Starting your own website

So you think you need your own website? Where do you start and what will you need? Over a short series of articles I will tell you about the very basic of equipment and services you will need to begin your online business - or to get you current offline business online.

But I shall come back to the question 'Do you need a website?' later. In the meantime, if you think the answer is 'yes', proceed.

Register your business name

If you already have a business and you operate under a business name, you will need to check if you busines name is free and available for your use as a domain name. In order to do this go to godaddy for example and type in your business name to check it's availability. If you are American you can go with a ".com" or if you are english you may prefer to use a".co.uk". They help to identify where your company is based. Charities tend to go for ".org" or ".org.uk" but more details are on the godaddy website where several other suffixs are available. 

Alternatively you can register your own name as the webpage. It helps if you have an unusual or distinctive name.

Are you local, national or international?

• Local business

You will of course need a reliable computer. It doesn't have to be equipped with all the latest gadgets, but that may help, especially where speed is concerned. If your strategy is to create a simple website and then market your local business offline with leaflets then a basic site providing information on your services, qualifications, skills and contact details may be all that you require. There is no need to overcomplicate your site if you are only able to service your clients locally.

• National and International

If however, you are in a business that requires national or international exposure, then the demands of your time, energy, financial resources and the expectations of your potential customers may be far greater, from your website and your internet marketing activities. Why?
Because your website is their to validate you and your position in the market. Clients/customers will proactively search on line to find out about you and your business. they will actively seek out a website and look for reviews if applicable, of your products and services.

Hosting sites

Of course, domain name registrars will expect and encourage you to buy hosting for your website. If you are experienced in using hosting sites, then go ahead. However, this site is created by a site which provides simple drag and drop facilities, templates and instruction videos, which I feel more comfortable using. You can forward your details via the contact for if you would like further details.

Content is King. Focus on your CONTENT

In addition to a name for your site and a reliable computer, you will need an internet connection (broadband) and either a notepad and pen or Word on your computer. Why? Because content is where you start. Content is why visitors come, and content is what will keep them coming. Content, as they say, is King! and brainstorming is your next activity.

• Brainstorming

Get your ideas on paper or on a word document.  Go to the article on finding a niche. Begin exploring what assets you have that you can or want to promote or use - be they tangible or intangible.

1. What skills do you have that you can make more profitable use of?
2. What items are hiding in your cupboards waiting for you to use productively?
3. Do you have objects that you can sell on to someone else?
4. Do you have knowledge that you can sell as an ebook, video or audio course?

Brainstorm - and feel free to share it in the comments box below. Like this on Facebook if you know someone who will benefit from this.

http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html
Asset - tangible and intangible
Brainstorming

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