How to create a website and how to get a website or online business started Getting Started
How To Get Your Website or Online Business Started



May 1st, 2009:

How To Get Your Website or Online Business Started

This tutorial will show you how to create a website and how to get your online business started, whether you have ample knowledge of HTML, CSS, website design, and server administration, or no webmaster-related skills at all.

The 4 Basic Things You Need To Get Your Website Started

  • Site Content and Text
  • Website Design and Layout
  • Your Domain Name
  • Server Host to Host Your Site
The first step in creating your website is to collect content and write the text you want to display on your website. You can use any word processing application, such as MS Word, Corel WordPerfect, or WordPad, which comes with MS Windows. As with any other document, article or presentation, you should start with some sort of introduction and/or directory on the first page and then use the subsequent pages to write the content for each category or page within your website. To get a better overview of your content, use a new page for each category page in your website.

How to Write the Text or Content for Your Website:

When you are writing content, make sure to use the proper keywords in the text. Keywords are the words that describe the subject of your writing and the content of your website. For example: If you want to create a website about astrology, be sure to use the word "astrology", along with related keywords (i.e. horoscopes, aries, cancer, gemini, leo, libra, and so on) frequently throughout the text.

Writing Keyword-Rich Content

Why is keyword-rich content important? This is very essential for eventual search engine placement. Keywords within the text are one of the aspects that a search engine will use to determine the importance of your website. If you want your website to be found in search engines, focus on writing keyword-rich content. For more information about writing keyword- rich content go to:.

Ok, now you have finished writing the text you want to publish online. The next step is to create the layout or design for your website. There are several different possible approaches:

How to Create a Website with No HTML or Programming Skills

If you have no knowledge of web design or HTML at all, I would suggest choosing an online website creation or site builder tool, which most website hosting companies offer. Most hosting companies provide this service, in combination with hosting services and domain name registration, for a small fee. I have seen all-in-one packages starting at about U$10/month. This is an easy solution for anybody who is not interested in learning about web design, HTML and complicated technical stuff. With a site creator or website builder, you can select a website template or graphic layout for your website, which in most cases are absolutely professional-looking site layouts. Then you simply copy and paste your text and content into the template. If you are familiar with MS PowerPoint, utilizing a site creator or site builder tools is very similar to creating a PowerPoint presentation. The hosting company takes care of the rest. Please visit Webmaster Resources for more information about website templates.

What is The Disadvantage of Using Site Builder or Website Creation Tools?

While this is probably the easiest and fastest way to get a professional looking site online, there are a number of disadvantages involved with the use of online website builders or site creators. You may not be able to customize the graphic layout according to your needs, and you may be unable to optimize such websites or templates for search engines. Thus, this option is only recommended for small personal websites, sharing photo albums online, or very basic e-commerce sites. If you are serious about your online business, I do not recommend this method of site creation.

How to Use a WYSIWYG HTML Editor

The functions of a WYSIWYG HTML editor are very similar to those of online site builders and online website creation tools. Instead of using this tool online, the application is installed on your PC, and its functionality may be a little more comprehensive and flexible than that of online website creators.If you know how to use a word processing, desktop publishing, or graphic application, you already know how to use a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) HTML editor, and there is a good chance that you could create a graphically appealing website. With a WYSIWYG editor, the user can create a website by just typing text or clicking and dragging images and photos into a graphic interface similar to MSWord, MSFrontPage, or any desktop publishing application. Although such editors make it easy for the user to create a nice looking website with no knowledge of HTML or CSS, this might not be the most ideal solution if you are serious about your online business. The advantage of using a WYSIWYG HTML editor: You do not need any HTML knowledge, since the WYSIWYG HTML editor application writes the HTML code for you.

What is the Disadvantage of Using a WYSIWYG HTML Editor?

The WYSIWYG HTML editor application typically writes a significant amount of unnecessary code, which will drastically limit your chances of getting listed in top positions with search engines. All in all, if you are serious about your online business or are looking to get work as a website designer or webmaster, I do not recommend the use of a WYSIWYG HTML editor.

I Have Some Graphic Design Skills and Basic Knowledge of HTML.

If you are familiar with Photoshop (or any other graphic application software) and you have some basic HTML knowledge, but you believe you might not be skilled enough to create a professional-looking website layout, you may want to consider using another form of website template. Site templates are available for purchase starting at about U$10 - U$80. You get a professional looking site layout with all graphics, fonts, and HTML page(s). You can then customize these graphics in Photoshop or most other graphic applications. You can also customize the HTML code (CSS) in your html editor. This will allow you to optimize your HTML files for search engines (adding meta tags and more) and to customize graphics to your specific needs without spending countless hours on creating your own professional looking website layout.

I Have Created My Website, Now How Do I Register a Domain Name?

I strongly recommend that you register your own unique domain name for your website. Here you will find more information about how to choose the right domain name for your site or online business, and how to register a domain name: Unfortunately, most good domains names are taken these days, so you might have to compromise a little and try to get the best domain available for your site.

Once you have found and registered the right domain name for your website or online business you are ready to find a server host or hosting company for your site.

Finding a Server Host or Hosting Company to Host Your Site

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