Computer Hacks 01 July 2021

How to Make a Website

build webpagePhoto by Anthony Shkraba from Pexels

Creating an online presence is now easier than ever, and websites provide a platform for small businesses to sell their products and interact with their customers. Individuals can also use sites for marketing their brands and sharing content.

There are over a billion websites in the world, although only less than 400 million are active. Starting a website is the easiest part as you don’t need technical skills. Sustaining the platform is challenging because you have to keep furnishing it with content. The steps below will answer any queries you have on how to build a website: The Essentials of a Website

You need a domain name, hosting, and a website platform to create a website. A domain functions as a web address; think of it as a business address for a brick and mortar enterprise. You will pay for your domain name every year. Your website needs a home on the internet, which is provided by a web host provider. Web hosting is comparable to renting or leasing an office. The web host will avail the contents of your website once a visitor types in your domain name. You will also need a website platform like WordPress, which you can custom-design according to your preferences. How to Set up a Website

Use a Website Builder

A website builder is a hassle-free option for small businesses interested in how to build a website. These platforms provide a fully-managed solution, and all you have to do is create an account and make your website. Platforms like Squarespace, Wix, Shopify have packages that include web hosting, templates, customer support, domain name, editor and email address. Web builders offer plans for individuals and businesses, and the option to scale up as your brand grows. The most popular web builders include: WordPress.org

It is easy to confuse between Wordpress.com and the self-hosted option of WordPress.org. The latter is an open-source web builder that hosts more than 35% of the world’s website. It is free to use, but you can buy themes and plugins to boost your functionality.

WordPress’s primary advantage is its versatility; you can use it for any kind of business, including an online store, portfolio, or social network. However, you will have to manage the website, which can be challenging to start, but easier as you progress.

You will also need a domain address and website hosting to get your website live on WordPress. Shopify

Shopify is a popular option for e-commerce websites since it offers perks like unlimited products, marketing options, and inventory management. You can use Shopify Payments or other third-party payment solutions. Shopify has a basic plan for $29 per month, and you can buy a Domain name from them, or purchase one from a third party. Squarespace

Squarespace is incredibly easy to use, and it includes infinite website designs to get started. Its plans vary between $12 and $18 per month, although you will pay more for an e-commerce site. Squarespace is perfect if you want to set up a website quickly. Wix

You can access tons of templates on Wix, and edit them to fit your kind of content. There are free and paid apps created by Wix and other third-party developers to add to your site’s functionality.

Wix offers a free plan, but it is limited and branded with the Wix subdomain. You can link a domain name at $9.16 per month or upgrade to the combo plan, which includes a free domain name at $14.95/month.

Pros of Web Builders

  • Easy to set up and use
  • You can access and customize hundreds of design templates
  • You don’t require technical skills
  • Up to date security

Cons

  • Not suited for complicated projects or professional business
  • Limited Features
  • Poor SEO
  • Limited flexibility

Use a Content Management System

A content management system lets you organize your digital content, which means that you have to set up and maintain your website. A CMS is not a full package like a web builder, and it can be complicated to get started. WordPress ranks as the most popular CMS, but there are many alternative systems, including Drupal and Joomla! You can use the guide below if you decide to use WordPress:

Select a Domain Name and Web Host Provider

Choose and pay for a unique domain name that is relevant to your business. Some web hosting providers like Bluehost will include a free domain name with their hosting plans. The best web hosting provider should guarantee 99.99% uptime, 24/7 support and scalability.

Shared hosting is a cheap plan for beginners as your site will share hosting with other websites. Dedicated hosting means that you get a server all for yourself, where monthly fees can range from $70 to over $500. Some providers will have a Virtual Private Server plan, which is cheaper than a dedicated package. Launch Your WordPress Site

WordPress can be launched with one click, and it is pre-installed in most web hosts. You can access your dashboard and see all aspects of your site’s functionality.

Designing a WordPress site can be time-consuming since you want the right aesthetics to appeal to your audience. Start by selecting a free or paid theme and explore the thousands of available plugins. Upload Your Content

WordPress content is divided into pages and posts. The former includes an ‘About Us’ or ‘Contact’ section, whereas posts are the entries you make. You can upload text and media, depending on the nature of your content

Pros of Using WordPress

  • Unlimited themes and plugins
  • You can tweak the code if you have coding knowledge
  • Excellent for multi-language sites
  • You choose the web hosting provider

Cons

  • Additional costs for themes and plugins
  • You may need coding skills or a programmer to make changes
  • You may require a lot of plugins to achieve a high level of functionality

Coding a Website

Creating a website from scratch needs plenty of web design and programming skills. It is best left to experienced programmers, who can be hired at a hefty cost. Coding skills can, however, be learned, and they will empower you to create a customized website for your needs.

Conclusion

A website is an excellent way of boosting your brand’s online presence. You can use a website builder or a Content Management System (CMS), where the former is hassle-free and quick to set up. Some popular options include WordPress, Wix, Weebly and Squarespace.