Websites are now prerequisite for any business, as even the smallest businesses need to have a website, but what do you need to set up a website?
Here is the list of what you need in order to have a website for your business or if you want a personal website.
What is a Domain Name?
This is your website address on the Internet that is unique to your website. It is important to realise that you do not own a domain name, but you obtain the right-to-use it for the period that you purchase, for example 1 year or multiple years.
You purchase the right-to-use from a Domain Registrar, which then holds your details and where your websites is hosted on the Internet. Although some Registrars offer hosting services, it is not mandatory to host your website with them. Read more about domain names by clicking here
Your domain name matters so you need to choose carefully. Click Here to read about why domain names matter.
It is worth remembering that new domain names struggle to do well in search engines such as Google until they have gained the trust and authority for their domain. If traffic to your website is going to be your primary source of leads and revenue generation, it is worth considering purchasing an existing domain name with a good history from specialist resellers. Read more about this.
What is TLD?
TLD, or Top Level Domain, is the extension to your domain name that sends an important signal to search engines about your target market. For example, a domain using dotCOM signals that your target market is Worldwide, whilst domain with country specific TLD such as dotES signifies you are targetting Spanish market as your primary country.
TLD does not determine the language, but can have significant impact on your traffic profile. Read more on TLD and impacts by clicking here.
What is web hosting?
You now need to set up your website on a server, also known as Web Hosting. Web hosting companies provide powerful servers that can host 1000s of websites. The service levels and prices varies widely, so it is important to understand what matters most when it comes to your website hosting.
Read this guide on how to choose your web hosting company.
How do I get an email address?
It is advisable to have an email address that matches your domain name, as using Gmail, Hotmail, or other virtual services can result in suspicion and lack of trust in your business.
Your hosting company usually includes at least 1 email account, but many provide multiple email accounts as part of their hosting packages. Click here to see examples of options
How do I create a website?
Now that you have a domain name, with the appropriate TLD, and a hosting service, you now need to create a website, or get a developer to create one for you.
You have 3 options:
1. Make your own using Web Builders
Be careful using web builders as it means you are locked into your hosting service provider. These types of websites can only work on the hosting server they were built on originally, so if you are not happy with the service you get, you can’t just pick up and go to another hosting company
Web Builders also have limitations in their capabilities and functionality, or where they offer the functionality they can prove to be expensive in the long run. So find out what the web builder platform provides, what is included, what is optional, and costs of each option.
Click here to read about the pros-and-cons of Web Builders vs Content Management Systems.
2. CMS (Content Management Systems)
These include WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc. These enable competent users and developers to create great websites at a reasonable cost, as they allow administrators to create designs, manage content, and add functionality such as e-commerce, Video Players, Members Only sections, etc.
WordPress is by far the most popular, which you can find out why by clicking on here.
3. Bespoke Websites
If you require sophisticated functionality and design, you need to employ a developer, who can create these for you.
However, you need to create a website brief for developers, as it is a costly mistake if you are hoping they can come up with the solutions without you fully briefing them. Click here to read about how to create a website brief for a developer
When employing a web developer, you need to be careful as you can easily become a hostage to them, if they do not fully document the code for you. Without a documented code, it is expensive and sometimes impossible to find another developer to maintain or manager your website in the future. Here is what you need to be aware of when using developers.
Summary
Having a website is now a default requirement for any business or individual who is offering services or products.
There are some mandatory requirements in order to set up a website, as well as some pitfalls that you may live to regret later. Contact us for sound advice and let us create a great website for you.