Help me start a web site

[SusannaKB]

I want to set up a website and I have absolutely no idea how to do it.

Would anyone be willing to walk me through this?

What are my first steps?

I know the name I want and I guess it belonged to someone else and expired 6-19-2008. Does that mean I can get it somehow? and if so, how?

[SusannaKB]

Please anybody,

isn't anyone willing to help me?

[1972vet]

I want to set up a website and I have absolutely no idea how to do it.
Would anyone be willing to walk me through this?

There is quite a bit involved with this if you are wanting to start from zero and work up to 100 percent completion...and "walking you through" something like this may take more time and postings than perhaps you may realize...unless maybe I misunderstand your request.

Do you already know html code and know how to code a document for publishing? Do you already have the web page(s) created that you have in mind to publish? Are you just asking what needs to be done to acquire a particular domain name? Please post back with a bit more detail as to what exactly it is that you are trying to achieve. Thanks!

[SusannaKB]

Sorry for being so vague, My first question:

What needs to be done to acquire a particular domain name?

[Jaxo]

Hi there,

Couple of links below for you. First is to sitepoint's articles sub menu domains, gives a lot of information.

Second is to sitepoint's web site how-to which is a good read.

There is so much to read at sitepoint it's mind numbing. They are also a good resource for purchasing books on the subjects.

Domains

Step by Step

Should keep you busy for a little bit

Let us know if you have any more questions.

[gistek]

The articles Jaxo listed are good, but appear to be more oriented to domain brokers than webmasters.

Here's what I tell potential webmasters in an organization that I belong to. It's not quite word for word because our national headquarters provides some tools and services that might not be available to you.

In order to get a domain you have to purchase a registration for it. There are some really reputable companies and some absolute rip-offs. There's also a big difference in price. Some are still charging $30/year for just the registration and others advertize $3.00 prices.

My personal favorite is bravenet.com. Their registration fee is $10.00 per year, but they have a lot of free tools available - including a very easy to use site builder. They have also consistantly maintained ethical, high quality service and a family friendly attitude. They are ad supported, but they do not permit ads for objectionable products or that contain objectionable material.

Although the domain you want expired, it may not actually be available yet. Some registry companies give their customers a window between expiration and general availability. If you're in that window and friends with the prior domain owner, you might be able to transfer the domain. In that case you will have to register through whatever company currently manages the domain, and won't be able to transfer to your preferred domain manager for at least three months. Basically, you pay the previous owner to renew the domain, s/he gives you full administrative access to the domain manager, then you change the password to lock him/her out. You must also change the Whois contact information to reflect the new ownership.

If you are not able to do an ownership transfer, you will need to be vigilant in watching for the name to become available. I'm not sure, but there may be services you can pay to pre-register for the domain on an, "if it becomes available" basis. I've never seen one, but they're easy to imagine, so someone's probably tried it.

In the mean time, you can begin building your web pages. You will need a webhost, and there are many companies that have free (ad supported) web hosting available. Your url will be something like, http://www.mysite.webhost.com or it might be provided by your ISP, and have a ~ in the name. It doesn't matter. Your site's physical location will be designated in a similar manner.

Once you like your site, and are financially ready, pay for the ad free site hosting.

Hosting and Domain Names are NOT equal.

When you get your domain name, you will be able to point it to wherever your site is hosted. This is usually referred to as Redirecting. In almost all cases you will be able to choose between showing your domain name or web host url in the URL block. I recommend the former as it tends to be less confusing to your visitors.

[Jaxo]

Great explanations gistek.

Wanted to another link to those supplied above. Since you said the domain name is expired sometimes there are hoops to jump through to get it. The link below explains pretty good about how the process works.

Aquiring Expired Domain Names: Two recent experiences

Also keep in mind most hosting packages include the ability to register a free domain for as long as you continue service with that company.

[gistek]

Thanks. I've had a lot of experience explaining domains, webhosting and webmastering to folks who can barely handle e-mail. They want a website for their unit, but have no idea what to do.

Excellent article, Jaxo. it really points out the ins and outs of domain transfer.

I actually did acquire a domain name during its last few weeks before expiration - using exactly the method I described above. My plan was to move to a better domain manager once the 90 day wait was up, but the unit I represented chose to remain with the original company.

If the requesting owner is willing to cover the former owner's expenses, and is polite in wording their request, the "private transfer" method is probably the best option.

The article's links to Whois and the WayBackMachine should be very helpful for that option.

[SusannaKB]

Thank you both for the information, very helpful.

the domain name I want is available as a .us is that reputable enough for a business?

[gistek]

I beleive it's as reputable as any.

[after5pc]

Yes, .us is reputable.

BUT keep in mind, most people in general would probably type a .com or a .net extension first when viewing a site.

Example: some people can't find me because they type in .com instead of .net when they try to locate my site.

[SusannaKB]

I guess I would prefer .com just don't know if it's worth the fight to get it or the time to wait. Not to mention the money.

[Jaxo]

You can always get the .com at a later time... ??

Wanted to give another URL to check out. Interesting checklist for getting your ideas together about creating a website. Something else to check out while you are figuring out your domain thang

Web Design Checklist

[SusannaKB]

thanks for the help, you got any suggestions on a good host for a beginner?

[gistek]

Does your ISP offer webspace and permit business start-up use? If so, that's your best bet at the beginning. You can then change to another, more robust, host when your business volume requires (and can support) it.

Next in line would be your domain manager. Many times you can get a good deal on a Domain + Web Host combo pack.

If you don't want to (or can't) host with your domain manager, check out ad-supported web hosts. Most will simply add a banner or side box ad to your site and give you enough free space to build your business. Once you can afford it, you can switch to their ads free version. Be sure to check sites they host to make sure the ads are suitable for your target audience.

My favorite, for domain registration as well as web hosting, is BraveNet.com. They have a lot of free tools, a good selection of templates, and an easy to learn web editing wizard. They'd be good as long as your site and services are "PG-13"

Personally, I'd stay away from GoDaddy. Several people have told me of problems they've had from that service.