Here's information on how to create a website. This page will guide you through the first stages of creating a website, obtaining a domain name and finding a host provider. If you already have a website you can scroll to the bottom for links to other sections that might be more useful. There's a total of five section filled with useful tips on making your website better.
Start with the first link in each section, because favorite sites are listed first.
There are several places you can host your website at little or no cost to you. In most cases paid hosting is so inexpensive, you're just better off paying. Follow the link below to find hosting providers that do not charge.
Google Search: Free Web Hosting
There are many very valuable tools available to you that will cost you nothing and enhance your web project many time over. For example, 90% of www.mikelazik.com is hosted on www.blogger.com. It costs me nothing and provides a very robust format for posting and managing information. Additionally, a relatively new product offered through google--Google Apps--provides you an entire suite of applications including a word processor, email client, spreadsheet and more.
Before you invest any money into a solution, make sure you cannot achieve the same result with a free solution.
It is always a good idea to plan your site before you start creating it. Surf the Internet and visit a lot of websites before starting work on your website. If you're an artist, visit other artist websites and art gallery websites for ideas. This is a good way to identify what works for you and what you might want on your website. Collect and add the websites to your "Favorites" or "Bookmarks" so you can easily get back to them once you start design.
If you are planning to create a website, you should invest in a good web editing program. Below you'll find some of the best web editing applications. Since web technology is rapidly changing, always look for and purchase the most recent versions of the software. If you are using earlier versions, you should definitely think about upgrading your software at this time.
Microsoft FrontPage
Design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications--from start to finish--with Adobe Dreamweaver
Microsoft Visual Studio
The first step in locating a suitable host provider is to determine what you actually need. Don't get caught up in extras if they mean nothing to you. You're best bet is to determine what your website is going to require and then find the least expensive way to do it. There is so much competition you can get what you want for very little, just make sure the business isn't fly-by-night and will be around for a while. I've used GoDaddy for years and for the basics I've never had a problem, when you try to get fancy you get in to trouble. Take in to consideration when you're dealing with a large company such as GoDaddy you're dealing with a company that is not flexible, they have rules and that's that. If you find a mid-size or smaller hosting company they are often happy to do what it takes to keep your business.
Here's a few hosting providers I've worked with and would recommend:
Do yourselves a favor, sign up for auto-renewal and take advantage of quarterly or annual discounts. You've probably got better things to do than spend time each month paying a small bill when you could wrap it into one and get a discount.
If you are planning to have a business website, it is very important to have a registered domain name. Consider using your first and last name (.com) if available or the name of your company or business.
To find out if the name you want is available go to WhoIS.org. They're a free resource, they don't sell anything.
Here's a few domain name register I've worked with and would recommend, these folks are also hosting providers. Using the same company for both is not required but often will make your life a little easier.
