2010-09-24

Learn How to Start a Website

Almost everyone's having one nowadays and there's really no reason to why you don't already have your very own web site. It's easy as well as cheap to set up and it can change the way you look at things. We know for a fact that many have experienced such economical success that they've been able to quit their day time work to solely concentrate on their site. Of course, there's nothing wrong in setting up a site just for the fun of it. To help you get started we've created this article filled with tips and tricks.

Start your own website

How to start up your own web site

Let's start with the programming bit. If you want to learn how to start a website, the first thing you need to understand is that a website is always built on one or a mix of scripting/programming languages. The most common and basic is HTML, that won't take too long to learn and will allow you to create simple website pages. This language is the base for others like PHP and ASP, but can, if learned properly, solely be used in creating full scale dynamic websites. Dream Weaver is a common editing tool software where you can create and edit your HTML pages displaying both code and layout preview. Start learning HTML now!

Finding a Web Host

When it comes to web hosting it can play an significant part in helping you start your own website. Not only will a webhost guarantee your presence online by offering space on their server for you to store your website files, a domain name and proper bandwidth. A good web host will also have a services and software that can take care of the site building for you. Finding a good host however can prove to be somewhat of a struggle as there are a lot of hosts claiming to be the best. Our editors have chosen three hosts that we believe to satisfy all of your needs. They are cheap, stable and will provide you with all the features you need to manage your website.

Software like SiteBuildIt and cPanel and already made script templates like Wordpress, Joomla or Mambo are also available for free and allow you to create a website, install a blog, CMS (Content Management System) in a matter of minutes.

These services will of course initially take away some of your control over the website. But as soon as you have learned and understood how exactly websites are constructed these services will not stand in your way in changing or adding function and features on your website. Commerce scripts and free website plug-in scripts are offered by a number of good web hosts, sign up today and have a dynamic website up and running within 24 hours!

How a Website works

Programming aside, a website basically consists of a number of files stored in the root directory of your web hosting storage space. When somebody types in the domain name address in a web browser or clicks on a link to your website, the web browser sends a request to you web host server. If all is good the server responds with proper data, that is displayed in the browser as you website. The first file that will be requested from the web browser when somebody types in your domain name, is the index-file.

The most important HTML file- index.html

When you log on to any website, the file that is loading on almost all web servers is index.html. Take an example where you are making a web site of three HTML pages, the opening page (index.html), an about me page (aboutme.html) and a links page (links.html).

If you're on your own domain, the files would look like this once you upload them on your server.

  • http://www.yourdomain.com/index.html
  • http://www.abc.com/aboutme.html
  • http://www.yourdomain.com/links.html

The first page, http://www.yourdomain.com/index.html, can also be loaded by just typing http://www.yourdomain.com/

The same is true of folders or directories. If you made one called /xyz/, you could put a new index.html in it, and it could be accessed two ways:

  • http://www.yourdomain.com/xyz/index.html
  • http://www.yourdomain.com/xyz/

Designing the site

Designing a site can be somewhat of a headache for at least some of us. However, most hosts include a Sitebuilder in their plans, guiding you through the necessary steps, making it a fairly easy process. One host that has gone above and beyond is InMotion that helps out with customizing your web design. Get in contact with InMotion, have a short chat with their designers, send them your content and they will design the site for you. Now all you have to do is review the finished product and if you’re happy with the result they will publish it for you. Head on over to the InMotion website for a free website consultation, or give them a call at 1-888-863-5198 and see if there is a match.

The Two Copy Rule

When you write your web site, you'll need two copies, one on your web host and one on your hard drive. The reasons for this are, firstly that you need a backup and secondly when you're working on your site, you don't work on it live. When you work on the copy of your HTML pages on your hard disk, it's called "editing the local copy." The copy on the web host is called the "remote copy." You will edit the files from a folder in your hard drive, and once you're down, you'll upload them to your web host. That's when everyone can view it. You can always view your files on your hard drive before you upload them.

  • Open your web browser.
  • Choose File -> Open... File, (Browse).
  • Find the folder with your HTML files.
  • Double-click the one you're working on, and it will be in your web browser.

