Starting a website sounds like an impossible mission to accomplish at first. But in today’s day, it’s much easier to start up a website. The cost of creating and maintaining a website can be absolutely free! In some cases, you might have to pay to maintain your website {which you can read below}.

Domain or Sub-Domain?

The first thing that you need to think about before creating a website is: “Do I want to be on a domain or a sub-domain?”

• A domain provides you total control over your website without thinking whether or not your ‘domain-host’ will disappear on you one day. You can be more independent and best of all, you can choose any domain name you want (that is available). Having a domain isn’t free, you’ll need to purchase a domain from a domain registration site (such as NameCheap). There are ways on acquiring a domain for free- you just have to watch out for domain giveaways or promotions.
• A sub-domain provides you basic control over your website. Of course, you won’t have root access because you don’t own the domain. A sub-domain should be free; otherwise, you’re getting scammed! You can have a basic website from a sub-domain.

After deciding, think about the name you want for your site. Make sure it’s something you can stick with for a while; if you’re having second thoughts, then the site name isn’t a really good idea!

Hosting… Do I Need It? Where?

In order to have a website online, yes- hosting is necessary. Hosting can be free and paid depending on the type of hosting you desire. Hosting websites can be found in many places throughout Google. There’s a list of some local hosts here for those who are interested. For a basic website, you won’t need anything over 2gb for disk space. The only time you need 25+ gb of disk space is if you’re hosting videos and mp3′s on your site. Web hosting can be free if you know where to find them. You also have the option to pay for hosting, but you should pay no more than $6.00 per month for hosting. After you found a host you like, apply for hosting. If you don’t receive a reply within 48 hours, move on and find a different host to apply to. You need a host that is reliable and active.

Layouts, Design?

After getting your site set up with a host, decide how you’re going to operate your site. Is it going to be powered by a Content Management System (CMS) such as WordPress or are you going to go old school with manual updates? (I highly recommend you going with WordPress- it saves you time later on). After deciding,  having a layout up on your site is the next step to take. You don’t need to have a  super designed layout in order for your site to work. If necessary, look up for some websites that offers free premium themes through Google. When you start a website, you don’t need the best layout in the world, but you need a layout that is presentable and gives off a good first impression. It’s better to have at least something up for a layout temporarily than to spend months working on the layout with your site in maintainence mode forever. Be sure you don’t overdo the layout design by adding tons of advertisement here and there along with widgets that takes up room.

Adding Contents Here and There.

The next step after having a layout on your website is to add content to your site. Who is the owner of the site? Give a brief description about the owner of the site. This depends on how much you want your information to be given to the general public. The information about you can be as brief as, “My name is Lorem, I am sixteen years old and I’m currently a junior in high school. I have seven cats because I’m a cat lover. Here’s some of my social media links below.” In the index page, what are you going to have? Is it going to be a splash page or is it going to list recent posts you’ve made on the site? The recent post on your site can be about anything you want- if your website is for personal purposes, write a post about what’s going on with your life.

Getting Frequent Readers

When you’re in the early stages of creating a website, getting frequent readers can be a challenge. The easiest way to gain readers on your site is to branch out and be a reader of other people’s websites. Not only you should read other people’s posts, you should definitely comment on them. Otherwise, you’re in the shadows of others and you’re not getting noticed. Your purpose of reading other people’s post shouldn’t be because you want readers on your site. Make some friends along the way- they’ll definitely help you along the way in the website world.

Update More Often!

Updating your site often creates a lively atmosphere around you and your readers. I’m not saying you should post 15 blog posts a day (that’d be insane!)- Most people usually update their sites with new posts at least once a week. Sometimes, people tend to update their sites with new posts every day and that’s completely fine! Make sure you’re not repeating your new posts unless it’s a situation where you’re excited for an upcoming event; that’s temporary.

What’s Next?

You’re pretty much set with creating your own website. The next steps to take is to create more contents on your website such as tutorials, reviews, and etc. Make sure you don’t copy other people’s contents and post them on your site or else you’ll be forever shunned. These things don’t take overnight; it definitely takes time. If you’re on a sub-domain, considering upgrading to a domain. If you don’t have the money for it, there’s giveaways and special promotions out there for free domains; you just have to look for them! There’s plenty of them around, so there’s no need for any extreme circumstances you have to do for a domain.