Are you interested in starting your own website? Do you have a small business that you want to take online or perhaps wish to create a family site? If so, I have created a small, concise guide to getting started. You will not believe that it can be quite easy, fast and even affordable!  NO PREVIOUS HTML KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED AT ALL.  The guide we created below allows you to own your own domain name with no strings attached, own your shopping cart system with no strings attached, and choose your own hosting.  If you purchase a "package" deal from a company that includes two items below or even all three, you usually have less control.  If you cancel your hosting, they sometimes have control over your domain name.  The steps below give you the most freedom and are also very affordable!

 

 

The first step to starting your own site is choosing a domain name. This is also called the web address, or URL. A good domain name is important to the success of your business. If you're just entering the world of the world wide web, this step may prove to be difficult because so many domain names have been purchased before, but with a little creativity and thought, you can still find a good name. If you're willing to pay a bit more, you may even be able to hunt down a bargain on a name that's already been purchased but is for re-sale.

 

To buy a domain name, we recommend Go Daddy. You can search for what domain names are available and purchase one for under $10.00 there. Be warned, they will try to sell you a lot other items upon check-out, but you do not need any other services there other than a domain.

 

Click here to get started finding your domain name:

 

 

 

Once you've secured a domain name, now it's time to find a good, reliable web host. It is very important that you pick a company that has up-to-date equipment and is not going to close down overnight. I had this experience once and it is not fun! Sometimes your website will cease to exist without any warning! We have a few recommendations for web hosting and only recommend these companies to our clients. They are not flash-in-the-pan companies and provide AFFORDABLE hosting with all the bells and whistles.

 

Host Gator would be our first choice:

 

 

We also have used MidPhase and been very pleased:

 

 

 

 

Right now, there is only one company I know of that allows you to buy their Site Builder without having to purchase hosting or a domain through them.  This company is Auction Add Ons.  Once you have your domain name and hosting, you can purchase their Site Builder.  This system is a cinch to use.  I have purchased for use on this website. It allows you to use PayPal to sell your online goods!  Say good-bye to eBay fees forever and easily and quickly create your website!  Auction Add Ons will install the Site Builder for you (as long as you use one of the hosting companies above) and their service is very good!  You may also decide to select a web template at the same time (see below).

 

 

STEP FOUR:  OPTIONAL - CHOOSE A WEB TEMPLATE - Total Cost varies

 

This step is optional.  There are many companies that offer "web templates" that are compatible with the AAO Site Builder mentioned above.  Once you have your website set-up and the Site Builder has been installed, you are ready to choose a template!  Again, we highly recommend Auction Add Ons for this service.  We are excited to be a graphics contributor to their selection of website templates!  Look under "website templates" at AAO.  They will install the template, free of charge, on your site!