Choosing a Domain Name

One of the most important things that you will have to do when setting up your website is picking a domain name. This step is crucial and it can to some extent make or break your website. It's also one of the most difficult steps as most good domain names already are taken. However, it's not impossible task so don't despair - start exercising your creative muscles and take the time it takes and you won't have anything to worry about.

Generic Domain Name - This is the classic way of picking domain name but there is a problem arising with this type. As it's a first, first served basis pretty much all the good ones are taken. Should you find one - grab it at once.

Because of the fact that generic domain names most often already are taken the unconventional domain names are growing in strength. Take the del.icio.us - it's an extremely popular site that has managed to go around the problem. Start brainstorming - who knows? You just might come up with a name that will stick in the mind of your visitors.

Another tip is to keep the name short as this will make it more memorable and easier to spell. If it's too long you risk the chance of losing visitors as they won't remember the name of your site. It's also a good idea to use a keyword in the domain name. This is because it will increase the chances of getting a high rank on the search engines.

Commonly made Mistake

The most common mistake for new web-designers is to put the c:\ in links and images. When you're on the web, there is no c:\ to the rest of the world. When you start out, keep all your HTML files and images in one folder, and don't use c:\ at all.

For example - < img> loads an image into a web page. If you have a file called taco.jpg, use the code <img src="taco.jpg"> to load it, not <img src="c:\My Documents\website\taco.jpg">

Get Started!

Hopefully you are now starting to grasp the concept of starting your own website. We encourage you to learn more about different script languages so you ultimately can make your own websites, exactly how you want them. Until then, the smartest way to get a site live is using various commerce scripts offered by our listed web hosts. Go to Advanced Search to search through and read reviews of some of the best hosting providers on the market that we have found to provide reliable and proper web hosting.

Written by Chris Reynolds

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Chris Reynolds is a true hosting geek that was born in the city by the sea, Seattle, in the late 1970's. Growing up in a progressive community he quickly became interested in things of the more technical kind. In recent years his interest has progressed as well; namely into his line of profession. Keep your eyes open for any of his articles on topics such as Linux, PHP, CSS, and ASP.

Add Your Thoughts

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Commented by: G LEWIS, 11 March, 2009

I WANT TOSTARART WEB SITE

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Commented by: Markus, 26 March, 2009

Lewis: Chill, take a deep breath.

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Commented by: W, 29 April, 2009

Haha... Lewis has ants in his pants.

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Commented by: ken cisneros, 18 July, 2009

hey there, i'm interested in doing this however the technical side not so much. i have an idea and want to make it happen. i need a simplified approach to bringing my idea to reality. thx

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Commented by: Thomas, 8 September, 2009

I think this article does a good job of describing what needs to be done. If you'd like to have someone else do it for you, try http://onlineinfivedays.com. We'll suggest a domain name, purchase the domain, set up your site and email and provide you a user-friendly content management system. All in five days or it's free.

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Commented by: Thomas, 8 September, 2009

Sorry...forgot to mention, it costs only $300.

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Commented by: Paul, 12 September, 2009

Hi there. I just stumbled across this and thought I would like to give a comment to everyone. The piece is 100%. About 4 months ago I decided to start my own website... a month later, after learning basic HTML and php, I realized I could help others do the same.
I know own an internet / Consulting company here in Chile (but I'm British myself). I have around 3 people working for me, and over 40+ companies currently hosting, and maintaining their websites with me.

I have never looked back, and highly suggest starting a website to anyone and everyone. There are hundreds of websites to find help.

GO TO IT!!

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Commented by: Ashley, 7 October, 2009

i have a site but i am stuck on what to right can anyone give me any ideas on what to put

thanks

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Commented by: Domenica, 23 October, 2009

visit my website http://vintage4eternity.bubble.nu i make website layouts for free but you must credit me. interested then stop by

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Commented by: carlitos pereira, 26 October, 2009

i love to make a website

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Commented by: H.R.Boone, 31 October, 2009

I would like to start a website. I would also like understand how websites like myspace and facebook make money because I believe I can do it too.

