The basics to starting a website
Publication Date: November 18, 2024
Creating a professional and functional website is an essential step for individuals and businesses aiming to establish a robust online presence. This whitepaper provides a comprehensive overview of the foundational steps involved in building a website, including securing a domain name, selecting a hosting provider, and choosing the right website-building approach.
The intended audience for this paper includes anyone looking to build a website, specifically for a business or storefront. It describes the basic steps for starting a website for a business, including what each piece means, and the costs associated.
The Basics:
Domain Name¹
A domain name refers to the unique name of a website and is what users enter into their browser to access the site. While it forms part of the URL, a URL includes additional information beyond the domain name. Having a personalized domain name enables brand establishment online and allows for the creation of custom email addresses (e.g., janedoe@idahoecenter.org).
For a comprehensive understanding of domain names, please refer to the article What Is a Domain Name? A Guide For Beginners. This resource provides detailed insights valuable for those seeking in-depth knowledge on the topic.
Web Hosting
Web hosting is a service that stores and maintains a website's files and applications on a server, making it accessible on the internet. The internet is a vast network of interconnected computers, linked through a global grid of submarine cables¹. Each computer within this network has a unique IP address that facilitates communication and data exchange with other devices. Web hosting providers store the files and data necessary for a website, delivering this content to users when they visit the site via a domain name, which essentially functions as a user-friendly IP address. In addition, web hosts supply the technology and resources necessary for secure, efficient website operations².
Website Building
After securing a domain name and obtaining hosting services, the next step is to create the website’s content. This content encompasses the files and applications stored by the web host, which are accessed via the domain name. Content and design are typically customized to reflect the unique aspects of the brand. Common methods for building a website include using website builders, content management systems (CMS), e-commerce platforms, custom coding, and employing a professional web developer.
Purchasing a Domain Name
“If a domain is available, any Internet user can buy it—which means paying a fee for exclusive rights to that name for a period of time that can range from one year to more than a decade. After registering a domain name, it becomes the owner’s public address on the Internet and the gateway to accessing the website attached to the name.” ³ Should the desired domain name be unavailable, users might consider alternate spellings, acronyms, or similar variations. It is also advisable to consider potential misinterpretations or confusion around the domain, aligning its choice closely with the business name to maintain brand consistency. Evaluating domain name options should occur alongside selecting a business name to ensure alignment.
Domains typically cost between $10–$20 per year, though premium domains—often those containing popular keywords or previously owned—may be significantly more expensive. Discounts or bundled offers may be available when purchasing the domain from the same company hosting the website.
Choosing a Website Host
Purchasing a hosting plan involves renting space on a physical server to store and manage a website's files and data. Hosting providers are responsible for server maintenance, implementing security protocols, and ensuring that website content, such as text and images, is successfully delivered to visitors' browsers.
According to Hostinger², several factors are essential when selecting a web host:
- Control panel: Seek a user-friendly interface accessible to users of all skill levels.
- Uptime: A high uptime guarantee and fair terms of service indicate the provider’s commitment to reliable system operation.
- Technical specifications: Ensure adequate disk space, processing power, and bandwidth.
- Online reviews
- Security features: Look for access management, malware detection, automated backups, and updates.
- Customer support
- Additional services: Consider added features like an SSL certificate, business email accounts, and a content delivery network (CDN) for enhanced performance and security.
Website hosting typically involves a monthly fee, with entry-level plans starting at an average cost of $3 per month for the initial term, which typically ranges from one to three years. Upon renewal, the cost often increases to an average of $10 per month. These introductory plans are shared hosting services, wherein multiple websites are hosted on the same server.
Choosing a Website Builder
Sources
1– What Is a Domain Name? A Guide For Beginners | Wix.com
2–What Is Web Hosting – Web Hosting Explained for Beginners | Hostinger.com
3–What is a Domain Name? | Bluehost.com
4–Website Hosting Cost Guide 2024 | Forbes.com
5–Website Builder vs CMS: User-Friendliness, Cost, Features, Scalability, and More | Hostinger.com
6–How to Code a Website for Free in 8 Easy Steps | Hubspot.com