Building a website involves procuring a few fundamental elements, the most critical of which is a domain name. It’s your website’s calling card on the internet, a non-negotiable for online visibility.
Picking a Domain Name
An array of vendors exists in the market to offer you a domain name. My experience aligns me with Namecheap.com, a platform I routinely use. It’s crucial to ensure that your chosen domain name, preferably unique to your business or blog, is available. The world of domain names has evolved, providing an assortment of top-level domains (TLD) beyond the traditional .COM. Imagine you’re a photographer; you might want to go for ‘yourbusiness.photography’, adding a modern twist to the conventional internet TLD names.
Opting for a Hosting Provider
The next indispensable item on your list is a hosting package. Hosting is where your website’s files are stored – on a computer, more precisely known as a ‘server’. These servers are tucked away in sprawling data centers owned by large-scale corporations. At GentooLink Web Services, we’ve transitioned to utilizing a mix of AWS and Akamai cloud services for hosting both client websites and our own company assets, all on Virtual Private Servers (VPS). We’re committed to providing full service, a unique proposition in the hosting space.
Considering an SSL Certificate
The addition of an SSL certificate may also be in order. Depending on your requirements, you can choose one that suits you best. At GentooLink Web Services, we extend free Let’s Encrypt services for domains hosted with us. If your website involves user logins or online purchases, securing it with an SSL certificate is crucial. It enables encrypted communication over the internet, making most users comfortable with a standard $20 SSL certificate.
Engaging a Web Developer
Unless you’re adept at tech, hiring a web developer is a must. Prices can vary depending on the complexity and type of website you wish to create. A basic brochure-style website will typically be less labor-intensive, and therefore cheaper than a comprehensive e-commerce site replete with shopping features.
Free Websites: Yay or Nay?
The choice to use a free website for your business hinges on your unique needs and challenges. But consider this: wouldn’t you like a website that stands out, that doesn’t mirror the sea of templated free websites? Free website builders often fall short in offering comprehensive features, especially when it comes to user logins or creating a private “Walled Garden” website.
Embracing Social Media
Don’t shy away from establishing your presence on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook. These social media giants can significantly increase your website’s exposure. If this seems overwhelming, your web developer can show you the ropes. Social media’s potential to go viral is a force you can’t afford to ignore.
Lastly, it’s paramount to optimize your new website for search engines, enhancing its visibility. Should you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us via our contact page or through our social media channels.