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Commented by: Randy Signer, 28 November, 2009

Ash, Find main areas of Importance & your' needed interest; like at a store;
(1 Ex.: Home Depot;
2 Electronics
3 Hot wires, ground wires & nuetral wires;
4 Elabotate Elegantly!!!:):) Weigh Worth!:):)

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Commented by: frans coetzee, 2 December, 2009

good i need a website in handyman

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Commented by: rara creger, 12 January, 2010

i really want to start my own website....just so i can start selling my clothing ideas

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Commented by: D. Frierson, 29 January, 2010

I want to know every thing about every thing on how to start my own web site. If you can please email me @ rell713@gmail.com Thank you

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Commented by: ibrahim, 27 February, 2010

help

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Commented by: chika chuks, 18 March, 2010

I want to start my own website , but i want to know the recommendations. i want to know the steps to follow in other to have my own website and know how to open it.
thanks

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Commented by: Atique, 30 March, 2010

I want to open parsonal website. but how can i do it? please help.

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Commented by: puneet mishra, 16 April, 2010

i want to open new website for bussiness

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Commented by: max, 25 April, 2010

I would like to start my own website for personal buisness. But I need help.

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Commented by: GreenGeeksCoupon.com, 28 April, 2010

Guys, if you want to build your own website, that is very easy actually. But one has to know how to start.

You can actually build in a "Drag and drop" website builder, which means you dont need to be programmer or know any html at all!

There are a few out there, most suck hard! But I personally use Bluevoda website builder. Its great!

I make thousands of dollars every month with my website that I built in Bluevoda! ;) To prove to you that I dont bs you, I wont send you threw any affiliate link. www.vodahost.com

You can build it before you have to pay anything! You only pay when you want it online. Good luck! :D

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Commented by: sloan, 2 May, 2010

I want to start a website

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Commented by: Juwonanibaba, 17 May, 2010

I will like to have my know site

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Commented by: anuachu, 19 May, 2010

gooooooooooooooooood

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Commented by: abiyot, 24 May, 2010

thanks for you 'r support

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Commented by: abiyot, 24 May, 2010

thanks for you's support

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Commented by: JERRY , 26 May, 2010

I NEED TO START A WEB SITE AND KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT

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Commented by: Tisha, 6 June, 2010

haha peeps whats up?

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Commented by: bienvenido reynolds, 4 July, 2010

i wanna start my own website to show off my big black dic

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Commented by: adex quadra, 15 July, 2010

i want to open a website

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Commented by: adex quadra, 15 July, 2010

i want to open a website

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Commented by: lp, 3 August, 2010

I want to start a small website for my business,is there any body out there that can help me on my wat please:)

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Commented by: eyokalexacek, 8 August, 2010

I wish everyone Good Luck

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Commented by: eyokalexacek, 8 August, 2010

I still wish everyone Good Luck

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Commented by: eyokalexacek, 8 August, 2010

Iwish you Good Luck

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Commented by: logan, 11 August, 2010

i want to start a web sight

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Commented by: olusanya , 23 August, 2010

you can allow us to create a free domain name and probably use it for at leeast a month.

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Commented by: tolu, 2 September, 2010

how do start a real website

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Commented by: MARADESA WASIU ADETUNJI, 6 September, 2010

I WANT TO OPEN WEBSITE

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Commented by: MARADESA WASIU ADETUNJI, 6 September, 2010

I WANT TO OPEN WEBSITE

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Commented by: victor ojo, 7 September, 2010

I am need of my website. I have already designed my own pages and saved in MS Publication in my Laptop, the problem is, i don't know how to launch into the web. Thanks.
victor

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Commented by: joy igbineweka, 12 September, 2010

thank God

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Commented by: chidera, 16 September, 2010

i need to start a website

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Commented by: chriscoffie, 24 September, 2010

iwanna create my own website

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Commented by: mukesh, 1 October, 2010

now i will post my website

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Commented by: *face_palm*, 1 October, 2010

