wp77817a55.png

Teaching It, Learning It, Doing It!

wp2e50109e.png









wp710dc8fc.png
wpc0faa02f.png
wp82682fae.png
wpccd7cb99.png

Getting Started Online - Fast & Easy!

 

Not sure where

to start to get your

business started online?

Here’s a step

by step tutorial.  That’s FREE!

wp2e467ba0.png

Getting started online can be done a number of ways. It’s like teaching someone to cook in the kitchen, a lot depends on what you want to cook up!

 

Here are the basics that don’t really change. The most important thing to remember, is that if you want to succeed online, you MUST do everything you can to look as professional as your skills and resources can accomplish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First, decide on a domain name. Don’t buy it yet, you may choose a webhost that will offer you a free domain with your signup. To see if your domain is available, GoDaddy is a easy place to check. (One & One has the best prices, though! Domain Name Special Offer Get a .com domain for just $6.99. )

 

Second, choose a web host. (read, ‘How To Choose a Web Host)

There are several factors to consider when you choose a hosting company. We’ve listed the top 10 that have been checked out for reputation, features, and reasonable pricing. There are companies that charge much more, but there is no reason to pay more than $10/month when there are so many quality companies to choose from.

 

If you’re new to site building, a good site builder is an important feature. It’s an easy way to build a site and get it online quickly. Webhosting Pad has one of the best site builders we’ve tried.

 

If price is a factor, some companies allow you to pay by the month, you will pay a little more, but sometimes it’s what you have to do. Host Gator has a monthly payment plan, as well as a good site builder, excellent support and even a template library you’ll love.

 

To learn more about choosing a web host and a rundown of the top 10 hosting companies, go here>>

 

Now, Build Your Web Site!

Once you have your web host and domain name in place, now you need a website to put up. You can explore the site builders that your web hosts offer, and while web builders can be great to get started with, you will come to a place that there is something you want on your site that the web builder doesn’t do. So, why waste time learning a site builder that you will quickly out grow?

 

My recommendation is you choose a program and take the time to learn it. I found Serif’s WebPlus X2 to be the easiest to learn, and it’s very affordable. It’s not as good as Dreamweaver, or nearly as difficult, OR pricey, but it’s much better than 99% of the site builders out there IMO. The best thing about Serif is how easy it is to use and the professional results you can achieve. Watch the video here.

 

They do have a free 15 day trial. Originally, I thought the best price to find this program is on C/net’s  site-but when I checked with the company, they said that the price is wrong on their site, it’s the same as their home site. So I would order the physical product from Serif.com/webplus so you can download it to multiple computers in your home.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ta Da!

Your website is up! OK, I know there is a little more to it, and we hope to cover that soon. Oh, and, uh... you’re not really done....ever. There will always be things to do on your site-that’s one of those facts of online life.

 

However, it’s a great feeling to actually have your site up and running!

 

“If you build it, they will come” Not.Once your website is up, your job has just begun! Now you need to get your site some traffic.

 

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is accomplished in a number of ways, and takes time. Lots of it. Google “SEO” and begin to do your research. Don’t pay for any programs or courses until you’ve learned a little about what you can do yourself. Talk to others you know online and ask them how they have increased traffic. Remember, all of this is a journey, so be sure to enjoy the process!

 

There you have it, now that you’re online, your next BIG step is developing a marketing plan.

 

 

wp804fa4c7.png
wpa3304c6a.png

What About

Free Web Hosting?

 

Free is nice, especially these days. But if you’re trying to start a business, it’s a BIG no-no.

 

Free is OK for:

 

-You want to simply learn, or teach someone, how to build a website.

 

-You’re starting a family website to share your life with others

 

-A wedding/engagement website

 

-Casual blogging.  Blogging for profit ALWAYS should be hosted.

 

-Absolute last resort if you are trying to start a business on NO money. At least use Wordpress, and get a domain of your own to start building traffic.

 

You can afford a domain. Get a part time job to earn some extra to get your business going, Contact the SBA  to see if you qualify for any available funding sources.

 

Not sure how to go about any of this? SCORE is a federally funded agency that provides free mentors to help you with your small business.

 

 

wp9e49832f.png
wpbb1b5dad.png

Want to learn more about getting Online - Fast & Easy?

   

 ...more articles on this subject :

 

wp804fa4c7.png