Newbie advice

[timi23111]

Hi,

Am in the early stages and would like some advice regarding website creation and domain names.

What is the best / cheapest site to use to build a basic website for an absolute beginner?

I have checked a couple of domain names which are available, what is the best / cheapest way of purchasing these?

Cost is a real concern at this time so I am looking at creating a practical, workable website as cheaply as possible at the moment.

Many thanks

 

[neoseal]

Depending on you needs, you may want to purchase an hosting plan, where you can get a free domain name. However, I have seen issues with this, i.e if you change the hosting provider, the domain registration company may take a long time to release your domain, leaving you with loss of business. I personally would prefer to register a domain name to who ever sells it cheap with good uptime. Then look for hosting plans in the same way.

 

[DarrenMcCabe]

I would strongly recommend TSOHost.co.uk - They are cheap, but more importantly they are superb when it comes to customer service and support.

I would get yourself a basic hosting account from them (£14.99/year) then use the hosting software to install Wordpress for your website. This can be done in a few clicks.

I created a guide some time ago on how to install a wordpress site in 10 mins. It's a little out of date now, but the process is still the same: http://blog.techmonkeys.co.uk/uncategorized/how-to-create-a-website-in-10-minutes/

 

[neoseal]

Nice article Darren. TSOhost lite hosting £14.99/annually is Linux platform only. Will that make a difference in designing the website as oppose to windows.

 

[solidgoldextra]

For timi23111:
IMO, the best and cheapest platform to use in building a basic website, is WordPress. Hands down because it is free, and there is plenty of support if you run into problems.

The best/cheapest way of acquiring a domain? Well that depends. If you are considering a ".com", Namecheap is a good way to start, plus you can apply discount coupons for even better pricing deals. For ".co.uk" domains, I have used 123-Reg without issue.

For hosting, TSOHost.co.uk is good, although I like to keep my domain and hosting separate. I have used HostGator successfully, although some will swear by Blue Host.

For the ultimate bootstrap method of launching a site, here is my suggestion:

1. Choose your domain name, then register it. Namecheap if its ".com", 123-Reg, if its ".co.uk"

2. Now secure your domain name on free Web2.0 platforms: Wordpress.com, Blogger.com. Start putting up some content. Obviously, if this is a business website, you don't want to put your best content here. These platforms are free. Plus you get to see what its like to administer content, using a CMS like WordPress.

3. Get Free Hosting. I've used FreeHostia for this. I use it to soft launch websites all the time, using this exact strategy.

4. Point your domain name, and then install WordPress. Avoid Fantastico, so that you have some control over the database structure. Some say this doesn't matter. Its all about preference.

5. Start to run your site. If you are a non-profit, you may consider staying on this plan for as long as you need. But, if your website makes some profit, then you can consider moving up to paid Hosting, or even a VPS.

Radical? I hope not. I've used this method several times before (and still do). The total cost is $9, i.e., £5.80, if you use Namecheap for a ".com" registration. The rest is a time-based cost.

I hope this helps you out, or at least gives you some ideas.

 

[HBB new business team]

Yup I'm mainly going to reiterate what's been said in this post.

1.) Register your domain name with a cheap provider.
2.) Find a good UK host ( evohosting.co.uk are good! )
3.) Use a content managements system ( we prefer wordpress )
4.) Find a theme you like and install it.

It really is simple, you can have a professional looking website online in hours. The it's on to the hard part. Search engine optimisation! The bane of many web owners.

 

[fisicx]

What is the best / cheapest site to use to build a basic website for an absolute beginner?

How much do your value your new business?

If the website is to become the main income driver do you really want to entrust it to the cheapest provider?

If you use any of the online site builders you will soon get frustrated at their lack of flexibility.

So the solution is to find a host you like and feel comforatable with. Install a decent free CMS (like wordpress) and then start creating content. If you get stuck, Google is your friend - there are bazillions of tutorials on how to configure and manage all the major applications.

 

[arcon5]

Namecheap.com for your domain name.

Liquidsix.co.uk for a windows based website - used them for a few years a short while back and they are top notch for service and uptime.

Linux hosting - well there's so many, good and bad. I've used godaddy and found them to be okay.
And oneandone was good if you want to tie in to a contract. Lots of web builder tools though.
If you see the words unlimited disc space or bandwidth alongside a low price tag then run a mile!!!!

For your website, really depends what you are doing. Lots and lots of established free scripts out there - a few quid then buys some decent themes an add ons

 

[Brett Smart]

Try Word Press very easy to set up need to organise your own hosting, but this can be doe for a pittance.
Also Getting British Busines Online - used to offer free we bsites plus hosting etc through YOLA.

I've used both and for starter packages are fine

 

[timi23111]

Guys

Many thanks for some very valuable advice, I guess the choice and options are all there but for a real newbie it is a daunting task to choose the best/ most appropriate. To begin with the criteria is genuinely cost so that is my real driver at the moment.

 

[helponbusiness]

It would depend on how you are going to set it up.. Where are you going to host your site. In my experience, I love using hosgator and godaddy.