Many small businesses like the sound of having their own website. However, it is a fact that many people simply do not know where to begin.
This article is a basic step by step guide on how to set up your own website, from choosing a name to putting web pages live on the Internet.
Each step will offer you a basic idea of what is required. However, you may decide to research further into certain areas to broaden your understanding if need be: we have provided links to help you where necessary.
Step 1: Choose a Domain Name
A domain name is the web address of your website (i.e. www.bizhelp24.com). All websites must have a domain name before they can go live on the Internet.
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 i.e. www.xyz-limited.com or www.disneycollectables.com.
Be careful not to break any laws when choosing a domain name.
After you have chosen a domain name, you need to make sure that it is available. There are many websites where you can check availability and purchase domains names:
123reg is one of them.
If you decide to use a hosting company (covered later), it would be ideal to purchase your domain name(s) with them.
Domain names can cost from as little as £2.50 per year to over £30 per year depending on the domain - .co.uk domains being the cheapest, .com/.net domains costing slightly more.
Arguably, you should purchase all three of the common domains (i.e. .com/.co.uk/.net) to stop other people purchasing them.
