Staring a Web Site

A web site is a compilation of files and data put on the web for everyone to access. These files include HTML files (which is the programming language used to develop web pages which are a part of a web site), pictures (JPEG files, GIF files, etc), movie files and Flash files which is what's used to create dynamic animated sites. Web sites like YouTube power their video files through Flash, but the actual pages themselves are built in HTML code. Images inside the html that make the site look nice, like the one that shows their logo is an image file. We are trying to keep this guide relatively short and concise, if you are looking more clarification on certain things, also check out shared hosting guide which is a little more in-depth.

Step 1: Get a domain name:

Starting a solid web site is relatively easy, fast and affordable. Anyone can do it, it doesn't require special talents or resources. You begin by reserving a domain name. A domain name is a web address like "something.com" - usually this will cost you about $8 to $9 a year dependent on whom you have reserve the name. We recommend trying a company like GoDaddy, or Yahoo. For more information on domain names see our domain name guide. After you select a domain registrar you will find a web host, whom will then provide you with name server information that you will provide to your domain registrar. This will connect the hosting services to the domain. Until you connect these serves if you type in your domain, there will most likely be a default "coming soon" page.

Step 2: Find a web hosting provider:

Your web hosting provider will store your web site in the same way an apartment rents out rooms. They will store your web site on a computer called a server. Hosting companies will generally charge anywhere from $3 a month to $20 a month. For more information on different types of web hosting explore some of our hosting guides: Shared Web Hosting, Budget Web Hosting, or Windows Server, or Unix/Linux. To learn how to startup an online store, see our Ecommerce Hosting Guide. Here we have some different tools you can use to find and compare web hosting companies.

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3. Web Publishing Tools:
Web publishing tools will allow you to create the actual pages of your web site. Tools like Microsoft FrontPage (SharePoint) and Adobe Dreamweaver will allow you to create your site in (HTML code) and upload your files onto your server (using a system called FTP or file transfer protocal). You then will need to use a tool like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or a cheaper application like Paint Shop Pro to create the images for your site. If you are interested in creating dynamic animated web sites you will probably need Adobe Flash.
	Adobe Dreamweaver A highly popular web publishing tool. The learning curve can be a little steep for beginners, but once learned is the standard for high-end web development professionals. The program is versatile adheres strictly to accessible standard HTML code, and creates clean professional sites. Street price is generally $400 + dependent on where you buy it.
	Microsoft SharePoint & FrontPage Recently upgrading from Microsoft FrontPage, the new standard is Windows SharePoint services a variety of tools with some similar functionality as the previous renditions of FrontPage. If you are looking to still you use FrontPage, it certainly is still usable and recognized by hosting providers. You can find an affordable copy of FrontPage through CNET's Shopper.com. Street price is generally well under $150.
	Corel Paint Shop Pro An inexpensive, highly powerful versatile web imaging program. It will let you create logos, alter and revise digital photos and save files in a variety of formats usable for the web. Generally costs $100, but on CNET or Ebay you can find it for even less.
	Download.com For more web publishing and graphic design tools we recommend taking a look around CNET Downlaod.com. There a variety of excellent free tools and shareware tools you can try out before you buy.

4. Promote Your Site - Make Money
You can promote your site using AdWords and AdBrite. Each system provides you with the ability to pay for new visitors on a pay-per-click basis. We also recommend generating money through AdSense and Commission Junction, and Azoogle Ads. These are programs that let you place links to sponsors on your site to generate income. For more information on affiliate marketing and generating money online see the links below and also check out QuitYourDayJob.com.


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