Your First Website

1. 65

   Arachneaposted 9 years ago

   So, I've finally gotten around to creating my website for Arachnea. About 14 years ago I had a website hosted and published via XO. I don't know if they're still around. Managing my website then was a cakewalk compared to setting up my new one. What were the first tasks you accomplished when you set up your website?  It seems I keep finding something else I need to do before the construction phase is over.

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   1. 89

      NateB11posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Going to be honest, when I first started on my website I was scared to death. I ran to the forums and asked for help. I got the domain name, got the web host, finally figured out how to point the name to the host, and then I didn't know how to install wordpress. Strangely, installing wordpress was my first major challenge.
      
      Then the organization of the site became a big thing for me. I'm still working things out after more than a year and a half.
      
      Just recently I started trying to make the site more navigable, with subcategories, and getting ads in the right places. Got some timely advice and help from a Hubber on that one.
      
      The content is something that is a lot of work but I actually don't consider it as challenging as setting things up and organizing the site.

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      1. 65

         Arachneaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Fortunately for me, the host rep walked me through connecting my domain name with my wordpress page. I've been using wordpress for several years now, so I already can maneuver around WP. The problem was determining which task was needed to use my pre-existing domain name on the new host site then bring in WP. I've just about finished the final tweaks.

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         1. 89

            NateB11posted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Cool. I've had a good experience with the host too; gotten me through a lot and very helpful.

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2. 60

   shellys-spaceposted 9 years ago

   Arachnea: I purchased a website from a work-at-home-mom and I had  NO idea what I was doing. My first experience left me in tears....I had to figure out what a C-panel was and how to create pages. What a nightmare that was! I think I still have a screen-shot somewhere, but would never show it to anyone

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3. 61

   gposchmanposted 9 years ago

   I am retired now, but I have spent the last part of my career being an Internet Consultant. I have worked with companies in delivering education over the internet and I have work with both small and large businesses in web site development. While I am not taking on new clients, I am happy to answer questions about web site development.
   
   The problem for most people is they really do not know what they want or what they want their Web site to do. There are sites and businesses that are more than capable of helping people develop their Web site, and it is all for the small price of ...
   
   Web sites usually fall into one of three categories.
   
   1. There is the here I am Website. Most people can accomplish this for free on Facebook, LinkedIn, or any other number of social media web sites. If you want a stand alone Website then be prepared to pay about $120 a year. There are a number of GUI Website building software packages out there that will let you accomplish building a web site fairly easily. These sites are usually pretty static and don't require much maintenance. If you use WordPress, make sure you set the options that fit how involved you want to be with your Web site.
   
   2. The second class of website is the business internet equivalent of the yellow page. Small businesses that want a presence on the internet do these. If you work craft shows, farmers markets, or are a Professional you can still create a website using these same software packages. You can create maps to locations where you will be and calendars as to when. The key thin to remember is that you will have to monitor your site and update it as things change.
   
   3. The third class of website is a full on interactive site geared towards eCommerce and is not cheap. It requires server side programming, a database of customers and possibly a shopping cart with products for sale online. You will need at least a part time web master or be prepared to do it yourself, I recommend the former, maintaining a profitable Website is a full time job requiring database expertise, SEO expertise , email marketing expertise  and more.
   
   My website is a personal website run using WordPress. I am more interested in developing mystery novels than I am in running a website. I use WordPress because I am lazy and it allows me to update it online without a lot of cpanel interaction except in its initial setup.
   
   If you have any questions, I am happy to help, but as I said, I am not taking on new clients.
   
   Gene Poschman

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