I want a website – how do we get the ball rolling?
Well, take a look around the internet and do some research. Look at websites of a similar nature to the one you want. If there is a particular website that you like the look of, make a note of it and let us know.
I already have a domain name, what is next?
Make sure you have access to the account controlling it –
I willl need to update what is called the “name server” details once we decide where we are going to host the website.
I’ve thought of a name for my website – how do I check if it’s available?
All websites need a domain name. I normally recommend that you use a .com if you are based in the USA or want to appeal to an international audience, and a localised one (.co.uk / .ca etc) if your business is aimed more locally. Ideally you’d be able to obtain both – for example ignite42.com and ignite42.co.uk both come to this website.
Visit www.godaddy.com
and enter your preferred name where it says “Domain Name Search”. It is best to have a few ideas because the chances are the name you want might be taken by someone else.
So I’ve found a domain name that is available – now what?
Buy it quick! I always advise my customers to purchase the domain name under their own name – that way you and only you are responsible for it, and you have complete control. I use GoDaddy.com for all of my domain name management, so they are the only company I can personally recommend.
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Where will the site be hosted?
My preferred hosting company is called Hostgator. It is where I host this website, and several others that I run. Just like with the domain name I recommend you have the hosting account set up in your own name. At the time of writing the basic
Hostgator “Hatchling” account is $6.95 a month (paid yearly) and that is more than powerful enough for the vast majority of websites.
If you want to host the site elsewhere, that is of course your right. Most hosting agreements will be more than suitable for a basic website. If you do choose to go elsewhere, please try and read some reviews on the company you want to go with. There are some bad apples out there, so be careful.
I want to update my site – how do I do it?
For the moment you’ll have to come through us for updates. However if you want to update your news then we recommend you sign up to one of the many “blog” websites. With that you can link from your website to your blog and update as often as you like.
Although I personally do not use a blog one of
the most popular blog websites is www.blogger.com.
So what is the total cost of the website going to be?
For the cost of our time and design work, please read the “Services” page. The cost of registering a website is going to be approximately $20 USD for two years. Web hosting is going to be around $85 USD for the year if you use
Hostgator.
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