How to create, run & manage your own website - Part I
I get many queries on how to create, run and manage a website. I'm presenting a series of 3 articles to tell you how to go about having your own website.
When I started; I knew nothing about domains, web hosts, bandwidth et al. I learned everything on the job. I think that is the best way. Do not expect that after reading this series you will know everything about running a successful website. I'll definitely help you avoid the mistakes I did. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. People who don't make mistakes, don't go anywhere.
Before we begin understanding steps involved in starting a website, let me inform you: This series is meant for people wanting to have their own domain, own web-space etc. and are willing to spend money.
Starting with the right attitude:
Even before we take the first step towards building a website, the first thing is building it in our (your!) brain. I'd advise that you build a website around something you are passionate about. If money-making is your sole purpose, 99% are the chances you will fail. Making money from website requires lot of patience, hard work, determination and dedication. Ask yourself these simple question:-
1. Do I really want to have my own website?
2. Will I be able to give it all the time it will require?
3. Am I passionate about having my own website and making it big?
If you answer to any question above is negative; you are not ready for setting up your website.
Getting Started:
Let us now understand what is involved in creating your own website.
1. Registering your domain name
2. Buying web-space (to install software, store files, databases etc.) and bandwidth from web-host.
Registering Your Domain Name:
A domain name is simply your website address that you enter in web browser to access any website. For example, crazyengineers dot com is a domain name.
Think of a great name for your website. Go for something that is easier to remember. Go with something that is catchy and attracts attention.
Now, use a domain search service [ Ex: #-Link-Snipped-# ] to see if the domain is available. Chances are high that someone might have already registered it. Don't lose heart. Have a list of domains ready.
[Tip: Whether to go with domain ending in .com, .net, .org, .edu, .in, .us is your choice. Typically an educatioal institute would have domain ending in .edu. An Indian website would have domain ending in .in, a commercial website will have a domain ending in .com and so on. Go with the one that sounds better to your ears 😀 ]
You will need an international credit/debit card to buy the domain. You may register your domain for variable period starting with 1 year up to 10 years.
Registering an account with web-host [ Web space, bandwidth & database etc.] :
Honestly speaking, this is the most important step in the whole website business. A bad web host can screw you (I mean it!) and make your life hell. A good web hosting provider can make you smile.
Jokes apart, let me first talk a bit about how to choose a web-host -
Your selection of web host & type of account [we'll cover it below] depends entirely upon your requirements. You should first decide what's going to be on your website. Are you going to upload lot of videos on your website? Are you going to post all your photos on your website? Are you starting a forum that'll get huge traffic?
Answering these questions will help you decide the following:-
- How much web space do I need?
- How much traffick will my website attract?
- What is the primary function of my website?
Brief Info:
Shared Account: Will have limited web-space, bandwidth and database. Best for most of the websites.We'll go through this in depth in part II of the series: Running your website.
VPS Account: Virtual Private Server: Shared hosting upgraded. More web-space, bandwidth, database etc.
Dedicated Server Account: You get a complete server (machine) dedicated to you. Don't bother about it right now.
Remember: Registering a domain name and registering an account with web-host are two entirely different things independent of each other. Few of the web hosts make it easy by registering the domain name on your account and some domain registrars provide you some web space to get you started. You may choose to secure your domain name now and build a website months later.
With this information, we have some idea about what it takes to creating your web-site. To summarize:
1. You need to register a domain name.
2. You need to buy web space and bandwidth from web host.
3. You need an international credit card ready. It's safe to use your credit card with established domain registrars and web hosts. Some even provide money back guarantee 😉 .
4. You must create your website in your brain before you go with securing domain and web space.
5. Start with the right attitude.
Recommended Domain Registrar ->
#-Link-Snipped-#
Recommended Web Host [ CrazyEngineers Referral ] ->
<a href="https://www.liquidweb.com/?RID=CrazyEngineeers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Liquid Web - Managed Hosting & Custom Solutions</a>
I will be happy to answer any queries you may have in this thread. Be willing to read and be willing to learn. There is no short cut to anywhere worth going.