Recently I have been asked about how to set up a website and whether I thought it was easy enough for someone with relatively low technical ability to do. The answer is yes. Making a website can be very easy and inexpensive, and it is a great way to put your content and information someplace visible. Here is how you can make an easy website in just 6 steps.
- Choose a domain name
- Imagine your future website is like a house. The domain name is like your house’s address; it is the digital address for your website.
- Perform a Whois search at http://networksolutions.com/whois/index.jsp
- A Whois search will show you if your preferred domain name is available. If it is registered to someone else, keep trying alternate names until you find a domain name that is available.
- Register your domain
- Registering your domain is like buying the lot at your address and putting your address in the Yellow Pages. You will have to pay for this.
- It will make things easier down the line if you register with a place that also provides hosting. Some domain servers include:
- Set up hosting
- Hosting is like the actual house at your address. It is advisable to obtain hosting through your domain server. Depending on your domain server, you may need to pay for this separately.
- Each provider will will have a unique set of instructions for setting up hosting, but do not be afraid to go to their support center for help.
- Get a content management system (CMS)
- I recommend WordPress, which is free and easy to use. Go to WordPress.org and download it for free.
- Install your content management system through your hosting server
- Automatic Install:
- Check to see if your hosting service has a script installer. If they do, use that to automatically install your CMS.
- Manual Install
- You will need a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client. Example:
- Visit your CMS’ page and follow their manual install instructions.
- Log into your CMS and start posting!