|
Setting up a web site
Chapter 7
I remember when you had to know html code to build a very basic web page. Times have changed however and now anyone can do it quickly and easily. The most time consuming part is thinking of the words to put down.
First, let me say that there are many different opinions, hosting companies, software, styles to choose and a lot of other factors to choose from. What we’ll cover here is how you can go about making a basic site (much like the one you are now visiting) with just a little time invested on your part and not much money.
Secondly, we’ve been through many hosting companies from free types like the kind that come with your internet service provider to the one that we use now - which comes with all kinds of bells & whistles (so to speak).
Basics
- You need to find someone to “host” your web site. Basically, this is a company which has many computers which are connected continuously and directly to the internet. For a monthly fee - you get to put your web site on their computers. Prices range from free - on up. You can get a good one for about $10 a month with loads of features AND a few domain names to go with.
- A web site is just a collection of computer files which work together interactively to look a lot like an electronic book on the internet.
- You can build your site using easy templates, which come with web site building software to give it an organized appearance. Most of the software available can also upload your new web site on to the host computer for you automatically with a little information to fill in from you. Some of the most popular basic software available are Microsoft Front Page and NetObjects Fusion. Prices range from free to $300 and up. This site was built using NetObjects Fusion. We’ve used Front Page in the past also. They both have advantages and potential “concerns”.
- Graphics are one item that can really spice up your site. The programs used to create them can be free to over $600. Stick to the basics that are easy to use - unless you are trained to use the expensive ones. The graphics used in this web site were built using Ulead PhotoImpact. We’ve used Paint Shop Pro as well. Both are pretty good, fairly easy (with practice) programs and at the right price - sometimes free up to $70 on sale.
- Words are likely going to be your biggest challenge next to graphics. We’ll leave that up to you - because that’s where your expertise lies.
- Getting Hosted.
- Hosting companies we’ve used in the past are www.yahoo.com,www.your-site.com. Now, we are using www.1and1.com They supply loads of features - especially for the newer person to building web sites. I would call them “all-inclusive” with domain names, cheap hosting, full features, options and free software to do all kinds of tasks with. Customer service can be really good - or somewhat bad. Our personal experience has been best with the smaller companies - such as your local internet service provider. However, you are likely to get more features included at a better price with the larger companies. In the past on our calls or e-mails to www.1and1.com they’ve been pretty slow to answer and sometimes stumble on our more technical questions - but overall, we’re satisfied. Customer service needs improvement though. It’s been a while since we’ve used Yahoo. They we’re reasonably priced (11.95/mo) and customer service was adequate - but low on features compared to 1and1. Your-site is somewhat inexpensive and straight-forward, however, they don’t offer hardly anywhere near the amount of features as 1and1. Your-site’s customer service was better than Yahoo or 1and1.
- You can go the free hosting route - but it’s likely that you won’t have enough features and won’t get a domain name with it. A domain name is like our’s; www.bizcomhelp.org . Free hosting tends to have several extensions - which aren’t easy to remember (ie. www.whatever.net/~whoever/what). Just pay the $10 a month and skip 2 Frappucino’s if you have to and do it right.
- Building your site.
- Get the software as mentioned above and follow the instructions to upload to your host. Or, you can use 1and1’s web site creator to build it interactively on their system on the internet. That method is pretty fast - but you are limited in your creativity and options. Their $10/month hosting program (as of 7/8/04) comes with 3 domain names, web site creator and a plethora of free software. Some of the software isn’t really a full license though - it’s more of a trial-type and it doesn’t work very good. We got Fusion and PhotoImpact through them and are very happy with both software titles. It takes a little practice to build a nice looking useful site - but practice makes perfect.
- The other option can be expensive ($300 and up) - to have someone build a site for you. We’ve never done it - but if you are low on time and want a real “knock-out, high-tech” site with all the latest cool stuff - that’s the way to go.
- Promoting your site is an entirely different ballgame and we might cover that at a later date. For now - just get your business on the internet. You could do it in a day if you use the above mentioned recommendations. The sooner you are on the internet with your web site - the sooner you are going to climb up the search engine ladder!
Next, we’ll explain Chapter 8. Automated Selling>>>>>
Do you like our site? Is it useful? Do you need hosting? Then please help support us and use 1&1 for your hosting by clicking the banner below (we use them)
|
|
|
All material on this site is protected & copyrighted 2004,2005-09, bizcomhelp.org, do not copy without permission.Disclaimer: In using this site - you agree to the following: While we make every effort to assure that you only get accurate information here, we cannot guarantee that every thing on the site is absolutely correct. As fast as technology changes and businesses go in and out of business, it may be difficult for us to correct changes timely. If you notice an error, please e-mail us and we’ll correct it after verification. The operators of this web site assume no liability whatsoever from you using this site. We make no guarantees, warranties, nor do we imply anything or recommend any particular action or doing business with an particular company by you or any visitor to this site. You are using this site of your own free will and we are not responsible for your actions arising from your interpretations of material contained herein. This is a reference, read-only site and we do not give out legal or professional advice. Information listed on this site is solely that of our own personal experiences and not everything may work for you.
|
