How to Create a Free Website & Web Address
Many small business owners don't have the resources to invest into the creation and maintenance of a website. However, they can take advantage of a number of hosting providers that offer web building and hosting services for free. Consider carefully the requirements of each plan, and remember that you will have to rebuild your website if you change from one service to another.
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Instructions
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Get Online for Free
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Get a domain name for your business. Domain registration companies such as Go Daddy, 1 and 1, Webstarts, and Wix offer a variety of hosting options and domain prices.
Choose a name that is simple and that accurately describes your business. Be sure to have alternate names in case your first choice is already taken. Compare the pricing at several different hosting providers. When you find a web hosting company you would like to work with, use its domain search box to see if your proposed name is available.
When you sign up for a MS Home hosting package with 1 and 1, for example, you currently get the first three months of service free with two included domains for as long as you are affiliated. You can also purchase certain individual domain names for $.89 for the first year.
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Find a hosting provider. Hosting providers allow you to create and put your website online. Many domain registration companies have a version of a website builder included with their hosting packages. There are also web services, such as Weebly, Wix, and Yola, that provide site building and hosting services free of charge. Many of these companies make money by offering premium services or by running ads on your web pages. These companies will also offer you the option of purchasing individual domain names with their free services. Once you decide on a website host, sign up for their free services package and create a profile so you can be contacted if necessary.
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Create your site once you have decided on your web host. Many of the resources provided by today's hosting companies require absolutely no knowledge of programming. Weebly, for instance uses what is known as a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface. To build a website using their free service, you simply drag the elements you would like to have on your site onto the page and add your desired content. You can add a variety of elements to customize your site the way you want it to appear. Hit the "Publish" button and your site is live instantly.
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Tips & Warnings
You can choose not to secure your own domain and just use the sub-domain provided by your web hosting provider.
Make sure to learn the basics of search engine optimization in order to help your site be found by potential customers.
With the free website hosting providers, you can always sign up for their free package and upgrade to premium services as your business dictates.
If you decide to use the website building products of your domain registration company, remember that you will have to recreate your website if you decide to change providers.
References
- Photo Credit global background series- world wide web image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
