The smaller the initial scope, the better.

Resources

• At networksolutions.com, you can register a domain name.
• Find a good web host at webhostingtalk.com.
• Purchase a web hosting package from Godaddy.com.