Setting Up Website

PJB

Hi All

Wanted to look into setting up a fairly basic website, I know the address I want isn't taken.

Any ideas on how to go about it? Do I pay someone or can it be done by me? Any guides, help, advice, recommendations etc very gratefully received.

Thanks

PJB

Farway

It can be done by you as all you want is basic, I assume no shopping cart, forums, flash etc?

try http://www.serif.com/web-design-software/

and

http://netobjects.com/html/essentials.html

Both free [older versions] and will give you some ideas

No doubt someone will be along soon to tell you to learn HTML and do it using text, but I assume you are looking for an easy quick option

have a google for free web design software as well

PJB

Thanks, how do I go about securing the actual page? ie: www.etcetc.

123-reg seem to be cheap, and you can get more than 1 year. 1&1 are really expensive, they want more per month than 123 want for the 1st year!

Figment

PJB wrote: »

123-reg seem to be cheap, and you can get more than 1 year. 1&1 are really expensive, they want more per month than 123 want for the 1st year!

You're possibly confusing registration of a domain name with a domain name + hosting package.

To have a working website with your own domain name you need

1) The pages of the site (with dependant files)
2) Hosting (somewhere to put the files on the web)
3) The Web address (the domain name people type into a browser to get to your site)

Most domain names are registered for a minimum of 2 years. Renewal is often more expensive than the original registration.

Registrars may offer domain registration only or registration + hosting as a package. You can also find 'free' hosting, but this could have advertising added to your site (the revenue the host gets from the adverts more than pays for the hosting they are giving you for free, but don't expect them to give you a percentage!) You don't have to purchase the domain name and hosting from the same place.

You can do all of the above yourself, or pay a professional like me to do it for you.

PJB

Figment wrote: »

You're possibly confusing registration of a domain name with a domain name + hosting package.

To have a working website with your own domain name you need

1) The pages of the site (with dependant files)
2) Hosting (somewhere to put the files on the web)
3) The Web address (the domain name people type into a browser to get to your site)

Most domain names are registered for a minimum of 2 years. Renewal is often more expensive than the original registration.

Registrars may offer domain registration only or registration + hosting as a package. You can also find 'free' hosting, but this could have advertising added to your site (the revenue the host gets from the adverts more than pays for the hosting they are giving you for free, but don't expect them to give you a percentage!) You don't have to purchase the domain name and hosting from the same place.

You can do all of the above yourself, or pay a professional like me to do it for you.

Thanks Figment.

2 questions then (for now):

1. How much would it cost for a basic site, few pics, prices etc, for say 3-5 years.
2. If I pay the registrar for 3 years, I then need to find a host? Do they design the site or would I have to, using something like the software mentioned in the second post?

bod1467

Some website hosting companies offer web-based utilities whereby you can create your own website by tweaking (images, photos, texts) one of the standard templates they provide. This is probably your easiest route into getting your website created.

If you're looking for something more involved, and/or someone to manage the whole process for you, then have a search around ... I'm sure there will be a few of us here at MSE who provide website consultancy services - I very much doubt it's just me and Figment.

PJB

bod1467 wrote: »

Some website hosting companies offer web-based utilities whereby you can create your own website by tweaking (images, photos, texts) one of the standard templates they provide.

Thanks bod

Any suggestions or recommendations please?

Farway

PJB wrote: »

1. How much would it cost for a basic site, few pics, prices etc, for say 3-5 years.

2. If I pay the registrar for 3 years, I then need to find a host? Do they design the site or would I have to, using something like the software mentioned in the second post?

If your site is UK suffix then you can only register the name for 2 years anyway [but you get first option for renewal]

I would just pay for hosting for one year and see how it works out, the host you choose may not provide what you need, like a helpful help desk for instance, so you could move after one year without any big loss

Most find 123 is fairly easy and reasonably priced for just domain name, plus they have an "auto renew" option so you do not lose the domain name should you forget to renew

Figment

Farway wrote: »

If your site is UK suffix then you can only register the name for 2 years anyway [but you get first option for renewal]

I would just pay for hosting for one year and see how it works out, the host you choose may not provide what you need, like a helpful help desk for instance, so you could move after one year without any big loss

Most find 123 is fairly easy and reasonably priced for just domain name, plus they have an "auto renew" option so you do not lose the domain name should you forget to renew

Although their auto-renew system often 'forgets' to auto-renew.:mad:, and at the moment their renewal alert emails (which they send at regular intervals starting 60 days before renewal is due) say 'The following domains will expire in xx days on [date]' but don't actually list the domains that need renewing.

kaster

PJB wrote: »

2. If I pay the registrar for 3 years, I then need to find a host? Do they design the site or would I have to, using something like the software mentioned in the second post?

Some hosts include a free domain name in their package, usually if you pay a year upfront. Personally I prefer to buy the domain name from 123-reg and then pay for my hosting monthly. I use TSOHost for hosting, their support is fantastic, I've been with them a few years with three sites and have had no problems with them. You can go on their forums and ask questions before you sign up.

You would need to design the site (or pay someone to do it for you). Alternatively you can use a template and just add your content to it, there are lots of free template sites but be sure to check the terms about what you can and can't alter. Wordpress provides a quick and easy way to get content online, and there are literally hundreds of templates available, many of which you can alter to suit your needs. Once you've signed up to a host, the control panel should provide an simple way of installing Wordpress on your site (as well as other software like image galleries and forums).

voucherforit

There are some really easy to use online tools about which create some great looking results - try weebly or yola. Used both at different points for friends, and alot easier than trying to do something from scratch... They can also take care of the buying of the domain name too.