I believe the first steps for any of you wishing to start your own website would first be to learn how to spell. Spell-check is a WONDERFUL thing. Embrace it. Secondly, grammar...nobody wants to visit & actually pay or stay on a site created by an idiot. I'm not trying to be a complete douche about it, but it's so hard not to be. lol If you think that creating your own site, whether it be for selling your own goods or just blogging, is going to be a "get rich quick" type deal you are wrong. You can spend a very long time twiddling your thumbs waiting on the money to roll in. Even then it may not. learning html is only easy for the computer/technology savvy people. I don't care what anyone says...the shit is NOT easy. Make sure it's something that you can put all of your time in to in order to accomplish your goals before you do this. It is a lot of work to begin with. But GOOD LUCK to those that will actually follow through with this.

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Commented by: I want, 1 October, 2010

to make a web hind sight.

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Commented by: rajat mitra, 1 October, 2010

i want to open a free website.but its hard.

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Commented by: Cornelius Amoaddae, 2 October, 2010

i want to open free website but the steps is very tidious for me so i want you to teach me open it.

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Commented by: .hanif, 4 October, 2010

i want to open free websit , plzz help me.

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Commented by: ryan sanders, 16 October, 2010

would like info on starting my own website.

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Commented by: dee-why, 20 October, 2010

i want to open a free website that will also boost my income.

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Commented by: balaji, 22 October, 2010

i want to start now

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Commented by: Arnel, 23 October, 2010

I have a website but I don't know whats the best topic for my site. Hope somebody give some suggestions for my site. www.myupshare.com

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Commented by: Best Hosting:, 31 October, 2010

As an experienced webmaster I recommend BH web hosting which I’m sure it would work for you and fulfill all your requirements. They have a really great offer for hosting & I have used them for over 3 yrs now, and have never had a single problem with them.

You can reach reviews about this web hosting provider and its latest DISCOUNT COUPONS at:

http://www.threehosts.com/reviews/1st

Only $3.95 /month (with discount coupon)

******IMPORTANT********
* This service was awarded the “Best Web Hosting OF The Year”.
* If you sign up for this service you will have $75 credits to advertise your website with the google & yahoo search engines for free!
* You Can Register A Free Domain or Use Your Existing Domains. They Support All Domain Names.
*****************************

Hope this helps.

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Commented by: haseeba, 1 November, 2010

i want to create a website for my school established since 2004.kindly help

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Commented by: baganzi moses, 3 November, 2010

i want to open a website for my company

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Commented by: mohamed, 9 November, 2010

I will start a website

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Commented by: T.K.P.ASOKAN, 18 November, 2010

help me to open a wep site

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Commented by: RABBI, 18 November, 2010

I WANTED TO OPEN A WEBSITE............

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Commented by: dr. prakash choudhari , 27 November, 2010

i wanted start my web side how it will?

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Commented by: Victor, 27 November, 2010

I want to create my own website

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Commented by: binoy ettithara, 29 November, 2010

I want to open an own website

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Commented by: Apples, 1 December, 2010

I need all the schooling I can get on starting a website. Please help !! Thanks.

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Commented by: NoviceGuide, 1 December, 2010

Great article! There's a new book, A Novice Guide to Starting and Owning a Website", that takes a lot of these ideas and breaks them down even further. http://www.mynoviceguide.com

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Commented by: Faisal Hasan, 5 December, 2010

I want to open a new website for myself.
How can I start & enjoy by opening a new site.

Waiting for your reply.

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Commented by: Biswarup Parida, 5 December, 2010

Pleas suggest me how to start a web page hosting as a business in our locality

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Commented by: joshua chiluba, 14 December, 2010

i have a lot that i feel i can share with the world

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Commented by: amjad mohmand, 15 December, 2010

i want a website please help meeeeee soryyyyyyyyy

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Commented by: Sulaiman tukur, 15 December, 2010

Good news

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Commented by: Valentine N. Obinna, 18 December, 2010

Please i'm seriously in need of my own website

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Commented by: VICTOR, 26 November, 2011

How much does it cost to start a website. I really really need one

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Commented by: debasischakraborty, 22 December, 2011

a friendly guide indeed.

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