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OR — Make It Yourself
It just takes some effort, patience, and a web host. A web host is the computer server provider that stores and displays, or “hosts” your site files. When someone visits your domain name (dot com), they’ll be sent to this server, which displays your website.
We use HostGator, but there are other reputable hosting companies that will fit the needs of your business. You can find a current listing and comparison of providers at cnet and TechRadar.
GoDaddy is a common choice for first-timer websites, but our experience with them hasn’t been great. The costs for hosting, email, and back-ups are higher than the average, and if you have a problem or question, there’s no basic contact form to fill out. They do offer a chat bot that directs you to FAQ articles, but you really need to phone the long distance number for specific help. We recently helped a client move their website to a new host, because they kept upselling the client added features that he just didn’t need.
How To Start Your Website – 3 things you need
1. A Web Host
The charge is usually monthly, but if you commit to a year or more, you’ll get a break on the price. Hosting package prices vary depending on the amount of storage space, bandwidth, and features you need.
Yes, hosting includes email, so you can have that custom email address you’ve always wanted, like you@yourcompany.com, which leads to the next thing you need . . .
2. Reserve A Domain Name
– This is the “dot com” (YourCompany.com) name that acts as the address for your website. You can also use .net, .info, biz, etc. There are a slew of domain extensions today, but still, .com is the more popular and best recognized.
You register a domain name through a domain name registrar. There are lots to choose from. Here’s a 2023 list that covers pricing and features. It’s called, “reserving a domain name” because you don’t actually buy it and keep it. You must reserve it for a set period of time, usually yearly. As with a hosting package, the longer you reserve it, the better price break there is. Reserving a name is not usually done through your host. Again, there are many domain name providers out there, just do a search for “domain names”.
Don’t use hyphens in your name–they’re unnecessarily complicated and troublesome to remember. For example, MyBusinessProduct.com is easier to remember and share with your customers than My-Business-Product.com.
DO NOT choose a domain that interferes with another company’s trademark. Some businesses have invested time and money into a domain and only later found it violated another company’s copyright. Do a quick search here for your favorite phrase, and see if it’s in use by another company. Then choose words or a phrase that is short, easy to spell, and describes your business or product.
3. Web Pages
The fun part. Creating your own web pages and adding design.
Making Your Own Website – 3 ways to do it
1. Online Site Builders
There are some online “instant” web site builders out there, like Wix or Weebly that will let you quickly get a nice looking website up. While the free versions contain ads, they can work well for a hobby or personal site. For more interactivity, like a contact form or a store, you’ll pay extra. These web page creation services are also proprietary, meaning you cannot move your website away from their system; so if you decide you want to cut ties with them, you’re stuck with rebuilding your website elsewhere.
2. Content Management System (CMS)
A lot of companies set up a CMS like WordPress. Many hosts offer installation of this free software that lets you build 
a professional looking business website.
You log into the WordPress dashboard. The dashboard is where you manage your site’s pages and settings.
There’s more of a learning curve than using one of the online web builders, but it gives you more control and lets you do more with your website than just edit text and graphics. That’s why it’s called a content management system. There are add-ons for photo galleries, e-stores, social media, advanced contact forms, security, etc. Many free add-ons, called plugins, are available to help you expand your online business over time. This is a hugely popular option and is used by over 40% of businesses on the web.
Another plus is that you can make quick and easy changes to the webpages without having to ask your web designer. Great for price changes or adding news about your business.
You can also set up a site at
3. Learn some HTML and CSS
Yeah, most people don’t want to do this. It isn’t the simple, “design through your browser” way of making a page, but it costs nothing except the time spent learning. You can search for website templates online that can be downloaded and modified if you want to dive into the script. If you get stuck, then hire someone to help you finish and customize the site. The HTML and CSS file(s) need uploaded to your host server. Hosts usually include an online file manager that you can log into and upload files.
Now for the design. It’s time to bring your creativity! Find free photos at: unsplash and Pexels. We also have an account with Dreamstime, a great resource when you’re searching for specific types of images.
What about color? Here’s a free online tool that will help with your branding by creating a palette to work with. Just upload a favorite image and it will generate the colors.
In writing, be sure to use clear, concise content. You want to stand out from the competition and the best way to do that is with well thought-out, helpful, informative information. It really is the best way to draw attention and increase visitors. Google has moved beyond machine algorithm analysis and is putting actual human eyes on pages to consider them for ranking. If your text is informative, instructive and helpful, you’re more likely to be listed higher in the search engines.
3. Finally, Promote It
Once your website is up and running, you’ll want people to find it. SEO is important, and the one thing we recommend. Search engine optimization (SEO) is optimizing your pages and text to help your site rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). When your website ranks higher, you get more visitors.
Using social media can also help spread the word, and if you’re consistent with posting info, it really does increase traffic to your site.
You might also try email marketing. When people visit your website, capture their contact information by using a “subscribe” form on your website. Then send email messages to your subscribers letting them know about your latest offerings or product discounts.
Now go for it–and let us know about your new website. We promise to visit!
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