STEPS TO CREATING AN ONLINE PRESENCE
1. Choose &
purchase a domain name.
It is
a good idea to purchase your domain name as soon as possible, even if you
aren't ready to have a site designed. Domain names are being taken
all the time - and the longer you wait, the less likely it will be that
you'll get the name you want. You can select and register for this
this yourself, or I can help you with it if you are using my design
services..
2.
Select a hosting company.
There
are numerous hosting companies available. If I am designing and/or
maintaining your website I prefer to handle the hosting. The cost is
$15 per month, payable through PayPal or automatic check draft.
3. Design your site.
There are some relatively inexpensive 'do-it-yourself' website creators
(several hosting companies offer these), but you don't have as much
flexibility there as you would using the ftp protocol to publish your
site. You can learn to do it yourself, or you can pay someone else
to do it.
4. Set up a merchant
account, if
necessary.
If you are not selling a
product or service you probably don't need a merchant account. Or,
even if you are, you may be able to get by using PayPal to accept credit
cards and checks. But should you need a merchant account, there
are several factors you should consider in making your choice.
5. Market your site.
Once you have a website, you need visitors. There are many ways to bring traffic to your website. The methods
you use will depend on the type of information, service or product you
offer - and your budget.
Next
- Choosing a Domain Name
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